I think I have a new bike

I’ve been looking for an entry-level touring bicycle for a little while. My racing bike is totally inappropriate for anything more than a single day trip with all supplies purchased on the road, and really not appropriate for commuting either. My hybrid got trashed out at Burning Man and has been retired to the status of “Playa Bike.”

I’d been thinking of replacing the hybrid with another hybrid, but I got this opportunity to pick up a used rental bike. Yeah, it’s been ridden by a bunch of people, but Blazing Saddles takes pretty good care of their bikes. So I’m getting a Marin Verona, very similar in some respects to my racing bike, but it has newer components (including STI), lower gearing, and frame bosses for racks and panniers. I think it’ll fill my needs.

Nice thing is that I can ride it around for a few days before I decide whether I want it or not. If there are any big problems, they should become visible in that time.

here are the specs from the Marin Website:

Columbus Thron Cromoly frame • Custom Triple Cromoly frame Fork • Alloy Threaded 1″ Headset

Shimano 105 STI Shifters • Shimano 105 Front Deraileur • Shimano 105 Rear Deraileur • Shimano 105 9 speed Cassette • Shimano 105 Triple 30/42/52 Crankset • Dual Pivot Brake Calipers • Shimano 105 Brake Levers

Selle Italia Trimatic Saddle • Selcof 74x Seat Post • Cinelli Altera Handlebar • Cinelli Frog Stem • Cinelli Cork Tape • Ritchey Road Comp Clipless Pedals

Shimano 105 32 hole Hubs • Mavic CXP-21 32 hole Rims • DT 15 Gauge Stainless Spokes • Vittoria Action HSD 700x23c Tires