One of me bikes has this Marin Muirwoods frame; double butted cro-mo, teardrop shaped top and down tubes, 'square' triple butted stays, ring-reinforced headtube. Weighs about 4 1/2 lbs.
What I'm wondering, is how it measures up to more 'exotic' steel frames, like 853 and thayt. What advantage, if any, would something more spensive actually give me? Significantly better ride? Longer lasting? Can't imagine there'd be a significant weight advantage really.
I'm planning to use it as a tourer, for to carry panniers and thayt. Ittud be perfect for thayt as it's got all the braze ones and stuff.
To me, it seems like a really nice little frame. Rides really nicely, light yet reasonable stiff, feels better than more 'exotic' steel frames i've had in the past.
But the thing was, it comes off a £400 bike. So you woon't imagine ittud be all thayt really. I'm thinking it's actually a lot nicer than it's price point would suggest. Worth building up with nice bits; it's got some quality components, wheels and stuff on it.
Is it just one of those things which prove that spending loads more money gets you very little extra in return? A rare gem amonst a load of mediocrity? Or is it actually not very good compared to the 'quality' stuff?
Be interesting to see what others think.
