Submitted by
Jon Andrews
a Cross Country Rider
from Crested Butte, Co, USA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2006
Strengths: Fast on rocky terrain, easy to control in adverse conditions.
Weaknesses: Creaky.
Bottom Line:
I have been working with support at Maverick. They need to step up when a person has an issue. For me it's this damn creak. Not the bottom bracket, its something with the Monolink.
If it were not for the creak, this bike is a ton o' fun. I like my machines to run like silk, thus the XTR components. The fun goes way down when there is contant noise from the bikes crotch.
Bike Setup: All XTR comp./Mavic frames/ Continental tires/ Fox RLC float on front/ Hayes Disk Brakes.
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Submitted by
Paul Masson
a Cross Country Rider
from Aviemore Scotland
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2005
Strengths: Awesome climber especially on techy sections. Lightweight. Cornering speed. Ability to cruise through boulder fields. Very agile for 6" travel full sus'.
Weaknesses: Ugly - looks like a Specialised. Integral headset. Too new to know of any long term problems. Price.
Bottom Line:
Last night had the most amazing 3hr demo ride on Maverick ML8. Have always ridden race orientated bikes - Kona Kula; Santa Cruz Superlight; Ellsworth Truth and have never felt the need for a big squishy bike to get me down a trail with a grin on my face. In fact have never even considered lowering my saddle. This has now all changed after looning around like an idiot on the Maverick. Grabbed the bike from Fat Tread Bikes at 5.30 and headed for the woodsy singletrack. First surprise, cleaned a previously unclimbable climb - nearly didn't manage simply because I started giggling when I realised that I was going to do it. Next the tight woodsy singletrack was dispatched so quickly that I had to go back up again and again (x3). OK, too easy so off to another testpiece. Badaguish race course is known for its tight, rooty, rocky singletrack all either going up or down very steeply. This I thought would be the downfall of a bike I had percieved as being too big (too much travel, bulk, wheelbase, etc) for such a tight trail. How wrong. It climbed all the old favourites better than my sub 25lb Truth! It hurts to say that by the way. Descending off camber roots ha! my new favourite hobby. Rock gardens, ha more like pebble gardens. By now I am experiencing the buzz of a decade ago when I first rode a mountainbike. I can't go home yet, so off up to Cairngorm to crank the volume up louder. Now I'm not describing the next bit - cos it's naughty, but lets just say that big fast rock strewn mountainsides are effortless both up and down. Get back to van dazed by whole experience and realised I haven't drank or eaten for last 3hrs. It's that good.Ugly though.
Similar Products Used: Yeti, Nicolhai, Turner, Ellsworth
Bike Setup: Mav DUC. XT everything. Avid Juicy brakes. Kenda Blue Groove tyres.
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Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Briarcliff,NY
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2003
Strengths: Takes me along for the ride!
Weaknesses: Hates to be put in the garage.
Bottom Line:
Killer trail bike. It's an absolute pleasure to ride "Wink". Not only can it dance, it loves to flip, flop, and fly. Truely inspiring! Rides like a plush hardtail...what a concept. This rig should cost more, and it does if you purchase a Seven Duo. If you can live without titanium, this is nirvana! If you have read this far it's obvious you have a hankering for one as well. Make the call, you will love yourself for it.
Favorite Trail: Race Loop @ Blue Mtn. w/plenty of extra thrown in!
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: Briarcliff Bike Works 914-941-4706
Similar Products Used: I own a Truth, but it's the Maverick that has set me free!
Bike Setup: ML7, Maverick Fork, Chris King, Stans Rims, Avid juicy,03'XTR crank, Dura-Ace/XTR d's, and the best of the rest. 24.5 lbs. Can you say stupid light?!!!!!!
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Submitted by
Kamran Scopp
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003
Strengths: Awesome welds Very strong looking. I'll ride tomorrow for the first time and post a real review in a few months
Weaknesses: None that I'm aware of. Perhaps the integrated headset. And funky front derailleur setup.
Bottom Line:
I'm very excited about this bike By tomorrow I'll be riding it(Assuming everything fits together ok) I'll post a real review in a few months So far everything about this bike seems amazing. It's a work of art to look at by tomorrow I'll be ripping it up on my first full suspension experience. If I have half as good of an experience as the reviewers before me I'll be in heaven.
