The Marin gravel bike battle! Which bike is best?
We are going to compare these two gravel bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each.
When it comes to price the Nicasio ranges from $899 to $1,699 while the Gestalt ranges from $1,299 to $2,399
But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals?
There are so three different models to choose from for each bike.
For this article, we have taken all the bikes and compared them. The mid-range (generally the best bang for buck option as a main comparison, as well as their most affordable and most expensive options).
Both bikes fit in the gravel and beyond road category.
The Nicasio is said to be a “mile-munching roadie, a daily commuter, a fully-loaded bikepacker, and a gravel-grinding explorer for going Beyond Road.” A steel gravel bike made to pretty much explore anywhere and built around the ethos of the Gestalt series. We also reviewed it here!
On the other hand, the Gestalt just about ticks the same boxes but is also available in carbon frame build options. Gestalt X pushes the boundaries of a gravel bike and with the dropper post, it seems as though it might fit the drop bar mountain bike category.
The bikes we compared were the Marin Nicasio + vs Marin Gestalt X10
Both are Marin’s mid-range models.
When comparing these two specific bikes the Nicasio + is approximately 12.9kg (28.44 lb) while the Gestalt X10 is around 10.25 kg (22.6 lb).
Weight really differs depending on how much you spend.
Both bikes are focused on adventure geometry offering the needed comfortable the longer you stay in the saddle. With both bikes have a rather upright riding position thanks to their stack/reach ratios.
Depending on which models you get for each bike they come with mounting eyelets for that extra gear.
When it comes to tire clearance the Nicasio can fit up to 700C x 40mm or 650B x 47mm while the Gestalt can fit up to 700C x 45mm or 650Bx47 Road Plus tires
The main difference is in the bike’s geometries. Which isn’t much compared to some other bikes. However, it is where we see the most difference.
The Gestalt features a slightly more upright stack/reach ratio) (1.55 vs 1.54), the chainstay is 5 mm shorter at 415 mm on medium-sized while the Nicasio’s is 420 mm. This slight difference in chainstays means the Gestalt is more on the shorter end feeling jumpy in the rear. While the Nicasio is still rather short for a gravel bike but may feel quick in the rear.
This also means the Nicasio maybe better suited for people looking to run rear panniers on their setup.
And Wheelbase is approx 12.3 mm longer on the Gestalt, models we compared, (1021.2 mm vs 1008.9 mm)
Which can make the Gestalt feel a little more planted and stable under a load. But a quicker rear end means more fun.
The trail is roughly 5 mm larger on the Gestalt, meaning the Gestalt has a slower and calmer steering response compared to the Nicasio. But both bikes the Nicasio 59.7 and Gestalt 64.7 trails are in that mid/neutral range compared to other gravel bikes.
However, if you desire to run cargo on the front of your bike the Nicasio’s lower trail figures are an advantage here.
Between the two, the standover height is around 63.1 mm lower on the Gestalt.
The Bottom Bracket drop on the Nicasio is about 8 mm lower than the Gestalt and the Gestalt has a 4 mm higher bottom bracket height than the Nicasio.
Also when taking a look at these bikes’ gearing with the example models mentioned above, we found that the Nicasio has a 24.15″ climbing gear and 101.37″ largest gear.
That’s a 0.91 to 3.82 gear ratio. Which is pretty standard for most gravel bikes. But how does the Gestalt stack up and is it better at climbing then the Nicasio?
The Gestalt’s climbing gear is 22.92″ and 106.78″ for the largest gear. Thanks to the 11-51T cassette it gives the Gestalt a whole 1″ climbing gear advantage. Making it more efficient at climbing especially when riding with gear.
This improved climbing gear makes it a better option as a bikepacking gravel bike compared to the Nicasio, as the Nicasio is rather limited in this department as we discovered from our review.
Marin Nicasio
Discover the Marin Nicasio: A Timeless Fusion of Classic Steel and Modern Design. Available in the Nicasio, Nicasio +, and Nicasio 2 build options.
Are you a rider in search of a bike that embraces the spirit of tradition while offering a touch of modernity? Look no further than the Marin Nicasio.
This exceptional bicycle seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with contemporary innovation, resulting in a truly captivating riding experience.
With its elegant lines and CrMo frame tubes, this bike pays homage to the timeless charm of vintage models. Yet, it also boasts advanced features like versatile geometry and tire options of 700C x 30mm-40mm or 650B x 47mm, enabling you to conquer any terrain with confidence and ease.
The beauty of the Marin Nicasio lies not only in its remarkable appearance but also in its versatility. It is designed to cater to a wide range of cycling pursuits, making it a perfect companion for various adventures.
Whether you’re a dedicated road cyclist covering long distances, a daily commuter navigating city streets, a bikepacking enthusiast seeking thrilling escapades, or an adventurous soul venturing into gravel territory, the Nicasio is built to exceed your expectations.
Inspired by the beloved Gestalt series, this drop-bar adventurer embodies the spirit of exploration, enabling you to go beyond the confines of traditional roads and embrace a world of possibilities.
