Hi everyone I’m trying to get into gravel biking. I used to mtb but moved to a city and am trying to decide between these two. I know I want a steel frame and something that can handle some small easy trails alone with good in the road.
by Royal_Management_807
5 Comments
Im partial to the surly, but id only go with that one if you see yourself moving up in trail difficulty/time. The marin looks more like a commuter setup
I’d normally say “buy the bike that’s right for you.” But in this case…
Surlys are generally bought by people who know what they’re doing and (hopefully) cherish their bikes. On the flip side, the Marin was photographed the wrong way round (non drive side) which breaks one of the unwritten rules of cycling.
Which owner would you prefer to buy from?
I got that bridge club beginning of summer. I paid $1049 new. I know I got a smoking deal on it. I like it. I’d offer them $900
Surly
Based on you wanting to handle small easy trails and be good on road, the Marin appears to be currently best built for that. It’s got 2x chainring gearing with road tires.
The Surly appears to be built more for bike packing or more aggressive trails with lots of climbing. It’s got big knobby tires and a 1x mullet build gearing.
If you’re okay to switch out some parts. I’d personally go with the Surly, add a bigger chainring, and buy a second pair of tires and/or wheelset better suited for road.