Marin Nicasio

83/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
28.8, 27.6, 28 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

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

15 reasons to buy

  • The Nicasio was reported to perform well over long-endurance rides.
  • Rack mounts, bottle bosses and various eyelets equip the Nicasio for weekend adventure.
  • Shimano hydraulic discs served well on the RC. Promax brakes were reported to respond well after correct setup, working well in all weather. Discs allowed for flexibility on wheel sizes.
  • A reactive approach to acceleration was experienced from this steed.
  • The wide-ranging 11-32 cassette helped counter the Nicasio’s weight and performed well on hills. Shimano 2x8 gearing also received praise.
  • Geometry was found to be comfortable across a range of sizes.
  • The Nicasio struck users and experts as being great value, considering it’s versatility.
  • Clearance is ample, accommodating tires up to 700c x 40mm or 650b x 47mm (and mudguards).
  • From the Nicasio, reviewers reported excellent control on singletrack.
  • The steel frame rode smoothly and quietly. It was described as being comfortable, stable and sturdy.
  • Schwalbe Spicer 30mm tires performed well on uneven surfaces and increased comfort, on and off-road. The RC’s plus-size gumwall tires were visually pleasing and versatile.
  • The Nicasio was regarded as a low-maintenance machine - especially the RC, for its internal gearing.
  • Sliding dropouts on the RC allowed for an easy fixed-gear or singlespeed conversion.
  • The Nicasio RC was admired for its metallic blue paintjob. The orange Nicasio was called beautiful.
  • Experts and owners called the Nicasio RC the ‘perfect commuter’.

10 reasons not to buy

  • Some reviewers were concerned over sections of exposed cable.
  • The Nicasio’s steel heft placed it at the heavy end of its class.
  • The RC’s 8-speed gearing limited its range on steeper climbs.
  • Basket-weave grips on the RC, were not the most comfortable.
  • One expert found the provided saddle to be uncomfortable.
  • Apparently, paintwork on the 2018 Nicasio 2 chipped easily.
  • One buyer received a bike with scratched brake and gear levers.
  • Another buyer’s Nicasio arrived with a bent fork.
  • Tires on the RC weren’t so resilient across all-weather riding on big-city roads.
  • A buyer felt that the RC’s pedals were cheap and plasticky. In addition, their bell broke on the first ride.

Bottom line

The Nicasio is a versatile bike, available in four models that cover commuters, bikepackers, weekend enthusiasts and endurance riders. Criticisms are minor. Componentry on entry-level models is not high-end but receives high praise for reliability. The different models provide options for varying budgets. If you can tolerate a slightly heavier ride in exchange for steel comfort, the Nicasio offers an affordable entry into off-road drop-bar riding.

Expert Reviews

80/100 based on 1 rated expert review
80

Marin Nicasio Review

Weighty but inexpensive and very enjoyable entry into the world of steel adventure riding.

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The Marin Nicasio RC Is So Stylish It Hurts

For anyone who wants a bike that’s stylish AF, loves the simplicity of a classic steel frame, wants the benefits of plus-size tires, and appreciates the low maintenance that comes with an internal drivetrain…

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Johan Cyclist

Marin Nicasio | Highway Tourer | Review [Russian]

Here we have Promax brakes. I have absolutely no complaints about them.

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Velo vs Wild

Review of My Marin Nicasio 2018 [French]

The bike uses a Shimano Claris 8-speed drivetrain. It’s entry-level Shimano but frankly, it’s great. One fault of this bike is the weight of the frame.

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Dobrerowery

Marin Nicasio 2 – At Last, a Steel Gravel Bike That Looks Good? [Polish]

So to be honest – a bike with similar parameters costs practically as much as this Marin, and there is no hydraulics 🙂

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Test: Marin Nicasio – Enter the World of Gravel [Slovak]

I would recommend the Nicasio to a rider who is looking for a faster machine than his mountain bike, but at the same time does not want to preclude the possibility of venturing into lighter terrain.

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User Ratings

82/100 based on 12 ratings
  • 5 star
    50%
  • 4 star
    33%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    17%
  • 1 star
    0%

Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#49 Best Gravel - Adventure
Bottom 40%
#22 Best Touring
Bottom 50%
#10 Best Marin Bike
Bottom 30%
#479 Best of All Bikes
Bottom 40%

Bike Comparison

Marin Nicasio in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

Discuss which bike to choose in the forum