Marin Muirwoods Review
- Price: $899
- Frame: Steel
- Fork: Steel
- Wheels: 700c Aluminum
- Drivetrain: 1×10
What we like about it: It enjoys the beautiful shape, the smooth lines and the perfect drive train.
What we don’t like about it: The steel frame and fork make the whole bike a bit heavy.
Rating: (4.8/5)
If black clothes can highlight a person’s mystery and temperament, then a black car can symbolize the owner’s connotation and calm.
The Marin Muirwoods is such a car, always mysterious, always unexpected, never vulgar and full of attraction.
The Marin Muirwoods is a mid to high end commuter bike with smooth lines that give it a refined and neat look and feel, bringing order and visual enjoyment.
Good performance reflects the bike’s understated luxury, and the quality drivetrain and brakes add a bit of fun and surprise.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
Among many hobbies, cycling is the habit I can’t discard the most.
From Los Angeles to New York, from the Great Lakes to Florida, my American cycling journey is far from over.
This time my destination was Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania. I booked a local hotel on Skyscanner, brought my newly acquired Marin Muirwoods, and set off.
Park Rides
Since Presque Isle State Park is a park known for sunrises and sunsets, I chose to ride in the late afternoon.
Personally, I really liked the large wheel size because it looked sharp and instantly recognizable; not only that, the large wheel circumference of 700c gave me a fast speed without much effort.
The park in the evening was filled with people exercising and watching the sunset, and I needed to take the occasional brake in order to avoid hitting them.
Thanks to the bike’s excellent Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes, the braking was surprisingly quick, allowing me not to worry about rubbing up against people.
After I had been riding for a while, I wanted a gear change to add more fun and experience.
Marin Muirwoods uses a 1×10 microSHIFT Advent X drivetrain that was not only lighter and faster, but also had different gears to choose from and I love it.
The great geometry helped me maintain a more upright riding position, and the black design body blended in with the park scenery, making it a perfect work of art.
The holes in the body helped me secure my supplies in a timely and effective manner, and the straight handlebar design avoided the inconvenience of an overly heavy front end.
I could say that I was very satisfied with the Marin Muirwoods, both in terms of appearance, geometry and components.
Summary
I really enjoyed the ride. Maybe the steel frame and fork was a little bulky, it would have been better to switch to an aluminum or carbon frame, but it was not a big problem.
The steel frame did not interfere with my ride. Overall the Marin Muirwoods 700c wheelset, Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes and 1×10 microSHIFT Advent X drivetrain made for a very good experience.
Specification
The Marin Muirwoods is a mid to high end commuter bike that combines looks and performance.
The black exterior reveals its mystery and charm; the smooth lines give it a refined and neat look, bringing order and visual enjoyment.
Good performance reflects the bike’s understated luxury, and the quality of the drivetrain and brakes add a bit of fun and surprise.
The 1×10 microSHIFT Advent X shifting drivetrain brings a faster and more speedy experience.
The hydraulic disc braking system of the microSHIFT Advent X brings optimal braking with minimal brake loss; the 700cx40mm wheelset can handle the road conditions you encounter in your daily riding, whether it’s flat or uneven, it can handle it all with ease.
The excellent geometry design allows for an upright riding position, and the long wheelbase helps with a lower overall center of gravity, greatly satisfying the need for a stable body.
The steel frame and fork are a little heavy, but the lightweight drivetrain makes up for it.
Not only that, but with a wide range of sizes to choose from, the Marin Muirwoods is a good model for everyone.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Outstanding disc brakes: The microSHIFT hydraulic disc brakes greatly improve the braking performance and efficiency of the whole bike.
- Beautiful appearance: The black paint body and the straight line geometric design are very good looking.
- Excellent drive train: 1×10 drive train is light in mass, fast in speed and has many speeds.
- Strong brand guarantee: As a world-famous bike brand, Marin’s after-sales service is also top-notch.
- Large diameter tires: It can go over obstacles and potholes in the road more smoothly and maintain a faster speed.
What don’t we like about it?
- The steel frame and fork may make the whole bike a bit heavy.
FAQs
- Who is Marin Muirwoods for?
People who demand the appearance of bicycles; people who ride bicycles for daily commuting; people who like better braking performance; people who love long-distance travel; people who often ride on complicated roads.
- What sizes are Marin Muirwoods available?
Marin Marin Muirwoods are available in five sizes for people of all heights.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| XS | 149cm-159cm |
| SM | 156cm-169cm |
| MD | 166cm-179cm |
| LG | 176cm-189cm |
| XL | 187cm-193cm |
- What kind of components does Marin Muirwoods use?
It uses the components of microSHIFT Advent X.
Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 1 Butted CrMo, 29″ Wheels, Integrated Headset, Disc Brake, Fender and Rack Mounts Color: Gloss Black / Reflective Black |
| Fork | CrMo Steel, Moto Blade, Disc Specific, Fender and Rack Eyelets |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Square Taper |
| Headset | FSA No.8B, Sealed Cartridge Bearings |
| Stem | Marin Alloy, 31.8mm Clamp |
| Handlebar | Marin Alloy Mini Riser |
| Saddle | Marin MTB |
| Seatpost | Marin Alloy, 27.2mm |
| Pedals | Commute Platform |
| Grips | Marin Custom |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT Advent X 10-Speed |
| Front Derailleur | – |
| Crank | Forged Alloy Crank, Steel Narrow Wide 38T Chainring |
| Shifters | microSHIFT Advent X 10-Speed Trail |
| Cassette | SunRace 10-Speed, 11-51T |
| Chain | KMC X10 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin Aluminum, Double Wall, Disc Specific |
| Front Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, Disc, 32H |
| Tires | Schwalbe Citizen, 700Cx40mm, Reflective Sidewall, Puncture Resistant, Reflective Sidewall |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Components |
| Liv Alight Disc 3 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 3 × 7 | Aluminum | Tourney, Altus, Shimano |
| Kona Dew | Click View | 650b Aluminum | 2 × 8 | Aluminum | Altus, Shimano |
| BMC Alpenchallenge 01 TWO | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 2 × 11 | Aluminum | GRX 800, 105, Shimano |
| Trek District 4 Equipped | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Belt Drive, Internally Geared Hub | Aluminum | Alfine, Shimano |
Marin Muirwoods vs Liv Alight Disc 3
The biggest difference between the two bikes is in the geometry and braking system.
