Submitted by
The Diesel
a Weekend Warrior
from Ringwood NJ Date Reviewed: November 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The Monster at Blue Mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Adrenaline Cycles
Strengths:
NONE!!!!
Weaknesses:
Frame period. To weak for serious all mountain riding.I only wiegh 185 pounds and I broke the frame twice never got more than a year out of a frame set at 6 inches.Wore out pivots in one year
Similar Products Used:
Giant Riegn x, Rocky Mountain Element
Bike Setup:
Marzoccchi z1 freeride 150mm fork,race face cranks,bar seat post,shimano xtr brakes,cross max rims,2.35 nevegals tubeless
Bottom Line:
Broke two frames in two years. Im 48 years old dont jump more than 3 feet max.The cracks would occur all the way around the down tube right at the shock mount twice.Ive been riding for 16 years have built 4 different bikes always used fox settings for my wieght and ability.Marin said I ran to low an air pressure I always rode with a shock pump and watched my o ring I told them no way.They made me a deal and gave me the new design quad tara with the rp 23 shock for 200 dollars.Bottom line if you ride trails with alot rocks at high speeds dont get this frame. The Giant riegn x blows this frame away. Also the new wolf ridge does not peform as well as the old wolf ridge. IT has shorter travel feel and tracks like crap.I ride 3 times a week get something that can handle the abuse
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nuel
a Downhiller
from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bootleg Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Suspension system, Quad just amazing on rough terrain.
Weaknesses:
Wheelset and brakes, too weak for all mountain rides.
Similar Products Used:
Custom built 04 Marin Quad Tara, custom built 07 Cannondale Prophet.
Bike Setup:
Switch to Mavic 823 wheelsets and Shimano XT brakes.
Bottom Line:
Love the frames and suspension, rides like longer travel bikes, climbed great, and looks cool because you hardly see any body rides one.
This is my second Marin Quad Tara, get one while they are still available, and it's cheaper and better then other top bikes out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KiltedOne
a Weekend Warrior
from Innerleithen, Scotland Date Reviewed: February 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kiroughtree
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
Edinburgh Bike Co-Op
Strengths:
Strength to weight ratio, Maxle front and rear, Hope hubs, Quad 2.0, Descends like a bigger bike, climbs like a smaller bike!
Weaknesses:
Weight compared with other 140mm bikes(but really more like a 160mm bike), Air U-turn Pike lacked feel, Gravity BB died after 6 months winter/spring UK grit and grime.
Initial impressions were of a tremendously capable bike being hampered by a lack of feel and in my view travel at the front end. With the upgrade to a 66SL set to 160mm this bike really came alive. (Notice the 2009 Attack trail uses a 160mm RS Lyrik....)
The Quad 2.0 is fantastic, and feels like far more than 140mm, however still maintains that "snap" of a shorter travel bike. With the seat up it climbs fantastically finding grip where there is none although to completely eliminate pedal bob you will need to use the RP23's propedal.
This bike is really all about the descending though. Drop the seat and it feels like a mini DH/SS bike and the Maxles mean it is absolutely flex free. It really encourages you to ride aggressively, shaming bikes with far more travel at both ends.
If you compare the bikes weight with other 140mm bikes it is definately on the portly side, but this does not take into account the way the bike rides. I would definately compare it to 160mm+ bikes for a more equal ride comparison. Further more, there is some easy weight saving to be made if you require. I dropped a pound just by changing the OE seatpost/saddle combo.
All in all the perfect bike for my local trails(Innerleithen/Glentress/Uplifts etc), and its booked in for the Passportes and a week in the Alps this summer.
All in all I can't recommend this bike enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thv3
a Weekend Warrior
from Innerleithen, UK Date Reviewed: February 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kiroughtree
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Edinburgh Bike Co-Op
Strengths:
Strength to weight ratio, Spec, 20mm front and 12mm rear maxle, Hope hubs, Stroker trail brakes, Quad 2.0 suspension platform, Fox RP23 to eliminate any bob when required.
Weaknesses:
Not the lightweight choice, Pike Air U-Turn lacked feel(I got one of the first into the UK and it should have had a Pike coil), Gravity BB died after 6 months UK grit and mud.
Initial impressions were of a tremendously capable bike being hampered by a lack of feel and in my view travel at the front end. With the upgrade to a 66SL set to 160mm this bike really came alive. (Notice the 2009 Attack trail uses a 160mm RS Lyrik....)
