Marin Stinson 1 Review
- Price: $599
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 650b Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 7
What we like about it: It provides a relatively upright riding position, which allows you to have a comfortable riding experience.
What we don’t like about it: Steel forks add some weight.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The $599 hybrid bike is surprisingly popular with many riders. After all, there are many other options that have the same affordable price.
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
The Marin Stinson 1 is clearly not a bike built for speed.
So I turned on my computer after a heavy workday and booked a hotel in small-town Orlando for two days on Skyscanner, then getting ready to take the Marin Stinson 1 on an outing.
Recreational Riding
The Marin Stinson 1 had enough mounting points for me to bring a day’s worth of food, water, and other essentials and then took in the natural scenery.
Although the Marin Stinson 1’s flat handlebar construction only provided a few grip points, its moderate Stack put me in a relatively upright position and didn’t tire me out on long rides.
Besides, the Marin Stinson 1’s frame, made of lightweight and durable 6061 aluminum, didn’t weigh me down, and the Vee Tire Co. Speedster, 27.5″x2.35″ outer tire provided enough grip. I never experienced any slippage even on soft ground.
But I felt some strain as I drove up the steeper sections. Fortunately, the shifting was accurate and responsive enough to keep me from stopping and moving.
Although it was Shimano’s entry-level Altus 7-Speed drivetrain, the quality was quite reliable.
City Rides
When I first rode the Marin Stinson 1 to work, I was very impressed with its comfort.
I usually use my road bike as a commuter, with the aggressive geometry urging me to get to work.
But the crowded roads simply don’t allow for its speed advantage, so it always makes me feel sorry for myself.
Thanks to the Marin Stinson 1’s proper Stack, I could ride more upright and thus have a wider view, helping me to slow down in advance to deal with the congestion ahead.
Of course, I also inevitably encountered some unexpected situations, but the Shimano Mechanical disc braking system was able to stop the bike in time to protect my safety.
However, it would be better if I could switch to a more sensitive and energy-saving hydraulic disc brake.
All in all, I think the Marin Stinson 1 is a great-value-for-money hybrid bike that offers a comfortable ride and is friendly to new riders as well as riders on a budget.
Specification
The Marin Stinson 1 is available in four aluminum frame sizes from SM to XL, all paired with Vee Tire Co. Speedster, 27.5 “x2.35” tires for a smoother riding experience.
In addition, the bike also uses CrMo Steel forks, which are strong and durable, providing good support, although the steel forks increase the weight of the bike.
The Marin Stinson 1 is not equipped with shock absorbers, but the Marin County grip and Marin Comfort saddle provide a comfortable grip and ride, and the small vibrations during my daily commute do not bother me at all.
Video (related videos)
Other versions
The Marin Stinson 1 is a comfortable hybrid bike. But if you are looking for a better riding experience, we have made recommendations for other models as well.
Marin Stinson ST 2
The Marin Stinson ST 2 is $100 more expensive than the Marin Stinson 1, but also uses the same brand of steel fork and Mechanical Disc brakes.
The former, however, features a better-performing microSHIFT Advent kit, which is better able to handle more complex terrain.
In addition, the Marin Stinson ST 2 has more gears than the Marin Stinson 1, but for riders who usually only travel on flatter roads, the Stinson 1 is more than enough.
In the end, both of these bikes are better hybrid bikes and you can choose whichever according to your needs.
What do we like about it?
- The moderately-positioned top tube is friendly to smaller riders.
- It provides a relatively upright riding position, which allows you to have a comfortable riding experience.
- Vehicles on 650B wheelsets have wider outer tires and provide better grip on loose surfaces or downhill.
- The 7-speed drivetrain allows you to tackle most terrain with ease.
- Longer rear fork length provides a more stable riding experience.
What don’t we like about it?
- Steel forks add some weight.
FAQs
- Is it suitable for women to ride?
It includes a SM size and has a moderate top tube position that doesn’t bother women.
- How does the kit perform?
The bike uses Shimano’s entry-level Tourney, Altus combination kit. Although not as good as higher-end kits, its very cost-effective at this price, which can bring a good riding experience.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
This bike is rider-friendly for all heights, with 4 sizes to choose from. Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’0″ – 5’6″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | LG |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 1 Comfort, 6061 Aluminum, 27.5″ Wheels, Disc Specific, Comfort Control Geometry, Kickstand Mount, Fender and Rack MountsColors: Gloss White/ Silver / Blue; Gloss Black / Charcoal/silver |
| Fork | CrMo Steel, Straight Blade, Disc Specific, Fender and Rack Eyelets |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Square Taper |
| Headset | FSA, TH No.10P |
| Stem | Marin Alloy |
| Handlebar | Marin Alloy, 60mm Rise, 30˚ Backsweep |
| Saddle | Marin Comfort |
| Seatpost | Marin Alloy, 30.9mm |
| Pedals | Marin Comfort Platform |
| Grips | Marin County |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific |
| Front Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, 32H |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co. Speedster, 27.5 “x2.35”, Puncture Protection |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney, 7-Speed |
| Front Derailleur | – |
| Crank | Alloy Crank, Steel 38T Chainring, Ring Guard |
| Shifters | Shimano Altus 7-Speed RapidFire |
| Cassette | SunRace 7-Speed, 11-34T |
| Chain | KMC Z8 |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano w/ Integrated Shifters |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Frame material | Kits | Driveline | Tires |
| Trek FX 1 Stagger | Click View | Aluminum | Shimano Altus, Tourney | 3 × 7 | Bontrager H2 Comp, wire bead, 30tpi, 700x35c |
| Giant Roam Disc 3 | Click View | Aluminum | Shimano Altus, Tourney | 2 × 8 | Giant CrossCut, anti-puncture, 700x42c |
| CUBE NATURE, PRO | Click View | Aluminum | Shimano XT, Deore | 3 × 10 | Schwalbe Land Cruiser, Active, 700×50c |
| RIVERSIDE TOURING BIKE 520 | Click View | Aluminum | microSHIFT | 1×11 | B’Twin Trekking 9 Grip Protect+ 700x42c |
Marin Stinson 1 vs Trek FX 1 Stagger
The Trek FX 1 Stagger uses 700x35c Bontrager H2 Comp tires that offer some puncture resistance and the larger size provides better passing, lower rolling resistance and generally faster rolling speeds on hard and non-technical surfaces.
