Strengths: Well built bike, comes with great components all the way around for the price. handles great quad link suspension with fox rp23 shock works really well. Hayes stroker brakes do an awesome job of stopping front and rear
Weaknesses: only problem i have found is 20mil front axle takes some work to pull out of rock shox fork. I have read other reviews where testers hit their knees on the quad link I have not had an issue with this when the seat is fully extended, with the seat dropped my knees rub the links if im sitting down, which isnt an issue since when the seat is dropped im standing up and desending or jumping
Bottom Line:
killer all mountain bike for the price, handles much better than bikes with single pivot rear suspension. It is a bit heavy for xc but still climbs really well for an all mountain bike. this bike can handle anything you throw at it, ive jumped big stuff on it and hammered rocky sections and it has held up well to the abuse. If you looking at a all mountain 5" travel bike i highly recommend checking out the marins
Bike Setup: all stock swapped out stock seat post for a crank bros joplin 4
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Submitted by
dieseldog
a Cross Country Rider
from Collegeville, PA
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2009
Strengths: The quad link system is the laterally stiffest frames I've ridden. Really eliminates rider induced movement in the linkage if the rider stays seated.
Weaknesses: For the price point the headset was sub par but other than that, very solid parts mix.
Bottom Line:
If you want a solid all-mountain bike or a beefier trail bike, you can't go wrong here.
Strengths: Suspension design is incredible, climbs like a goat, heavy-duty craftsmanship, great components spec, feels much lighter than the scale says, THE COLOR IS KILLER!
Weaknesses: Crappy headset, fork plays a little and was cut too short for my liking, caliper post in brake came bent and Marin doesn't stock the part b/c it was a custom make for this bike, but, intentionally, there is little wrong here.
Bottom Line:
I've had both xc and freeride oriented Quad-Link bikes from Marin, and this thing is the perfect combination of pedaling efficiency and all-mountain plushness. I've even rocked older models of Marin's all-mountain suspensions, and while those bikes were killer at the time, they don't hold a candle to this. It feels about 5 pounds lighter on climbs and with the 67 degree headtube, it descends like a madman. It might be a little short on travel for big drops, but for the majority of the riding I do (Northeast roots, rocks and steep, technical climbs) I'm really happy with it, although Marin has been exceptionally slow sending out parts damaged in shipping. Drop the headset right away and ditch those bunk Marin lock-on grips for something a little more substantial and you'll be all set. 3200 is a lot to drop on a bike, but the pedaling efficiency and downhill prowess of this rig contend with anything from Cannondale, Giant, Specialized or Trek. They might be tough to find, but get a hold of the closest local dealer and they'll hook you up. Also, the color is as badass as it appears in the catalog. Enjoy!
Similar Products Used: '03 Marin Wolf Ridge, '05 Marin Alpine Trail, '06 Quake Al-7, '08 Marin Mount Vision, Jamis XAM
Bike Setup: Stock as listed except for a Synrcos Headset, Oury Grips, Truvativ Stylo AM 24/36 double crankset w/bash
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Submitted by
cgirou
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, Pa, USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2009
Strengths: Stiff Frame, Good Climber for a 6" travel Bike, Solid Handling
Weaknesses: Disc Brakes were not great
Bottom Line:
I absolutely loved this bike within the first 10 minutes of riding it and wished I could have taken it home. This may sound crazy but I may consider giving up my Fuel EX8 to have this bike. I really enjoyed my demo ride and I was amazed as how confident I felt on the Wolfridge.
Submitted by
Bcolburn
a Downhiller
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2009
Strengths: The Pike is great because you can change the travel, It's good for climbing and xc riding
Weaknesses: The swing arms bulky and hits your knees when you pedal over rough stuff, not a very good jumper but i only jumped it a couple of times because the next day i blizzard hit and i couldn't ride it in time before i returned it, needs bigger rotors
Bottom Line:
It's a heavy xc bike, and a ok jumper but for deceding it's fun, ok bike
I am buying one of these two frames, not a complete bike, so the title should probably read: "fox rp23 vs. float r", since that is what my decision is coming down to. just wonderi Read More »
