The ML 8 provides the same climbing and descending characteristics of the ML 7, just with more of the good stuff.
6.5" of rock-gobbing travel at the rear, with the same MonoLink-enabled upward and rearward wheel path (URP). State-of-the-art welds connect the two halves of the monocoque front end. The rear shock utilizes a coil spring and positive air chamber to achieve a plush, powerful, efficient ride.
A 6" x 6"+ travel trail bike at well under thirty pounds (some day we'll say "Ha! Remember when 6" front and rear at 28 pounds was state-of-the-art?") Oh how things change with time.
Just a sick bike overall. I have never riden anything faster on my local trails. Seriously climbs like a hardtail on smooth, hardpack trails and better then anything else on rocky, technical climbs. Descends about as well as my old Foes DHS tube which had a boxxer on the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sxotty
a Weekend Warrior
from PA, USA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Used
Strengths:
The best bike I have ridden with no doubt. Awesome climber, great descender. The customer service from Maverick was always stellar even though I bought used and was not reticent to say so. I bought a used frame and swapped components as I could not afford a new one.
Weaknesses:
It is not the lightest frame ever (though it has a lot of travel). MSRP, but that is the case for all high end bikes.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky Deelux ( ), ellsworth id, SC nomad
Bike Setup:
DUC32, XTR brakes, rear D, Race face cranks
Bottom Line:
A wonderful bike from a wonderful company. Given how well they treat people it is practically criminal I did not already leave a review. I put value as high b/c I got a great deal and to me it was the best value I could imagine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E-l8ted
a Weekend Warrior
from CA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fir / Manzanita
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Passion Trail Bikes
Strengths:
Climbs as well as it tackles rough, perfect balance of strength/weight, admirably against the grain.
Weaknesses:
Tricky to finesse front shifting. Ideally built by someone familiar with Maverick frames.
Similar Products Used:
Nomad, various Ellsworth, Yeti, Cannondale .....
Bike Setup:
Blk anno, Blk anno Duc (tuned correctly) & stem, 717s on blue C-King hubs, matching blue spoke nipples. Saint brakes, XTR960 rear/ 106 Triple front der, WTB Devo + Speedball post, RaceFace Deus XC chainset + SRAM 990/991, RaceFace Next bar, WTB Mutano's / Raptor's. 30lb dead with 525 pedals.
Bottom Line:
I worshiped my Turned 5 Spot, rode it hard in Moab, Northstar and around SF bay. Then I stumbled upon newly opened www.passiontrailbikes.com (heaven in a bike shop - thanks Charles & gang) as they took Maverick on. I rode ML7 at test day was very impressed. I then borrowed ML8 for my favourite trails .... shocked, so shocked I sold 5 Spot and the rest is history. ML8 is an often misunderstood frame; have one built by someone who know Maverick products, helps spec ideal components and then completes the setup correctly, and you have a magnificent machine capable of all-day epics to close to serious downhill. If you want a bike that lives in the garage, but delivers on your ride of the day; ML8 is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ssirany
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Penasquitos (san diego) Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
2 many
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5600.00
Purchased At:
Beyondbikes
Strengths:
up and down hill like no others
Weaknesses:
water bottle cage mounting place sucks. gets da bottle dirty & is hard to reach. maybe on da seat tube?
DUC32 anodized terquoise (only 10 made), XTR shifter/brake combo M965, FD dura-ace (design to use road derailleur only), RR XTR M960 rapid rise, easton hi-rise carbon bar, easton EC70 seatpost, WTB blk/red speed V comp saddle, Oury red grip, Fr hub Maverick 24/7 red ano, Rr hub Hope Pro II red, fr/rr spokes swiss double butted 2.0/1.8 black, Rims Mavic red 517 (don't make them anymore), tires panaracer fire xc pro 2.1 (japan version 580 gram), tubes super lite Forte (from Performance), chain SRAM 991 hallow pin, Crankset XTR 970, pedal eggbeater ti spindle, most of mounting bolts replace with ti bolts, stem Maverick 90mm red ano, crown Maverick medium rise red ano, seatpost clamp Maverick red ano.
