How do I Compare Raleigh to Marin Bicycles?

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Marin and Raleigh bikes produce higher-end road, hybrid, touring and mountain bicycles. Both makers are known for resourceful design, quality materials and solid components. Both bike makers are considered quality producers of bikes. Telling the difference between the bikes when comparison shopping requires an eye for detail and knowledge of welds, sizing and the various levels of components used on the bike. Before you buy, make sure you take each bike for a test ride.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Look at the down tube on the Marin bicycle. Under the seat and just above the cranks you will find a letter. This letter will be either a XS, S, M, L or XL. Marin bicycles use letter sizing for their line of bicycles. Certain Marin bicycles will use numeric sizing, as in their hardtail line of mountain bikes. Raleigh bicycles use a numeric system, going from 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. These numbers are also found on the down-tube of the bicycle.

Step 2

Turn the bicycle upside down and rest the bike on the handlebars and seat. Inspect the areas where the tubes have been welded together to form the frame. On most of the Marin bicycles, the welds have been smoothed down, giving the frame a flowing design. The Raleigh tubes have the weld hash marks on the tubes, giving it a more rugged appearance.

Step 3

Look at the frame or the user manual of the Raleigh or Marin bicycle to determine what strength and grade of aluminum or metal was used on the frame. The most common aluminum used by both Marin and Raleigh is 6061. Raleigh uses Atomic 13 SL aluminum on some of their hardtail mountain bicycles.

Step 4

Look at the component group on the bicycles. Both Raleigh and Marin use Shimano component groups, with the hierarchy being LX, XT and XTR. LX is the lower level of component group, while XTR is considered among the best. The level of bike you purchase typically determines what component group is placed on the bicycle by either Raleigh or Marin.

Step 5

Research and find out what angles and geometry is used on the bicycles you are comparing. Raleigh bicycles tend to have a less aggressive angle on the frame geometry, giving the rider a more upright position on the bike. Marin bicycles use a slightly more aggressive angle and geometry on their bicycles, particularly on their high-end dual suspension mountain bikes.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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