Marin Bikes

We figure that if this is where they're headquartered the folks at Marin Bikes have a serious advantage when it comes to knowing a thing or two about what goes into building a good mountain bike.

Though we don't have the exact Marin model featured in the video in stock we do have many bikes from Marin, and can order anything from them, so watch the video, get inspired, and then come check out what we've got.

Marin Drakes Beach

Last week we featured the ladies version of this cruiser, so this week it's time for the guys.

The Drakes Beach bike is a simple affair. No gears, coster brake, and blacked out paint scheme. Pretty straight forward.

The best part may be the price: Just like the gal's version its regular price is $410 but it's on sale for $320.

Marin Hearts Desire

We've been selling a lot of Electra cruisers recently but some folks come in looking for more basic cruiser ideas like the Marin Hearts Desire. Its relatively simple white paint job with blue rims (and white sidewalls) still looks snazzy but at a more modest price of just $320 (discounted from the regular price of $410).

Some of the cost savings is also the result of the single speed coaster brake set up. Just keep it simple, save some money, and have fun. Buy one of these and you'll have a bit left over to pick up a sundae at the end of your ride.

Niner Jet 9

Looking for inspiration to get out on the local trails (even if our trails look nothing like the ones in the video below)?  Well you shouldn't have to look for inspiration but you're still welcome to check out the video.  We've sold a few of the Niner Jet 9's and have had only glowing reviews come back to us.

For info on the new super deluxe Jet RDO check out the 2nd video after the jump. We've ordered an Air 9 RDO for a lucky customer but have not yet brought in for anyone a Jet RDO - maybe you'll be the first!

Mukluk Titanium

Looking to lighten up your FatBike? Well swapping out your current frame for a titanium one won't hurt.

We brought this titanium one in for a customer but we could just as easily bring one in for you. Our quick weigh in indicates it saves over a pound on the equivalent steel or aluminum FatBike frame AND it has a slider rear dropout so you can easily set the bike up geared or single speed.

Note that this bike has 170mm rear spacing so to swap over the parts from your Surly you'll need to buy a new rear hub and rebuild the wheel (and a Large Marge offset only rim obviously won't work).

Giant XTC 24"

We're happy with whatever gets kids out and riding (as long as it's in decent shape and safe) so we're happy for those who like 'boys' and 'girls' bikes with gender specific blue and pink themes because they're not hard to find.  However, we also know that some kids don't want a boys or a girls bike - they just want a bike! Preferably one that looks like their parent's or older sibling's bike - essentially a 'real' adult bike made a bit smaller.

Enter the Giant XTR 24".  24 refers to the wheel size which is a bit smaller than the standard 26" adult mountain bike size.  The frame of the bike has of course been scaled down to match the wheel size.  Some of the parts on the bike are a bit heavier than the adult XTC versions in order to keep the cost down but overall it's a good package that comes at a very reasonable cost of $390.

Just like with all of our adult bikes if you purchase this one you also get a free tune up after the 1st month (during which time the cables will likely stretch a bit as you break in the bike) and again after the 1st year of riding.  And just like all of our adult bikes this one is put together by our pro mechanics and set up to fit your child properly by our exceptionally experienced staff.  

Focus Raven 29er 2.0

As of this posting the Focus Raven 29er 2.0 just came off the stand and is sitting on the showroom floor waiting for the inevitable adoring gazes. The bike has to be seen in person to truly appreciate the sculpted carbon frame, especially the wafer thin top tube and seat stays.

Of course the frame, however nice it is in its own right, wouldn't be much without some good components, so this bike is equipped with an XT drivetrain, Reba RL front suspension, Elixir 7 carbon discs, and lots of other nice bits.

This bike has zippy geometry meant for a fast race course but the ride is compliant enough that it's also a strong candidate for enduro events.  No matter your cross country racing style you can't really go wrong with the Raven 2.0, so if you have $4050 set aside for a new purchase and you fit a size Large this should be a strong consideration.

Cdale Evo Team Issue

Do you have $9450 burning a hole in your pocket? Well that's perfect because we have a bike in stock that costs exactly that much (you may have to put the taxes on your credit line).

Nope, it ain't cheep but it is pretty darn close to the nicest road bike you'll ever sling a leg over. SRAM Red equipped with deep profile carbon Mavic rims and other top end pieces round out this dream machine.

It's a 58cm, so if you're about 6 feet tall give or take a bit, or if you just want to gaze at a 10k bike in all its glory, come down to the shop anytime.

