Marin Gestalt Review
- Price: $999
- Frame: Aluminum
- Front fork: Aluminum
- Wheels: 700C Aluminum
- Drivetrain: 2×8
What we like about it: Gestalts were versatile; as commuters, on roads, hardpack, and gravel.
What we don’t like about it: Mechanical brake discs can cause brake loss compared to hydraulic disc brakes.
Rating: (4.6/5)
The Marin Gestalt is a gravel bike with excellent geometry design and sleek lines. Its lightweight frame, made of aluminum, is one of its many advantages. This material choice not only contributes to its lightness but also makes it resistant to rust and easier to maintain.
Among all the gravel bike series offered by Marin, the Gestalt stands out as the most appealing type. Its minimalist and stylish color schemes make it distinctive in the range of gravel bikes. The excellent drivetrain system enables it to handle various challenging terrains.
In the following analysis, we’ll delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Marin Gestalt. Additionally, we’ll compare it to several top bicycle models in the latter part of this article. If you’re interested in more bicycle reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Marin Gestalt is a versatile and practical bike designed for everyday commuting.
To experience the performance of the Marin Gestalt firsthand, I chose to ride it on the gravel roads near my home. The route covered approximately 11 miles, with seven turns, three uphill sections, and two downhill sections.
This route represents a typical slope ride that truly tests the bike’s stability, agility, and comfort. To conduct a proper test and minimize external disturbances, I avoided peak traffic hours and embarked on my adventure on a weekday afternoon.
With everything ready, let’s get started.
Comfortable Riding Position
No matter how many accessories or how excellent the design is, if the riding position is not comfortable, it’s all in vain. The key factor in determining whether a bike is suitable for you lies in its design’s compatibility with your riding position.
In my opinion, the Marin Gestalt is well-designed to accommodate ergonomic considerations. As I prepared to set off, I adjusted the seatpost to my preferred height.
This adjustable seatpost height is a great feature that allows riders of different demographics to have their personalized saddle height. During my ride, the excellent geometry design of the Marin Gestalt provided great handling, setting it apart from other gravel bikes.
Furthermore, the 6061 Aluminum frame of this bike is lightweight. I didn’t need to exert excessive force on the pedals, which saved me energy and allowed me to ride farther. The shorter wheelbase adds to its agility, enabling me to navigate turns with ease.
Adaptability to Various Road Conditions
While climbing uphill, I continuously shifted gears to optimize the climbing capability of the Marin Gestalt. As a bike with multiple gears, the Gestalt’s excellent gear ratios enable it to tackle different terrains and road conditions.
With its freewheel gear ratio values not being small, low rolling resistance, and lightweight materials, it possesses remarkable climbing power.
The outstanding geometry design and sturdy chassis provide stability, allowing me to confidently handle uphill sections. The 700c tires have excellent traction, providing great suspension performance on different road surfaces.
As a gravel bike, the Marin Gestalt features places to attach accessories, making it convenient to carry items. Moreover, it effectively secures items and prevents them from falling off on steeper gravel roads.
In all the uphill and downhill roads I traversed, I found the performance of the Marin Gestalt to be quite impressive and consistently reliable. Overall, the Marin Gestalt is a solid bike model.
Specification
The Marin Gestalt is a gravel bike with a 700c tire size. It features solid components and geometry.
Firstly, the Marin Gestalt comes with an aluminum frame, aluminum wheels, and an aluminum fork. This means it has a lightweight body, making it easy to handle and maneuver. The clean and sleek geometry lines, along with internal cable routing, give the bike a comfortable and clean appearance, making maintenance hassle-free.
At the same time, it utilizes a 2×8 drivetrain, allowing for versatile riding at different speeds on various terrains. It is adaptable to multiple complex terrains, whether it’s uphill, flat roads, or turns. While the Marin Gestalt drivetrain may not be exceptionally high-end, it is lightweight and perfectly adequate for everyday commuting.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Gestalts are adaptable; they can travel on hardpack, gravel, and road surfaces.
