The MARIN NICASIO, reborn as a 2026 model, is "just right" as an entry-level gravel bike.

With expanded tire clearance and additional bolt mounts, it has gained practicality for touring and bike-packing with peace of mind.

It features the suppleness of a chromoly frame, stable geometry, and easy-to-use basic specifications with Shimano CLARIS. It's perfect for a first drop bar or gravel bike experience, with ample room for customization to suit your needs.

From city riding to touring, and even serious gravel rides. The NICASIO has evolved to be not just a "first bike" but a "long-term companion."

2026.MARIN NICASIO

[Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price] ¥132,000 (tax included)
[Colors (2 total)] Gloss Black / Silver, Gloss Bone / Grey
[Sizes (approximate height)] 50 (155-163cm), 52 (160-168cm), 54 (168-175cm), 56 (175-183cm)

Key Improvements of the 2026 NICASIO Model

The MARIN "NICASIO" has been renewed for the 2026 model year.

While the conventional model could accommodate wider road plus tires in 650B, it could only fit relatively narrower tires for a gravel bike in 700C, effectively making it more "all-road oriented."

Two improvements are particularly noteworthy for the 2026 model.

One is "expanded tire clearance," and the other is "increased bolt mounts." With more flexible tire choices and enhanced cargo capacity, the NICASIO has evolved into an even more "adventure-ready bike."

●Expanded Tire Clearance

The front clearance is well secured, giving the impression that it can accommodate quite wide tires. The rear, based on visual confirmation of the display model, seemed fine with around 700x40c. We will verify if larger sizes can be fitted once the actual bike arrives.

●Expanded Bolt Mounts

The previous NICASIO models had a slightly insufficient number of bolt mounts for a gravel bike.

However, the 2026 model has significantly expanded mounts on the "top tube," "additional front fork eyelets," and "rear rack eyelets," so storage capacity is no longer a concern. It is now specified to be a reliable choice for gravel and touring use.

The 2026 NICASIO model thoroughly addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor.

Expanded tire clearance offers more options, and additional bolt mounts dramatically increase the flexibility of cargo capacity. It has evolved into a model with sufficient practicality for riders who "want to seriously enjoy both gravel and touring."

▲Back to TOP

Riding Feel Born from Chromoly Material and Unique Geometry

The frame material uses double-butted chromoly tubing. This configuration provides the characteristic chromoly ride feel—rugged yet supple, reducing fatigue during long rides.

The frame geometry features a design typical of American gravel bikes, offering "solid stability on flat terrain." The center of gravity is low, designed for excellent straight-line stability.

Conversely, to avoid a "sluggish" pedaling feel, dropped seat stays are incorporated, ensuring a sharp and agile ride quality.

The NICASIO frame combines the suppleness of double-butted chromoly with the straight-line stability from its low center of gravity, further enhanced by the sharp responsiveness provided by the dropped seat stays.

The result is a well-balanced design that offers both "peace of mind on journeys" and "the joy of riding."

The complete bike weighs 13.14kg (size 52, with pedals). When viewed as a gravel-oriented all-road bike (chromoly), it's honestly not lightweight; it's on the heavier side.

However, this weight is not merely a weakness in terms of specifications. The NICASIO is not a road bike designed with lightness as its top priority; it's built as a tough bike for carrying loads and riding on unpaved roads. The frame's chromoly construction emphasizes rigidity and durability, and its component selection prioritizes reliability for daily use and touring. This weight is a natural consequence of that design philosophy.

In fact, when carrying luggage, the frame weight's impact relative to the total weight of the rider plus cargo becomes less significant, making "heaviness" less noticeable.

Rather, it contributes positively to stability and peace of mind—that's the character of this bike.

▲Back to TOP

Practical Specifications for Entry-Level Users

The basic specifications feature Shimano CLARIS (2x8 speed).

This combination offers an easy-to-handle and reliable entry-level groupset, providing peace of mind even for a first sports bike.

While single chainrings are becoming mainstream, the NICASIO deliberately uses a double chainring setup. This ensures a wide gear range for confidently tackling steep climbs.

While the simplicity and fewer potential issues of a single chainring are attractive, the versatility of a double chainring, adaptable to various routes and rider fitness levels, is a reassuring option, especially for beginners.

The brakes are mechanical disc brakes manufactured by Tektro.

While they offer sufficient performance for road-focused rides, for those who actively want to ride gravel or courses with significant ascents and descents, this area offers room for customization.

While hydraulic discs may not be strictly necessary, upgrading would provide more reliable braking performance.

It comes equipped with 700x36c slick tires. This specification reflects the "all-road oriented" character that has carried over from previous models.

If you primarily want to enjoy gravel riding, customizing to block-pattern gravel tires would significantly improve off-road capability.

The NICASIO's specifications balance cost performance with an intention to let riders "experience drop bars and gravel design first."

While it's perfectly enjoyable in its standard configuration, there's ample room to evolve it into your ideal bike by gradually customizing tires, brakes, etc., to match your riding style, whether it's "gravel riding," "touring," or "cycling."

Specifications

▲Back to TOP

Summary | The Evolved Entry-Level Gravel Bike "NICASIO" 2026 Model

The new 2026 NICASIO model is more than just an entry-level bike.

With the suppleness of a chromoly frame and geometry that balances straight-line stability with agility, along with expanded tire clearance and bolt mounts, it has evolved into an even more reliable "travel companion."

While it's perfectly capable of zipping around town or on paved roads in its standard form, you can gradually customize it—with wider tires, racks, or bags—to suit your style of play, transforming it into a bike that lets you fully enjoy touring and gravel riding.

The NICASIO is not only a bike for "taking the first step" but also a "long-term companion" that adapts to the rider's growth and changing styles. You're sure to discover your own unique cycling path as you ride.

▲Back to TOP