Marin Catalogue 1998 Portable ((install)) May 2026

Here’s a helpful post for anyone researching or trying to identify a Marin catalogue from 1998, specifically focusing on portable (i.e., folding or travel-friendly) bikes.

Model 1: Marin Stinson (1998)

The Stinson was the flagship portable model, named after Stinson Beach, CA – a nod to its relaxed, go-anywhere attitude.

Where to find the Catalogue today

Physical copies of the Marin Catalogue 1998 are rarer than the bikes themselves. They were printed on high-gloss, heavy stock paper that was destroyed by humidity over the last 25 years. Your best bets are: marin catalogue 1998 portable

  • Retrobike.co.uk forums: The ultimate archive for scanned catalogues. Look for the "Marin 1998 Scan Thread."
  • eBay: Search for "Marin 98 brochure." Expect to pay $30-$50 for a mint condition copy.
  • Facebook Marketplace: Occasionally, estate sales yield a "Marin Bike Shop Dealer Binder" which contains the 1998 portable spec sheets.

Technical Specifications: What Made the "Portable" Special?

If you find a 1998 Marin frame that is advertised as "portable," look for these specific traits from the original catalogue:

The Titanium Age on Two Wheels: A Look Back at the Marin 1998 Portable Catalogue

In the late 1990s, the mountain bike industry was in the midst of a golden age. Steel was giving way to aluminum, suspension designs were multiplying, and titanium was the exotic, unobtainable dream material for the average rider. Amidst this technological boom, Marin Bicycles, a brand synonymous with the rugged terrain of Marin County, California, released their 1998 product catalogue. Here’s a helpful post for anyone researching or

For collectors and vintage mountain bike (MTB) enthusiasts today, the 1998 Marin catalogue—specifically the section dedicated to their "portable" and travel-oriented bikes—represents a fascinating snapshot of innovation. It was a year when the company bridged the gap between the legendary steel bikes of the early 90s and the space-age materials that would define the next decade.

Collector’s Notes (2025)

Today, a well-preserved 1998 Marin Stinson or Larkspur is a rare find. Key things to check: Model 1: Marin Stinson (1998) The Stinson was

  • Cracked hinge plates (common around the down tube pivot).
  • Missing magnet (often lost – halves won’t stay folded).
  • Original tires (dry rot – replacements are hard to find in 20” x 1.95” knobby).

Estimated value (good condition, functional):

  • Stinson: $250 – $400
  • Larkspur: $150 – $250
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