- The Gestalt provides confidence in descents.
- For novice owners, setup and adjustment are simple.
- The 19mm OEM rims with a double wall are tubeless-ready, and known for their strength and reliability.
What don’t we like about it?
- Mechanical brake discs may cause brake loss compared to hydraulic disc brakes.
FAQ
- What is the biggest advantage of this bike?
The biggest advantage is that the Marin Gestalt is competitively priced enough. Most of the gravel bikes on the market today are more than $1,000 or even $10,000. Now, you can buy a Marin Gestalt gravel bike for only $999, which is a great deal.
- What are the suitable scenarios for the Marin Gestalt?
It can handle different road conditions. Whether it’s road, uphill or gravel, the Marin Gestalt can handle it all.
- If you want to go riding in well-known terrain or special terrain, where is the most convenient place to stay?
You can book your accommodation on Skyscanner, which is not only rich in variety but also easy to operate.
- Are there any other versions of the Marin Gestalt?
Here, we provide you with a version comparison. However, this doesn’t mean you have to strictly follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable bike model is to try it yourself.
| BIKE | PRICE | FRAME | FORK | BRAKES | DRIVETRAIN |
| Marin Gestalt | $999 | Aluminum | Aluminum | Mechanical Disc | 2 × 8 |
| Marin Gestalt 1 | $1,299 | Aluminum | Carbon | Mechanical Disc | 2 × 9 |
| Marin Gestalt X10 | $1,549 | Aluminum | Carbon | Mechanical Disc | 1 × 10 |
| Marin Gestalt 2.5 | $1,679 | Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 2 × 10 |
| Marin Gestalt XR | $2,399 | Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 2 Beyond Road, 6061 Aluminum, 700C Wheels, Relieved Head Tube and BB, Internal Cable Routing, Disc Specific Forged Dropouts w/ Mudguard and Rack Mounts Colors: Gloss Black / Blue; Gloss Blue / Green |
| Fork | 6061 Aluminum, Straight-Blade, Post-Mount Disc |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed Bearing Square Taper |
| Headset | FSA No.8B |
| Stem | Marin 3D Forged Alloy |
| Handlebar | Marin Butted Alloy, Compact 12º Flared Drop |
| Saddle | Marin Beyond Road Concept |
| Seatpost | Marin Alloy, 27.2mm |
| Pedals | Commute Platform |
| Grips | Marin Perforated Tape |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Claris 8-Speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Claris |
| Crank | FSA Tempo Compact, 50/34T |
| Shifters | Shimano Claris 2×8-Speed |
| Cassette | SunRace 8-Speed 11/32T |
| Chain | KMC Z8 |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano w/ Integrated Shifters |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 19mm Inner, 25mm Tall, Disc Specific |
| Front Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co. Zilent, 700×35 |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 700c | Click View | 700c x 38mm | 2 × 9 | Aluminum | Altus, Acera (Shimano) |
| Diamondback Haanjo 1 | Click View | 700c x 38mm | 1 × 9 | Aluminum | Acera, Shimano |
| Specialized Diverge Elite E5 | Click View | 700c x 38mm | 2 × 10 | Aluminum | GRX 400, GRX 600, Shimano |
| Canyon Grail 7 | Click View | 650b/700c x 40mm | 2 × 11 | Aluminum | GRX 800, GRX 600, Shimano |
Marin Gestalt vs Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 700c
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 700c is a gravel bike with excellent value for money. It is currently priced at $899 on the official website. It features an aluminum frame, aluminum rims, and a carbon fork, which reduce weight while maintaining durability, resulting in a flexible and convenient riding experience. The bike is equipped with a 2×9 drivetrain, allowing it to handle various terrains and gradients.
Unfortunately, it comes with mechanical disc brakes. As riding time increases, the braking force may weaken. The excellent geometry design evenly distributes pressure and weight between the front and rear wheels.
The handlebar design of the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 700c is relatively minimalistic, providing a pleasant and relaxed hand position. However, the use of mechanical disc brakes compromises the overall braking performance of the bike.
