This adaptable pony was at home in cities and woods, on gravel and asphalt.
This rig was a stellar commuter, but also easily tweaked for touring and bikepacking.
Pedalers dug the tricolor, Rastafarian paintjob.
A wide and ample range was provided by the Muirwoods 27-speed drivetrain.
The chromoly steel frame offered a smooth, compliant ride over rough surfaces.
Braze-ons catered for three bottles, racks and mudguards.
Tire clearance ensured plenty of room for 29”x2.0 tires.
Hydraulic disc brakes were entry-level but powerful and easily serviceable.
The Muirwoods struck owners as sturdy and tough enough to mount curbs.
For one owner, strong Vee-Tire Speedsters lasted 1000 mi, through 4 seasons.
Stock wheels weren’t light, but were tough enough for offroad applications.
The SR Suntour crankset, coupled with Shimanos Altus kit (Front) and Alivio (Rear) – made for a simple but reliable drivetrain.

3 reasons not to buy

Factory brand wheels were durable, but somewhat heavy.
Stock handlebars were wide, prohibiting rockstar-messenger traffic weaving.
The Muirwoods was slightly heavier than some aluminum competitors.

Bottom line

The Muirwoods indulges in chromoly steel to create a buttery, olde-schoole ride that soaks up bumps on rough roads, gravel tracks and chattery trails. In a budget package with middleweight but reliable kit, the Muirwoods presents itself as a remarkably versatile machine that breaks outside of the commuter cage. Hydraulic disc brakes and wide tires are stock on both 700c and 650b models. At a very reasonable price, the domain of the Muirwoods was only limited to the imagination of riders.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

85/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews

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BikesEtc

Level 1 expert

Marin Muirwoods: Stylish Urban Warrior with a Heart of Steel

Level 1 expert

It’s a great commuter, but can be adapted for touring or mountain biking.

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Cyclist

Level 5 expert

Bargain Hybrid Bikes: Marin Muirwoods Review

Level 5 expert

Solid and tough, this is a great commuter that has plenty of appeal beyond the working week.

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Medium

Level 1 expert

Long Term Review of the Marin Muirwoods – Budget Tourer, Awesome Commuter

Level 1 expert

The Kona Sutra LTD and Specialized AWOL shout out about clearance for tyres above 2.0 like that’s a big deal, but here we have a pretty affordable bike that has the same for far less. No-brainer? I think so.

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MTBiker

Level 1 expert

Test: Marin Muirwoods 2019 – Urban Steel with a Touch Of Nostalgia [Slovak]

Level 1 expert

The bike is built on an honest steel frame that, with a little care, will continue to function calmly in twenty years.

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bikeWorld.pl

Level 5 expert

Test: Marin Muirwoods – City Training [Polish]

Level 5 expert

Muirwoods is primarily a comfortable bike for everyday riding, which in its simple design hides more character than many other more expensive bikes. The most interesting element of the bicycle is the steel frame and fork.

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