Marin Nicasio Review – Best Budget Steel Gravel Bike of 2025?
January 10, 2023/
Updated: 25th March 2025
Are you after a gravel bike that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – yet delivers style, strength, and a ride feel that makes you fall in love with cycling all over again? In this Marin Nicasio Review, I’m diving deep into the Marin Nicasio Plus 650b, a bike that has evolved from a niche steel option to one of the most talked-about best budget gravel bikes of 2025.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets on gravel backroads, commuting through the city, or testing the waters with your first light bikepacking trip, the Nicasio Plus might be your dream rig—especially if you’re looking for value and versatility without compromising on soul.
The 2025 Marin Nicasio Plus gets a subtle but meaningful refresh. Still built around a soulful double butted CrMo frame, the latest model introduces smoother shifting, a new Smoky Blue/Black colorway, and small spec upgrades that add noticeable comfort and reliability on longer rides.
I’ve personally tested the Marin Nicasio+ across thousands of kilometers—mostly riding the 2021 model, which shares a nearly identical DNA with the 2025 version.
From long open gravel roads to wet, loose surfaces, the Nicasio shines on smoother trails and graded dirt roads. But once you head into sandier or chunkier terrain, that 47mm tire clearance starts to feel limiting.
“The WTB Horizon tires don’t always offer the bite you need on looser gravel. I often found myself wanting more traction or slightly wider tires to feel more planted and confident, especially when loaded with gear.”
The steel frame, though, is one of the highlights. Chromoly is unmatched in comfort and compliance. Compared to my other aluminum gravel bikes, the Nicasio just feels better—especially after long days in the saddle.
And yes, it’s a heavier bike—but honestly, that’s not a bad thing for beginners or tourers. The ride is stable, calm, and forgiving. And on climbs, I’ve had no issue keeping up—even with its 13.45 kg frame weight.
Detailed Geometry Breakdown (2025)
The updated Nicasio Plus keeps a near-identical geometry that balances endurance road efficiency with light off-road control:
Size
Stack
Reach
Headtube Angle
Chainstay
Wheelbase
Seat Tube Angle
XS
546
375
70.5°
430mm
1014mm
74.5°
S–XL
564–606
375–402
71.5°
430mm
1017–1055mm
74°
XXL
620
415
71.5°
430mm
1073mm
73.5°
The 57mm trail figure ensures a ride feel that’s predictable and controlled, especially at speed or on loose corners. The 430mm chainstays (updated from 420mm in earlier versions) give the rear end a peppy, responsive vibe.
“This bike doesn’t feel sluggish climbing hills or when accelerating—it’s not a race bike, but it keeps momentum well and handles switchbacks with ease.”
Mounts & Touring Compatibility
The Nicasio Plus might not be a full expedition bike, but it’s better equipped than many give it credit for:
Fork mounts: Double cage braze-ons per side (Now with Triple on either side of the forks)
Rack & Fender Mounts: Yes, front and rear
Bottle Mounts: Two inside triangle + one under downtube
Top Tube Mounts: Are NEW for the 2025 models
“You can mount fenders, racks, fork cargo cages, and three bottles—more than enough for weekend trips or lightweight overnighters. I’ve loaded this bike up with fork bags and a seat pack for short tours, and it handled the weight surprisingly well.”
This makes it a versatile gravel bike for bikepacking beginners, city commuters with aspirations, or those wanting to build a budget adventure setup over time.
Component Analysis: Reliable, but Realistic
Let’s be honest—the Nicasio isn’t kitted with high-end gear. But for the price, the setup is rock-solid.
The microSHIFT SWORD 1×9 drivetrain feels like a noticeable upgrade over the older Advent. Shifting is crisper, and the clutch derailleur gives better chain control on bumpy roads.
The FSA Vero Pro 42T crankset paired with an 11–46T cassette delivers a low gear of 24.15 gear inches—solid for climbing most gravel grades.
Tektro mechanical brakes are reliable and easy to maintain, but lack modulation compared to hydraulic systems.
“Out of the box, my old Nicasio needed a good derailleur tune-up to avoid skipping gears. Once dialled, it shifted fine – but I’d recommend taking it to a mechanic early if you’re not comfortable tuning microSHIFT setups.”
For comparison:
The Poseidon Redwood offers a wider gear range but lacks the ride quality of steel.
The Breezer RADAR Expert has more tire clearance and better off-road geometry but is slightly heavier.
The State 4130 All-Road is similar in style but less refined in its ride feel.
Where It Stands Among the Competition
In terms of the best cheap gravel bikes, the Nicasio Plus doesn’t always top the charts – but it remains one of the most lovable and trustworthy picks.
“It came 6th overall in our list of best value gravel bikes. Not because it’s bad—but because other bikes offered wider tires or steeper gear ranges. Still, it ranked higher than the State 4130 and offered a better steel ride than some pricier aluminum models.”
This bike fits a specific rider:
You want comfort over speed
You value classic steel aesthetics
You ride mostly light gravel, hardpack, or smooth backroads
You’re building an affordable bikepacking-lite setup
Comparing Other Marin Nicasio Models
To clear the confusion:
Marin Nicasio 1 Review Coming Soon: More affordable base model – Geared more toward endurance road and all-weather commuting. Narrower tires.
Marin Nicasio+ Review: Alternate naming for the Plus model; same bike.
Marin Nicasio Plus 650b Review: Full product name, indicating tire size and build focus.
If you’re searching “Marin Nicasio reddit”, you’ll find that most riders agree—it’s an under-the-radar gem that holds up in the real world.
Is the Marin Nicasio the Best Budget Gravel Bike in 2025?
If your gravel dreams involve scenic rail trails, countryside detours, occasional urban commuting, or light overnight adventures—the Marin Nicasio+ should be at the top of your list.
It’s not the lightest. It doesn’t have the widest tire clearance. But it’s got soul, reliability, and undeniable value.
“This bike will get you out the door and into nature without the overwhelming feeling of being underbiked or oversold.”
I’ve seen a lot of people waste time and money on bikes that don’t suit their needs. That’s why I made a full Bikepacking Bike Buyers Masterclass, which walks you through how to avoid mistakes, compare bikes, and choose the perfect setup based on your unique adventure style.
Still Deciding? Compare the Nicasio to Other Bikes:
If you’re new to gravel or returning after a long break, the Marin Nicasio Plus 650b invites you to explore slowly, confidently, and without overthinking every spec. For under $1,300 AUD, it gives you a steel frame, adventure-ready attitude, and enough versatility to ride everything from your local trails to backroad tours.
This isn’t just a bike—it’s a launchpad for your next adventure.
Have questions or want to see how it stacks up to your shortlist? Leave a comment below or download the Bikepacker Starter Kit for free. It includes my Bike Comparison Tool, Touring Bike Buyer’s Guide, and a checklist to help you gear up for your next big ride.
Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.
Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.
