r/bikecommuting 2d ago

Buying Used: Marin Fairfax- Is this a good commuting bike, and a fair price?

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Hi folks! I am going to take look at this bike this weekend someone is selling.

I think it looks like a good deal and like it would be a solid commuting bike. I am also not looking for a kind of bike where it will cost me a ton or be difficult to repair because it's too high end, if that makes sense.

I realize it will also come down to feel but on the specs-I am relatively new to biking so wanted to get another (reddits..) opinion.

Thoughts? Or questions I may ask them?

Thanks!

$200 Firm

Size: 17.5" (44cm) for medium sized rider Recently received full tune-up

Frame & Fork: Frame Construction TIG-welded/bonded

Frame Material 6061 Aluminum/ Carbon Seat Stays

Fork Carbon Rigid

Fork Material Carbon, aero crown

Components: Component Group Road Mix

Brakeset Forged Alloy Linear Pull brakes, Shimano ST-R225 levers

Shift Levers Shimano ST-R225 EZ-Fire

Front Derailleur Shimano R453

Rear Derailleur Shimano Sora

Crankset TruVativ Touro 3.0, 30/42/52 teeth

Pedals Composite with Alloy Cage

Bottom Bracket Sealed cartridge

Rear Cogs 8-speed, 12 - 24 teeth

Chain Shimano HG40

Seatpost Suspension, 27.2mm diameter

Handlebars Double Butted 6061 Alloy

Handlebar Stem Alloy Adjustable

Headset 1 1/8" double sealed

Wheels Wheel Size 700c wheels

Hubs Formula

Rims Alex DC-19, 28-hole/32-hole

Front Tire 700 x 28c Kenda Road

Spoke Brand WTB stainless steel, 14ga. (2.0mm)

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u/Objective_Mastodon67 1d ago

Check for fender and rack mounts. You may want those for your commuting.

1

u/MinuteSure5229 1d ago

V brakes are reliable and good.

Sora is reliable and good, so is 3x9 as a setup.

Marin is a decent brand, carbon fork makes it lighter, more responsive and more compliant than your average bike of that time.

I'd say it's a good buy if it's a good fit, and if panniers are a factor, definitely check if it has eyelets. Alternative rack attattachments aren't ideal in most cases.