Nicasio +

The 2025-on Marin Nicasio range is a steel all-road and light gravel platform built around practicality rather than speed-first racing priorities. Marin’s updated frame and fork keep the family’s CroMo construction, rigid steel fork, and utility-focused mounting points, but the major change is expanded tire clearance. On the current Nicasio 1 and Nicasio ST, clearance grows to 700x45 mm, with family notes also pointing to 650B x 50 mm capability, which moves the platform more decisively into modern gravel and mixed-surface use than earlier, narrower all-road interpretations.

What distinguishes the Nicasio in this segment is its combination of classic material choice and broad day-to-day usefulness. It is aimed at riders who want one bike for paved riding, rough back roads, commuting, and year-round utility, with rack and fender compatibility baked into the concept. Within the same generation, Marin broadens the platform with the step-thru Nicasio ST for easier mounting and cargo-friendly use, while the Nicasio+ shifts the emphasis toward chunkier 650B x 47 mm tires and a simpler 1x setup. That gives the range a clear place in the market: affordable, steel-framed adventure bikes that prioritize comfort, versatility, and durability over low weight or aggressive race geometry.

$1,099
Marin Nicasio +
Build
Size
Stack596.7mm
Reach390mm
Top tube561.1mm
Headtube length165mm
Standover height776.5mm
Seat tube length520mm

Fit and geometry

The Nicasio’s geometry points to stable, endurance-oriented handling rather than quick, nervous steering. Across the size range, the head tube angle sits at 71.5 degrees on most sizes, relaxing slightly to 70.5 degrees in size 50, while chainstays remain a consistent 430 mm. Combined with wheelbases from 1016.2 mm to 1074.7 mm, that suggests a bike designed to track predictably on mixed surfaces and remain composed with larger tires, fenders, or cargo. The 76 mm bottom bracket drop is also relatively generous, helping keep the rider centered low in the bike for a planted feel.

Fit numbers reinforce the bike’s upright, all-day intent. Reach is modest, ranging from 372 mm in size 50 to 415 mm in size 60, while stack runs from 550.2 mm to 625.2 mm, giving the bike a taller front end than a more aggressive gravel race bike. Effective top tube lengths from 524.6 mm to 600.2 mm and seat tube angles of 74 to 74.5 degrees on smaller sizes, easing to 73.5 degrees on the 60, should produce a neutral seated position suited to long rides and commuting. In practice, the geometry looks well aligned with the Nicasio’s brief: comfortable fit, steady handling, and confidence over speed.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Steezy Double Butted CrMo, 650B Wheels, Beyond Road Geometry, Fender and Rack Mounts, Disc Mount

Fork

CrMo, Fender and Rack Eyelets, IS Disc Mount

Groupset

Shift levers

microSHIFT Advent, 1x9 Specific

Rear derailleur

microSHIFT Advent, 1x9 w/ Clutch Mech

Cassette

SunRace 9-Speed, 11-46T

Chain

KMC X9

Crankset

FSA Vero Pro, Narrow Wide, 42T

Bottom bracket

Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Square Taper

Front brake

Tektro MDC400, Road Mechanical

Rear brake

Tektro MDC400, Road Mechanical

Front rotor

160mm

Rear rotor

160mm

Wheelset

Front wheel

Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 25mm Inner, Disc Specific; Forged Aluminum Alloy, Disc, 32H; 14g Black Stainless Steel

Rear wheel

Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 25mm Inner, Disc Specific; Forged Aluminum Alloy, Disc, 32H; 14g Black Stainless Steel

Front tire

WTB Horizon, 650Bx47mm, Wire Bead

Rear tire

WTB Horizon, 650Bx47mm, Wire Bead

Cockpit

Stem

Marin 3D Forged Alloy

Handlebars

Marin Butted Alloy, Compact 16º Flared Drop

Saddle

Marin Beyond Road Concept

Seatpost

Marin Alloy, 27.2mm

Grips

Marin Comfort Tape

Builds

The 2025 Nicasio family spans a wide price range, starting with the Nicasio 1 at $999 and the Nicasio 1 ST at the same price, then moving to the Nicasio+ at $1099 and the Nicasio 2 at $1899. At the entry end, Marin is clearly emphasizing accessibility: the standard 1 and step-thru 1 ST give riders the same updated platform and utility focus, with the ST mainly addressing ease of mounting and everyday practicality rather than changing the bike’s core purpose.

The Nicasio+ adds only a small price increase over the base model but shifts the ride character with 650B x 47 mm tires and a 1x drivetrain approach, making it the more off-pavement-oriented and simplified option in the lower half of the range. The Nicasio 2 sits far above the others in price, indicating a more premium build, but no component details are provided here to assess exactly where that extra cost goes. Based on the available information, the clearest value story is in the $999 to $1099 models, which all share the updated steel platform and differ mainly in frame format and wheel/tire-drivetrain emphasis.

1

1

$999

1 ST

1 ST

$999

+

+

$1,099

Selected
2

2

$1,899