Bike Setup: CKiso wheelset W/ dtswiss rims, Thomson stem, seatpost,Sram XO,avid mechs,Black Elite100-120(until I can afford Maverick) MonkeyliteXC,RacefaceLP,IRC serac tires.
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Submitted by
Marc B
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerville, MA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003
Strengths: Pedaling & handling. This bike is noticibly more efficient than my SPV-equipped Giant VT1 (partially because it has 1.7in less travel). Beyond that, though, it is the best handling bike I've spent any time with since selling my fantastic VooDoo Bokor hardtail in 2000... It is fine just noodling along, and loves technical east-coast climbing, but if you start push it, the bike seems to look up, grin, and say 'bring it on.' Weird, but I like it. Plus, is a very nice looker, especially in the orange-y 'crimson' paint job. The named head tube badge ('Tyke'), DOB, and lovely seatpost clamp are pretty cool, too.
Weaknesses: Suspension action is noticibly different when standing, which makes drops (standing, of course) less pleasant. Acceptible, though, given the handling and efficiency. Spendy, too, but not given the attention to detail, especially now that the price has dropped by $700.
Bottom Line:
Here's the deal: If I were still living in the French Alps, doing miles and miles of technical descending, this probably wouldn't be my pick (see: VT1).
BUT: for a super-versatile bike that loves long rides (like last week's 50-mile epic), tight singletrack, maybe the odd bit of 24-hour racing (Sleepless in the Saddle, etc) or east coast racing (VT 50-miler, 2nd Start Enduro, etc.), I can't think of anything else I'd pick. There we have it. Anyone want to buy a VT1?
Similar Products Used: Owned: Giant VT1, Specialized Enduro Expert. Ridden: FSRs, Orange SUB-5s, loads of hardtails, Specialized Brain (good lord- how did they mess that up?)
Bike Setup: XT, including discs & cranks, Psylo Race fork (would pick air fork, though), Eggbeater pedals (sweet), Titec/Easton finishing kit, Hope Hubs with X3.1 tubeless rims and Conti Vertical 2.3s or Kenda 1.9 USTs (depending on ride).
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Submitted by
Ros Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003
Strengths: Fantastic fit and finish, superb design, and incredible peddling efficiency.
Weaknesses: The bike is relatively complex, possibly requiring mechanical skills. I ride hard, and tend to throw my bike around. Irresponsible? Definitely. My local bike shop arrogantly attempted to tune my bicycle. No can do. Does this mean I have to fix my own bicycle.
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bicycle. I resisted suspension bicycles and their inherent weaknesses. I have always been a strong climber, and valued my ability to pass my "suspension challenged" friends. I trailed tested a maverick and was blown away. This led to my purchase, and I couldn't be happier so far. The bike came to me set up beautifully, and while it's expensive, it is not that much more than other designs. The bike weighs 25 lbs., and climbs like a mountain goat. I think that the maverick Mavericks are headed in a remarkable direction. I am blown away
Similar Products Used: Replaced a lightspeed Unicoi, full XTR etc.
Bike Setup: Full XTR with 180 mm cranks. Fox talus RLC, Mavic wheels and hubs, i.e. The full-court press
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Submitted by
Bret Moss
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003
Strengths: Head Tube Angle 70.5, Short top tube (XL 24.75), Cable routing (under top tube), Reasonably light, Wheelbase (44.25), BB height (12.5), Surface area of pivot bearings (large), Integrated Headset (light, simple), plenty of room for a 2.3 tire,
Weaknesses: BB height for rock/tree crossings, Integrated Headset exposed to elements, Short top tube not for aero xc riding, 3/4 Rear Shock Sag,
Bottom Line:
I weigh 190 lbs and I'am 6' 1" in height, I would describe my riding style as "In search of epics", I don't mind hike a biking, living in Idaho there are 5 mile 4000 vertical climbs, this bike works for me! It manuals (wheelies) very well for wheelie drops. I've got the cockpit set up with seat height and grip height the same (neutral). The mono-link works it's magic. The rear shock sag YOU chose has a big impact on perception of how the rear is working. You can choose a soft or firm set-up of rear shock. When the rear shock extends (rebounds), it feels like it driving you forward. This bike is not for everybody, I've been riding 3 days a week 12 months of the year for the last 10 years. My last bike frame I owned for 7 years. If I ride this bike for 7 years I will consider it the best $4,400.00 dollars I've ever spent, only time will tell.
