Introducing the "MARIN DONKY 27.5 SE (Marin/Donky 27.5 SE)," a model that has been modified into an urban commuter from the "MARIN LARKSPUR 1 (Marin/Larkspur 1)," which started domestic sales a few years ago as a suddenly appearing new category: "Gravel Lady"!

▶Click here for past articles on MARIN LARKSPUR 1

The LARKSPUR 1 is a rare gravel bike that uses a mixte frame, making it easy to get on and off even with a lot of luggage loaded on the rear.◎

At the time of its release, domestic distribution was limited, so it was so popular that it sold out by pre-order before it even arrived at our store.

The "DONKY 27.5 SE" is a Japan-exclusive model that has been modified from the LARKSPUR 1 for urban riding.

＼DONKY 27.5 SE is also featured on YouTube!／

2024.MARIN DONKY 27.5 SE (Marin/Donky 27.5 SE)

【Manufacturer's suggested retail price】 ¥96,800 (tax included)
【Colors (all 3 colors)】 MAT BLACK, MAT GREY, MAT BROWN
【Sizes (approximate height range)】 S (152-163cm), M (163-173cm), L (173-180cm)
【Weight】 13.3kg (M size)

About the DONKY 27.5 SE Frame Performance

The DONKY 27.5 SE adopts a mixte-based frame shape and is made of chromoly material with double-butted molding.

The top tube is significantly lowered towards the rear, making it easy for shorter riders or those who have difficulty lifting their legs to get on and off.

Chromoly, while heavier than the popular aluminum frame, is a material that excels in durability and vibration absorption.

The frame geometry features a long wheelbase of over 1000mm even in size S and a very low center of gravity with a 75mm BB DROP, ensuring excellent stability.

The head tube is also quite long, allowing for a very upright riding position.

Since it uses the same frame as the LARKSPUR, a gravel lady model introduced earlier, it can be said to be a frame that possesses the toughness to tackle rough roads like a gravel bike while also being designed for relaxed urban riding.

Furthermore, the DONKY 27.5 SE frame uses a higher-grade frame material (Series 2 Butted CrMo) than the popular "NICASIO SE" from the same brand, making it slightly more expensive but lighter.

While the bike's weight of 13.3kg (measured 15.44kg) might seem a bit heavy for a cross bike, considering that typical utility bicycles (mamachari) weigh 18kg-20kg, it actually feels light despite its appearance (thick tires + rear rack)!

The fact that it can keep its weight down while featuring air-volume tires and a durable chromoly frame is a welcome point◎

As an added bonus, it has a wire routing hole for an internal dropper seatpost, a remnant from the LARKSPUR.

Although you might not use it for city riding, it comes in handy when you want to customize it into a gravel model 💦

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About the DONKY 27.5 SE Parts Configuration

The basic specifications include a 1x8-speed Shimano ALUTUS, a popular 1-by setup for cross bikes.

While it might be insufficient for riding on steep mountain slopes, it's more than adequate for city cruising.

Brakes are mechanical disc brakes from TEKTRO. They offer stronger braking power than popular rim brakes, and are more affordable and easier to maintain than hydraulic disc brakes, which are currently popular.

These days, mechanical disc brakes like EQUAL, which rival hydraulic disc brakes, are also being released, so this is a line not to be underestimated!

The tires are quite voluminous, at 27.5x2.35 inches, making them rather thick.

The tread pattern uses on-road tires with lower knobs than MTB tires.

Thanks to this tire width and air volume, it offers a relaxed, cruiser-like ride that hardly notices minor bumps and uneven roads.

The handlebars are wide, promenade-style handlebars. In addition to the long head tube, the back-swept handlebar shape provides a very relaxed riding position◎

*The handlebars are approximately 735mm wide, so if you are concerned, please consider adjusting them by cutting them.

Rather than traversing rough roads like a gravel bike or swiftly riding on paved roads like a road bike, it is specfically suited for relaxed city cruising.

The saddle is wide and well-cushioned, a welcome feature for casual riders.

A kickstand is standard equipment◎

While one might want to attach a center stand to a bicycle like the DONKY 27.5 SE, please note that it is unfortunately not designed for installation!

And, a rear carrier is also standard equipment. Since the carrier class is 18kg, it is not suitable for installing a child seat, but a stay is provided one step lower than the top plate, so that when pannier bags or the like are attached, the bags do not interfere with the luggage placed on the top plate◎

Specifications Table

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Impressions of test riding the DONKY 27.5 SE

It looks like it would be "heavy," and indeed, when I lifted it, I found it to be "heavy." However, my test ride experience was a model that defied expectations with its "surprisingly good ride."

Of course, compared to popular cross bikes, its acceleration and cruising performance are inferior. Simply put, you can think of it as riding lightly somewhere between a light cross bike and a mamachari.

And since it's based on the LARKSPUR, a gravel bike, its stability and control performance are outstanding◎

I highly recommend this model to anyone who often carries a lot of luggage, finds fast bikes intimidating, or struggles with an aggressive riding posture!

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Differences from NICASIO CUSTOM SE

For the 2024 model year, the same brand has released the "NICASIO CUSTOM SE."

Character-wise, it seems quite similar to models released by the same brand.

In short, the differences are...

• The DONKY 27.5 SE has a lighter, higher-grade frame.
• The DONKY 27.5 SE's mixte frame makes it easier to get on and off.
• The DONKY 27.5 SE offers an even more relaxed riding position.
• The DONKY 27.5 SE has even fatter tires.

That's what it feels like.

While the NICASIO SE can also be considered a model well-suited for relaxed cruising, the DONKY 27.5 SE feels like its cruising capabilities have been further enhanced.

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Summary of MARIN DONKY 27.5 SE

Back in the LARKSPUR era, I recognized it as a gravel lady model perfect for active rides in satoyama (foothills), and customizable for commuter use, but...

The DONKY 27.5 SE has a durable frame, offering high expandability for cargo. Its thick tires provide excellent cushioning and ground grip, and its stability-focused geometry ensures reliable handling...

The impression of "The Cruiser Bike" fits it perfectly.

Beach cruisers and fat bikes excel on beaches and snowy roads. This model is highly recommended for those looking for a cruiser perfect for city streets!

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