The Nicasio’s Beyond Road geometry is a standout feature that elevates your riding experience to new heights. By combining the best elements of endurance road handling with enhanced stability, this bike ensures optimal speed, comfort, and control on any surface.
The Series 1 and 2 CrMo frames deliver the renowned “steel-is-real” ride feel that cycling enthusiasts cherish, providing a smooth and responsive experience that truly connects you to the road.
Additionally, the option to choose between 700C or 650B wheels allows you to personalize your setup, while the ample frame clearance accommodates chunky tires, providing excellent traction and adaptability.
Marin Gestalt
Introducing the Marin Gestalt. Experience the freedom of the road and the thrill of the trail with the Marin Gestalt. This versatile bike is designed to transcend the limits of traditional road cycling and take you on exhilarating adventures.
Whether you’re navigating rough roads, conquering muddy commutes, embarking on bikepacking trips, or simply exploring new terrains, the Gestalt is your trusted companion that never holds you back, even when the asphalt gives way to dirt.
Crafted from Marin’s lightweight Series 3 aluminum frame, the Gestalt is built to be agile, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring. Its thoughtfully engineered design allows room for up to 35mm tires, ensuring optimal traction and stability on various surfaces.
The widest range of gearing compared to the Nicasio, fender eyelets, and powerful disc brakes, enabling you to conquer any condition and weather with ease.
Marin Gestalt XR vs Marin Nicasio 2 – Comparing high-end models
Let’s compare both bikes top of the line models. This should be the ultimate battle!
Marin Gestalt XR vs Marin Nicasio 2
Both bikes come with hydraulic disc brakes, with the Gestalt XR boasting a dropper post and 1 x 11 GRX 600, FSA groupset while the Nicasio 2 is powered by a 2 x 10 Tiagra, FSA groupset.
This results in a 27.95″ lowest gear and 106.78″ largest gear for the Gestalt XR and the Nicasio 2 has a 27.24″ lowest gear and 123.96″ largest gear. (It is a pity to see both these bikes boasting below-average gearing ranges especially when it comes to climbing. Considering you are spending more money on both bikes.)
However, the geometry for the Gestalt XR is where we see a major difference between these two bikes.
Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!
You can clearly see from the above comparison that the Gestalt has a much larger trial at 92.9 mm which is very high for a gravel bike that’s 29.2 mm larger than the NIcasio’s. Which makes the Gestalt easier to control at faster speeds, like riding fast single tracks. Making it in theory a more capable bike on such trials.
The stack/reach ratio is much more aggressive at 1.35 vs 1.55 making the Gestalt XR a bike better suited for fast gravel riding and racing. Especially if you want to push the limits and ride it like a drop bar mountain bike.
You get a steel frame/carbon fork on the Nicasio 2 and an aluminum frame/carbon fork for the Gestalt. For the price, I would have maybe expected it to be a full-carbon build. Cause you can get full carbon gravel bikes for much cheaper!
The component quality of the GRX 600, FSA groupset on the Gestalt XR is very similar if not slightly less than the microSHIFT Advent X you get on the X10 Gestalt. For a bike that is $700 cheaper, it might be worth your money to get the X10 over the XR. I could justify spending that much more on a bike that has a dropper and Hydraulic disc brakes. Especially when you get the same build frame and fork.
And despite the XR having a 1×11 setup the 1×10 on the X10 actually boast better climbing gear.
Depends if you want to spend that much extra for basically a dropper post and hydraulic disc brakes. The better comparison would be in the X10 Gestalt vs the Nicasio 2.
Marin Gestalt X10 vs Marin Nicasio 2
This is a much more even gravel bike battle!
We have two bikes that are closer in price with the Nicasio 2 at $1,699 and the X10 $1,549
The only real difference is the Nicasio 2’s Hydraulic disc brakes over the mechanical ones on the X10. And the geometry!
When it comes to geometry the X10 features the same stack/reach ratio and longer trail to the mountain bike trail-inspired geometry of the XR! Making it better suited for that faster-paced riding compared to comfort for those long days of adventuring.
Gearing is where it becomes more interesting With a 2×10 vs a 1×10 setup.
However, the X10 is superior when it comes to climbing with a 22.92″ climbing gear and 106.78″ largest gear, and the Nicasio 2 with a 27.24″ lowest gear and 123.96″ largest gear.
The X10 is much better at climbing while the Nicasio 2 give you more gear choices for riding it out on the downhill roads.
I guess it depends on what you are wanting to sacrifice. Do you want a steel gravel bike or are you okay with an alloy frame but a carbon fork? Do you want something that is going to be less comfortable in the X10 with the much more aggressive stack/reach ratio over the more comfortable Nicasio for those multi-day adventures?
It seems if you want the best bike for bikepacking I personally would choose the Gestalt X10 out of all the bike choices. As it comes down to the superior climbing gearing for me. But if comfort is a major concern you may want to opt for the Nicasio 2 or even the more entry-level Nicasio +. It is hard to compete with a steel build for adventures.
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