Submitted by
dieseldog
a Cross Country Rider
from Collegeville, PA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Merli Sarnowski
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
REI
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.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Moment, Giant AC2, Trek Liquid, 05 Wolf Ridge, Santa Cruz Nomad.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for King headset and upgraded to the lighter Nevegals in 2.35.
Bottom Line:
If you want a solid all-mountain bike or a beefier trail bike, you can't go wrong here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DoctorMike
a Racer
from Danbury, CT Date Reviewed: August 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountain, Peekskill NY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Doctor Mike's Mobile
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.
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
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!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cgirou
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, Pa, USA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lehigh University
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Demo Ride from Marin
Strengths:
Stiff Frame, Good Climber for a 6" travel Bike, Solid Handling
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bcolburn
a Downhiller
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: April 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The Blvd. In Winter Park
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
Demoed at The Bike S
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
Similar Products Used:
Treck Remedy, Kona Stinky
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
It's a heavy xc bike, and a ok jumper but for deceding it's fun, ok bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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