Which to buy

Ruscogigo
Ruscogigo Posts: 6
edited June 2016 in MTB buying advice
Hi

I am considering the 2013 Marin Bolinas Ridge. Spec Below. To buy and have shipped to Italy where I live will cost me £380 or 490 Euro more or less.

Would I be better off with a Decathlon Bike such as the current Rock rider 560 27.5. I can't really afford more than this price. I just want something to enjoy the hills and trails here in Sicily I won't be jumping. I probably won't ride much in the wet either so Disc brakes aren't essential. Any advice welcome. CRC deliver here also but Halfords is impossible.

Frame: 6061 Double Butted Aluminum with Edge 3 OS Top and Down Tubes
Fork: Suntour XCM-HLO / 100mm with Hydraulic Lockout
Headset: FSA / 1 1/8"
Rear Hub: Formula / 32 Hole
Front Hub: Formula / 32 Hole
Spokes: 15 Gauge Black Stainless
Rims: Alex TD25 / Double Wall
Tyres: Geax Saguaro / 26 x 2.2" Front / 2.0" Rear
Shift Levers: Shimano Acera Rapid Fire Plus / 9 Speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera / 9-Speed
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio
Cassette: SRAM PG-950 / Power Glide II / 11-34 / 9 Speed
Chain: SRAM PC951
Crankset: Suntour XCR T414 / 44/32/22T
Bottom Bracket: Sealed Cartridge
Seatpost: Alloy Micro Adjust / 350mm
Seat: Marin Comp Mountain
Bar: Double Butted 6061 Alloy / OS-31.8mm / 25.4mm Rise
Stem: Marin OS Alloy Threadless / 31.8mm Bar Clamp
Grips: Marin Extra Dual Density
Front Brake: Tektro HDC-300 Hydraulic Disc / 7" Rotor
Rear Brake: Tektro HDC-300 Hydraulic Disc / 6" Rotor
Brake Levers: Tektro HDC-300 Hydraulic Disc
Pedals: Alloy Mountain
Weight: 13.6kg

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    The Decathlon 560 is a much better bike, the 540 is also better and a lot cheaper (it's better value than the 560 which doesn't gain much for the price really).
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Ruscogigo
    Ruscogigo Posts: 6
    The Rookie wrote:
    The Decathlon 560 is a much better bike, the 540 is also better and a lot cheaper (it's better value than the 560 which doesn't gain much for the price really).


    Thanks Rookie.

    So you think the current 540 is a better buy? Because it has altus gears I assumed it was inferior spec to the Marin. Are all the other components better than the Marin?

    As you'll have gathered, I'm no expert.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Better fork, which is more important. The gears are much of a muchness and either will work fine. Brakes are probably better on the RR as well.
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  • Ruscogigo
    Ruscogigo Posts: 6
    cooldad wrote:
    Better fork, which is more important. The gears are much of a muchness and either will work fine. Brakes are probably better on the RR as well.


    Thanks...I appreciate the advice