Marin Presidio 1 Review
- Price: $579
- Frame: Aluminum
- Front fork: Steel
- Wheels: 700C Aluminum
- Drivetrain: 1×8
What we like about it: Neatly finished with neat welds and quality paint that makes it look less like a less expensive bike.
What we don’t like about it: Overly Squishy saddle.
Rating: (4.7/5)
If you’re considering buying a general-purpose city bike but don’t know which one to choose, consider the Marin Presidio 1.
The Marin Presidio 1 is a highly cost-effective model. Its aluminum frame ranks third among Marin alloy products and is neatly finished with clean welds and high-quality paint, making it look more expensive than its price tag of just over $500. The frame also comes with full traditional fender mounts, which adds exceptional value.
Now let’s analyze the riding experience, specifications, features, pros, and cons of the Marin Presidio 1. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, follow us.
Riding Experience
I believe the Marin Presidio 1 is a particularly cost-effective bike that is perfect for daily commuting and short trips during holidays. Before setting off, I also booked accommodation through Skyscanner to give myself ample space to rest and prepare.
To provide a more intuitive experience of riding the Marin Presidio 1, we specifically chose the Waterfront Loop in Portland. I’m looking forward to this trip as it offers a beautiful cycling route.
It’s surrounded by the picturesque river views of Portland and stretches for approximately 11 miles. Along this route, there are various unique sceneries and enjoyable moments.
Riding the bike allows us to savor the tranquil and leisurely slow-paced lifestyle while also appreciating the cutting-edge fashion and art of the world. I can’t wait to start my ride and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Flat Terrain Riding
At that time, I had just received the Marin Presidio 1, so I took the opportunity to experience the bike’s charm during this ride. I have to say, when I rode across the bridge on the Waterfront Loop, I noticed that the seat design was cleverly done.
The seat post height was sufficiently high, so my back didn’t need to bend. This made my ride much more comfortable, and I could enjoy the scenery without having to crane my neck. Moreover, it has an adjustable seat post height, which adds flexibility to the bike.
Before purchasing, I had concerns about the bike’s size and whether it would suit me. However, I found that I was worrying unnecessarily. The Marin Presidio 1 has a well-designed geometry that allowed me to easily hop on and ride.
Another notable aspect is the thoughtful choice of the drivetrain system in the Marin Presidio 1. When faced with uphill roads, all I needed to do was lightly shift gears, and it responded quickly. This brought a lot of convenience to my ride.
Compared to other single-speed bikes I’ve ridden at a similar price point, I exerted less effort and could ride longer distances. I really enjoy this effortless and pleasant ride, cruising on flat roads while appreciating the surrounding scenery—it’s a lot of fun.
Slope Riding
It should be acknowledged that even on the simplest roads, sometimes you encounter uphill and downhill sections. The Marin Presidio 1 has pleasantly surprised me with its performance on slopes. The Waterfront Loop where I rode has several famous hills, which put high demands on a bike’s braking system.
Fortunately, the Marin Presidio 1 is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes that provide stability and smooth operation. The smaller gear ratios on the front and rear gears made my uphill ride more effortless. With its excellent braking system, I could easily handle quick turns.
I love the feeling of sprinting to the top of a hill, and the 1×8-speed MicroSHIFT TS39 shifter allows me to climb hills with ease. The outstanding gear system allows me to adjust my speed to adapt to different road conditions. I don’t need to exert excessive leg muscles, so I don’t experience muscle soreness.
With the Marin Presidio 1, my entire journey became incredibly easy and enjoyable.
Specification
The Marin Presidio 1 is an urban commuter bike. It features moderate components and a lightweight frame made of aluminum, aluminum wheels, and a steel fork. Its design has a sleek and minimalist appearance thanks to its excellent geometry. The internal cable routing effectively prevents cable rattling and damage.
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes significantly enhance the overall stability and braking performance of the bike. These are undoubtedly the highlights of this bike. It’s worth mentioning that general-purpose city bikes typically don’t face particularly complex terrains, so the designers opted for a cost-effective single-speed system, which is sufficient for everyday riding. The gear system on this bike is like the icing on the cake.
