Nicasio

Name: Marin Nicasio
Brand: Marin

gravel

Origin

The Nicasio is Marin's nod to the classic steel gravel-tourer, refined with modern geometry and hydraulic disc brakes. Since 2018 it has offered CrMo ride quality at approachable prices, with a lineup spanning from entry Claris builds to carbon-fork GRX 1x12 with carbon wheels at the top.

Specifications

Frame: Steezy (Nicasio 1/+) or SteezyR (Nicasio 2/3) double-butted CrMo steel; fender and rack mounts; disc brake; flared bar geometry
Drivetrain: Nicasio 1: Shimano Claris 2x8; Nicasio+: microSHIFT Advent 1x9; Nicasio 2: Shimano GRX 2x10; Nicasio 3: Shimano GRX 1x12
Brakes: Nicasio 1/+: Tektro hydraulic disc; Nicasio 2/3: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc
Wheels: Nicasio 1/2/3: 700c tubeless-ready; Nicasio+: 650b wheels

The verdict

+Strengths

CrMo steel absorbs road buzz in a way alloy cannot, particularly over long days
Flared bars standard across all builds improve control on rough surfaces from day one
Nicasio 2/3 carbon forks give the best of both worlds at accessible prices

−Weaknesses

Steel weight means the Nicasio climbs slower than equivalent alloy or carbon gravel bikes
Entry Nicasio 1 with Claris 2x8 and CrMo fork is outclassed by competitors at the price
Limited sportiness -- the relaxed geometry suits touring and commuting more than fast gravel racing