Cdale Scalpel 29er Carbon 2

Looking for an absolutely no compromise cross country racing machine that can get you through long days in the saddle over rough terrain? Then you need to check out the new Cannondale Scalpel 29er Carbon 2 that's in stock now (size medium).

It's light, it's responsive, it has XTR, Elixer 9, Stan's ZTR Arch....the list of top level components is endless really. It's a complete package and it's sitting in our shop ready to be ogled, ridden, and raced, so come and check it out.

Giant XTC 29er 2

We fell in love with the XTC line of Giant mountain bikes a long time ago - the good folks from Giant have been tweaking the XTC line-up for years and it just keeps getting better.

With 29ers really taking off in the last few years the XTC added some bigger hoops to the line up and there are now a few large diameter models to choose from including the XTC 29er 2 pictured here. It's essentially an entry level 29er racing bike, with some Alivio bits (and Deore rear derailleur) to keep the cost down.  It has a 100mm travel Marzocchi fork and Avid Elixir 1's to stop you.

Frankly, it's just a good, solid 29er that can be ridden or raced without compromise and can be had for a very reasonable $1410.  The local trails are drying up fast, so get ready now!

Giant Via 1

Okay, it feels a little cold outside as we post this but that's just because we were spoiled over the last week. The truth is cruising weather is here a month early so we're trying to get our cruis'n bikes built as fast as we can, including this bike from Giant.

With a 3 speed internally geared hub, white rims, full white chain guard, custom white basket, gorgeous frame finish, and a few other nice touches this is a great cruiser for $580.

Come and check it out and get some good riding in early!

Marin Hidden Canyon kid's bike

Now that spring has hit (we can't believe we're saying that mid-March) if your kids haven't asked for a new bike yet they will soon. Fear not, we have them in stock, including this Hidden Canyon which is on sale for $340 (reg price $380). 

You can check these and many other kids choices anytime - we're open 10-9 weekdays and 10-6 on Saturday. We'll be open on Sundays from 1-5 for a bit longer, then we're closed on Sundays over the summer.

Batavus Fryslan

We like talking about, posting about, and most importantly riding high performance racing bikes, but not exclusively. Sometimes it's nice to just kick back and cruise around, and that's exactly where the Batavus Fryslan comes in - it cruises around in unequaled fashion. 

With unique features like an internally geared 5 speed hub, full pin-striped chain guard, integrated wheel lock, drum brakes, brazed on pump peg and matching frame pump, and old school look headlamp that uses new school LED this bike is a real head turner. 

What could be better? How about a really early spring and a sale price? The Fryslan regular price is $1050, but it's on sale for just $850. We can't take credit for the nice weather, but enjoy it just the same!

This bike deserves a few close ups, so check them out after the jump:

Niner E.M.D. X.7

The Niner E.M.D. X.7 is one great looking bike, and the ride is even better. In recent years most bike manufacturers have hopped on board the 29er train (we'd say bandwagon but that sounds negative) and with mostly good results, but Niner committed to 29ers, as their name implies, straight away and have been at the top of the game ever since. 

Their E.M.D. is their least expensive aluminum frame option but don't let that fool you because the hydroformed frame rides like a champion. The geometry and ride characteristics are very similar to its more expensive scandium Air Nine cousin but the less expensive frame allows the complete X.7 build come in under $3K, at $2950. 

The bike has the same attention to detail as its more expensive counterpart like a nicely cut stainless steel head badge, gorgeous welds, and a sexy flat black paint job. 

If you're looking for a top notch racing bike at a mid-price point with a real boutique pedigree you need to check this out. Spring, and racing season, is coming!

Black Forrest 1.0

The new for 2012 Focus Black Forrest 1.0 29er is a great racing bike at a slightly more recreational price.  It's spec'd out with a Shimano XT 2x10 drivetrain to provide great performance and weight savings a half the cost of the one-step-up XTR.  The Magura brakes do a good job of stopping the bike when the terrain prevents you from going fast (because the rest of the bike isn't going to hold you back) and the Fox fork has all the requisite adjustments in a lightweight cross country package.

Aesthetically there are  many thoughtful touches like reed highlights that include cable housing and grip ends to tie in with the frame's paint job.  All in all this bike affirms the German stereotype of attention to detail, and if you're looking for a bike brand that's just a little different than most of what's out there on the trails you'd do well with the German Focus. At $2500 this bike compares very favourably with similar cross country racing bikes that easily cost $500 more.