The forged alloy chainset runs on an old-school square taper bottom bracket. The chainring features an integrated chain guard to prevent catching loose clothing or attracting oil marks. Marin even includes a chainstay rail to keep the chain in place when riding on rough surfaces, which is often overlooked by many bikes.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Reasonably upright riding position: Allows for a comfortable riding posture and prevents excessive bending that leads to fatigue.
- Short stem for quick handling: This makes the Presidio a great bike for slow-speed maneuvers, such as threading through gateways without dismounting.
- Wide range of frame sizes: Friendly for people of different heights. Everyone can find a suitable size.
- Hydraulic disc brakes: Many bikes at a similar price range don’t use hydraulic disc brakes, making them a great addition to the Marin Presidio 1.
- Sleek and minimalist design: Smooth lines and a simple and attractive black frame.
- Equipped with a rust-resistant chain: Low maintenance and less prone to rust.
What don’t we like about it?
- The components are not as high-end as other versions in the entire Marin Presidio lineup.
FAQ
- What is the biggest advantage of Marin Presidio 1 among the whole Marin Presidio range?
The biggest advantage is that the Marin Presidio 1 offers a highly competitive price. Currently, the three models in the Marin Presidio lineup are priced as follows on their official website: Marin Presidio 1 – $579; Marin Presidio 2 – $899; Marin Presidio 3 – $1,149. Although there are differences in components among the three models, getting mid-range components and excellent service for $579 is quite a good deal.
- What are the suitable scenarios for the Marin Presidio 2?
It is suitable for commuting, touring, and some medium to long-distance road cycling.
- How to choose the right size?
Here, we provide you with a size chart. However, it’s not necessary to strictly follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to try it.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| XS | 149cm-156cm |
| SM | 153cm-167cm |
| MD | 164cm-177cm |
| LG | 174cm-187cm |
| XL | 184cm-191cm |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 1 Fitness, 6061 Aluminum, 700C Wheels, Disc Brake, Fender and Rack Mounts Color: Gloss Black / Grey |
| Fork | CrMo Steel, Straight Blade, Disc Mount, Fender and Rack Eyelets |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Square Taper |
| Headset | FSA No.8B |
| Stem | Marin Alloy |
| Handlebar | Marin Alloy Flat |
| Saddle | Marin Fitness Plush |
| Seatpost | Marin Alloy, 27.2mm |
| Pedals | Commute Platform |
| Grips | Marin Ergonomic |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Altus |
| Front Derailleur | – |
| Crank | Forged Alloy, 38T, Ring Guard |
| Shifters | Shimano Altus SL-M315, 8-Speed |
| Cassette | SunRace 8-Speed 11/34T |
| Chain | KMC Z8 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Clark’s Clout Hydraulic |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific |
| Front Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, Disc, 32H |
| Tires | Marin Fitness 700Cx35mm |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Marin Presidio 2 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Internally Geared Hub | Aluminum | Nexus |
| Jamis CODA S1 Designed for Women | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 2 × 9 | Steel | Altus, Shimano |
| 2024 KHS URBAN SOUL | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Single-speed | Steel | Aluminum Forged, 3-pc, 44T |
| Commençal FCB ESSENTIAL | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | GX Eagle, Rival |
Marin Presidio 1 vs Marin Presidio 2
The Marin Presidio series features three distinct bikes, each with its characteristics. The Marin Presidio 1 is the most affordable, while the Marin Presidio 3 boasts the highest-end materials and consequently, the highest price. And Marin Presidio 2 strikes a balance between the strengths and weaknesses of the series. Due to its mid-range components and reasonable price, it has garnered widespread attention and popularity among consumers.
Among them, it’s easy to compare the Marin Presidio 1 and Marin Presidio 2 models. They share similarities and differences. Strictly speaking, both Presidio 1 and Presidio 2 use mid-level components, with not a significant difference between them.
One noticeable distinction is that the Marin Presidio 1 is a geared bike. With the ability to shift gears, it performs better and requires less effort on uphill rides.