Bottom Line:
Money well spent on this Frame/Fork. Worth every penny. It is true all mountain bike. It can be an XC or it can be DH. Whatever you prefer, this bike does it all. I LOVE MY ML8! if y'all from san diego area & read this. y'all know me, i'm de only one who has this bike set up. u know what i'm talking about, u seen me around of all da trails in san diego county.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maximus Aquila
a Downhiller
from Park City Utah Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Deer Valley Lift access
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The ML8's best quality is that even with my downhill setup it weighs in at about 30~35 lbs wich for a downhill bike is pretty amazing. the integrated air shock also is good because it is very adjustable. the monolink frame design is the best because it eliminates suspension play during pedaling it also gives the parralel motion that lets it go over rocks and bumps.
Weaknesses:
it isn't really a downhill bike so people ask lots of questions about it.
Bike Setup:
Boxxer, e thirteen chain guide, sram, avid jucy carbons,etc
Bottom Line:
this bike is a great bike it can go up hill and down, it can even compete in downhill racing if you want to do everything this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
5xN8TIVE
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO USA!!! Date Reviewed: April 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Elbow, Mt. Falcon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6200.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Maverick
Strengths:
Three Point Pivot in rear suspension triangle does not need a lock-out while climbing. Incredible travel on the downhill, firm on the Cross, resilient (and comfortable) on the Enduro, monster on the Free Ride, Fastest on the Super D. Nothing better!
Weaknesses:
Uhh... tough water bottle location? The brakes squeal when dirty? It's only true weakness is that it pushes me to my limits every time I'm on it.
This is the plushest bike I've EVER had the pleasure riding. There is NOTHING else like this ride on the market! Ride just 10 miles on it, and you'll never want to go back to your old school. You can lock out the front suspension on the climbs which reduces about 50 mm of travel, and then it transforms you into a Mountain Goat. Hammer away; this bike can freakishly CLIMB anything - with ease - without Bob! The remote seat post toggle changes the geometry in a seamless snap for climbs to downhill and everything else in between. This machine is all out psychotic speed on the downhills, so watch out on the blind corners.
This bike is not for the novice or easily intimidated. It will eat up anything you point it towards and will buck you off if you don't know what you are doing or feel a streak of yellow climbing up your back. Learn on a poser, get your PhD on the ML8.
Like all fine machines, maintain it properly for durability and your safety!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STOKED
a Cross Country Rider
from Encinitas,Ca Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mammoth Mountsin Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Maverick ML8 is a very versatile bike. Buy two different sets of rims and tires and you have a bike that can do it all. The geometry, weight and overall feel of the ML8 on the trail will leave you smiling, This is a do it all bike.
Weaknesses:
ML8 seems to be well designed and thought out. Some riders have front dérailleur problems. If you work out any front issues with any bike it becomes a none issue.
XO drivetrain, Saint brakes, Xtr cranks, Monkey lite bar, Chris King hubs, Mavic rims ect...
Bottom Line:
ML8 climbs as good as the ML7, but goes downhill way better. The standover height is confidence building in itself. If you want a great dual purpose bike, look no further then the ML8. I didn't think I would ever get on a long travel bike for XC riding. I guess I thunk wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug r
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario. Canada Date Reviewed: January 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The Don Trails, dntn Toronto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Dukes Cycle, est 1917 on Queen st.
Strengths:
Excellent design and creativity, a bike built by experienced MTB industry players who have raised the standard of full suspension bikes. Who is try to catch them?
Weaknesses:
'Chain slap' was and is corrected by advancing the tension spring on rear D to the third hole. That's it, No LIE.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Rush, Yetti, Kona, and Santa Nomad
Bike Setup:
Maverick ML8 'M50' build kit right out of the box from the web site, Maverickbike.com
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is a bike that works right, excellent service and quick replies from the Maverick staff who provide dealers with same service that's also given to the customer, No LIE. The looks and comments from people on the streets who see the ML8 for the first time know right off that its a bike made right as you ride past on the way to any trail. Save your hard earned cash get a Maverick ML8 as your next full suspension bike. Would I buy another ML8? Yes Yes Yes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al C
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena Date Reviewed: August 25, 2007
Duc32 tuned, I9 355ztr, 2.35 Nevs, ODI lock on, Maxm isogrid bar, XO drivetrain, XTR cranks, louise bat carbon w/venti rotor, Acid pedals, Speedball remote
Bottom Line:
Great bike for aggressive XC, very light and capable climber and descender. this bike got me out of a lot of trouble I just let go off the break and open her up... wow what a ride!
