The "MUIRWOODS 29" chromoly cross bike is described as "street-style" on the manufacturer's official website, giving it a somewhat "mischievous" impression.

However, it actually offers an incredibly smooth ride...

It's designed to prevent loss of handlebar control on "bumpy city streets" and "curbs," and the chromoly frame combined with thick tires provides excellent cushioning.

This model is irresistible due to the gap between its "mischievous impression" and "smooth ride"!

2024.MARIN MUIRWOODS 29

【Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price】￥106,700 (tax included)
【Color (1 color)】GLOSS BLACK
【Sizes (目安 height)】S (157~168cm), M (168~178cm), L (178~188cm)

About the MUIRWOODS 29 Frame Performance

The MUIRWOODS 29 frame is made from 4130 chromoly steel. It excels in vibration absorption and durability, and features butted tubing for lightweight construction. Excellent frame◎

The frame geometry (design) is quite unique. While the basic foundation is that of a popular cross bike, it features...

A design where the head angle, which is the angle of the head tube, is significantly slacker compared to popular cross bikes (the handlebars are closer to the rider, and the front wheel extends further forward).

This design helps suppress wobbling when riding over bumps and improves stability. Conversely, the drawback is that it becomes harder to achieve quick maneuvering (curves become wider).

Incidentally, this head angle is often adopted in MTBs and other bikes, suggesting a design focused on rough terrain.

Additionally, the bottom bracket (BB) position is designed to be lower than typical cross bikes. A lower BB position lowers the center of gravity, improving riding stability.

It's likely that as the front wheel extended forward, the entire bike leaned forward, causing the BB position to drop.

With a slacker head angle, a longer front center length, and a lower center of gravity, this design focuses significantly on riding stability compared to popular cross bikes.

●Other Frame Specs

• 
• Compatible with internally routed dropper seatposts

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• Tire clearance for up to 700x60c

• 
• Reflective decals for safe night riding.

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• Bolt holes for attaching a side stand are provided. *A center stand cannot be attached to the MUIRWOODS 29.

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About the MUIRWOODS 29 Component Configuration

 The basic specifications feature micro shift Advent X (1x10 speed), which is a step above typical cross bikes. Excellent components.

Although it has a single front chainring, the rear gear features a wide range from 11-51t. With such large gears, most climbs should be easily manageable.

TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes are used. While many cross bikes now feature hydraulic disc brakes, the ability to maintain braking power in bad weather and control speed with light effort is a welcome feature. Excellent.

Incidentally, the tubes use American valves. Please note that they are not Presta valves!

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MUIRWOODS 29 Test Ride Impressions

The "2024.MUIRWOODS 29" features the same frame and fork as the "MUIRWOODS29 SE" released in 2023, but with upgraded components.

Incidentally, the MUIRWOODS29 SE is a Japan-exclusive model. The MUIRWOODS 29 is what you might call the international model!

My impression from the test ride was a strong sense of ease and gentleness in handling while riding.

While the handlebar width is longer than typical cross bikes and the stem is quite short, those unfamiliar with it might feel a sense of discomfort. However, the bike itself is very stable and easy to control, so you'll quickly get used to it.

In terms of riding performance, it's a bit difficult to accelerate quickly. This is due to it being a chromoly cross bike, and it seems to be a trade-off for stability.

Additionally, it might not be suitable for touring or long-distance cycling in Japan! The slack head angle and long front center make it difficult to ride using the upper body, which is a disadvantage on climbs.

In Japan, when you try to go for a long ride, you almost always encounter mountains. It's not that climbing is impossible due to the large rear gear, but rather that "climbing + long distance" can be tough. 💦

It would be pleasant on satoyama and forest roads with fewer climbs!

Above all, the MUIRWOODS 29 is a cross bike designed for urban riding! It's a model with a wide range of use, from rural roads to cities!! 

Furthermore, I believe this model offers considerable customization possibilities! Carriers, racks, baskets, and fenders can mostly all be attached.

It feels like there's enough room for customization to cover a certain extent with one bike, whether as a commuter bike or a rigid MTB style!

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MARIN MUIRWOODS 29 Summary

The MUIRWOODS 29 feels like a slightly unusual model among cross bikes!

...That said, rather than being an unruly steed that's hard to handle, it's actually a forgiving model that's considerate of beginners.

On MARIN's official website in its home country, there's a video showing someone riding the MUIRWOODS 29 quite aggressively (lol)

I guess it's like, "With the easy-to-control MUIRWOODS 29, you can do things like this!" But kids, don't try this at home!

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