On the other hand, the Marin Presidio 2 is a single-speed bike that is about 1-1.5 kilograms lighter. It doesn’t have a gear system, gear shifters, or unnecessary cables, making it simple and user-friendly to operate.
In other words, there’s no need to learn how to shift gears correctly, unless you encounter particularly steep gradients or complex road conditions. For everyday commuting, the difference between them is barely noticeable.
If your budget allows and you prioritize high-quality and premium features, the Marin Presidio 2 is more convincing. However, if you have a limited budget and seek a lightweight bike, the Marin Presidio 1 might be a better choice.
Learn More: Is Marin Presidio 2 Worth Buying? – [Marin Presidio 2 Review]
Marin Presidio 1 vs Jamis CODA S1 Designed for Women
These two bikes are like two different personalities. One focuses on functionality, while the other emphasizes aesthetics.
The biggest highlight of the Jamis CODA S1 Designed for Women is its stylish appearance. It comes in two color options: Palladium and Powder Blue. This design fully caters to the psychological and consumer needs of women.
It is equipped with a Shimano FC-MT210 crankset and Tektro HD-M280/281 hydraulic flat-mount disc brakes. It also features a steel frame and a carbon front fork, meeting all the daily requirements of a city commuter bike.
However, the price of the Jamis CODA S1 Designed for Women is approximately double that of the Marin Presidio 1. Nevertheless, when we compare the two, we can easily see that apart from the differences in appearance and materials, both of them use moderate components instead of high-end components.
The Marin Presidio 1 is a bike that emphasizes practicality. Its lightweight aluminum frame and powerful hydraulic disc brakes indicate that it is a bike focused on “substance,” and its minimalist design creates anticipation for its internal functionalities.
So, if you are someone who pursues fashion, you might want to try the Jamis CODA S1 Designed for Women. However, if you don’t care much about appearance, the Marin Presidio 1 may be a better riding companion.
Learn More: Is Jamis CODA S2 Worth Buying?–[Jamis CODA S2 Review]
Marin Presidio 1 vs 2024 KHS URBAN SOUL
If you ask me to point out the biggest difference between these two bikes, I would tell you that the disparity in material quality leads to the difference in price.
The KHS URBAN SOUL is a 700c steel frame general urban bike with rim brakes. It is priced at $489 on their official website, which is quite enticing. However, a low price often means compromises in the components. The steel frame makes the entire bike relatively heavy, making it more effortful to ride or push.
Its single-speed drivetrain cannot match the versatility of the geared drivetrain used in the similarly affordable Marin Presidio 1. Although a single-speed drivetrain is lighter and easier to maintain, who wouldn’t want their bike to have more functionalities?
All in all, price-sensitive consumers tend to favor the KHS URBAN SOUL. Those who slightly prioritize performance may prefer the Marin Presidio 1.
Learn More: Is KHS URBAN SOUL Worth Buying? -[KHS URBAN SOUL Review]
Marin Presidio 1 vs Commençal FCB ESSENTIAL
The Commençal FCB ESSENTIAL is a 700c aluminum frame general urban bike equipped with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. Its standout feature is its multiple speed options, allowing it to tackle different road conditions and gradients.
Additionally, its components and accessories are of premium quality. The GX Eagle brake system performs exceptionally well, providing excellent braking performance.
The only drawback of the Commençal FCB ESSENTIAL is its highly specialized and expensive components. It should be noted that these components may be challenging to operate for non-professional or less experienced riders. The high-end design also presents a greater challenge for beginners.
Marin Presidio 1, with its mid-range components, may not match the performance of the Commençal FCB ESSENTIAL, but it excels in simplicity and ease of operation. We all know that learning the performance and operation of a bicycle takes some time. For beginners who want to experience bike riding, a bike with simpler operation may be more suitable.
In my opinion, professional riders who enjoy racing can choose the Commençal FCB ESSENTIAL as their daily bike. However, beginners with less professional skills can opt for the Marin Presidio 1 to enhance their riding experience.
Summary
Above is our review of the Marin Presidio 1, which is a highly cost-effective model. Its components are on par with other similar commuter bikes, and it is easy to maintain.
Of course, if you want to learn about other urban commuter bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at various price points, and they are equally interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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