Oldskool13
Old School Hero
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CassidyAce
Senior Retro Guru
Re:
I would get the 1996 Palisades Trail. The 1996 model was the the first alloy one and a very good bike for its price point at the time. It should have STX derailleurs and chainset. I gather, from another forum, that it was a little lighter than the Bear Valley in 1996 because it was alloy and the Bear Valley was steel - possibly the only year that happened. I have one and it weighs about 11.5kg in 16.5" (or thereabouts) size, which is a bit small height-wise but just right length-wise. I use mine for commuting most days, and sometimes for longer Sunday rides and have never regretted buying it. The ride is firmer than a steel frame but 2.2" X-Kings help soften it. FYI: I paid £75 for mine in good condition and spent about the same again on the tyres, wider range cassette, etc.
As for the Ridgeback: 601 designated a low end model most years. It's not likely to be up to much. I have a mid-90s 604 frame and forks knocking around that you can have for nothing if you want.
Obviously, you'll have to factor in condition, fit, and so on in your choice but, other things being equal, it seems an easy decision to me.
I would get the 1996 Palisades Trail. The 1996 model was the the first alloy one and a very good bike for its price point at the time. It should have STX derailleurs and chainset. I gather, from another forum, that it was a little lighter than the Bear Valley in 1996 because it was alloy and the Bear Valley was steel - possibly the only year that happened. I have one and it weighs about 11.5kg in 16.5" (or thereabouts) size, which is a bit small height-wise but just right length-wise. I use mine for commuting most days, and sometimes for longer Sunday rides and have never regretted buying it. The ride is firmer than a steel frame but 2.2" X-Kings help soften it. FYI: I paid £75 for mine in good condition and spent about the same again on the tyres, wider range cassette, etc.
As for the Ridgeback: 601 designated a low end model most years. It's not likely to be up to much. I have a mid-90s 604 frame and forks knocking around that you can have for nothing if you want.
Obviously, you'll have to factor in condition, fit, and so on in your choice but, other things being equal, it seems an easy decision to me.
Graham_hkr
Specialized Fan
Re: Which One?
I'd buy them both for that price, strip the Ridgeback & keep it for a rainy day..
I'd buy them both for that price, strip the Ridgeback & keep it for a rainy day..
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Re: Which One?
Buy both. The Marin may be just too 'ardcore with its alumniumnmnium frame whereas the Ridgeback may be like riding scaffolding or dry spaghetti.
Ride both, swap parts to suit, sell one on to cover the costs of both and maybe some cake too.
I like cake...
Buy both. The Marin may be just too 'ardcore with its alumniumnmnium frame whereas the Ridgeback may be like riding scaffolding or dry spaghetti.
Ride both, swap parts to suit, sell one on to cover the costs of both and maybe some cake too.
I like cake...
Oldskool13
Old School Hero
Re: Which One?
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CassidyAce
Senior Retro Guru
Re:
No, it's not brand snobbery. Marin really did make good bikes, and still do. The Palisades Trail is not a high end bike that would get you lots of kudos anyway. It's just a good everyday bike.
As for the cake option - depends on the type of cake. Perhaps there ought to be a cake poll as there was for biscuits.
No, it's not brand snobbery. Marin really did make good bikes, and still do. The Palisades Trail is not a high end bike that would get you lots of kudos anyway. It's just a good everyday bike.
As for the cake option - depends on the type of cake. Perhaps there ought to be a cake poll as there was for biscuits.