The Quad 2.0 is fantastic, and feels like far more than 140mm, however still maintains that "snap" of a shorter travel bike. With the seat up it climbs fantastically finding grip where there is none although to completely eliminate pedal bob you will need to use the RP23's propedal.
This bike is really all about the descending though. Drop the seat and it feels like a mini DH/SS bike and the Maxles mean it is absolutely flex free. It really encourages you to ride aggressively, shaming bikes with far more travel at both ends.
If you compare the bikes weight with other 140mm bikes it is definately on the portly side, but this does not take into account the way the bike rides. I would definately compare it to 160mm+ bikes for a more equal ride comparison. Further more, there is some easy weight saving to be made if you require. I dropped a pound just by changing the OE seatpost/saddle combo.
All in all the perfect bike for my local trails(Innerleithen/Glentress etc), and its booked in for the Passportes and a week in the Alps this summer. YEAH HAH!
All in all I can't recommend this bike enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ova de barz
a Weekend Warrior
from South Yorks UK Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
local trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
local LBS
Strengths:
OK, I have had this bike for most of the Spring: it's the new 2008 140mm AM range model, and it does do what Marin promise.
I too sold an SX to get this bike. For an XC bike it's got amazing performance on the downs. drops 2 ft to flat no problems, moderate jumps no worries. The quad suspension climbs very very well indeed. Nice and stiff frame.
Weaknesses:
I've bust 3 sets of Pike forks, incl. an upgrade pair. I'm not abusing the bike, these forks are rubbish. Everytime they get wet the travel adjust breaks. I've had coil pikes before, these air forks are pathetic: poor progression, shabby build and spike on drops unless set up very carefully
Similar Products Used:
SX, VT, Enduro, PRST 4.
Bike Setup:
upgraded fork to Magura Thor. ( best AM fork you can get IMO), upgraded brakes to Hope M4 (better, but for the cost so they should be!) Time freeride Z pedals (just cant get on with cranks bros... cant get in.. time much better)
Bottom Line:
It does ride AM. It is light enough for big climbs. (just, and you may want some lighter tyres) I like the white bars / rims.
It is a good buy (as opposed to hand made frame sets), the frame warranty Marin offer still exists to original owners.
You cant quite do what you can do on a SX, I'm no FR legend and I need all the help I can get out on the trails. Think aggressive XC / AM (i.e most UK trails) as opposed to bike parks.
I think this is an ideal UK all day bike. A brave change by Marin, from a high up bounce along the trail full suspension ride of times gone by to an aggressive low slung all day AM machine that is a lot faster then you think both up and down.
Beware the fork....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
glen
a Weekend Warrior
from London, United Kingdom Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cwmcarn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes Bikes
Strengths:
Light, well specced, well balanced, good for uphill, great for downhill, Life time warranty on pivots and bearings, Hope Hubs. Front and rear Maxel quick release.
Weaknesses:
Fat grips,
Similar Products Used:
Cannodale Prophet 2
Bike Setup:
Stock 2008 Marin Wolf Ridge.
Bottom Line:
This bike feels amazing, I was riding a Specialized Sx Trail before this but wanted to be able to ride uphill. With the seat up it peadals well and does not feel heavy, drop the seat and the ride position feels similar to my SX Trail, and that bike was great for fast downhill runs. This bike has great components and looks cool too. The Rock Shox Pike 426 is a lot fiddlier than the Fox 36 Van R, but the U Turn and Lock out make it much friendlier for going uphill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
xchaotic
a Cross Country Rider
from West Yorkshire Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hellhole Rocks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Blazing Saddles
Strengths:
I bought the bike thanks to the reviews submitted here and it delivers on it's promises! Floats smoothly through any kind of terrain, and climbs like a hardtail due to great combination of rear Fox Float RP23 with ProPedal and quad-link suspension. Steers easily, brakes on rough slopes with a touch of a single finger... and it's still lighter than my previous cheap hardtail! I could go on, but to sum it up, I can highly recommend it to anyone who considers switching from hardtail to a proper all-mountain machine.
Weaknesses:
Some say it's got too wide handle bars - to me it's an advantage and fits my arms perfectly.
Similar Products Used:
None, only various hardtails, road bikes etc.
