The new Marin Lombard at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
Marin Bikes of California unveiled the 2015 update of the Lombard, and Clifford Lee got a good look at the aluminum cyclocross bike. Marin describes the Lombard as ideal for commuting, light touring, on- and off-road adventures, and, of course, cyclocross. It is not aimed specifically at the racing set like the carbon Cortina, but instead, the Lombard is aimed at the rider who wants versatility. Compared to the race-oriented Cortina, the Lombard has longer chaintays, a longer wheelbase, and a lower bottom bracket, yet it’s prepared for bumpy terrain with its SRAM Type 2 rear derailleur.
Marin Bicycles’ new Lombard cyclocross / gravel bike see at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
Marin’s Lombard leans towards the dirt, gravel and touring side of cyclocross, as opposed to technical European World Cups. The head tube angle remains neutral at 72 degrees, but the bottom bracket is dropped slightly lower to 72mm below axle height compared to the Cortina’s 70mm. Two millimeters is not much, but that parameter change shows the leanings of this bike.
Of course, double eyelets on the rear dropouts accompany rack and fender mounts on the seatstays and seatstay bridge, and the aluminum steerer fork has eyelets at the tips of the carbon fork legs, also adding to the idea of the Lombard as a do-it-all machine.
Changes for the year include the shift to Avid BB7 disc brakes, a tubeless-ready wheelset and a wider range of gears.
Clement USH 35C gravel tires are ready for a work commute or a 100 miler on the new Marin Lombard at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
The build kit also shows the intended purpose of this bike, with 50/34 compact road chainrings paired with an 11-36 10-speed cassette, shifted by a Type 2 SRAM X7 mountain rear derailleur with a clutch, and Apex 10-speed DoubleTap shifters. Marin was the first company to adopt Type 2 rear derailleurs on its cyclocross bikes, well before the single ring trend resurfaced, and the derailleur offers quieter descending with less chain slap.
Clement USH 35C gravel tires provide the traction while BB7 mechanical disc brakes take care of the stopping duties with 160mm rotors on both front and rear. This model on display has a stealthy black on black paint scheme with the matte black giving the Lombard the look of the old Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane.
The Lombard will have an MSRP of $1,500.
FSA Gossamer compact cranks and a Type 2 SRAM X7 rear derailleur on the new Marin Lombard at Sea Otter 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
A second tier model will also be available, equipped with a triple crankset, lower level components and a different colorway, for roughly $1,000.
Check out all of our tech goodies from Sea Otter 2014, and keep checking as we start to get rolling into the long weekend.
Clifford Lee
Latest posts by Clifford Lee (see all)
- Reviewed: Felt Breed Advanced GRX 820 Gravel Bike - September 30, 2024
- Women’s Bib Shorts Reviews: Designed with Nature Calls in Mind - August 22, 2024
- First Ride: Cane Creek Invert Gravel Suspension Fork - June 15, 2024
