Full Double butted Cromoly with Ovation Edge shaped tubing, Anti-Flex Tri-Burner seat and chain stays.*Answer Six Comp, 80mm of Travel Fork*WTB Momentum Comp ST Threadless 1 1/8" Headset
Strengths: Strong and super light Cromoly Steel Frame, it was the reason I purchased this bike for my 6-4 frame. Strong running gear and reliably shifters. Overall great handling and extremely durable. Owned it for 7 years without anything breaking and didn't have do a major service until after 5 years.
Weaknesses: Forks were entry level. V-brakes worked well enough. Pedals and grips
Bottom Line:
Solid frame that can last a lifetime. Wish they still made Cromoly frames - not much difference in weight and unbreakable.
Overall excellent package for it's time, and the reason I bought another Marin bike.
If you can find a used bear valley for cheap, jump on it, even as a commuter it will server it's master well.
Similar Products Used: Trek 4300, Giant Rincon, Marin Hawk Hill
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
Go insane
a Cross Country Rider
from Strabane, Northern Ireland, UK
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2007
Strengths: Steel Frame is durable and pleasure to ride.
Weaknesses: pedals, some parts could do with upgrading, but thats because the frame is worth it! Thiefs love marin bikes :<.....Need a good lock!
Bottom Line:
The only reason why i have had so many Marin`s is that 2 of them got stolen.
I took alot of my parts from my Bear Valley SE. That bike had all xt comp. I was getting fedup after loosing 2 bikes in one year deu to theft, so i took and old batterd frame (Bear Valley SE 1996) took the stickers of it and put good comps on it. The result was great lightweight steel bike.
In need of suspension the choice was made a new model of a bear valley. No regrats at all this bike rides like a dream, light, fast, stiff. The only down point i can think of is comp, but you can upgrade that over time and have a dream bike (frame). I love the frame design of Marin i don`t know how they do it, but every marin i had rides lovely and last.
If you find one second hand go for it! You wont be disapointed i think Marins have a lot to offer for the money compaired to alot of other brands out there.
Similar Products Used: Marin palisades, Marin Bear valley SE (1996), Marin Muirwoods fisrt bike, Marin bobcat Realeigh dont remember model,Trek 4100.
Bike Setup: FOX F80 RLT, XT front rear mech,XT BB, XT cassete, Avid SD7 V-brakes, TruVativ Firex, XT hubs and Mavic 717 weels.
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Submitted by
Dave Henning
a Weekend Warrior
from Saskachewan
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2004
Strengths: Solid frame, nice components, neat color (did i say neat?)Frame was solid.
Weaknesses: Shiatty seat, i bent the rails after 2 months and the guys at thbikedoctor replaces the seat and seatpost "under warranty".sweet. The grips are crap though i rode it lots the first year (7hrs a week) and they were down to nuthin.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because i neede transportation, and i like to have fun too. I was stomping five footers before some loser, scumsuckin, undesireable stole it. I cant wait till spring so i can get up on m new norco mainik and go 10+ft
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2003
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Not sure the exact weight, but it feels nice and light, fun to chuck around. Bike felt like a lot tighter ride than bikes from other manufacturers in similar price range (Specialized, Raliegh, Kona). Really like the way the steel frame feels versus other aluminum hardtails i've ridden.
Similar Products Used: Low-end Ross mountain bike from early 90's.
Bike Setup: Upgraded to SPD pedals
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Submitted by
Austin Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2003
Strengths: Very durable, nice ride. Pretty light bike.
Weaknesses: I had some chainrings bent, but I've rammed my chairings against rocks so often I wouldn't hold it against it.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. After 2 1/2 of abusive riding and never doing any maintainance, I finally decided to take it apart and see if anything is bad. All I found was a couple of worn out cones.
Submitted by
JJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairbanks, AK
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002
Strengths: Steel Frame is durable and you know it won't let you down, Color, and it looks good.
Weaknesses: I don't see anything wrong with this bike except a few upgrades may be in the future just to make it better.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike and am very happy with my purchase. I have taken it everywhere, and it never has doubted me. I works well downhilling and on cross country trails. Although you may want to upgrade if you want to get serious. At first i wasn't sure about the steel frame, but now i wouldn't have it any other way. It is a great bike for anyone!!
Similar Products Used: None really, just department store brands
Bike Setup: Stock, Manitou Magnums, Deore drive train
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Submitted by
Aleksandar Coz
a Cross Country Rider
from Zagreb, Croatia
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002
Strengths: great frame, fast, comfortable, looks mean
Weaknesses: some parts-maybe crank and casete
Bottom Line:
works fine, maybe needs some upgrades-crank, casete. Brakes are fine but I think it deserves AVID sd 5/7 and shimano lx crank(or even better raceface prodigy). I intend to buy second from Marin-Pine mountain or even Juniper trail.
Submitted by
James Baker
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002
Strengths: good solid bike that performs well
Bottom Line:
This bike has been great so far. I think this is a great bike to get into the game with, and grow with as you realize what elements would be best to upgrade.
I rode it stock for a month and it performed great, throughout Marin Headland trails. As I have become more fanatic, have subbed in parts as descibed above. Will leave it as is for now (performs perfectly) but may consider upgrading crankset if/when this one goes. Buy it if you're serious about off-road riding and can see yourself using it for what it was meant to do (perhaps with a view to later upgrades) -- otherwise it's more bike than you need. Don't buy it if you're already an advanced off-road rider with specific tastes for really high-end components.
Similar Products Used: Marin Hawk Hill (1st MTN bike)
Bike Setup: subbed in XT rear derailleur, Manitou SX-R fork and Shimano SPD clipless pedals
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Submitted by
Bill Mains
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002
Strengths: The steel frame make for a rugged, fun and reliable bike, that to me feels better than aluminum frames (except on really steep grades). You can throw almost anything at this one. It's just under 30 pounds.
Weaknesses: My drive train has worn out after a year and a half of heavy use. Front suspension (Manatou Magnum) could be better, but more $$$.
Bottom Line:
I bought the 2000 model two years ago because of goodness of fit-- it just felt right. After riding it around for a few minutes I returned straight to the bike shop and plunked down the plastic.
I was browsing the reviews here because I'm looking for a full suspension, but I thought I'd throw in my two cents on this one. Damn I've had a heck of a lot of fun on it. There's nothing exciting about the components or anything (mostly Shimano Deore & compatible), it's just a good bike for the price and with the steel frame has a sturdy feel which welcomes abuse. I bought the gray and black one, and after a coating of mud and dust it looks more like a piece of old farm equipment than a bike. Adds to the charm.
I have nothing to compare it with, but personally I think my chain, cogs and rings should have lasted longer than a year and a half. It looks like a no-name manufacturer made them. Then again, maybe I just should have replaced the chain earlier. It's been a good lesson in bike maintenance, with the help of Mr. Zinn.
Still, the Bear Valley been a joy to ride so I'm giving the best score for value and overall. Come to think of it, maybe I'll just keep this one for now...
