I'm new to all this and looking at the 2012 Marin Palisades Trail 29er Bike (22), it's only around $1350 but all I can spend at the moment. Had looked at the Scott Scale 29 Team and Elite but was not happy with the ride at all. I thought the Marin rode great and I just kept going back to it...I just hate the gold accent color...... I'm thinking vinyl or paint at the local body shop can fix that
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if you can afford it and you like it, go for it.
be aware that repainting it will likely void the warranty
be aware that repainting it will likely void the warranty
Look at the salsa El Mariachi 3. Best bang for the buck of any 29er out there.
Build spec is similar to that marin, a tiny bit better. But the frame is great, classic steel for a forgiving ride, handling is great, plus it has sliding dropouts so you can make it a singlespeed if you want... and it looks good.
If I had to do my hardtail build all over again, I'd have started with one of these frames.
Low spec: Universal Cycles -- Salsa El Mariachi 3 Complete Bike - 2012
High Spec: Universal Cycles -- Salsa El Mariachi 2 Complete Bike - 2012
Build spec is similar to that marin, a tiny bit better. But the frame is great, classic steel for a forgiving ride, handling is great, plus it has sliding dropouts so you can make it a singlespeed if you want... and it looks good.
If I had to do my hardtail build all over again, I'd have started with one of these frames.
Low spec: Universal Cycles -- Salsa El Mariachi 3 Complete Bike - 2012
High Spec: Universal Cycles -- Salsa El Mariachi 2 Complete Bike - 2012