If you find an adventure that is not on this page send us pics and a write up and we will add them to list. Pictures should be a minimum 450 px wide. As for the write up - make sure to capture the spirit of the ride and remember - never let the truth get in the way of a good story. So abandon your couch with more frequency this year. Keep the rubber side down and visit this page often as we will be updating it with new adventures as they happen. And if you are just starting to ride - congratulations! There are few better ways to see the world and experience life than from the seat of a bicycle. Bike Buying Tips (for Newbies)Of most importance: leave your "buddy" who was apparently a "world-champ" cyclist of some sort "back in the day" - leave him at home. Bicycle technology has advanced significantly over the last few years. I hate being in the position to tell "champ" that everything he thinks he knows about bikes is totally outdated. Now that you have lost "champ", visit your bank. Not just any bank, but the branch that handles your mortgage. We're getting silly today! Seriously though... Let us begin - before the test-ride.
Choosing YOUR bike. Don't get your heart set on a bike purely based on appearances. You may be surprised how subtle layout differences between bike models can change the comfort and fit.
Mountain Bike TechnologyGears: Mountain Bikes need gears - lotsa them. Off road cycling involves sections of steep hills, both up and down, different soil conditions and friends who want to beat you back to the car to grab the last beer. For these differing conditions, gears are essential - the more the better and they must shift smoothly! Modern mountain bikes (worth owning) have either 21, 24 or 27 gears. The shifting is indexed, meaning your shifter clicks into each gear - when adjusted correctly (we are the only shop in the world that can do this) the shifting will be smooth, quiet and quick. Brakes: You can thank lord baby Jesus for the invention of disc brakes. Ok, maybe overstated, but disc brakes are awesome - powerful in wet, dry, hot or cold. Disc brakes are superior because the braking surface is designed specifically for braking - so it is stainless steel - allowing the use of brake pad material simillar to that used in the Starship Enterprise (and cars). The same could have been achieved with a stainless steel wheel, but 35lb wheels would be a bit hard to pedal. V Brakes (Linear Pull) are still on many less expensive bikes. If you don't have plans to rip around off road or ride in wet, muddy conditions, V Brakes are probably just fine. V Brakes are still significantly better than brakes from 10 years ago.
| Some of the Bikes We SellFull Suspension XC Bikes
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2009 Marin Mount Vision 5.6 SALE $1999 |
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2009 Marin Mount Vision 5.7SALE $2799 |
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2010 Marin Mount Vision 5.7 $3255 |
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2010 Marin Mount Vision 5.8 $3990 |
We Love Marin's full suspension. Over the last 2 years, a number of magazines decided we were right and awarded the Mount Vision "Mountain Bike of the Year". Now in 2009 Marin has improved the bikes again by finetuning the geometry and basically blown the drawers off the competition.
The 3 Mount Vision models share the same lightweight frame featuring the Quad Link suspension design that works with IPC (Instantaneous Pivot Center) - similar to a virtual pivot point but guaranteed to last MUCH longer.
Take a close look at how Marin equips their bikes too - there are no crappy parts hidden here to reduce cost.
www.MarinBikes.com 2009 Giant Trance X09 Trance X1 $3675 SALE |
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2010 Giant Trance X2$2759 |
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2010 Giant Trance X3$2099 |
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2010 Giant Trance X4$1489 |
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Over the last year, the Trance X has definitely proven that it is about the best valued 5" travel trail bike available. With amazing efficiency, light weight,
good parts spec, amazing longevity of suspension components - all this at by far the best price!
With '09's economic uncertainty came people looking to spend their money
very wisely. These people would have, in the "easy money" days, purchased a Santa Cruz, because they're supposedly cool. Well, "cool" costs money and doesn't last. Throw economic turmoil into the mix and these same folks
did some research and quickly realized their money would go much further on a Giant while the bike was actually better!
See for yourself why so many people were thrilled they didn't waste their money on overpriced, overmarketed crap.