I also own it's siblings, and a Mojo, I can tell you now that it climb as well if not better due to rear firm up a bit when you stand up with 6.5" of travel you still have plenty of travel left for all kinds of traction.
I fixed the front der problem by adding a spacer to the drive side and all the shifting problems are gone. the only thing I wish to live without is the chainslap while descending but only through curtain sections. It's the ultimate one bike climb well and descend great. get one and you'll know what I'm talking about.
Mine build up about 27.5 lbs with speedball seatpost, by the way it's a must have for trail riding, it's definitely a perfect epic ride candidate. Kudos Maverick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Tunick
a Downhiller
from Denver, CO USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, White Ranch, Apex
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Maverick
Strengths:
Unbelievable climbing, gobs of travel, confidence inspiring downhill, 3 bikes in one
Weaknesses:
Expen$ive. Very very expensive. The green is kinda ugly.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like this one - Specialized Epic, Chumba F4, SC Bullit, Cannondale Gemini
Bike Setup:
Fox Talas 36, cheap components
Bottom Line:
I pieced my ML8 together using the components from a bottom-of-the-line Specialized Epic and a Fox 36 Talas. When it came off the stand, it weighed in at 35lbs, so I figured those parts would be going back on the Epic and maybe I would have to own up to buying a DUC. Man was I wrong.
Yossarian (all Mavericks have names) and I did over 100 miles in Moab, including a ride from town up to the Porcupine Rim cattle gate. Despite weighing almost 7lbs more than my Epic (a short-travel XC race bike), the Maverick climbs like nothing I’ve ever ridden. I was clearing sections that my eyes deemed impossible and impassible. DH is point and shoot, and this is coming from a downhiller. The ML8 soaked up the rock gardens like an 8-9” travel bike should. I took several 4’+ drops, and she just kept begging for more.
Expensive? Yup. Still, well worth it for anyone who likes to ride XC, DH, FR and everything inbetween. Not suitable for weight weenies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clemens Späni
a
from Kreuzlingen, Switzerland Date Reviewed: March 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
poison spider, Moab
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
www.velodrom.ch
Strengths:
incredible climbing with superb traction, fast DH, every day bike whatever you gonna ride......
speedball seatpost, DUC32 fork, shimano saint group set, avid jucy 7 discs,
Bottom Line:
simply designed bike, easy to handle, rigid and light to its front and rear travel. best bike i know and i have many of others of them in my shop (sorry to all my other suppliers). i hardly have done any maintenance work beside the things you have to do regulary ; tires, brake pads, chain..... WELL DONE PAUL!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J P
a
from Westchester Date Reviewed: September 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
I went from a Ventana El Saltamontes to a Turner 5spot to a Maverick ML8. I like them all but without a doubt the Maverick is the best for me where I ride. My ML8 is 29# with 6.5" rear and 6" front. it climbs great as long as you are pushing a reasonable gear. I try to always climb in the middle ring but granny climbing works as well. I think it stiffens a little when you are out of the saddle which is a good thing. I like to climb tech sections out of the saddle and the bike just flat out works great in this situtation. Downhills are obviously fast on a bike this stiff with plenty of smooth travel front and rear. The ML8 with the monolink basically rides like a long travel XC bike with tremendous tech abilities. the front shifting works fine. you dont feel any movement at the cranks. It is a hoot to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B Hartford
a Cross Country Rider
from Front Range CO Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The ML 8 is the finest Mtn bike I have ever ridden. I formally rode a Turner XCE and it was a hell of a bike, but it was no ML 8. This bike is well balance, has minimal chain growth and climbs extremly well even at 29 lbs. My turner was 26.5 and I didn't know how the extra weight would affect me but I noticed no ill effects. The way I currently have the bike set up is with a Rohloff Speedhub so this bike has been a maintaince dream. No issues other then seating the brakes and tightening everything down. As for the performace, let me sum it up like this, I am a relatively aggresive rider and push it at times. I am not afraid of the occasional wreck. This bike and this bike alone has on several occasions saved me from what previously would have been a spectacular yard sale. I come down off a technical section and am saying to myself that I had no business making that. The steering and balance are two of the best qualites of this bike as it is able to be both nimble and plush at the same time. This performance does not come cheap but if you are willing to put up you will not be dissappointed.
