Submitted by
Ken Hoff
a
from Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Strengths: I was able to swap up to this frame and did not actually purchase the assembled Bear Valley. The ride is perfect for single track and technical desent & asent riding. The D-shaped cro-mo tubing moves with you and absorbs alot of trail bumps, just as a good steel frame should. Although supple, the frame allows for solid tracking during techical work. The blood red to maron clear coated paint is beautiful. The rear drop-outs remind me of the all-time #1 steel bike in the world....Breezer.
Weaknesses: The seat tube top lip gouges the seat post and allows it to slip down during riding. The beautiful paint and clear coat won't last with agressive riding...but that's the rider and not the bike...if you know what I mean.
Bottom Line:
Excellent frame and would match it to anything else at twice the price. It is a beautifully painted frame with ample clear coat. The original store bought bike is set up with an entry to mid-level price range groupo and those who I spoke to plan component upgrades..so...those looking to jump for a top rated steel frame can feel comfortable doing so without draining their savings. With my current upgraded combination groupo on the Bear Valley, this bike will handle just about any thing a technical single track can offer. And that makes me a happy guy.
Similar Products Used: Trec 9500, Iron Horse, Specilized Rockhopper, Breezer
Bike Setup: LX RD & crank, XTR FD, XT Hubs-BB-Headset, Sun Rims, Deore Seatpost, Serfas seat.
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Submitted by
kevin bethell
a Cross Country Rider
from berkshire(england)
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001
Strengths: kickass frame(bomb proof) excellent components for the price, never stuffed up always reliable.
Weaknesses: shimano alivio front mech. (a bit cheap for what it deservres)
Bottom Line:
the bike was good when i brought it but i have personalised it to my own taste and it is wicked. everything works well and gets me accross all types of terrain, the bike new is an excellent upgrading platform for keen xc riders!
Bike Setup: mavic d521 rear rim, continental xc pro rear tyre, specialised rock control front tyre, bomber z4 forks, dmr jump saddle, titec seatpost, wellgo clipless pedals, magura hs33 hydraulic brakes(the dogs bollocks)! the rest is the original e.g: stx-rc rear mech, frame(17.5") headset,bar!
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington VA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000
Strengths: Appeal, weight, solid frame for the $$.
Weaknesses: Chain rings, brakes, Ovation wheels, seat post, etc.
Bottom Line:
I read these reviews back in Feb when I was looking for a good ride and came across some good vibes about the bike. Unfortunately, since purchasing I've got nothing but bad things to say. Growing up I would ride down a hill on my one speed Ross dirt bike and jump off the sucker...watch the thing hit trees, curbs, stop signs..whatever...never had a problem and rode that thing for 8 years. This bike hasn't been jumped off once and it belongs in the dump. Nothing but problems since day one...been to the bike shop 6 times in 6 months...bent my chain ring while riding up a hill (on the freaking road)! Seat post might as well not exist since it's never between my tail. Broke two spokes while riding on road...that shouldn't be happening within months of getting it wet. Basically, the frame has been alright but the components bend when you stare at them. Go ahead and spend the extra $300 bucks and get a bike with at least XT comps. I just wish I could get my old ROSS in a 24 speed.
Bike Setup: Ovation LX components, Cat Eye CPU, Specialized Seat
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Submitted by
Chris P
a Cross Country Rider
from North Wales, PA USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Strengths: Great ride for little cash
Weaknesses: decals peel off easily
Bottom Line:
Mine is a 93 model that I bought new in 93. this was my second mtb that replaced a Trek, I figured that I would keep it for a few years and then buy a custom frame...well I still have it after 7 years!! This is a good XC racer that is grat for downhill, climbs, and riding through singletrack. The frame is beefy (93 17.5" weights 5 pounds) but it doesnt feel that heavy when you ride it. It really moves in the climbs. Mine came originally with LX and exage components, but I upgraded to all LX and I have Mavic rims with Panaracer dart/smoke kelvar tires. My bike wieghted 26 pounds when I bought it and now wieghts 26.5 with a suspension fork. Not bad for a 700 dollar bike!! Only complaints, and they are knit-picky are: 1 front wheel tends to wander a bit during steep climbs 2 Its not telepathic through tight singletrack, but it makes up for it by being very stable down hill. The seatpost keeps creaking down during long rides but other than that, I love the bike
Strengths: Kickass bike. I got the '98 version. Never seen a better deal in my life. I own a "great deal" $1,200 dollar Trek which is supposedly top of the line, and originially $1,900, and it just simply cant get it done. My friends all ask me why I use such a cheap bike since I'm considered a really good biker, and I say that nothing beats it.
