You can feel the lineage from the original ML7, but the ML8 offers an unmatched 6.5-inches of travel in a sub-30-pound bike. The combination of its monocoque frame, Monolink suspension design, integrated rear shock, and the perfectly matched DUC32 fork give the ML8 an exclusive position in the mountain bike world...a light but very tough trail bike that climbs just as proficiently as it descends. As with any Maverick, the ML8 is great for lots of different kinds of riding, but its heart is aggressive trail riding with a large diversity of terrain. It handles bumps better than any plush feeling “all mountain” style bike thanks to Parallel Path Technology. But don’t be fooled, it’s extremely nimble and climbs as efficiently as any “cross-country” bike out there.
Submitted by
stoker1223
a All Mountain Rider
from Encinitas, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2012
Strengths: The suspension puts power to the ground allowing incredible climbing excellence. Technical sections whether up or down are never an issue. The bke bombs down any fire road or singletrack with ease. The overall bike is really tough and mechanically sound. Love the geometry and stand over height. the ML8 is like having two bikes in one.
Weaknesses: Maverick went out of business
Bottom Line:
I have a ML8 and love it. The best bike I have ever had, by far. A couple of good friends of mine also have n ML8 and they call it the perfect bike. They have had them for a 5 years and have had no problems at all. And these guys ride their bikes hard.
Strengths: Climbing. Descending. Dropping 5 footers. Rock gardens. Slaying dragons on the weekend.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
The best bike I have ever ridden, period. Got a great deal on my ML8 after my Klein Palomino was stolen. My Klein was a really, really nice bike and this one is just a notch better. The extra travel, the plushness, and the weight of this bike make it untouchable. The build on this weighs in at about 1 pound more than my Klein did (28 vs 29 lbs), but you gain so much more in terms of confidence, huckability, overall stability while still maintaining incredible climbing capabilities. If you can afford it, but it. If you can't afford it, sell blood until you can.
Bike Setup: DUC32 fork, XT cranks, XT/XTR brakes, shifters, and derailleurs, Mavic 819 wheels, Maverick 24/7 front hub, Chris King rear hub, Thompson elite seat post, etc.
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Submitted by
baha_boater
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2011
Strengths: What can I add to what has been said... Climbs like a goat on fire, descends like a freight train, smooth and quiet. I was riding an Ellsworth Epiphany with all top shelf parts which is a fine bike and got tired of my buddy constantly riding away from me on climbs with his ML 7.5 with a double crown fork!!! So I purchased a Matic with SC32 and that was good but not like his 7.5. Bought a left over ML8 and it has become my favorite bike by far. Moved all my good parts over and had Suspension Experts trick out the DUC that is all she wrote. Everybody who throws a leg over it falls in love and is ruined for going back to their own rides. I have had guy's off high end 4" XC racing bikes rave over the climbing ability of the Maverick Mono Like Suspension. It is cool to walk away from a 4" bike when riding a 6.5" monster who would have thought that was possible. It is!!!
Weaknesses: None really... Needs to be setup correctly but rewards you with an unbelievable ride up or down.
Bottom Line:
It is not "new" or have twelve links, brain shocks which it does not need or whatever but in my mind if it ain't broke don't fix it. I would not trade this bike for anything out there right now regardless of price. I sold the Maverick Matic w/DUC (Upgraded) to a buddy so I will probably pick up a Pivot 429 if I can find a deal on one. But my ML8 will still be my do it all ride I have no doubt of that.
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth ISIS, Ellsworth Epiphany, Maverick Matic, Maverick 7.5, Cannondale Prophet, Gary Fischer
Bike Setup: DUC fork with IFP upgrade & Anno caps custom tuned by Suspension Experts in Ashville NC, Formula Puro Oro Brakes, XTR 9 speed, DT Swiss 3.2 Rims Dt Swiss W/240 rear and Maverick Front Hubs, Continental 2.4 Trail King Tires, Thompson Seat Post, Fisik Seat
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Submitted by
vetprowanab
a Weekend Warrior
from Firestone, CO
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2011
Strengths: PLUSHNESS! Solid frame construction. Very confidence inspiring. Through axle fork.
