A Customer Review of the Marin Sausalito E1 ST
A Customer Review of the Marin Sausalito E1 ST
This spring I became the proud owner of A Marin Sausalito E1 E-bike, and the team at Rocky Cycle have asked me to share a few words about my experience with the bike:
Design and Aesthetics
First and foremost, let's talk about the design. The Marin Sausalito has a sleek and modern design that caught my eye right away. It has a low top tube which makes it easier when I come to a stop, and in my opinion the color looks great!
Comfort and Ride Quality
One of the standout features for me was the comfort of the ride. After making some adjustments to the handlebar and seat height I have found a nice comfortable posture throughout my rides. The Marin Sausalito E-bike provided a smooth, stable ride on various terrain including pavement and gravel trails like those at Mud Bay in Surrey.
The tires on my bike are smooth and fast on the road, without being uncomfortable when I get to a gravel trail. I do take it easy around gravel corners but I have not had any problems with them in looser terrain.
Power and Performance
Now, let's talk about the real game-changer—the electric motor. One aspect of the Marin Sausalito E-bike that I truly appreciated was its balance in terms of power. It provided just the right amount of assistance without completely taking over the ride. I could still pedal and contribute to my speed, which was particularly important to me as someone who enjoys the physical aspect of cycling, but hills are no longer a daunting prospect. It has 3 levels of power that I switch between depending on the terrain, this has become second nature now that I have owned the bike for a few months.
What impressed me the most was how the Sausalito allowed me to keep up with stronger cyclists effortlessly. It bridged the gap, ensuring that I could enjoy rides with my partner at a pace that is enjoyable for us both.
So, while it enhanced my biking experience, it never felt like it was doing all the work, making it a fantastic companion for riders looking to strike a perfect balance between exercise and assistance.
Range
I am a light rider which has allowed me to exceed 100km on a single charge.
Having the support of the motor allows me to enjoy much longer rides, one of the most memorable experiences I had with my Marin Sausalito was taking a day trip to Victoria via the ferry. This bike's versatility truly shone on this adventure and made the journey enjoyable rather than exhausting. I was able to explore Victoria and enjoy the scenic views along the way without worrying about the ride back.
I previously completed this same ride on my non-electric bike and found the return journey overwhelming.
Components
I am a novice cyclist and won’t pretend to know all the technical terms, but I have found the brakes easy to control and powerful, they stop me when I need to stop without having to think hard about them.
The gears are smooth and easy to operate, combined with the 3 levels of assistance I found the range of gears plenty for the local hills, including steep ones such as the climb up from Crescent beach.
The bike comes with a nice sturdy kickstand too.
Accessories and Modifications
The addition of a rear rack allows me to carry my essentials and I often use it for local trips to grab groceries or evening rides to the breweries in Whiterock.
I also added a water bottle cage and the guys at Rocky Cycle trimmed the handlebar a little as I found them too wide for my shorter arms.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Marin Sausalito E-bike is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an electric bike that seamlessly combines style, comfort, and performance.
I have ridden more in the few months that I have owned this bike than I have ridden in the 10 years prior, and I can’t see myself ever riding my non-electric bike again!
If you are looking to make bike rides easier without taking away the feeling and enjoyment of riding a bike, I highly recommend you test ride this bike! I can also see it working well for a rider that is intimidated by too much power, or is looking for a lighter weight ebike that is easier to maneuver.
This bike has totally transformed cycling as a hobby for me and I now look forward to riding my bike whenever I get the opportunity, which is great for my health, the environment and my gas bill!
- Samantha