I am cycling from the UK to Asia.
I have been recommended a Marin Muirwoods (28er) as a better alternative to a Dawes Galaxy with a few changes: tyres, saddle, cabling.
I now that this is a really strong bike but how is it suited to touring?
Any thoughts?
Jo
Marin Muirwoods
I have toured loads on a steel framed Marin Palisades (1990 vintage)
MTBs are tough, well handling bikes and ideally suited to touring.
But:
I wouldn't recommend suspension forks (too much to go wrong and not easy to fit front panniers) so would swap to rigid forks (Kona P2 is available for about GBP40-50)
Similarly I personally wouldn't be happy with an Aluminium frame as it's very hard to repair in the boondocks.
I would ensure I had a set of bar-ends fitted to offer a change of position to avoid sore hands or wrists.
Nowadays I run mine with drop bars as I find it more comfortable.
MTBs are tough, well handling bikes and ideally suited to touring.
But:
I wouldn't recommend suspension forks (too much to go wrong and not easy to fit front panniers) so would swap to rigid forks (Kona P2 is available for about GBP40-50)
Similarly I personally wouldn't be happy with an Aluminium frame as it's very hard to repair in the boondocks.
I would ensure I had a set of bar-ends fitted to offer a change of position to avoid sore hands or wrists.
Nowadays I run mine with drop bars as I find it more comfortable.
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keepontriking
- Posts: 472
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- Location: Hampshire
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The Muirwoods is an excellent bike and I would agree probably better than the Galaxy for your needs.
We have one (bought late 2006) and it has been used extensively on roads and on off road trails. I would certainly advise changing the tyres for something more substantial and of course you will need good luggage racks et al, but all the brazings are there.
I found the bars a little wide, so cut about 40mm off each end before adding bar ends.
We shopped a round a lot before deciding on the Muirwoods and nothing matched it for value.
Its a very good choice.
We have one (bought late 2006) and it has been used extensively on roads and on off road trails. I would certainly advise changing the tyres for something more substantial and of course you will need good luggage racks et al, but all the brazings are there.
I found the bars a little wide, so cut about 40mm off each end before adding bar ends.
We shopped a round a lot before deciding on the Muirwoods and nothing matched it for value.
Its a very good choice.
Muirwoods is a great bike. Light steel frame and rigid fork. Add a rack (Madison)and mudguards (SKS) and you are all set to go. I also didn't get on with the saddle (its a bit of a bum biter) and the bars are a bit wide but easily trimmed. I have found the tyres excellent on all but grass and mud but at only 1000 miles in I don't yet know how long they last. Don't see why the cables would need changing?
Its only competitor for price is the 06 Kona Smoke if you can find one which is cheaper and comes supplied with mudguards and maybe even a rack
Its only competitor for price is the 06 Kona Smoke if you can find one which is cheaper and comes supplied with mudguards and maybe even a rack
The kit on a galaxy seems a little better quality than on the Marin, but then the Marin is cheaper (well the purchase price is less but you then have to add extras your self.)!
I'd suggest that you try both and go for the one that fits the best. Also, do you prefer drop bars or flats?
If you go for the Marin then you'll probably want to add:
front and rear racks
mud guards
bar ends
to improve carrying capacity and comfort.
I'd also be wary that the Marin is a commuter rather than a tourer - I'd believe it's strong, but does it have the same comfort as the Galaxy?
I'd suggest that you try both and go for the one that fits the best. Also, do you prefer drop bars or flats?
If you go for the Marin then you'll probably want to add:
front and rear racks
mud guards
bar ends
to improve carrying capacity and comfort.
I'd also be wary that the Marin is a commuter rather than a tourer - I'd believe it's strong, but does it have the same comfort as the Galaxy?