Bike Setup:
Stock Marin Wolf Ridge 2007
Bottom Line:
Great all-mountain bike! Climbs quickly, descents even quicker.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aran
a Weekend Warrior
from RSM, CA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The GOOSE
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Adrenaline Bikes
Strengths:
The suspension is sweet. I have not been able to bottom it out, although you'll never see me getting more than 4' of air. The suspension also works great climbing, which is the strength of the VPP. It rolls over bumps so well. And the frame looks so beefy, yet it weighs in around 30 lbs. The RP23 rear shock works great. It must have magic in the air chamber. I really cant believe how happy I am with this bike. I used to make fun of guys on Marins. Now look at me. Also love the Race V saddle.
Weaknesses:
I cant sleep with her. She spends too much time in the garage alone and not out in the dirt where she belongs. There is brake jacking, but not as bad as my last bike.
Similar Products Used:
KHS FXT Pro, Trek 8900, SC Superlight
Bike Setup:
Fox Float RL, RP23, XT rr dllr, Deore fnt dllr, LX shifters, FSA stem, post, bars, firex cranks, nevegal 2.35 tires, forte terramax wheels.
Bottom Line:
It was a cheaper VPP bike, yet nothing about it is cheap. It climbs so well with active suspension while climbing. Standing while climbing doesnt do much if you dont overweight the backend. Bumps and jumps dont scare this beast either. And the fact that I'm able to keep up with the group even though most ride lighter bikes is a tribute to the frame, not me. All the parts that came on the bike work good. Will upgrade shifters someday. The HFX 9 brakes work well. The only complaint is the rear dllr cable. It runs the whole length to the back. That affected shifting till i poured oil down the housing. now works great, but i'd rather not have to do that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh Fetter
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield MO, USA Date Reviewed: November 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chadwick
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Queen CIty Cycles
Strengths:
Climbing is flippin awsome, this bike will climb a wall- I swear... handles awsome, don't mind being a little high centered, a couple of rides & was used to it & flyin, handles everything I through at it, efficient on progressive setting or not, best bike ever!
Weaknesses:
only thing, wtb rear hub, can't adj.. thats it!
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler W/5th element, Jamis Dakar Expert(not comparable)
Bike Setup:
Stock, except tires-IRC TrailBear 2.5- a must for ozark loose rocks!
Bottom Line:
This bike is soo fly, love it! enjoyed every ride, pushed it hard freeridin- no prob, feels soooo light, loved my heckler but this bike blows it away! Get some 2.5s run about 20 lbs, & scream down some hills! Ohh yea , great bike & looks great too, best color-has to be seen in person. Thank you Marin! Buy this bike if you love to be in the woods, want to get up the hills w/ease & love flyin down the otherside, you can cross country race it too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cgrocho
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, CA USA Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007
400 for this frame with an RP3... what a steal. As others have said, this thing really stays planted on the climbs. The quasi-VPP suspension design is top notch. It does blow through the mid-part of its travel easily if not set up just right. I keep it at 6", even at that it's very efficient. As far as descending - I'll never have the cojones to do what this bike is capable of. I will say that the rear brake mount was finished sloppily and the derailleur hanger is cheesy (attaches with 2 screws), but they got the important things right on this frame in a big way. I'll put its performance up against any big-bucks boutique bike any day. BTW I am 5'11" and the 17 inch fits me perfectly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jerzy like new jersey
a Weekend Warrior
from usa/poland Date Reviewed: March 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
bicyclebuys
Weaknesses:
high center of grvty. lack of image. poor stock wtb wheels. cheap std cassette.
Similar Products Used:
yeti 575, teocali super, blur lt, ac1, turenr5spot, cake, phase1, grand marquise, mkIII, Eli, and more
Bike Setup:
non stock drvtrn -x.o./x9. mavic 517 on xt hubs, carbon fsa over bar, accent stem, nevegalstick-e, rest 2004stock.
