Thinking about a new bike

[dreamshark]

Although barely 13 years old, my bike has gotten to that state where every time it needs a little repair the bike shop suggests helpful improvements, like a new wheel instead of a new spoke, and so on. Apparently after a certain point the spokes just start breaking spontaneously due to metal fatigue. Who knew? Similar issues with the chain and gearset.

Anyway, replacing the bike one piece at a time is clearly going to be way more expensive than buying a new one, and I'm riding enough that I can't have spokes breaking and gears not shifting right. So, I think when the fall sales kick in at the bike shops, I'll be buying a new 2-wheeler.

Richard and I spent a lazy afternoon biking to nearby bike shops to get things like bike maps and headlights, and I browsed the bikes. As I've noticed before, there seem to be two basic types of bike shops - Trek shops and the other kind. Well, actually, Calhoun Cycle is a third type, but since I don't want a recumbent or folding bike that visit was more for entertainment than anything. I don't want a Trek bike either, so that cuts out Penn Cycle. However, I have noticed a new (to me) brand of bike at a couple of places (including, but not limited to, Alternative Bike and Board at Lynn-Lake): Marin. They make a bike that meets my 4 criteria:

1) Clicky-shift levers (as opposed to the twisty-wristy type of shifter).
2) Jointed handlebar stem, allowing the handlebars to be adjusted upward and backward.
3) A bike topology that is amenable to riding upright (shorter top bar).
4) Price less than $500.

Anybody know anything about Marin bicycles? Or know of another brand of bike that meets the criteria above?

Comments

[jbru.livejournal.com]

You might have a look at REI. I liked their in-house brand of bikes when I was looking (Novara? I'm being lazy and not looking right now.) I also liked Erik's bike shops. Both had various models to try out.

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

REI's not a bad idea. I bought my last bike from Erik's, so I'll probably look there. But I don't think they carry the Marin, which is currently my first choice. The brand that both Richard and I bought last time (Univega) is no longer sold.