I'm still confused
I just purchased a Marin bike from a friend/original purchaser, the bike decal say's Team Marin (Model?). The serial #F14AA0050 with additional stamping on the bottom bracket BT-0261. From what I have read on this forum I take this to be:
manufactured at the Fairly factory
a team issue bike
built in Jan 1994
frame size 14"?
#50 in the series run
I am sure this is not a 14, maybe a 19 as the original owner is 6'-4"
He told me he paid about $1500 for the bike new. I guess I am suprised that a "Team Issue" bike (presumed to be a factory race bike?) would be sold in Mid-Michigan but I guess that is possible. Every component on the bike is Deore XT with the exception of the rims, mavic 230 TIB with butted spokes, forks SR Duotrack 9001, headset Ritchie Logic. Every other part on the bike is stamped or stenciled Marin Lite. Tires even say Marin Lite and a decal on the downtube says Designed and Race Proven Marin Co. and another that says Tange Ultimate Superlite MTB.
I know nothing about Marin bikes, but this bike is flawless, not even a scratch. The worst thing on it is the Team Marin decal is bubbling up a bit but intact. Owner said he rode it only a few times. I am starting to think this is a very rare bike. It is painted silver/champagne sort of color.
Thanks for any information anyone can provide.
Just talked to a bike nut friend and confirmed it is really a Marin Team and had the forks changed at the dealer (originally rigid) because the steering stem has a pully for cable. If it was a team issue it would have had XTR components and likely not the whole group. Looks to me that model intentity via serial numbers is like trying to decode Italian motorcycle serial #.