Similar Products Used: stumpjumper, oryx, gary fisher
Bike Setup: bombers, xtr rear (9 speed), mavic 521's
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Danbury CT
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001
Strengths: Excellent paint job! Eldridge grade has a very stong component package, Marin didn't skimp on the headset.
Weaknesses: Have not found one yet.
Bottom Line:
Allthough I love the Looks and componets on this bike, the steel frame is AWESOME!! I've owned 2 Aluminum bikes so far, and they have nothing on the steel. Steel just has such a wonderful feel, I will never buy aluminum again. Over-all I would definetely recomend the Marin Eldridge grade It's was also one of the best values out there.
Weaknesses: Funky clashing color scheme... Spyder R fork could use a LOT of tweaking
Bottom Line:
This is my second Marin bike, and they're great. The geometry is very comfortable yet nimble. Don't buy it if you want a sled, but if you're a picky rider it should make you pretty happy. As mentioned previous reviews it's a GREAT climber and very suitable for trail riding.
Similar Products Used: GT, Trek, Specialized, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup: Stock- LX derailleurs, avid brakes, etc
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Beshara
a Weekend Warrior
from River Edge, NJ, 07661
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2000
Strengths: This bike is very well constructed, the components are excellent for an entry level rider, the steel frame gives the feel of an inch of travel when riding seriously bumpy trails, the double butted steel increases the strenth of the frame and in turn makes it almost as light as aluminum, and the price is extremly resonible.
Weaknesses: The seat post tends to sliver down when riding
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that anyone who is thinking about getting into the sport, this is a great bike for you. The LX components that come standard on the eldridge are quick in response and can really take a beating from a rider. It is smarter to start on steel frame so that when you make the transition to a better equipped bicycle, your hopping and control skills will greatly improve due to the weight and frame response difference. Happy trails...
Submitted by
Brad Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis MO
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Strengths: Componetry, price, speed and weight. The tempered paint job is quite nice as well, best viewed on a sunny afternoon.
Weaknesses: Seat Clamp
Bottom Line:
This bike is fast. My first new bike in 5 years- I realy did not know what a fast bike was until I rode this one. Climbs incredibly, downhill swithbacks are a breeze. This is my first experiance with Steel and I am hooked. Sweet entry or intermediate level bike. Other than the seat clamp not holding to my needs (175) this is the best bike I have ever owned.
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000
Strengths: components,value, great ride
Weaknesses: seat post clamp
Bottom Line:
This bike is awsome for the money, it climes very well and is extremely fast. It has also very durable since I ride 365 days a year (winter and summer) and it is good in snow. I had a little trouble with the spider r fork, but put a stiffening kit in it and it seemed to work alot better (190lbs). I love the cro moly frame and I dont think I will go back to aluminum. 1 more thing, I think the wheels are great also, I had them trued once since I 've had the bike, but they are a little harder to change flats. All in all this is a great bike and I would reccammend it too anyone who wants a great deal in speed and beauty!!
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Strengths: Weight Components Ride Looks Value for money
Weaknesses: Seat post clamp
Bottom Line:
Decided to get back into biking at age 51 for the exercise. The bike is surprisingly comfortable and quite light. It is a great climber and at my age this is a real asset. Having a lot of fun mountain biking.
Strengths: Excellent component group. Surprisingly lightweight. Friends were all marveling at it. Very responsive. Tremendous value for what you pay vs. what you get. called Marin and asked advice during pre-purchase activities, and got solid help. like the company and its philosophy.
Weaknesses: So far, nothing that I can't attribute to myself rather than the bike, i.e., bending the rear derailleur and the seat post creeping down after hitting a few bumps.
Bottom Line:
Those in the know told me that you could expect excellent value for what you pay for the Eldridge Grade. Some of these features show up on bikes $900 and $1000, so this bike is a real deal. Perfect entry-level bike, too, for those of us who are Roadies looking to expand into mountain biking. Seriously consider buying this bike.
Similar Products Used: to me there are no silmilar produts around
Bike Setup: i replaced the manitou shocks with 99 rock shox judy xc there are wonderfull
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a weekend warrior
from East Tennessee
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1999
Bottom Line:
I've had my E.G. for 2 months now and all I can say is WOW! TYhis is nan awesome ride! As for climbing, is this a bike or am I riding an escalator? Incredible! The only complaint I have is with the VP106 clipless pedals it came with. It took me all of one month to break one. But, my dealer hooked me up with a pair of Ritchey Logic Comps and ate the price difference. I guess Marins dealers are as good as their bikes. I'm giving this bike a 4.5 star rating because of the pedals, but, a 5 star rating because of the dealer.
