Help from Marin gurus

[Hezza]

I recently poked my toe into the world of Marin by way of a 94 Pallisades trail. Unfortunately on stripping down I found a split in the non drive side chain stay. Whilst disappointed I thought to make the best of the situation and just get a replacement frame, all easy so far.

Unfortunately too much time on a train and access to eBay led me to not only getting a replacement frame but also a 1994 team Marin. As the Team Marin was £65 I was not actually expecting a great deal. On collection earlier today I was surprised to find that it is largely original as per the catalogue, the rear wheel is a Mavic X517 and the front shifter is missing the plastic window.

So to the point of this post, how good are these bikes? I am unsure of Marin bikes. When I was younger I would have loved any of them but that was because of the cool factor they had. Any help would be appreciated.

Regards

 

[brocklanders023]

90's Marin were great. Very neutral ride and comfy. The Palisades was always at the lower end so okay but nothing special but the Team should be ace and a steal for that price.

 

[marc two tone]

It will all fall back to you.
Its a quality machine for the money, however what's the intended purpose for it? They can have a racey stance.
Are you a decent mechanic? It just needs a tweek by the sounds of it.

Get some images posted up. Lets have a look!

 

[Hezza]

Intended purpose, tinkering really, I would say an enthusiastic amateur mechanic. I refurbed a 1990 Claud Butler LX400 at the beginning of the first lockdown and got the bug of retro bikes and have worked on several other various bikes since . I always wanted a Marin and got this by accident.

 

[marc two tone]

Ok, if you got on with the claud butler, comfort and geometry wise, i reckon you will get on with the marin.
Give it a full strip down and see what may need replacing or servicing. Bottom bracket threads to lube up and all that.
Sounds as though most things will be salvageable.


Cheers!

 

[konacarl]

I recently poked my toe into the world of Marin by way of a 94 Pallisades trail. Unfortunately on stripping down I found a split in the non drive side chain stay. Whilst disappointed I thought to make the best of the situation and just get a replacement frame, all easy so far.

Unfortunately too much time on a train and access to eBay led me to not only getting a replacement frame but also a 1994 team Marin. As the Team Marin was £65 I was not actually expecting a great deal. On collection earlier today I was surprised to find that it is largely original as per the catalogue, the rear wheel is a Mavic X517 and the front shifter is missing the plastic window.

So to the point of this post, how good are these bikes? I am unsure of Marin bikes. When I was younger I would have loved any of them but that was because of the cool factor they had. Any help would be appreciated.

Regards

Well done on getting it. I looked at this but it was a bit far away. I love mine although it’s a 1992 not a 94.
Strip it down, Clean it up and enjoy it. They really are nice to ride and rapid if you’re that way inclined.

 

[Hezza]

Thanks, I am thinking of going a little further, I have an uncle who is a car sprayer so maybe a full strip, respray, new decals etc. See how much I can learn. Would you say this is a keeper? I normally work on a bike then give it to a family member or friend.

 

[Hezza]

Well done on getting it. I looked at this but it was a bit far away. I love mine although it’s a 1992 not a 94.
Strip it down, Clean it up and enjoy it. They really are nice to ride and rapid if you’re that way inclined.

Thanks for the reply. I am looking forward to riding it, I am a little surprised I got it at that price, the more I am learning the more surprised and pleased I am.

 

[konacarl]

Thanks, I am thinking of going a little further, I have an uncle who is a car sprayer so maybe a full strip, respray, new decals etc. See how much I can learn. Would you say this is a keeper? I normally work on a bike then give it to a family member or friend.

Ride it once its done and see how it feels. I actually prefer the ride of my marin to the 93 Kona Explosif that i had. Id say it’s probably a keeper but depends how it feels when you ride it really.

 

[BlackCat]

A Team Marin at £65 is a huge bargain, so long as it is not a rust bucket. Clean it up, and ride it - and post pics here!