Giant TranceTrance 1 $1999 SALE PRICE (SM) |
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Giant has replaced this 4.2" travel bike with the 5" travel TranceX bikes. We grabbed as many of the Trance bikes in small sizes while they were available so smaller riders could get a perfect bike.
www.Giant-Bicycles.com (Canadian site) 2009 Giant Reign 2Sale $1999 |
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2010 Giant Reign 2$2299 |
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Giant's Reign series of bikes have 6" of travel but are still aimed at being light and efficient. These are not freeride bikes. They are, however a great choice for riders who ride more aggresively. More important, in my opinion, than the amount of suspension these bikes have, is the fact that the frame's geometry changes resulting in a longer wheel base and slacker head-tube angle. These changes make the bike a tad more stable, especially at higher speeds or when pointed downhill.
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KHS XC604$1599 SALE PRICE |
The KHS XC604 is a great buy. The level of components on this bike is simply amazing. KHS licenses the suspension design from Specialized yet still manages to blow the drawers off all competitors for component quality.
www.khscanada.com |
Marin Attack Trail 6.8$3990 |
This bike rules. If you want to know why - come chat with us. Marin has essentially made the perfect bike for an aggressive, yet sane (perhaps over 35 years of age) rider who wants 1 bike for all purposes (ride up, down, drops, jumps). I have, admittedly been heard saying "one bike can't do it all well". I think Marin took that as a challenge and proved me wrong. While the Attack Trail sits at 34 pounds, it is so much fun to ride, you never feel like you're lugging around a heavy bike.
back to topWe spent days looking at components and features to select ONLY bikes that offer amazing ride quality AND component quality at any given price point. This is where shopping at a small shop is great for the consumer. We don't try to impress people by having LOTS of bikes, we impress them by selling only the best bikes.
Remember, a good hardtail is better than a crappy full suspension. We take a different approach to the hardtails we recommend. This is a game of bang-for-the-buck. Frame quality and geometry don't vary drastically on hardtails until the price climbs over the $2000 mark - so for us it is about the bits and pieces.
Giant XTC AllianceSALE $1559 |
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Giant's Alliance frames are half carbon fiber, half aluminum. In the case of the XTC Alliance it reduces the frame's weight by 1 whole pound. Carbon fiber also feels amazing to ride. Carbon does this amazing thing where the bike handles like it is very stiff but it removes much of the fine vibration that can tire hands, legs and butt. This bike has Shimano Deore XT 27 speed derailleur. The Rock Shox Recon air fork allows for amazing customized feel, is light and has a lockout feature. Braking is handled with hydraulic discs - what else would you expect. Pictures do not do the looks any justice on the Giant XTC series of bikes - they are sexxxy!
www.Giant-Bicycles.com (Canadian site) Giant XTC 0Sale $1399 |
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As should be the case at this price point, the XTC frame is awesome. The frames are light enough that some pretty serious racers are using them. This bike has Shimano Deore XT 27 speed derailleur. The Rock Shox Recon air fork allows for amazing customized feel, is light and has a lockout feature. Braking is handled with hydraulic discs - what else would you expect. Pictures do not do the looks any justice on the Giant XTC series of bikes - they are sexxxy!
www.Giant-Bicycles.com (Canadian site) |
2010 Marin Palisades Trail$1199 |
Marin has a loooong history of producing beautiful hardtails. Add this one to the list.
The frame on this is a piece of beauty with its sculptural, hydraformed tubing. Highlights include the Deore/SLX components, Lockout fork and Hydraulic Disc brakes. The components are a good deal at this price. The quality of ride would be a good deal if this bike cost $2000. That is why Marin Rules!
www.marinbikes.com |
Marin Palisades TrailSALE $1099 LIMITED SIZES |
Marin has a loooong history of producing beautiful hardtails. Add this one to the list.