Similar Products Used: Mac Strut, Y & Sweet Spot URT's, four bar, faux bar (swing link), sigle pivot hi/low, floating drive train (I-Drive)
Bike Setup: Frame Size XL, Weighs 28 lbs, Rear shock Heavy Spring,Rear shock sag set-up 15-17mm w/20 psi, Front Suspension Psylo Race (100mm), Kit XT (hydraulic), wheels Mavic 317 disc, tires Conti Survival Pro 2.3, Thompson Elite Post, Selle Italia ProLink Gel Flow saddle, Easton Riser Bar (Monkey Lite), ODI Lock-On w/ Bontrager Ergo grips
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Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR. USA
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003
Strengths: Climbing in and out of the saddle, responsive handling, and easy set-up for air pressure.
Weaknesses: Having to let all of my friend's spend some time on my bike when we're on the trail. Also, knowing that whoever is on the ride without a Maverick is not having as much fun as me.
Bottom Line:
The bike is masterpiece. If you're an XC rider who wants a bike that is super light and handles well, this is it.
Similar Products Used: Prototype ML6, Santcruz Superlight, Sugar 1, ML7
Bike Setup: Fox float RL, Hayes, XTR, Easton, Hutchenson, Hugi, Time, Sram.
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Submitted by
Craig Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Cody, WY
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002
Strengths: Unsurpassed climbing; balls-out descending; low maintenance; full moto with style. In addition, PT designed it, FV machined the protos; FS looked at it; and I built and named it (yours too if its dated from 4/01 to 8/02).
Weaknesses: None - But I may be baised 'cause I worked with and have known the boyz for a while.
Bottom Line:
Get one now - It's not a huck-a-monkey bike or a racey- race bike, but it is the best adventure and epic ride bike out there. Plus, the frame is a frigg'in work of art. Dig this, we had 13 of these out there for a 5 day-120 mile trail ride in Idaho and there was not one problem (check Maverick's website). Props to Maverick for the experience and to Fox, Race Face, Sram, Avid, DT/Swiss, Mavic, Thomson, Easton, and WTB for the products - thanks guys
Similar Products Used: ML5.1; ML5.2; ML6.0; and the "One-ee" a combo ML6/ML7 single speed I builtup for grins.
Bike Setup: Fox Vanilla RLC; Sram XO shifters and rear der.; Race Face Next Cranks and BB; Hugi 240's with Mavic D521's; DT spokes; Avid discs and levers; Thomson post; Easton stem and bars; WTB saddle and tires; XT front der.; DX pedals; the "crapflap" - a little fender I made up to protect the main seal; and a few inhouse modifications I made to the damper.
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Submitted by
d pike
a Weekend Warrior
from emerald city, CO
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2002
Strengths: no squeaks, creaks, or bs leaks...like a nice long board, the faster you go,the more this frame rewards with stability and confidence...absolutely hooks up on the climbs, even at the lowest speeds. the momentum gods favor this design; THE best design for getting from mountain point a, to mountain point b in a timely fashion, both up and down. race it up, race it down...freakin' race it all over town!
Weaknesses: umm...errr...I had to purchase a better lock?...I swear the malleable der hanger made my rear der last longer!
Bottom Line:
So what if it costs a bit more? Now all I have to spend money on are chains, tires, and beer...get one now before you screw up and have to give all your money to your future ex.
Bike Setup: fox vanilla rlc, xtr, reg whls w/519 rims, fat tires, hayes, oury grips, and wtb saddles
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Submitted by
Pale Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002
Strengths: The Feraari of mountain bikes...expensive as hell, but worth it in every way for handling and performance. The most BAD A$$ bike I've EVER seen or had the PRIVELAGE to ride! Very light at 5.2 lbs. with the newer Magnesium bodied rear shock, SEXY looks, stout (and not too beer canny thin) tubing---outstanding fit and finish on the welds, powdercoating,machine work, and all else....
The way the disc-brake cable routers work is really cool! The quick-release seat clamp mechanism is well made and works! Rear suspension design is very innovative, and soaks up the bumps better than anything I've EVER ridden! You don't feel the rear of the bike moving over the bumps, but it works! And the rear suspension ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT bob while pedaling and climbing. Cool headtube badge. And the bike doesn't have a serial #, it has an eccentric name! Great support and customer service from Maverick. Comes with an extra r. der. hanger, candy, extra frame decals, and a cool owners manual signed by Paul Turner!