Weaknesses: The seat is a bit unforgiving.
Bottom Line:
Nothing in this bike is top of the line. If ur looking for great performance, spend more, but Marin really got the setup done this time. I speak only for the '98 version because the later versions suck. The Shifters and Der's NEVER failed or messed up even on some DAMN rocky trails. The RockShox ALWAYS get the job done. For anyone who thinks they'll get the same quality out of Manitou or RST, u better not waste ur money. RockShox rule the world. I have a degree in engineering and a PHD in physics; I would know. ANYWAY, if u can ever get a hold of a '98 Bear Valley, spend the cheese, because this baby is simply perfect. No frills, no games, just frieking quality. This thang gets ALL the chilis.
Similar Products Used: Specialized, Schwinn Moab, Trek, and other assorted companies.
Bike Setup: ALL original. Just the perfect setup. Only the '98 model was good though. Then Marin switched into Manitou crap.
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Submitted by
UK Biker
a Cross Country Rider
from Doncaster, England
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000
Strengths: Frame, Wheels
Weaknesses: Paint (On '92)
Bottom Line:
Ok so the bike is pretty much different from when I bought it (second hand) 3/4 years ago, the fact is I easily kept up with my mate on his FS Gt on the descents and beat on the descents on a ride with him when I first got it. The frame is good as new, no cracks bending but it is good quality steel so it is to be expected. The wheels are excellent also, I've had them trued once and that was only VERY slightly they've lasted so long that the rim walls are very worn and knobbly. All this bike needed was some new componentry to compliment it (8 year old componentry a bit dated) and it came alive its V.light for what it is and I love its simplicity. 4 chillis JUST for the fact it cost me all of my money when I was 15 to upgrade it. If the new models have a frame this good then its worth it for upgrade potential great for relaxing trails and XC riding.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Hardrock A1 FS, GT Karakoram
Bike Setup: Got rid of (v) old components, despite the fact its 7spd have STX-RC rear derailleur, original front, Alivio Chainset, LX/DX V-brakes original Araya wheels/forks/stem. New Ameoba Riser bar/ WTB seat Alivio shifters New cassette DMR copy pedals SACH chain.
Weaknesses: manitou spyder fork, bad brakes, squeaky drivetrain
Bottom Line:
fun low end bike, but fork and drivetrain need updating. I am thinking about getting a second hand judy race for it because the spyder lacks everything. If thinking about buying this bike, spend more money on a higher end model if you can.