Weaknesses:
My set up is worth more then my car.
Similar Products Used:
Turner 5 spot, Elsworth Id,
Bike Setup:
Duc32, Rohloff Speedhub transmission, Hope disc brakes M4 in front, M2 in rear, Stans rims, continental tires, 24/7 front hub, Scram Stylo SS crank, Rohloff chain, easton carbon bars, fsa headset.
Bottom Line:
See review
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith Kitchen
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorkshire,United Kingdom Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
nant y arian ,wales
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6560.00
Purchased At:
sideways cycles
Strengths:
Climbs like nothing i've ridden.so much traction.just as good going down the other side.
Weaknesses:
none so far.
Similar Products Used:
Santa cruz superlight,Whyte 46
Bike Setup:
Mav Duc32 forks,xtr and xt drivetrain,hope rear hub on x717,mav front hub on x717,panaracer cinders
Bottom Line:
i am going to have get some serious leg training done cos this bike outclimbs me.i can't spin the back wheel out even on a granny ring climb in 3 inches of snow!!!.So well balanced that i don't have use the lockdown on the forks even when climbing up seriously steep stuff.Easy to set up.just add rider weight plus ten percent into rear shock and it felt perfect.I have read that some riders find the rebound a bit lacking.i weigh 160lbs and it feels spot on.I am so impressed with this bike that i have sold both my others cos i don't think i could go back to riding them.plus no reliability probs with the fork.Brilliant bike,but it should be for £4,000.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P Tokarz
a Cross Country Rider
from S.L.C, UT USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Great Western Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
Over The Edge
Strengths:
Climbs like nothing I've ever ridden. Very comfortable. Excellent feel on both climbs and even fast tight descents
Weaknesses:
Proprietary front hub means you will need an upright bike rack but thats about it.
I've been riding a Jamis Pro and a Stumpjumper comp for the last several years. Very tight and fast but pretty stiff race bikes that take their toll on your body after a long ride.
Wanted an all mountain "daily driver" that I could take out on a 40+ mile ride and not feel so hammered. Did a lot of research and decided on the ML8.
I've never ridden a bike that climbs like this, and at 29 lbs! There really is something to this drivetrain design that keeps everything alligned while you crank uphill. I tagged several "impossible" climbs on this thing that were only occasionally acheived in the past. The bike is heavy by XC standards but doesn't ride like it is. It is very nimble and can be quite fast. Pulled it out for the last lap at 24 hrs of Moab and turned in my second fastest! I really shines on the downhill. It feels like you riding a Range Rover its so smooth and plush. It's not a downhill machine however, i wouldn't huck anything too crazy on it because it could bottom out, although i suppose you could stiffen the air pressure.
The jury is still out on the DUC32 front. It has been showing signs of seepage and if it gives me trouble i may sell it and get a Vanilla. I do really like how it feels and rides though. 6 inches with a adjustment to drop the shock down to about 4 and significantly stiffen it. Excellent for technical climbs or quick, smooth singletrack downhill. I'm also not sold on the Juicy 7's (I know, sacrelidge!) I'm really not a Shimano guy but I have to say I like the feel of the XTR discs better.
Overall this is a superb work of bicycle art. It's a head turner as well. I will ride the hell out of it and enjoy every second. At the price I paid especially, I don't know if you could get better...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Austin Date Reviewed: January 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
City Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sport Shop
Strengths:
Climbs better than any other bike I have ever ridden. Light and responsive. Point and shoot downhill. This is the ultimate bike for everyday riding. Comfy and a blast to ride. Weighs in at just under 28 lbs.
Weaknesses:
Not for tight twisty trails
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, ID, Palomino, ML7
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, King Hubs, Mavic 819 Tubeless
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Made for all day epic rides. It truly rides like a light weight Cross Country bike, but when you need the 6.5 inches of travel you have got it. If you want one bike that must do it all, this is the one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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