MARIN PRESIDIO 1
Impressive value wins the prize
The Marin utilises a very versatile, good-looking and well-appointed frame at a bargain price
This was a very close call. I’d be happy to ride all of the bikes here every day 52 weeks of the year, whether to and from work or just throwing around for the fun of it. The Ridgeback offers a one-stop shop, thanks to its included full mudguards and rack. For a first foray into the rigours of riding to work, it offers great value. If it could smooth out some of the drivetrain noise and size down on the tyres to avoid mudguard rub, then Ridgeback would have a straight-up winner on its hands.
The Orbea Carpe is a proper fun machine. The handling is swift and encourages you to ride hard; traffic-light getaways and darting through traffic are the Carpe’s bread and butter. If the crank flex could be ironed out, I’d happily ride it anywhere. The handling is impressive whether you’re a novice or experienced rider, making getting to work heaps of fun. The Giant has a hell of a lot going for it. It’s the lightest bike on test, the one with the most up-to-date spec, and it rides so smoothly and comfortably. If you can afford the extra expense over its rivals, it’s a very accomplished machine. It’s also a great option for many types of cycling, including weekend adventures.
It has to be said, though, that for £234 less, the Marin Presidio offers a comparably comfortable ride with great handling. It utilises a very versatile, good-looking and wellappointed frame at that bargain price. The savings over the (admittedly superior) Giant would pay for plenty of extras: mudguards (£30), a rack (£25) and a pretty decent lock and second cable lock for the wheels too (£100). And that’d still leave plenty in change.