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.
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A betteg frame will be lighter and so ride lighter (in general)
Would also flew a bit more with weight on.
Sounds ideal for your purposes...
well, you live and learn, i never even knew you had a bike....
I've just watched "cycling back from Siberia". The bloke did three years on a what looks like a 90's rockhopper fully equipped with alivio gears.. I would imagine yours would be more than adequate.
Edit. The bike in question...
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I was going to post something "funny" then decided it wasn't, so I wouldnt. Happy New Year.
Anyway, back on topic, I reckon it's be fine, speshly if your touring - you can leave it locked up and not worry too much compared to leaving an expensive bike outside the pub.
A better frame will be lighter and so ride lighter (in general)Would also flex a bit more with weight on.
See, the thing is, right, I've actually done a long-term test with it, against a more spensive and exotic frame, and the Muirwoods is actually A) lighter, B) stiffer, and C) rides better. 😕
It's this what's made me suspect that the 'exotic' stuff is more about marketing bull than any genuine advantage. A bit of an 'Oh look the Emperor is naked' type moment...
Which is something I'd expected for a long time tbh. I would be interested if anyone can actually point out any genuinely significant advantages of spending loads more on a frame.
Cheap generic robot-made Far Eastern frame = near enough as good as stuff what costs loads more. Oops, don't tell the bike industry...
well, you live and learn, I never even knew you had a bike....
Stick around sunshine; you'll probably be even further enlightened and educated. 😉