Marin Gestalt

77/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
24.10, 23.37, 24.60 lb
Suspension
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Marin Gestalt. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

12 reasons to buy

  • Gestalts were versatile; as commuters, on roads, hardpack and gravel.
  • The base model was seen as good value, with reliable mid-range parts.
  • Experts found the entry-level Gestalt comfortable on rides up to 12 hrs long.
  • Clearance allows for a reported maximum tire size of 35c.
  • There are copious mounts on the Gestalt, for light touring and commuting.
  • All models of Gestalt feature internal cable routing.
  • With an MTB-style ‘short stem / wide bar’ combo, Gestalts handled with agility.
  • On descents, confidence was a hallmark of the Gestalt 2.
  • Setup and tuning were easy for a self-described ‘novice’ owner.
  • With the right tires, the Gestalt 2 was more than capable on gravel.
  • One expert described the OEM ‘Beyond Road’ saddle as ‘plush’.
  • Double-wall, 19mm OEM rims were tubeless compatible. They were considered tough and stayed true.

10 reasons not to buy

  • Some testers deplored the Marin ‘Beyond Road’ saddle for its lack of comfort.
  • Compared to earlier models, new Gestalts were sometimes deemed overpriced.
  • An owner complained that lighter colors got dirty easily.
  • For one rider, the FSA headset started creaking after low miles.
  • Upgrades were welcomed on the entry-level Gestalt’s heavy wheels and cranks.
  • The base model’s alloy fork could be unforgiving, especially on long rides.
  • For one reviewer, the entry-level model's Promax brakes were underpowered.
  • The Gestalt’s 2x8 drivetrain offered limited range.
  • A disappointed owner was unable to fit the max. size 35c tires on a Gestalt 2.
  • An owner said that wheel truing, gear tuning and cable trimming were all required on their new bike.

Bottom line

The Gestalt is a ‘jack-of-all trades’, utilitarian bike. It is built to handle daily commutes, while carrying racks. With a robust build and wider tires, it’s more than capable of taking on light gravel and hardpack dirt roads. Anything chunkier than that was a little uncomfortable. The entry-level Gestalt has a jouncier all-aluminum fork, which is upgraded to full carbon on the Gestalt 1 and 2. An expert said that handling may be impeded by hefty loads, but the Gestalt range suited light touring. The base-model’s 2x8 drivetrain showed limited range, noticably on offroad ascents. This entry-level model is a great compromise between budget and value, for someone who needs one all-rounder bike. The Gestalt 2 is more comfortable, a bit hardier and will need less upgrades.

Expert Reviews

70/100 based on 1 rated expert review
70

Marin Gestalt Gravel Bike Review

…a reliable commuting partner as long as there aren’t any super steep hills… it’s a bargain workhorse but… it might make more sense to plug straight into the the Gestalt 2…

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Mammoth Journeys

Marin Gestalt Review

If you’re looking for a bike that can do a lot… commuting, sportives, some gravel riding and light touring, I would seriously consider this bike. It’s tough and it’s comfortable and we’ve had a lot of fun on it.

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Test: Marin Gestalt 1 2019 – Byway and by Road [Slovakian]

…it shouldn’t be forgotten that mechanical discs have a little later onset . So if you are spoiled by hydraulics as I am, you will have to get used to them for a while. The advantages are price and ease of service.

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Rennrad News

Marin 2018 Gravel Bikes And Cyclocross Racers [German]

I have a 2016 Marin Gestalt… unfortunately Marin increased the prices a lot, but I do almost 20,000 km a year, 2,500 of them are on the Marin. A very good all-round bike.

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User Ratings

92/100 based on 10 ratings
  • 5 star
    70%
  • 4 star
    20%
  • 3 star
    10%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#70 Best Gravel - Adventure
Bottom 20%
#36 Best Touring
Bottom 10%
#13 Best Marin Bike
Bottom 10%
#614 Best of All Bikes
Bottom 20%

Bike Comparison

Marin Gestalt in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

Discuss which bike to choose in the forum