The frame on this is a piece of beauty with its sculptural, hydraformed tubing. Highlights include the Deore/SLX components, Lockout fork and Hydraulic Disc brakes. The components are a good deal at this price. The quality of ride would be a good deal if this bike cost $2000. That is why Marin Rules!
www.marinbikes.com |
2010 Marin Juniper Trail
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The Frame and components on this bike are all considered when making this "Women's Specific" - this isn't just a color thing. Handlebars, frame geometry, saddle, grips basically custom fit and feel for the ladies.
www.marinbikes.com |
Marin Juniper Trail
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The Frame and components on this bike are all considered when making this "Women's Specific" - this isn't just a color thing. Handlebars, frame geometry, saddle, grips basically custom fit and feel for the ladies.
www.marinbikes.com |
2010 Marin Hawk Hill$1075 |
Most people (who have a clue what they're talking about) will tell you that for "real mountain biking" you'll need at minimum Shimano Deore components (not just the rear derailleur, a light frame with good geometry and a fork that offers enough adjustment to offer true suspension. This is that bike AND it has Marin's excellent ride quality. Shazzaaaaam! (that is the sound I sometimes make when I'm excited)
Grab a knife. This is the bread and butter stuff. For the price of a slice of bread, you can have buttery smooth rides around town and occasional mountain excursions.
Important shopping tip. Don't just focus on what level derailleur, brake or fork a bike has. In many cases, the sum of the parts is most important. Of course, we have shopped all the brands to find you the best bikes for the money so...
Giant Arete 2Ladies fit |
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Giant XTC 2$899 |
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The XTC and Arete are hot looking bikes. The feel is a little different from bikes like the Bobcat Trail and the emphasis changes a bit too. This bike has a full Shimano Deore 27 speed shifter/derailleur setup with Hayes mechanical disc brakes. The Rock Shox dart for has a lockout to make the front end rigid for full efficiency when scootelling around town.
www.Giant-Bicycles.com (Canadian site) |
Marin Hawk Hill$959 (2009 model - couple sizes still left) one last 2008 - 22" $799 |
I make a liar of myself with some of the Marin bikes, like this one. Most bikes under $1500 have about the same quality frame. Marin has been impressing people for the last few years by using 2X butted, sculpted, hydraformed frames on a number of different price points. What does this mean for you? Lighter weight but still strong.
The classic Deore drivetrain, Hydraulic discs, good fork on a light yet comfy bike. Suitable for the Novice to Intermediate level off road rider.
www.MarinBikes.com |
2010 Marin Bobcat Trail$859 |
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Marin Bobcat Trail$849 |
Uhm, are bikes this good supposed to be this cheap. Is this the twilight zone? This machine has a 24 speed Shimano Deore, Alivio gear setup but sets a pretty awesome precident for having duel piston hydraulic disc brakes at the sub $1000 price. Woohoo.
www.MarinBikes.com |
2010 Marin Bear Valley$859 |
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Marin Bear Valley$849 |
One of Marin's fantastic women's models. Marin changes saddle, handlebars (both width and narrower diameter) and even a special tuned fork with lockout to make a super comfy bike for the ladies to start exploring the back country.
www.MarinBikes.com |
2010 Marin Bolinas Ridge Disc$675 |
Lockout forks, disc brakes, great tires, very nice frame. NICE!!!
www.MarinBikes.com 2010 Giant Yukon Ladies$739 |
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2010 Giant Yukon$739 |
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The most common customer story with this bike goes like this: Customer's last bike was purchased in the mid to late '90s. The customer has experienced sore ass, neck, hands ever since day one which has discouraged them from riding. Customer returns after a 2 minute test ride with this ridiculous grin and saying, "I can't believe a mountain bike can be this comfortable". This bike can handle basic off road trails and is comfortable and smooth rolling for city riding. If you aren't a bike nerd, just want something basic and good - tadaaa!