Weaknesses: I never learned to rebuild the fork or rear damper myself. This would save you some time and money.
Bottom Line:
Love this bike. Made me feel 5 years younger instantly. Great climbing bike...not for it's weight, just a great climbing bike period. Very stiff front end with the DUC32 fork and the coil sprung assisted rear damper make it feel like a downhiller that can climb and eat up singletrack. If you want a bike that can bomb the downhills and hammer the climbs...this is it. I tend to like my bikes to have "soft" suspension which this one can certainly handle. Very comfortable plus it's strong as nails.
Weaknesses: Small is a bit large for my 5'7". As even adj post all the way down still in the way a bit.
Bottom Line:
This is an update, it's my second ML8, So now I have small and med. This one with the Hammerschmidt and Wotan fork come in a bit heavier than my first ML8. it's now 32.2lbs.
It still climbs really well, as the matter of fact I can out climb most my buddies with lighter bike on the technical stuffs as I can carry more momentum onto the climb.
The Hammer-link is just plain awesome, just mount and go. No facing no spacers. I do not any performance difference between the HS set up and the triple set up. So to confirm what Maverick told me HS system does not effect the pedaling.
If you are looking for an all mountain bike you want one that climbs well and descends well, but always have to compromise on on or the other, it is in this regard that the ML8 is different. My ML8 is a bit on the heavy side 29ish lbs with the heavy gustav brakes, but it climbs faster and more efficiently then any bike I've ever ridden. The monolink suspension blows away any other design in terms of its efficiency and comfort, no pedal bob at all and no need for a lock out, not to mention that since the rear shock is integrated with the frame the stiffness is unmatched.
Now for the best part, the 6in of front travel and 6.5" or rear travel is just ridiculous for a bike weighing less than 30lbs (you could easily get this to 26ish lbs if you wanted). This thing just rips down hills, and again like climbing is the best descending bike I've ridden. The Duc32 has had mixed reviews, due only in part to the extreme amount of adjustments you can make to it, if you spend time dialing it in to your riding style, it is unmatched, 6in travel at 3.9lbs!
Bottom line if you want a bike that you can use absolutely everywhere and have perform amazingly that you need to get an ML8. I can think of anyone that wouldn't want this to be there only bike in the garage.
Submitted by
bianchibuddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Lyons, CO
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2009
Strengths: just a great ride! has it all: strong, lightish, looks great, ride quality is amazing!
Weaknesses: Give me too much confidence? F deraileur setup is tricky.
Bottom Line:
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.
Bike Setup: ML8, DUC, Sram XO & 9.0 drivetrain, XT cranks, Mavic 823 rims on Mav & WTB hubs, Conti MTN Kings 2.4 tubeless
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Submitted by
sxotty
a Weekend Warrior
from PA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
ssirany
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Penasquitos (san diego)
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008
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?
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.
Similar Products Used: Specialized, GT 1.0, Intense Trace, Intense Spider
Bike Setup: 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.
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Submitted by
Maximus Aquila
a Downhiller
from Park City Utah
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2008
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.
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.
Bike Setup: Boxxer, e thirteen chain guide, sram, avid jucy carbons,etc
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Submitted by
5xN8TIVE
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO USA!!!
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2008
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.
Bottom Line:
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!
Similar Products Used: Rocky Mountain, Santa Cruz, Intense, Seven, Turner, Ellsworth, Ibis, Salsa Cycles, Eriksen, Titus, Yeti.
Bike Setup: Anodized DUC 32 Fork w/Maverick Front hub, DT Swiss 440 Rear hub, SRAM triggers and X-O Rear Derailleur, XTR Cranks, Avid Juicy Ultimate disc brakes (8" front, 6 " rear discs), Mavic 823 tubeless wheels, Speedball R Seatpost, Monkeylite XC carbon bar, FSA Headset, Lightening....
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Submitted by
STOKED
a Cross Country Rider
from Encinitas,Ca
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008
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.
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.
Bike Setup: XO drivetrain, Saint brakes, Xtr cranks, Monkey lite bar, Chris King hubs, Mavic rims ect...
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Submitted by
doug r
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario. Canada
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2008
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.
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.