Liv Alight Disc 3 has a parallel geometry design, with the top tube and bottom tube taking on a parallel shape.
The advantage of this design is that it is easier for the rider’s feet to cross the bike, and it gives riders who are tired of traditional geometry a new and refreshing experience.
Of course, its performance is not bad. The aluminum frame and body are lighter, and the 700x38c wheelset has great acceleration.
The downside is that the use of Tektro mechanical discs brings some brake loss, thus discounting braking effect.
The Marin Muirwoods enjoys a traditional triangle-like geometry, which has the advantage of keeping the seat tube stable; however, it may be a little boring for those looking for a new feel.
However, the components of the Marin Muirwoods are still very interesting.
The microSHIFT’s 1×10 drivetrain reduces weight while maintaining speed perfectly; Tektro M275’s hydraulic discs are more effective than the Liv Alight Disc 3’s Tektro mechanical discs, which are the preferred braking system of many mid- to high-end bikes.
If you like novel geometry, the Liv Alight Disc 3 is the perfect match for you; if you want better brake braking, the Marin Muirwoods are likely to surprise you.
Learn More: Is Liv Alight DD Disc 2 Worth Buying? – [Liv Alight DD Disc 2 Review]
Marin Muirwoods vs Kona Dew
The Kona Dew is a mid-range bike with an aluminum frame and steel fork.
It comes with a 2×8 Shimano drivetrain that balances speed and stability.
In terms of tires, the Kona Dew features a 650x47c wheelset with a wide 47mm outer tube that provides great grip.
Not only that, the 650b wheelset is able to provide better shock absorption on some technical terrain as it absorbs the vibration of bumps for a smoother ride.
The larger tires also provide greater compliance for a loaded bike.
The Marin Muirwoods boasts a 1×10 microSHIFT drivetrain and Tektro M275 hydraulic discs, offering 100 percent high performance.
In terms of tires, the 700x40mm allows the Marin Muirwoods to roll fast on hard and non-technical surfaces.
Not only that, but the larger circumference allows it to go over obstacles and potholes in the road more smoothly.
Also, the 40mm outer tire is wide enough to provide plenty of cushioning and comfort on uneven surfaces like gravel roads.
So, those who prefer 700c wheelset that focus on efficiency and speed can consider Marin Muirwoods; those who especially like 650b wheelset that focus on grip and stability may want to try Kona Dew.
Learn More: Is Kona Dew Worth Buying? – [Kona Dew Review]
Marin Muirwoods vs BMC Alpenchallenge 01 TWO
The BMC Alpenchallenge 01 TWO is a very lightweight commuter bike.
The aluminum frame and carbon fork give it a lightweight body, and the straight handlebar design reduces weight and hand fatigue on the one hand, while the Ash Grey paint job and internal alignment make it a visually light and simple bike.
The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and 2×11 drivetrain provide good long-distance braking and a variety of speed experiences, making it no less capable than other bikes.
The Marin Muirwoods are heavy in comparison. 1×10 microSHIFT drivetrain eliminates the weight of the front disc, but only offsets the weight of the steel frame and steel fork.
Compared to the BMC Alpenchallenge 01 TWO, it’s still slightly bulky.
But at this price point, it does everything possible to make the best of it.
In terms of performance, the Marin Muirwoods is good. The microSHIFT’s hydraulic discs maximize braking performance, and the GRX 800, 105 components enhance the bike’s utility due to its high quality.
Marin Muirwoods vs Trek District 4 Equipped
The biggest advantage of the Trek District 4 Equipped is that it has numerous features.
It is a versatile commuter bike and equips a light at the front of the bike for night riding.
Not only that, but the cleats on the back of the bike are very effective in securing large pieces of luggage such as backpacks.
Notably, the mudguards on the outside of the wheels block most of the mud and reduce tire wear.
Of course, high-end performance often means making trade-offs in terms of price, and the more expensive price is not affordable for all riders.
At the same time, the Marin Muirwoods is a great commuter bike for the money.
While it doesn’t have some of the unique features of the Trek District 4 Equipped, it has a much lower price tag with a very capable setup.
The MicroSHIFT’s 1×10 drivetrain and hydraulic discs are designed for smooth operation. The wide range of speeds makes it a great ride on the flats, up and down hills, and on gravel.
I would recommend Marin Muirwoods more, after all, its high cost performance is pretty attractive. Of course the multifunctional Trek District 4 Equipped is also a good choice.
Learn More: Is Trek District 4 Equipped Worth Buying? [Trek District 4 Equipped Review]
Summary
These are our tests of the Marin Muirwoods.
The Marin Muirwoods is a mid- to high-end commuter bike, with a black paint body that highlights its mystery and temperament, and smooth lines that give it a refined and neat look and feel, bringing order and visual enjoyment.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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