Excellent shoes for the price, roomier toe box

I agree with the first review. These shoes are a steal for the price. They are so much stiffer than my previous Pearl's that I was initially uncertain about their comfort. I've been using them for 4 months now and love them. They are not the lightest shoes, but that's not to say they are heavy- just not super light. In my opinion, this is not the most critical place to try to save weight anyway. I tried on 4 other brands that cost between $75 and $200 more. The problem I experienced with most "higher end" shoes was that the toe box was often too small. Shimano's have a slightly larger toe box for those of us that need a little more room at the front of the shoe. This is much more comfortable for longer rides and gives enough room to replace the stock insert with an arch support insert, if needed (which I did). They also have a nice venting feature under the front of the shoe, allowing a little bit of air to enter the shoe and keep your feet a little cooler. Overall: Excellent shoe- particularly for the price.

Posted 08.31.12

2011 Marin Stelvio Ultegra follow on review

I've now put 1400 miles on my Stelvio, which I think qualifies as "a fair shake". I haven't wanted to get off this bike long enough to write a follow on review of it. Bike reviews are very subjective, but I could not be happier about this bike. I’ve been a mountain biker for 20 years, road riding only to support my fitness for mountain biking and an occasional sprint triathlon. I’ve also been riding Marin mountain bikes since I started. I really like the company and my experience on their bikes has been so rewarding that I’ve never really considered another manufacturer. That said, when I got serious about road riding last year, I did a lot of research on various bike models and manufacturers, frame geometries and resultant ride characteristics, to see how the Stelvio matched up to some of the "Big Name" road bikes that fit the needs of the riding I planned to do. I love their mountain bikes, but was a little wary of spending a lot of money on a road bike from Marin, because to me (and most everyone) they’re known as a mountain bike manufacturer. I read every review I could find on the Stelvio which, sadly, was not many, and spoke with a couple of bike shop owner/employee’s (many states away) that carried it. All the feedback I got was very positive. One of the owners openly stated that the Stelvio easily matched up in both componentry and ride quality with some of the “Big Name” bikes he sells at twice the price. Owing to my brand loyalty, the reviews, and the geometry for my needs, I decided to take a “chance” on the Stelvio. There really wasn’t much risk involved, given the company behind it, and the reward has been huge! I’ve only ever done one “road race”, a crit last July, but that got me hooked. I had never ridden more than 35 miles prior to June of 2011. I did my first “structured” training this winter and started riding with a group this spring that has a high percentage of Masters Cat 3 and above riders. I can’t say that I’m quite to their level yet, but with this bike, I’ve been able to hang on to them and even do my share of work. I assure you, the Stelvio is not what is keeping me from reaching their level. The bike is ready and anxious for me to get there. My body needs more time ;). The bike is light, quick, responsive and VERY comfortable. I’ve done a 72 mile and 86 mile ride on it already this year, and loved every minute of it. Tomorrow, 5/23/12, I’m going to attempt a 156 mile ride from Milwaukee to Madison and back (the Bone Ride) and expect that I’ll enjoy it just as much on the Stelvio. It is certainly comfortable enough for the longer rides and it’s already proven to me to be quick/fast enough on 30-40 mile race training rides, that I know it is ready to race. I can grow into this bike and be exceedingly happy while doing it. Buy it and enjoy it. You won’t look back negatively on your decision, but I bet you will on your past riding experiences.

Posted 05.22.12

2011 Marin Stelvio Ultegra- Genius Build

I'll have to write a follow on to this, as I have not yet sat on the bike, but having just received the bike with the Genius build, I have to say I couldn't be happier or more impressed. The Genius build couldn't make it more ready to go, lest they packaged Chris (the Genius builder) in the box too. This bike is beautiful! The downtube is bigger (in diameter) than it appears to be in the photo (a good thing). What appears as red paint in the photo is not a true red. It is an orange red, more like 'lifeguard' red, that really makes it "pop". I'm going to feel guilty getting it dirty (but not for long..) I'll submit a review of the bike feel and performance as soon as I've given it a fair shake.

Posted 01.04.12

Jay Raymond

ogling my new bicycle!

