Description
The Marin Nicasio 3 — Premium Steel, Without Compromise
The Marin Nicasio 3 is the top of the Nicasio range. It takes everything riders love about the Nicasio’s CrMo steel ride feel and adds a serious performance upgrade. Consequently, you get one of the most compelling steel gravel bikes available at this price point. Whether you’re riding long gravel routes, bikepacking, or commuting with flair, the Nicasio 3 handles it all with ease.
SteezyR CrMo Frame — Premium Steel With a Modern Edge
The Nicasio 3 rides on an all-new SteezyR double-butted CrMo steel frame. This is an upgrade over the standard Nicasio frame. It features a tapered headtube with an integrated headset, investment-cast dropouts, and thru-axle compatibility. Beyond Road geometry keeps the riding position comfortable and versatile. Furthermore, mudguard and rack mounts make it ready for loaded touring or daily commuting. There’s even a hidden kickstand mount — a thoughtful touch for practical riders.
The matching full carbon fork with a tapered steerer and 12mm thru-axle adds lightness and compliance at the front end. It also features fender eyelets. As a result, fitting mudguards remains straightforward when the weather turns.
Shimano GRX 1×11 — Clean, Wide-Range Gearing
The Nicasio 3 runs a Shimano GRX 1×11-speed drivetrain. A single chainring setup simplifies gear selection on the trail. There are no front derailleur decisions to make. The FSA Gossamer Pro crankset carries a 42T chainring. Combined with a Shimano CS-M8000 11-42T cassette, this delivers a wide gear range that handles steep climbs and fast road sections equally well. Moreover, the clean cockpit that comes with a 1x setup suits the Nicasio’s elegant aesthetic perfectly.
Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes sit front and rear with 160mm rotors. They deliver precise, powerful stopping in all conditions. This matters greatly on wet UK roads and loose gravel descents. Brake levers integrate with the shifters, so the cockpit stays uncluttered throughout.
Novatec G24 Carbon Wheels — a Standout Upgrade
The most striking component on the Nicasio 3 is the Novatec G24 carbon wheelset. Carbon wheels are typically found on bikes costing considerably more. Here, they bring reduced rotational weight and a noticeably more responsive ride. The rims offer a 24mm internal width and full tubeless compatibility. This means you can drop tyre pressure for better traction on gravel. Furthermore, the 24-hole lacing keeps the wheels stiff without adding unnecessary weight.
Maxxis Reaver Tyres — Grip and Versatility
The Nicasio 3 rolls on Maxxis Reaver 700×45 tyres with Exo casing, folding bead, and tubeless compatibility. The Reaver is a highly regarded gravel tyre. It rolls quickly on hard surfaces, then grips confidently when the terrain gets loose or muddy. At 45mm wide, it also absorbs trail chatter well. This is, therefore, an excellent match for the smooth-riding CrMo steel frame.
Cockpit and Finishing Kit
The Marin compact 16° flared drop handlebar encourages a natural, open riding position. The flare adds control on rough descents and gravel trails. A Marin 3D forged alloy stem, Marin comfort tape, and a 27.2mm alloy seatpost complete a clean, well-considered setup. The FSA No.42/ACB headset uses sealed bearings for long-term reliability.
Who Is the Marin Nicasio 3 For?
The Marin Nicasio 3 gravel bike is ideal for riders ready to invest in a genuinely premium steel gravel machine. It suits experienced gravel cyclists who want carbon wheels and a GRX drivetrain, riders moving up from the Nicasio 1 or 2 and wanting a significant step up, bikepacking enthusiasts who need rack and mudguard compatibility, and anyone who values steel ride quality but refuses to sacrifice performance.