However, vehicles like the Marin Stinson 1 that use the smaller diameter 650B wheelset can be paired with a much wider outer tire than the 700c wheelset and provide better grip on loose, dusty surfaces or downhill. This can provide better shock absorption on technical terrain.
Alternatively, the Trek FX 1 Stagger offers a more aggressive riding position and is better suited for riders who are looking for more speed.
If you care more about comfort, then the Stack’s higher Marin Stinson 1 allows you to ride a little more upright. This is especially friendly to older people or long-term sedentary commuters.
Learn More: Is The Trek FX1 Worth Buying? [Trek FX1 Review]
Marin Stinson 1 vs Giant Roam Disc 3
I think the Marin Stinson 1 and Giant Roam Disc 3 are two different bikes in terms of style.
First, the former uses a strong and durable CrMo Steel fork, providing good support, although the steel fork may add weight to the bike.
The latter is equipped with SR Suntour NEX HLO 700C fork and 63mm of damping travel, which can effectively relieve arm fatigue on bumpy roads.
Secondly, the Marin Stinson 1 has a lower top tube, making it very friendly to smaller riders to get on and off the bike a lot on your commute.
Of course, if you’re taller, the Giant Roam Disc 3 with its taller top tube will make the bike more stable and better able to withstand impacts.
Finally, the Mechanical Disc brakes used on the Marin Stinson 1 are not as sensitive and effortless as the Tektro TKD-143 hydraulic disc brakes on the Giant Roam Disc 3.
Therefore, the Marin Stinson 1 is a better choice for riders who ride a lot on bumpy roads.
If you usually only ride on flatter roads and are on a budget, you may want to choose the Giant Roam Disc 3.
Learn More: Is Giant Roam Disc 3 Worth Buying? – [Giant Roam Disc 3 Review]
Marin Stinson 1 VS CUBE NATURE, PRO
With 5 sizes to choose from, the CUBE NATURE, PRO is rider-friendly for most people.
The frame uses double-butted aluminium tubes technology to reduce weight without sacrificing strength or durability.
The CUBE NATURE, PRO is the more stable one compared to the Marin Stinson 1.
In particular, the 50 mm tire clearance allows you to mount larger capacity tires that can provide better grip and shock absorption.
In addition, I was pleasantly surprised that the CUBE NATURE, PRO also comes with a Shimano XT, Deore combo kit, which is significantly better than the entry-level Shimano Tourney, Altus combo kit used by the Marin Stinson 1.
Of course, not to be overlooked is that the CUBE NATURE, PRO is about $450 more expensive.
Finally, the CUBE NATURE, PRO has a shorter rear fork for the same size, which allows the front wheel to come off the ground more easily, making it a good choice for riders who want a more agile bike.
But if stability is more important to you, then the Marin Stinson 1 with its longer rear fork is the way to go.
Marin Stinson 1 VS RIVERSIDE TOURING BIKE 520
In my opinion, the Marin Stinson 1 is suitable for commuting, while the RIVERSIDE TOURING BIKE 520 is more suitable for long distance riding.
First of all, the RIVERSIDE TOURING BIKE 520 uses internal cable routing, which not only reduces the reliance on the cable housing and thus reduces weight, but also avoids the accumulation of dirt and prevents the cable from rattling against the body during the ride.
Secondly, the RIVERSIDE TOURING BIKE 520 has more mounting points than the Marin Stinson 1, which can carry more daily necessities, and the rear frame can take a lot of weight for long rides.
Finally, for riders who need to ride at night, the RIVERSIDE TOURING BIKE 520 with the front light is a bit more friendly.
However, for commuters who just want a commuting bike, the RIVERSIDE TOURING BIKE 520 is obviously a bit bulky and I would recommend the Marin Stinson 1.
Summary
These are our tests of the Marin Stinson 1. It provides a comfortable ride and the frame is strong and durable.
In our opinion, the Marin Stinson 1 is a bike worth buying. All together we gave it a high score of 4.7.
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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