Mark Adams The Larkspur is the ideal companion for the casual commuter, for inner-city errands and is perfect for relaxing rides in the countryside at the weekend. It features a combination of city and sport geometry for maximum comfort and efficiency in all cycling situations.
Strong, Lightweight and Comfortable Bike Build
This modern city bike has a strong and lightweight aluminium frame at its core and shock absorbing steel forks at the front. It’s designed so it can be fitted with fenders and luggage racks, which make every cycling experience more efficient and reduces the need to carry a backpack.
Shimano Drivetrain and Powerful V-Brakes
Its equipped with a Shimano 3×7-speed drivetrain for smooth, reliable and crisp gear shifting and its powerful V-brakes provide reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. Complete with a superb finishing kit, this bike is prepared to become your journey companion in all of life’s cycling endeavours.
All Marin bikes on Chain Reaction Cycles are covered by a 2 year warranty. Proof of purchase is necessary.
Marin Larkspur Bike Review:
This bike is perfect for a beginner. I am a beginner and I picked up the bike in a size XS. At 5’9 160 lbs I am on the tall and skinny side and this bike fits me well. I didn’t want to get a bike that was too big just in case I didn’t like it. Everyone who saw the bike commented on how nice it looked and I was very happy with it. The dark red paint job is stunning in person and does not show scratches easily. The bike was easy to assemble and I had it together in about 40 minutes.
The bike came with a bell, a nice kickstand, and fenders. The fenders are plastic and work as described. They protect against spray from the front wheel and mud from the back wheel.
For a bike that is meant to be ridden around the city, this thing is light. The bike came with pedals, a set of toe clips, and a water bottle cage. I removed most of the extras so I could ride it more easily (just town riding) but they are easily removed and I know clipping in is pretty big right now, especially for the younger riders reading this review. Be aware that if you ride this bike with regular shoes, you will slide out. You can replace the toe clips with regular pedals and the extra stuff is not required for the occasional rider. The water bottle cage holds a full sized styrofoam cup from Dunkin. If you want to ride around with water bottles that are larger, look for something else.
Some people have mentioned that the draw for this bike is the larger 47 tooth chain ring. Yes this is true, but in my opinion the best feature about this bike is the brakes. The brakes stop the bike when you apply them without any squeaking or grinding. They are comfortable and quiet. This bike will stop when you need to stop it.
Make sure you lube the chain and the chain rings with oil when you get the bike. The chain is pretty much brand new and needs some breaking in period.
Marin Larkspur Bike Review:
Pros:
The Marin Larkspur is a quality bike. It’s loaded with features that make it a great overall commuter bike. I docked it a star because it is pretty heavy when compared to other similar bikes. I’m chalking that up to the fact that it is an aluminum frame. That being said, it is a nice looking bike, fits me and my 6’3 frame well, and is an all around solid bike. I’ve been riding it to work downtown, and using it for the short 5 mile rides out to my in-laws on the weekends. It seems to be perfect for that role. I like the how quiet the gears are, I like the brakes, and I like the fenders. I also like that the bike comes with a bell. Good design there. Cons:
It’s a bit heavy, like I said. It’s not a super fast bike, but that’s what you’re looking for if you’re going to be mainly using it to commute. It’s nice that the wheels are a fairly light weight, but I would have preferred something a bit softer.
I will definitely be using this bike for all of my city commutes. I’ll probably find a lighter bike to use for errands where I’m going out for more than about 30 miles.
Marin Larkspur Bike Review:
Strong magnesium rims and high-tensile steel stand up against potholes and curbs without flexing or buckling.
Large volume 700×38 Kenda tire offers greater resistance to punctures, while the drop handlebars position rider closer to a more comfortable and efficient riding position.
The bike’s sturdy, wire-spoke fenders are more than bike-rack-ready to keep you clean and dry.
Bike is equipped with reliable Tektro mechanical linear-pull brakes for all-weather stopping power.
Good bike at a good price
It’s a good bike for commuting and I’m glad that I bought it. I had a mountain bike beforehand and the difference is night and day. I can go much faster on the Marin Larkspur and control it much better. It’s really easy to get comfortable on the bike. It’s pretty smooth and the breaks work good. I’m really happy with it.
It’s a great bike for riding around the city that’s just comfortable enough to ride longer distances (15-30 miles) comfortably. I ride around the city on it for work and ride just under 1,000 miles a year. Haven’t had any problems with it (knock on wood). The brakes are good and they don’t make any noise. I’m not planning on doing any long distance riding, but I was out for a ride with some friends after work and riding this bike to my in-laws during the weekends. The only complaint I have is that the gearing is a little heavy. I’d rather have lighter gearing if I was riding longer distances or if I was planning on going up a hill at a faster speed. At this price, it’s hard to find something better.
Marin’s lightest-in-class Larkspur is ready to roll when you are—with crisp, predictable shifting from the Shimano 7-speed drivetrain and powerful, thumbs-free V-brakes. Cruise in comfort and style on this versatile and classic urban commuter.