Bottom Line:
Swapped all parts i dislike. bought wolf with customizing on mind. x.o./x9 drive witha a 9.0 cassette, nicer wheels and better cockpit plus different pedals made this bike fly. Very efficient, climber (i did alps) but sketch in twisty due to high ctre of gravty. (they sell a lovering lit in UK). Once mastered, unbeatable. I worked as a bike mag tester for yrs....still love my rig, evnthou i ride hndreds of testers. love full adjstbiltity -talas and tara allow me to compete in xc/marathon and do ocassional en/am/dh stuff. Underestimated in us, praised in uk, reasonable buy. Much stiffer than santas......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Bradford, UK Date Reviewed: September 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1750.00
Purchased At:
Aire Valley
Strengths:
Value
Weaknesses:
Just a Marin
Similar Products Used:
04 Marin Rock Springs
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
Returned to MTB's 15mths ago(motorbikes). 04 Rock Springs 11 mths then upgraded to this in June. The only thing this lacks is boutique cache.. From local rides to Jacobs Ladder, Kirroughtree, Mabie, Dalbeattie and Ae forest, the only weak link is the size of my balls. The adjustable travel is pointless but i won't hold that against it. Looks purposefull in anodised black and gives me the confidence to try almost anything, All Mountain bike for normal trail riders, be honest with yourself....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, Ca USA Date Reviewed: September 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Romero Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Adrenaline Bikes
Strengths:
Climbs well Suspension is super plush 8" front rotor Sexy flat black paint Suspension designed by an F1 engineer
Weaknesses:
Wide bars Paint on swing arm chips from chain
Bike Setup:
Marin web site specs
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I got back into mtn. biking a year ago with a hard tail and have been having a blast, but this bike makes it even better. I have no problem climbing fire roads, smooth or rough single track and have not noticed any pedal bob. When its time to come back down this bike is amazing. The Fox suspension works awsome, and is super plush when landing after catching a little air, or a lot of air. I might switch the bars with my hardtail because they are over an inch narrower and the bars that came with the bike make the steering a little sluggish. Great bang for the buck. Less than other FS bikes but with Fox suspension. This bike is for anyone looking for a great AM bike but like me can't justify spending 3K or more on a boutique bike with similar components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wrinklefree
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay Area, CA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Demo, Skeggs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Extremely efficient climber for a 6" frame Reasonably lightweight and really stiff Uber plush Adjustable on the fly 4-6 inches Lifetime Warranty Bearings Excellent tire/mud clearance Incredible bang for the buck
Weaknesses:
Overall fit and finish can be better Some brake jack
Similar Products Used:
Turner 5 Spot
Bike Setup:
RS Revelation 426 U-turn, SRAM XO drivetrain, Truvativ crank and raceface finishing kit.
Bottom Line:
This is my second Marin frame. I currently own a 4" XC frame and this TARA is much better is almost every way. Much stiffer and doesn't give up anything in the climbing department. Hope you got strong legs because you have nothing but yourself to blame for not clearing those tough climbs. Traction is never an issue. Once you're at the top forget about lines because it'll roll over anything. The high BB height and ultra plush 6" of bottomless travel in the rear will make you feel invincible. I've got it built up to 28lbs which is perfect for all mountain riding in my area.
Word of advice, these frames like all other Marin's tend to run large. I'm 5'10 and decided to go with a small frame (15.5) unlike my Medium (17.5)Quad XC. I'm glad I did. Makes the bike feel very flickable and I have good standover height.
Downsides? I wish the rear end was a little more active during braking. Shifting your weight to the rear helps tremendously. The fit and finish isn't on par with boutique frames, especially the paint and decals, but can't complain for the price. It's not as pretty either but who's looking at the bike when bombing down the mountain anyway.
Tremendous value. Mine came with an RP3 which retails for $370 alone and I got the entire frame for only slightly more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Rock Hill, SC Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1740.00
Purchased At:
bicyclebuys.com
Strengths:
no flex. good component spec
Weaknesses:
W-I-D-E bars. high bb and long wheelbase make for tricky handling on tight trails.
the bike works great for me. i've always had issues with bikes flexing when i stand and climb. this one doesn't. i'm 6'1" and 200# and the bike fits perfectly. the ride is cadillac-like as you glide over the trail with little of the jarring impact of a 3" travel bike. i just need to adjust to the handling. it can get tricky trying to weave through tight trails. btw, the VPP climbs great. you can sit and spin up any hill.
value - great component spec for about $700 less than a comparably equipped Trek/Fisher/Special__ed
overall - performs great. no lateral flex. no lateral flex.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Francois
a Weekend Warrior
from Dolbeau, Qc, Canada Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Les crans
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
adrenaline bikes
Strengths:
Great suspension desing, rear end is really stiff, good pedaling performance. Welding and finishing touch is flawless.
Weaknesses:
Paint seems to wear quite fast.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale jekyll, iron horse warrior, giant VT, cannondale prophet.
This bike is one sweet ride. It pedals very well for a bike that weights about 30 pounds. This bike is not for long fireroads climbs. But if your trails are technicals with steep climbs with roots and rocks, this will deliver the performance. It hooks up on anything it touch.
The quick release lever holding the suspension never tilt or move at all. I've set the bike in 5 inches travel and forget it there. I find that in this travel the front end is reacting in motion with the rear end.