Posted 01.04.12

Excellent shoes for the price, roomier toe box

I agree with the first review. These shoes are a steal for the price. They are so much stiffer than my previous Pearl's that I was initially uncertain about their comfort. I've been using them for 4 months now and love them. They are not the lightest shoes, but that's not to say they are heavy- just not super light. In my opinion, this is not the most critical place to try to save weight anyway. I tried on 4 other brands that cost between $75 and $200 more. The problem I experienced with most "higher end" shoes was that the toe box was often too small. Shimano's have a slightly larger toe box for those of us that need a little more room at the front of the shoe. This is much more comfortable for longer rides and gives enough room to replace the stock insert with an arch support insert, if needed (which I did). They also have a nice venting feature under the front of the shoe, allowing a little bit of air to enter the shoe and keep your feet a little cooler. Overall: Excellent shoe- particularly for the price.

Posted 08.31.12

2011 Marin Stelvio Ultegra follow on review

I've now put 1400 miles on my Stelvio, which I think qualifies as "a fair shake". I haven't wanted to get off this bike long enough to write a follow on review of it. Bike reviews are very subjective, but I could not be happier about this bike. I’ve been a mountain biker for 20 years, road riding only to support my fitness for mountain biking and an occasional sprint triathlon. I’ve also been riding Marin mountain bikes since I started. I really like the company and my experience on their bikes has been so rewarding that I’ve never really considered another manufacturer. That said, when I got serious about road riding last year, I did a lot of research on various bike models and manufacturers, frame geometries and resultant ride characteristics, to see how the Stelvio matched up to some of the "Big Name" road bikes that fit the needs of the riding I planned to do. I love their mountain bikes, but was a little wary of spending a lot of money on a road bike from Marin, because to me (and most everyone) they’re known as a mountain bike manufacturer. I read every review I could find on the Stelvio which, sadly, was not many, and spoke with a couple of bike shop owner/employee’s (many states away) that carried it. All the feedback I got was very positive. One of the owners openly stated that the Stelvio easily matched up in both componentry and ride quality with some of the “Big Name” bikes he sells at twice the price. Owing to my brand loyalty, the reviews, and the geometry for my needs, I decided to take a “chance” on the Stelvio. There really wasn’t much risk involved, given the company behind it, and the reward has been huge! I’ve only ever done one “road race”, a crit last July, but that got me hooked. I had never ridden more than 35 miles prior to June of 2011. I did my first “structured” training this winter and started riding with a group this spring that has a high percentage of Masters Cat 3 and above riders. I can’t say that I’m quite to their level yet, but with this bike, I’ve been able to hang on to them and even do my share of work. I assure you, the Stelvio is not what is keeping me from reaching their level. The bike is ready and anxious for me to get there. My body needs more time ;). The bike is light, quick, responsive and VERY comfortable. I’ve done a 72 mile and 86 mile ride on it already this year, and loved every minute of it. Tomorrow, 5/23/12, I’m going to attempt a 156 mile ride from Milwaukee to Madison and back (the Bone Ride) and expect that I’ll enjoy it just as much on the Stelvio. It is certainly comfortable enough for the longer rides and it’s already proven to me to be quick/fast enough on 30-40 mile race training rides, that I know it is ready to race. I can grow into this bike and be exceedingly happy while doing it. Buy it and enjoy it. You won’t look back negatively on your decision, but I bet you will on your past riding experiences.

Posted 05.22.12

2011 Marin Stelvio Ultegra- Genius Build

I'll have to write a follow on to this, as I have not yet sat on the bike, but having just received the bike with the Genius build, I have to say I couldn't be happier or more impressed. The Genius build couldn't make it more ready to go, lest they packaged Chris (the Genius builder) in the box too. This bike is beautiful! The downtube is bigger (in diameter) than it appears to be in the photo (a good thing). What appears as red paint in the photo is not a true red. It is an orange red, more like 'lifeguard' red, that really makes it "pop". I'm going to feel guilty getting it dirty (but not for long..) I'll submit a review of the bike feel and performance as soon as I've given it a fair shake.

Posted 01.04.12