Weaknesses: Limited headset choices, I have (minor) chainline and shifting problems due to having to use the DH cup on the drive side for my Race face B/B, with that E-Type front derailleur. It spaced the cranks out just a few milimeters too far.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the SHIZ-NITTY focking NIT! My absolute dream ride. And I had never ridden one before I got it! If you can afford it, get one---it does not dissapoint. Plan on spending a lot of time talking about it on the trail, though....
Similar Products Used: Schwinn Rocket 88, Cannondale Jekyll. And none of them were "SIMILAR" to the Mav in any way!
Bike Setup: All XTR (2002)--RF next lp cranks and B/B, Psylo SL, Hayes discs, Hugi 240 / Mavic X-317 wheelset, Thomson post, easton Monkey Lite bar and EA-70 stem, IRC Serac XC tires, Time ATAC Titan pedals, WTB Rocket V Laser saddle, Salsa grips and skewers, all srp Ti bolts, carmicheal derailleur pulleys...JEEZ, THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.........
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Submitted by
Boyd Piebenga
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002
Strengths: A great bike, end of story. Rides like a dream, looks beautiful, and backed up by the best Customer Service I have ever experienced
Weaknesses: Derailleur Hanger. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who's had problems with this. I'm on my fifth hanger now, having never bent one before this bike. I ended up buying a Park Tool to straighten them, as it was costing me a fortune!
Bottom Line:
It's everything I could hope for. Pretty light, and sweet handling. I can keep up with the Hardtails on the way up, and with the Freeride bikes on the way down. Sure it's a lot of money but I've long since forgotten about that, and am loving every minute on the bike. Customer Service from Maverick, Fox and Magura, has been unbelievable, given a choice the only thing I'd do different is go with XTR Cranks, which Frank at Maverick advised me to do. He was right, but I was stubborn!!
Similar Products Used: Giant AC Air lite, SC Superlight, Jeckyl. Specialized Enduro, Trek Fuel. Titus Switchblade
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Fox Vanilla 125 RLC fork. Magura Louise FR brakes, Thomson, Monkeylites, Hugi 240's, RF Cranks
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Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Wash. Co., UT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002
Strengths: Does what people say. No bob when pedaling either seated or standing. Light frame for 4 inches of rear travel. I got 5.9 pounds for the extra large size. Helpful, detailed setup information comes with the bike. Beautiful craftsmanship - looks particularly good with a white Marzocchi Marathon fork. Great overall trailbike or epic ride bike.
Weaknesses: Expensive. Less supple than a 4 bar design with Horst Link. Very slack angles. Only a few seatposts will work (get a Thompson with the 12 degree clamp). Limited production shock may become difficult to replace, though with all the positive reviews and other manufacturers licensing the design, this may not be an issue. I still don't like integrated headsets. The one on my bike was fairly exposed to the elements compared to the Chris King gold standard. Front derailleur limited to E plate designs.
Bottom Line:
My friend had surgery and couldn't ride his new bike. He let me assemble it and test it for a couple of months. What a bud! It is certainly one of the best bikes I've ever ridden. Personally though, I prefer my Turners.
Although the design doesn't bob, I decided that bobbing isn't as critical as I thought it would be. I found riding back to back with my Turner O2 that my perceived effort, climbing times and heart rate weren't any different over the same quite technical course despite the visible bobbing I see with the O2. Now, with my old Cannondale Super-V, I could feel the bobbing sapping my power. A properly set up 4 bar (it's gotta have the Horst Link) doesn't give me the "we're losing power, Captain" kind of feeling despite the visible movement. The deciding factor for me, however, was the bottom section of my test course where there is a quarter mile section of very sharp edged slickrock edges on a slight downhill: I was feeling every OOF! with a definite whole body impact on the Maverick versus the controlled thumps I could pedal through with my Turner. The 4 inches of travel on the Maverick feels like less than the 3 inches on the O2. There is no comparison to the 5 inches on my Turner RFX. I race the O2 except I use my RFX at the 24 hours of Moab, but if I had to choose a bike for a shorter (< 20 mile) race I'd pick the O2, the Maverick, then the RFX. I think the Maverick would be easier to get used to switching from a hardtail, but that isn't necessarily a positive thing.