Giant YukonSale $699 |
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So you are just getting into mountain biking and want that great "starter". This is the first pricepoint where you get a sturdy fork, Shimano Alivio/Deore 24 speed drivetrain AND disc brakes. These bikes are designed to fit extremely comfyish too - not that hardcore setup that hurts your ass and neck.
www.Giant-Bicycles.com (Canadian site) 2010 Giant Rincon Disc$609 |
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2010 Giant Rincon Disc$609 |
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This is Giant's most affordable mountain bike with disc brakes. There are cheaper bikes with disc brakes but those cheap bikes seriously sacrifice the overall quality. The Rincon disc uses a Hayes MX4 disc brake - a real brand name that works very well. So, to summarize. This isn't the cheapest disc brake bike available - but to go cheaper you'll seriously sacrifice overall quality - so this is the first pricepoint with discs that offers a great overall bike.
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2010 Marin Pioneer Trail WOMENS Disc$579 |
A really well thought out, good looking, quality ladies specific bike!!!
www.MarinBikes.com Giant Rincon$549 V Brake |
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We are so happy to see the new Rincon. They allow us to get people onto quality bikes at a more reasonable price.
Look closely at the frame and components on these guys to appreciate just how amazing the price is.
The Rincon models are comfortable bikes for mostly town use with the occasional offroad rides. Positioning is fairly upright
reducing pressure on hands.
Giant Boulder SE$499 |
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In tough financial times we need a wicked bike with wicked parts for rippin' around town, enjoying bike paths and the occasional offroad excursion that doesn't hurt the wallet. taadaaa.
www.Giant-Bicycles.com (Canadian site)29ers are mountain bikes with larger diameter wheels - 29 inch - compared to 26 inch on standard mountain bikes. This is essentially the future of mountain bike design for cross-country purposes. Larger wheels roll over objects more easily offering the smoothest ride possible. The bike's handling characteristics change to being more predictable and stable.
We now offer a range of 29ers, from the affordable Alpine Trail 29er up to the Nail Trail 29er and more niche bikes like the Pine Mountain 29er - with its cromolly steel frame and singlespeed setup.
If you're tall, 29ers are definitely the answer. Tall riders often complain about "wheelying" on uphills on standard mountain bikes. 29ers solve this problem with their longer wheel-base. Additionally, tall rider's center of mass sits higher off the ground so it just makes sense to have a longer wheel base and wheels that don't hang up on small obstacle.
Average sized riders just love the fast, smooth rolling feel and uuber predictable handling.
One last thing - for people looking for one bike to use around town and in the mountains, the 29ers seem to strike some magic balance. Just thought I'd mention that...
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2010 Marin Alpine Trail 29er$899 |
2010 sees a frame redesign on the Alpine Trail 29er for increased stiffness while keeping Marin's renowned "feel". Still a benchmark for affordable 29ers. Geometry is still spot-on for incredible stability and "no surprises" handling.
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Marin Alpine Trail 29er$839 |
This bike has proved popular both for offroad and city riding. The incredible traction and stability, suspension fork and light weight work great in either situation. Don't forget the incredibly good reviews this bike received in MBA!
www.MarinBikes.com |
Marin Palisades Trail 29er2009 model sale $1499 |
This thing handles like a dream! The Palisades and Nail Trail share the same frame. Just a change of bits and pieces.
www.MarinBikes.com |
Marin Nail Trail 29er2009 model sale $1999 |
This bike gets you to a pretty serious level of quality for the forks, brakes, derailleurs etc. Light, stiff, great geometry.
www.MarinBikes.com |
Haro Mary XCSale $1499 |
This bike is smokin' hot. A beautiful paint job invite closer looks which reveal stunning welds on the frame. The parts spec is pretty darned amazing for a $1500 bike.!
www.HaroBikes.com |
Marin Pine Mountain 29er2009 model sale $1799 |
So there's something about 29ers, cromolly and having only 1 speed that gets riders feeling a little giggly. Start giggling.
www.MarinBikes.com
If there is a bike you don't see on this page, please call. We are always in touch with suppliers to find those "one time" deals. We have, in the past, had special purchases from Giant, KHS, Jamis, Norco, Commencal, DK, Black Market Bikes, Dobermann, Transition... The point, if we can track down a killer deal, we'll bring it in. The bikes we stock ARE killer deals - that is why they're here!
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