Any preferences?

[Norwood42]

Hi,
After some advice if possible. Which would probably be a better buy out of a 1994/95 Marin Pine Mountain with a Shimano XT components and a Tange cromo double or triple butted frame and a Univega Alpina 502 from similar year with Shimano STX components and a Racelite 4130-DB double butted cromo frame? Both similar price and both seem in good condition. I’m hoping to use as a commuter/mild gravel bike on mostly flat terrain. Nothing arduous or hardcore off-roading.
Thanks for any help or advice!

 

[CassidyAce]

Without knowing the price of each, it's difficult to say which is the better buy. The Pine Mountain has the higher spec components and would usually be thought the more desirable bike. However, the more desirable bike to most people is also the more desirable bike to thieves, so it's the less desirable bike for commuting.

To simplify, the Pine Mountain is the more desirable bike, except when it's the less desirable bike on account of being the more desirable bike.

Er... This isn't working. Just get the one that fits you best and looks in the best condition. They're both up to the tasks you have in mind.

 

[Norwood42]

Without knowing the price of each, it's difficult to say which is the better buy. The Pine Mountain has the higher spec components and would usually be thought the more desirable bike. However, the more desirable bike to most people is also the more desirable bike to thieves, so it's the less desirable bike for commuting.

To simplify, the Pine Mountain is the more desirable bike, except when it's the less desirable bike on account of being the more desirable bike.

Er... This isn't working. Just get the one that fits you best and looks in the best condition. They're both up to the tasks you have in mind.

Haha thanks for this! They are both around the £200 mark. I’m wondering if the Univega cromo frame is fairly light weight and decent quality steel also? I’ve read about Tange being very good but not heard anything about Racelite cromo frames.

 

[DrDaveTampa]

I wouldn't get too far out in the woods as far as steel is concerned, I rather doubt you're looking at a 10kg build with either one

The components on the Marin vary from very good to stunning (does that thing have White hubs???) OTOH I'm no fan of STX cranks cuz of the proprietary chainrings, cranks on the Marin should be good for several lifetimes, even if you decide to mod it you might as well hang on to em

Beyond that, the Marin is a classic. It's not so much a question of whether you'll find one at that price ever again, but whether you'll find one at all, ever, at any price. Just not that many of em out there. Which should help (a lot) if you ever decide to sell it. To me, of course.

Interesting question, whether the Marin is "too nice." In show condition, I'd be afraid to ride the durn thing. But I would buy it anyway. Thing is, at that price, you pretty much have to buy it either way. Might as well get on with it.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Thievability isn't really a factor here, old but quality bikes.
It will depend on the lock (+use thereof) and location.
A thief who's well equipped enough to steal one would steal the other.

Marin's the better bike.
The quality group will also be more serviceable so cheaper in the long run.
@DrDaveTampa 's point about stx is so true. And the alloy is softer so the arms will wear out sooner.


Otherwise, If you get round to riding them both, you might prefer one over the other. Buy that.

.

 

[Woz]

Huh? Are we slipping around these parts?

Both - the Marin for summer best and the Univega for winter dog duties. STX stuff works well.

 

[Norwood42]

Thanks for all the comments much appreciated.
I prefer the ‘look’ of the Univega but yep the Marin is the better bike overall. Hmmm….decisons decisions………

 

[Spanky22b]

I've had a Univega can't remember which one it was blue with yellow writing and i've had a 94 Marin Pine Mountain and in my opinion although the Univega was ok the Pine Mountain was a way better bike. With you saying its got Deore XT it sounds like it's got the original parts because they came with a mixture of Deore XT and Deore LX.
If the Pine Mountain is in good condition i'd be buying that.
First photo is a 94 bike second one is 95

 

[Norwood42]

Thanks and yes I think the one I’m viewing is a 95 model purely guessing but it has the blue bar ends/components. Frame size question though. I’m after a 17’’ frame and the seller says its frame measurements are from the centre of the crank to the centre point where the top tube meets the seat tube is 17". The top tube measures 22" from centre of head tube to centre of seat post. Forgive my novice knowledge but does that mean that actually the frame might be bigger than 17’’ because aren’t they also measured from centre of crank to the top of the seat tube?

 

[bikeworkshop]

Length of frame dictates fit (given period geometry and style).
A 22" toptube is m/l (usually 19") often suiting a rider 5'10-6'
17" frane size is usually 21.5" tt of this period.
Toptube measurement is usually horizontal c to c, casks "virtual toptube"