marin muirwoods

[RodH]

I have just got hold of a 94 Marin Muirwoods, just about original, one owner from new.

I turned it over to find the frame id which checked out ok for the year but I was astonished to find the "made in Taiwan" sticker under the bottom bracket. This is obviously the case but I was disappointed as I thought Marins of that age were built in the states. I have another muirwoods frame, later, a 98 and although the angles are the same it feels better built, strange. Are later models still manufactured in the states? The later one does not have the bridge for cantilever brakes either, is this a changeover year to v brakes? Anyone out there know? The sticker for the 98 also reads, triple butted tange. The older one is butted only.

I will have to add some pics posted when I figure it out and have time!

 

[velomaniac]

I think its an issue of heirarchy, cheaper models would very probably be made in Taiwan to increase profit margins. Eldrige Grades would be USA built.

Further if you consider Specialized one of the biggest and oldest mtb makers built all or at least most of its bikes in asia from day one then a taiwanese Marin by 1994 is unsurprising

 

[drystonepaul]

Don't be too disappointed. Even in the early days of mountain biking many frames were produced in the Far East due to the financial sensibilities of doing so.
Just because it's been made in Taiwan doesn't necessarily mean that it's of poor quality, in fact that opposite is often true.
It will perhaps lack some of the kudos of a US made frame but will still be pretty good.

I am slightly biased though due to owning a 94 Muirwoods and quite liking it.

 

[RodH]

Thanks guys, just posting before off to work, makes me feel a bit better somehow, no criticism of the frame itself I must say. It rides really nicely, lively and quick on the road so far, responsive and comfortable, what more could I want really. No real comment on the rock star forks yet, just a good match for the rest of the ride.

By the way, does my 98 frame come under the retro banner or is it in the other section?

More later.

 

[hamster]

I think its an issue of heirarchy, cheaper models would very probably be made in Taiwan to increase profit margins. Eldrige Grades would be USA built.

Further if you consider Specialized one of the biggest and oldest mtb makers built all or at least most of its bikes in asia from day one then a taiwanese Marin by 1994 is unsurprising

My 1994 Pine Mtn was also made in Taiwan.

 

[chiswickcollectables]

I had a '91 Eldridge (zoletone and pinky/reddy forks/stem/bar) and that too was a Taiwan special.

 

[silverclaws]

Nowt wrong with Taiwanese, after all the Far East is where the heavy industry is now, and those skilled to use it.

But if all our frames were built in the expensive west, the question is, would we be able to afford to buy them at this level of quality, or to afford, would we be back to shoddily tack welded together bits of gas piping we used to see of low end bikes from the likes of Raleigh and Halfords in the 70's ?

The Far East has for a long time enabled our better standard of living.