On the other hand, the Marin Gestalt features an aluminum frame, fork, and wheels, along with a 2×8 drivetrain. In terms of traditional systems, the Marin Gestalt is lighter than the other bike.
The mechanical disc brakes contribute to the lighter weight but may require further testing for their braking performance. Compared to the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 700c, the Marin Gestalt excels in its integrated shifting system, offering a higher level of professionalism.
Overall, while there isn’t a significant difference between the two models, the Marin Gestalt offers a simpler, easier, and more enjoyable riding experience.
Learn More: Is Salsa Journeyman Sora 700 Worth Buying? [Salsa Journeyman Sora 700 Review]
Marin Gestalt vs Diamondback Haanjo 1
The Diamondback Haanjo 1 is a very friendly gravel bike. It features an aluminum frame, aluminum wheels, and a steel fork. Compared to the Marin Gestalt, the former is generally heavier.
The Diamondback Haanjo 1 uses a 1×9 drivetrain. In comparison to the Marin Gestalt’s 2×8 drivetrain, it offers a wider range of rear freewheel adjustment, making it more adept at handling different gradients.
On the other hand, the Marin Gestalt has a wider front freewheel range, meaning it can achieve higher riding speeds. Additionally, its shifting design is simpler, making it easier to use.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the Diamondback Haanjo 1 is priced more affordably. If your budget is limited, you can consider this bike.
Furthermore, the Marin Gestalt features drop handlebars, which means it offers higher riding speeds and is more suitable for competitive racing. The Diamondback Haanjo 1, on the other hand, has a flat handlebar, allowing for longer rides and better maneuverability.
So, if you are a competitive racing enthusiast, you may lean towards the Marin Gestalt. If you prefer long-distance riding, you can give the Diamondback Haanjo 1 a try.
Learn More: Is Diamondback Haanjo 2 Worth Buying? [Diamondback Haanjo 2 Review]
Marin Gestalt vs Specialized Diverge Elite E5
The Specialized Diverge Elite E5 is a gravel bike introduced. It features Shimano GRX RX400 hydraulic disc brakes, providing smooth and precise operation, making it a favorite among high-end riders. It is equipped with a 2×10 drivetrain, offering reliability and durability to adapt to different terrains at various speeds.
The only drawback, in my opinion, is that it is priced higher compared to the Marin Gestalt, which may not be friendly to budget-conscious consumers.
If you are a professional rider who values performance, you might consider the Specialized Diverge Elite E5. However, if your budget is limited, the Marin Gestalt might be a better choice compared to the Specialized Diverge Elite E5, which is priced at $2,000.
Learn More: Is Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Worth Buying? [Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Review]
Marin Gestalt vs Canyon Grail 7
After reading the previous information, you should have some understanding of the Marin Gestalt. Now let’s focus on introducing the Canyon Grail 7. This is a bike with a very high aesthetic appeal. It features a stylish retro color scheme, with a combination of green, brown, and black that brings infinite surprises.
Unlike tires on other brands’ bikes, the tires on Canyon Grail 7 are not purely black. Instead, they have a brown accent in the middle, which complements the frame color perfectly.
The carbon fork contributes to a total weight of only 9.8 kilograms, making it incredibly lightweight and agile.
Equipped with Shimano GRX RX600 hydraulic disc brakes, the Canyon Grail 7 offers even higher quality materials and better braking performance compared to the Marin Gestalt.
In comparison, the Canyon Grail 7 is suitable for individuals who have a strong sense of aesthetics, while the Marin Gestalt may be more suitable for those who prioritize shock absorption.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grail 7 Worth Buying? [Canyon Grail 7 Review]
Summary
Above is our review of the Marin Gestalt. It is a high-value bike that doesn’t fall behind other gravel bikes in its components and is easy to maintain.
In our opinion, the Marin Gestalt is a bike worth purchasing. Considering the above factors, we give it a high rating of 4.6.
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