Cayo 3.0

It's still maybe 6 months or so to the first sanctioned 'cross race of 2012 but we've decided to post about a new 'cross bike anyway. It's a good thing cx bikes can be used for virtually any type of riding in pretty much any condition, so there's never really a bad time to talk about 'cross bikes.

We just received shipment of a new Cayo 3.0, and it looks great. Shimano 105 has always worked well and has been a venerable favourite for many, many years, but in our estimation this is the best looking year for 105 yet, and it's the perfect compliment to the rest of the well put together bike. 

The bike's geometry is pretty much what you'd expect for a racing 'cross bike and in all honesty we haven't had it out in the mud or snow yet, but we trust that it rides well. 

It's so new to us that we don't have the official price it yet, but like most Focus models the price will be very reasonable. 

We'll post the price soon but feel free to check this out in person even before we do.

Cannondale 29er S.S.

We thought this was an awesome deal at its regular price, but we've got one size large left and have reduced it to the point where we don't even have an adjective to describe it. 

At just $650 (reg $900) this 2010 Cannondale 29er single speed should move fast, which is appropriate because it's a pretty fast moving bike.  A top notch aluminum frame and rigid, lightweight aluminum fork and a dedicated single speed set up that uses a minimalist dropout in the rear with an eccentric bottom bracket to tension the chain all combines to make a bike that moves quickly. The fairly aggressive geometry doesn't hurt either.

We also don't mind that this bike really, really looks nice.  It has elegant lines and a simple paint scheme with well-suited decals. Truthfully, the bike looks and rides like it costs double its regular price, let alone the amazing $650 it's been discounted too.  If you're between about 5'10" to 6'2" or so and you want a simple, no compromise cross country riding or racing machine you seriously need to check this out.

Salsa Fargo 3

This is a relatively new model from Salsa Cycles, and we're very pleased to bring it in for 2012.  The Fargo is the type of purpose built bike that many of our customers have sought for a long time, as evidenced by their customized rigs that have been built up to the same spec's that are now available off the shelf.

The Fargo is more or less a rigid 29er mountain bike, disc specific frame with drop bars.  The key is that the frame is designed with the drop bars (and resulting rider position) in mind, so if you want a robust touring or around-town frame that's capable of using large tires and is disc break ready, but still want the versatility of drop bars for longer rides or zippy navigation threw city traffic this bike is designed just for you.

The Fargo 3 keeps the price at a moderate $1700 by using Deore components and Avid BB5 discs.  Good parts at a good price on a great frame set.  Of course the frame and fork have all the braze-ons that you'd expect for touring and other versatility.  

Recumbent Fat Bike

We should say straight away that we don't sell the bike pictured above, or any recumbent fat bike for that matter.  As far as we're aware there are no 'official' bike manufacturers currently producing them, though we could be wrong and you're welcome to correct us.

None the less the bike is unique enough that we had to share it with you.  The bike owner also happens to be the builder.  He's local, and he recently purchased the wheels from one of our staff so that he could build a recumbent fat bike around them.  Looks like it turned out well, which is a good thing because he plans to do the upcoming Actif Epica race on it.

Moonlander - The Sort of Review

Well we finally have some pics of the new Surly Moonlander actually built up and inside the shop!  It is truly a sight to behold.  For those of you who have visited this site recently you're already well aware that fat bikes have really become a force to recon with this year.  They are still, and maybe always will be something of a niche bike, but a purpose built winter bike might cater to a big niche in this part of the world.

We've already posted at length about the Surly Pugsley and the Salsa Mukluk, so we won't belabour their winter biking attributes further here, and instead leave you with a few pictures of the even wider tired Moonlander.

The big (literally) thing about the Moonlander is that it can fit, without any modifications, the new 100mm wide Clownshoe rim wearing the Big Fat Larry 4"+ tire.  Previous fat bike incarnations can, with some minor modifications, fit a Big Fat Larry on an 80mm wide rim at best.  So, it goes without saying that the Moonlander accommodates the widest tread yet (though I guess we just said it, didn't we?)

That much we knew before the bike arrived.  What we didn't know was just how gorgeous the paint job was going to me.  Pictures don't do the bike justice, so come down to the shop to gaze at it while you have a chance.  We have just 1 for sale at the moment; an 18" (medium), and the cost is $2900.  If you absolutely can't make it down to the shop to check it out and least take a look at the pics below, though it really is better in person.