Marin launch 2014 bikes

Marin have launched their 2014 range which includes an updated Verona T3 road bike and the interesting Lombard urban cross bike. Marin also have a new logo and head badge.

Here’s that head badge. It's all part of a larger redesign process, Marin having changed hands recently. And here’s the simplified version used for frame decals.

We showed you the first version of the Verona road bike (main pic) when it was launched last summer. It’s Marin’s flagship bike in an Endurance Fit – so, a slightly shorter top tube and a slightly longer head tube than on a race bike. You also get a longer wheelbase and a more relaxed head tube angle for extra stability. The frame is carbon and it’s made using a tube-to-tube construction method.

The Verona T3 Pro comes with mechanical/electronic internal cable routing, the head tube is tapered for more stiffness up front, and that’s a full-carbon fork plugged in there.

The groupset is Shimano 105 with an FSA Gossamer compact chainset, and the Alex RA30 rims are fitted with Schwalbe Lugano tyres. The complete bike retails at £1,699.

The other really interesting road bike in Marin’s 2014 range is the Lombard. Priced at £999, it’s available through most Cycle to Work schemes, and we can imagine lots of people wanting to use it for commuting.

The frame is alloy and the reflective finish in parts, hardly noticeable in daylight, really shines when headlights catch it. Marin use their R2 Cyclocross geometry here, designed to be stable through the corners but with an agile front end. The fork is carbon bladed and you get chunky 35mm tyres to provide plenty of grip and comfort.

The drivetrain is largely Shimano 105 (with double chainrings) – an upgrade from the Sora equipment used last year – while the brakes are now Avid BB5 cable-operated discs.

For more info go to www.marin.co.uk.