I took the bike to the Fruita festival and got lots of approving looks and comments. This bike gets noticed by the biking elite if that's important to you.
Similar Products Used: Turner O2 & RFX, Cannondale Super-V. Litespeed Tsali softtail. Old Schwinn URT design.
Bike Setup: All good stuff: Marathon, Hope Mini's, Thompson post and stem, WTB SST 98 Ti saddle, Monkey Lite SL carbon riser bar. I found I had to set my saddle a little higher than usual to account for the bottom bracket moving as the suspension sags.
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Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002
Strengths: -Great design built around integrating the rear shock as a structural element in the frame. No chain growth with shock actuation and no noticeable bobbing. -A bike built, and company staffed, by riders. You get a great owners manual with maintenance tips and tracking sheets. Obvious attention to detail with CNC machined frames. Any issues are quickly resolved by Maverick. I had a problem with my seatpost slipping--one e-mail to Frank was all it took; he had a new seat clamp UPS'ed to me in a day. The new clamp eliminated the slipping problem. -Rides like a dream. It took me a few rides to get used to the slacker angles and the longer wheelbase, but the bike delivers on its promise. The bike handles superbly and feels very solid. This was definitely outside my original budget, but I have not had any regrets and only lots of fun in the 6 months that I've had the ML7. -Dealer support. Tim, Rich, and Zach have been great at Medina Cycleworks (aka wrenchscience on the web). They helped me get complementary components and then assembled the bike and get everything dialed.
Weaknesses: rear derailleur hanger--I bent two right off the bat; one lying the bike on the hanger and one in a crash. Now knowing how easy it is, I carry a spare. However, I'm also much more conscientious and don't lay the bike on the derailleur side (obvious, I know, but was never a problem on my OCLV w/ a permanent hanger). Since bending the first two, I haven't had any issues. This is not a fault of the bike design and is more my learning curve.
Bottom Line:
You will not be disappointed. If you get an opportunity, treat yourself to a ride. I made the leap of faith w/o a test ride and haven't looked back. I was looking for a XC-FS ride that would be efficient and could handle technical climbs while giving more control on the descents. The Maverick ML7 filled the bill beautifully and has belatedly added me to the legions of hardtail converts. If you are looking for a no-holds barred FS-XC, look no further. This bike will not hold you back. 4 Chilis for value--this isn't a bargain bike, but the quality shines through and that has its price. 5 chilis overall
Favorite Trail: Roots in Fernie and Plascenta Descenta in Nelson, BC
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$5950.00
Purchased At: Medina Cycleworks / wrenchscience
Similar Products Used: Trek 9900 OCLV hardtail
Bike Setup: Marathon S fork; Magura Marta disc brakes; UST CrossMax Disc wheels; SRAM 9.0SL rear derailleur&shifters;XTR cranks,BB, front derailleur; Shimano M959 pedals; Easton Monkeylite bars; Thomson Elite seatpost; Selle Italia Ti-Flight gel
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Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfield, CT USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002
Strengths: The complete suspension package and adjustability of the RockShox Pyslo w/ M Bits and Fox Rear Shock Damper mated to an incredible stiff,durable and good looking frame make this one sweet riding and well balanced bike!
Weaknesses: The Dealer needs to be informed at the time of purchase as to the components needed to build up the frame such as XTR Bottom Bracket, and 12 degree clamp for the Thompson Seatpost to complete the package.Clean and relube the integrated headset often. Check and tighten pivot bolts.
Bottom Line:
The Maverick ML7 rides and handles like a dream.The suspension is well balanced and can handle any "East Coast" cross country riding situation you can throw at it.When you buy a Maverick you are born into a family. Just get out and ride!
Similar Products Used: Last bike owned was a Rocky Mt. Element T.O.
Bike Setup: XTR Crank, Bottom Bracket and Front Derailuer,XT Cassette 12-34,Sram 9.0SL Rear Derailuer and Shifters,Hayes Disc Brakes,Race Face Stem, Easton Monkey Lite Riser Bar,Thompson Seatpost,Selle Flite Saddle, Time ATAC Pedals,Hugi 240 Hubs W/ WTB Laser Disc Rims,and Conti Explorer Pro front and Escape rear Tires.