Submitted by
nick
a Weekend Warrior
from germantown
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Strengths: nice frame, decent shocks I guess, OK value
Weaknesses: rims, seat and seat post, brakes
Bottom Line:
here's what i wrote to Marin after this whole fiasco:
Hi, this is for your quality assurance people: I bought a '99 bear valley less than a year ago..much less. I have hardly put any trail miles on it and I'm not a hardcore rider. However I am shocked at the poor quality of this bike: 1. Ever since I bought it the front rim (Ritchey's comp) has had a wide spot at the seam that makes front breaking very jerky. 2. The day i bought it, after adjusting the seat hieght I noticed that as I rode the seat stem would slowly move down I found to my dismay that this was do to the fcat that the interfcae between the frame and the seat post had dug two sharp grooves into the seatpost making it impossible to this day to set the seat height properly becasue it ALWAYS slips down! 3. I had a fall yesterday from a standing position (didn't get my feet out of the clips in time):) and after getting up i found that the saddle had come off, two guys putting all there strength into it could not get it back on and I had to duct tape it in order to get a few hours of trail in for the day. I bought a Marin thinking that a smaller company would make a quality bike but I guess I was wrong. I wish I could just take it back to the store and get something else. I don't think that I could recommend Marin to anyone else in the market for a bike. I hoep someone actually reads this and lets me know if this is typical of your bikes. Thank you ( I guess)
Bike Setup: Factory setup, replaced bars for profile Tomac 580mm. Replacing brakes for Magura 33 Tomac.
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Submitted by
Giordana
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Strengths: Cromoly frame (yea steel!!)
cosmetics (the orange 2 tone is quite lovely)
the surprisingly decent front suspension (Manitou Magnum) that, while low end, is still A-OK
I like the WTB saddle; it's the most comfortable stock saddle I've ever ridden
Major fun factor, weeeeeee!!!
Weaknesses: the cursedly evil toe clips and straps that weigh about as much as a sumo wrestler; get rid of 'em ASAP!
the brakes aren't very good; upgrade when you can
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2000 model of the Marin Bear Valley
I absolutely LOVE this bike! He's fast, friendly, and flashy. The orange 2 tone gets lots of second glances; you'll also prolly not get shot by hunters if you ride in the woods during hunting season. He does what I ask him to do, he's responsive and frisky and I'm going to race him this spring after some weight shaving upgrades (For pete's sake get RID of those stock pedals!!!).
In short, I would highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a handsome, responsive all around fun ride that can also be raced after some minor upgrades.
Submitted by
Ricardo Silva
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lisbon-Portugal
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Strengths: very resistent, nice take off on jumps, everything works in perfection
Weaknesses: I ain´t found any
Bottom Line:
Its the best choice considering the price, for a rider that is not thinging in competicion, but wants to take this bike to the limits. Nothing is to crazy to do with this bike.
Submitted by
Alex
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999
Bottom Line:
Ok, all you 1st time buyers...this is a good bike to consider... ...in the $500-600 range this is a very good bike. For the price you get lower shimano components, Pro-Max?? brakes, and Manitou Spider forks. I have never riden with XT's or Mavic rims...etc... so I can't compare to those. But this is a very ridable bike, all the parts work, the frame is designed well, and it is priced very right.I rode my BV around town with Town&Country tires, rack and paniers, and loved it. I put on the stock ICR Mythos tires after about 60 miles of street riding and head into the Santa Cruz Mtns. (Long Ridge, Monte Bello). The Manitou Spiders (3.4lbs) are just breaking in at this point, but for a low end suspension fork they perform very well (I think). I would recomend this bike for ANY one entering into Mtn. Bikes for the 1st time. The components all work and are good, and the frame is nice to look at and is good enough so that you will want to upgrade to better, lighter parts if you so desire or when they wear out.I take one star away for no name brakes, low end derailers, and caps that fly off the fork during your first ride (this is a known defect--hint: break them off yourself and glue them back on so you don't loose them in the mud). Honestly, this is a 5 star bike for the price range, Marins are overlooked by many--why?AlexPS- Even though I my skill can't come close to testing the limits of the bike, I would like to upgrade to lighter wheels and fork, but have little knowledge to go on. I do read these reviews, but there is so much out there. I do not want to spend a fortune, but would like a lighter wheel set than the Ritchey rims and Alivio hubs in the $100 range. Spider R's are lighter than these Spiders, but is there something else I might consider? Is anybody helpful on this issue? Any other ways to reduce 3-4 pounds off a bike? Feel free to email anytime. Good luck if you are looking to purchase and remember, the point is to find something you feel comfortable with, get it out of the store, and RIDE.
