The idea of looking for your first gravel bike can sound intimidating. There are so many choices with all of them being expensive. That’s how I felt when I started bike-commuting in 2022.

My first gravel bike was a Marin Nicasio that I got in June 2022 that I got from a friend. Since then, I’ve gone through many bikes.

However, I eventually realized that my Nicasio wasn’t just a good beginner bike, but the right one for me. Here are four reasons why.

1. It’s affordable.

While there are many things that make a bike beginner-friendly, I believe that price is the number one factor. As a beginner, you don’t want to splurge on a bike that may or may not be the one for you.

The Marin Nicasio starts at P44,000 for a built bike from Missing Link Cycling. At that price, it isn’t the cheapest gravel bike out there. But considering the brand’s heritage and the bike’s specs, it’s not a bad deal for someone just starting out.

One advantage of starting with an affordable bike is that you have more budget for better parts. And if ever you change frames, you can transplant the upgraded components.

2. The fit is accessible.

Comfort is king, especially on a bicycle that you’ll be spending hours on the saddle. Thankfully, the Marin Nicasio is available in different frame sizes. This means you don’t need to be tall or of average height to find the right size. Compared to other gravel bikes, the Marin Nicasio tends to have a more upright riding position for greater comfort. There’s even a step-through variant for the current year model.

3. The geometry is sporty.

There are some bikes that feel slow, such that no matter how much power you put in, they refuse to accelerate. On the other hand, there are bikes that invite you to push harder with every stroke of the crank.

Despite its label as a gravel bike, the Marin Nicasio is an endurance road bike deep down. Compare the geometry on sites like Bike Insights and you’ll find it has more in common with road bikes like the Trek Domane, Giant Content, and Specialized Allez.

What this means is that the Marin Nicasio is a bike that won’t hold you down when you want to go fast. It’s comfortable enough to ride at party pace but capable enough for spirited riding. And, you can slap on thicker tires that no road bike could take.

4. The frame is versatile.

Do you want a bike that you can take on city commutes, as well as out-of-town trips? The Marin Nicasio is loaded with mounts on the frame and fork.

Racks, fenders, bottle cages—you can dress up the bike however you want. This lets you experience a little bit of everything from a casual day ride to multi-day bike-touring.

700c or 650b? These are the two most common wheel sizes for gravel bikes. However, choosing between the two can be hard if you haven’t experienced them for yourself.

Thankfully, the Marin Nicasio has enough clearance for both. My frame can take up to 700c by 40mm, or 650b by 48mm. (The current year model bumps it up to 700c by 45mm or 650b by 50mm). After experimenting with different setups, I learned that I prefer 650b because I prefer the nimbler handling and better cushioning provided by wider tires.

Don’t want drop bars? The Marin Nicasio can work with flat bars or alt bars, too. I once put Traction B00 sweptback handlebars from Tambay Cycling Hub and it changed the experience. The gavel bike felt speedy as always, but I was able to ride with a chill and upright posture.

So, is the Marin Nicasio the best gravel bike for beginners?

The Marin Nicasio is not the perfect bike. It’s heavy and you won’t be winning races with it. But that’s fine. A good beginner bike is one that gets you to fall in love with cycling and encourages you to ride more. I believe that it’s great for beginners because it combines a comfortable fit, fun handling and a versatile frame in one affordable package.

I’ve spent more than three years with my Marin Nicasio. I learned the ropes of bike commuting and bike touring with it. And even after going though so many bikes, I eventually realized that my first gravel bike was the right one for me all this time.

Even if the Marin Nicasio doesn’t end up being the bike for you, the experience you would have gained from riding it would teach you about your own preferences.