Is Marin Highway One 2009 Value for Money?

Iain28

Hey thanks for checking out my thread:

I was thinking of purchasing this bike, it has the below specification. However when I price all the components (exluding the carbon frame, etc) I work out the value to be under £1000. The bike is retailing at £1800, is extra £800 good value for money?

Frame Full CXR 7 Carbon Monocoque
Fork CXR Carbon Monocoque
Rear Shock N/A
Headset Orbit C, 1 1/8", Threadless for Campagnolo Hiddenset System
Rear Hub Mavic Aksium, 24 Hole
Front Hub Mavic Aksium, 20 Hole
Spokes Mavic Aksium Wheelset
Rims Mavic Aksium, 20 Hole Front, 24 Hole Rear, Wheelset
Tyres Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 28c with Folding Kevlar Bead and Puncture Resistant Belt
Shift Levers Shimano SL-R770, 10 Speed
Front Derailleur FSA Energy Compact
Rear Derailleur Shimano Dura-Ace
Cassette Shimano 105, 12-27, 10 Speed
Chain Shimano 105
Crankset FSA SL-K Light Compact, 50/34 with Hollow Carbon Monocoque Arms and MegaExo BB System
Bottom Bracket FSA MegaExo System Integrated with Crankset
Seatpost FSA SL-K, Carbon, 27.2mm x 350mm
Saddle FSA SL-K, Carbon, 27.2mm x 350mm
Bar Carbon Flat, OS-31.8mm, 140gr
Stem FSA OS115 Threadless with Alloy Face Plate and 31.8mm Bar Clamp
Grips Marin Dual Density
Brakes Front Avid Single Digit 7 with Shimano Front Power Modulator
Brakes Rear Avid Single Digit 7
Brake Levers Avid Speed Dial 7
Pedals None

http://www.marin.co.uk/2009/images/1600/3964-1F.png

iga

Hmm, I'm not sure pricing components up is much help in deciding whether any bike is good value. The whole thing probably costs Marin about £700 to make. Anyway, the spec does seem a bit random, carbon cranks and Dura Ace rear mech but 105 is a couple of steps down and although Mavic Aksium are good wheels I'd perhaps expect something better for the best part of £2k.

But I'm not sure a full carbon monocoque is worth it on any hybrid, a bit like Porsche doing an MPV, it might be the trickest MPV out there but its still an MPV. Certainly when you look at what you get for the same money in road bike the Marin looks seriously overpriced - Planet X SL Pro Carbon with full Dura Ace for £1k for example. If a hybrid is what you want I'd look elsewhere.

Iain28

actually porche do a fairly sweet looking mpv/suv hybrid, but I do get your point.

Any ideas as to a good alternative flat bar bike that can keep up with the roadies?

I would buy a road bike but I just dont like lycra or the thought of shaving my legs

pictit

Iain28 wrote:

actually porche do a fairly sweet looking mpv/suv hybrid, but I do get your point.

Any ideas as to a good alternative flat bar bike that can keep up with the roadies?

I would buy a road bike but I just dont like lycra or the thought of shaving my legs

Get one of the cheaper ALP Marin bikes then,'Mill Valley' and theres another below that I think?.They look nice bikes.

daniel_b

The Mill Valley IS better value, and it's basically the same as my 2005 Highway One, but Marin's are never cheap, but you do get 2nd hand bargains.

I saw a 2007 or 8 Highway One, go for £850 on ebay tuther month, only ridden once.
That was a good deal.

But if it were my money, I wouldn't spend £1800 on that bike, and I'm a hardcore Marin fan, as you can probably tell

Dan