If you don't mind getting to the top a tad slower, this bike will rewards you in the rough and on the downhills.
Agressive trail riders will enjoy this bike as much as other high end brands. If you are a weight weenie, get the 4 inches cross country bike from Marin.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laurence
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Redwoods,Rotorua.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good build quality climbs well for a 6" bike good componants
Weaknesses:
Has a poor quality headset and shimano componants.The tyres probably aren't the best either.
Similar Products Used:
haro x3,heckler,khs.
Bike Setup:
Thomson seatpost chris king headset hayes big fat levers,sram x9&970.Specialized enduro 2.2 tyres.
Bottom Line:
I like it I've got a yeti asx as well the wolf ridge isn't as strong but it was never meant to be but it climbs well gives a good ride is well balanced after changing seatpost,tyres and headset.Great for laidback trailrides but its not for super hero stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mårten
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden Date Reviewed: April 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Strengths:
Light Haven't broken yet! Does it all without complaining (too much)!
Weaknesses:
Rear hub broke within a month, rear shock within 5. Narrow rims Too long seat tube
Similar Products Used:
Enduro SX-Trail
Bike Setup:
Stock 17.5" except: DHX 5.0 instead of RP3 E13 bashguard White Industries DJ Disc rear hub instead of WTB Laser Disc Lite 6" rotor up front instead of 8"
Bottom Line:
The bike handles well on the trails eating roots and rocks for breakfast. However it does feel a bit unbalanced with the Floats up front and the long seat tube does not allow for a low enough saddle height for more freeride like activites as even in the lowest position the saddle is att bar height!
I'm thinking of getting a lpnger fork in order to give the bike a bit more height up front to improve balance, perhaps a Z1 or a Pike will do it.
The Fox parts are a great dissapointment, the rear shock stuck down 4 times and the fork came with some bushing slop from the start which is said to be normal but still annoying for what is considered to be a high end fork.
In conclusion you get very much bike for the money and if you're doing mostly trail riding without big jumps I think this bike is quite good but if you want to do more jumps etc. look for another bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrisburg, PA, Dauphin Date Reviewed: March 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fawnkill trail, Lykens Mnt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1895.00
Purchased At:
3B Sports Penn State
Strengths:
Awesome bike for the price. Exc and very tunable suspension, handles rocks, roots and all trail obs with ease. This bike climbs like a scalded cat in propedal mode and decends like an anvil with the flip of a switch. Set your rear suspension at 4" for XC, 5" all mnt, 6" FR. And did I mention the Brakes! Hayes HFX 9s w/8" front rotor will stop you on a dime and give you change. Solid comp spec, LX shifters and f der, XT r der. Shifts on time every time. This bike fits like a glove, I didn't have to change a thing on this bike. OK, maybe I will end up putting on a carb fbr bar to lighten it up a bit. What more can I say! Simply put it makes me a better rider!
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side. 31 lbs on 17.5, but thats in the ball park for an all mnt ride in its price range.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet 1000, Cannondale Jekyll 800, Kona Dawg DLX, Santa Cruz Blur LT.
Bike Setup:
Stock. I may put on an Easton ml carb bar and change the seat post to a Moots Ti just to lighten it up a bit.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a real gem. I was going to purchase a Santa Cruz Blur LT, but this bike changed my mind! Buy one, you will not regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: February 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Pedalshop.com
Strengths:
Light for a 6 inch frame (7 lbs with a RP3 shock). The most beautiful cable routing (can use full length housing for rear because the hangers are slotted for zip ties - brilliant). Floating pivot point is SMOOTH!
Weaknesses:
I use hydration packs instead of waterbottles and it's a good thing because who would ever mount a water bottle on the top tube right in your crotch?
Bike Setup:
Maverick DUC32, Deus EX, Sram X-9, Hugi d4.1's on 240s, Magura Louise FR.
Bottom Line:
Bang for your buck, this is the best floating pivot point frame out there. The stock bike is VERY well specked for the price but I was able to buy it as a frame only for $680! The slacker geometry coupled with a 6 inch fork and the slightly longer wheelbase does make for a ride that's far more relaxed than I'm used to. The near-downhill angles make it a little wobbly on steep, tight climbs if you don't have an adjustable fork but it RAILS on the descents. I needed to buy bigger brakes. I have not needed to adjust the rear travel yet. It pedals just fine in 6" mode and I often have the damping on the rear shock full open. The only change I would make is shortening the wheelbase slightly to help with tight, slow speed turns.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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