Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
|
Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)
| |
User Reviews
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Wilbur
a Racer
from Palos IlliniosDate Reviewed: January 28, 2006
Strengths: Steel. Spot on geometry for XC. Fast. Fantastic ride quality. I used a rust inhibitor inside frame tubes and have had no rust problems. The finish is proving to be reasonably strong too. The handling is balanced. Fantastic ride quality. It accelerates quickly. Fantastic ride quality. Is stable at speed. Fantastic ride quality. Climbs great. Fantastic ride quality. It was better than average spec-ed for the price point. Fantastic ride quality. This frame will last a long, long time and take more abuse/use than any aluminium frame. Fantastic ride quality.Weaknesses: It's Columbus steel, therefore there is no weakness. Overall Great Bike. Fork took some time to set up. Use fork manual for fire starter. It made me feel better, I'll bet you will to.Bottom Line: If you don't need dual suspension or have only ridden aluminium hardtails, you owe it to yourself to try this bike or any good steel bike. Gunner, IF and Jamis come to mind but there are more. Steel gives fantastic ride while being responsive, fast and easy to ride/race for hours or days. For the money, Marin spec-ed the Pine Mountain with a very functional component group in standard trim. I've since upgraded to lighter wheels and replaced worn out parts with better components as needed. The Pine Mountain is an excellent design. It's a well built steel cross country bike that's fast, comfortable that will not disappoint. It will never be a sub 20lb XC tool but it doesn't cost $3000+ either and will certainly last longer. So unless you're getting paid to race and/or money is no option, I highly recommend you consider Marin Pine Mountain for it's strong performance to value ratio.
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At: Pro Bikes
Similar Products Used: Cannondale, Bridgestone, Ritchey, Specialized, Haro, Jamis
Bike Setup: Avid, XT, XTR, Ritchey WCS, WTB, Thompson, Crank Bros.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Belmont, CA, USADate Reviewed: November 14, 2004
Strengths: I'm mostly a roadie, but do a bit of mountain biking on the side. I got this bike several months after my good-ol' '99 Gary Fisher Hoo-Koo-e-Koo was stolen). Love the steel frame, wish more hardtails were still made as steel these days, as it really helps smooth out the ride. Haven't had any problems with pait chips on this bike either, which is important with the steel. Excellent climber, and handles reasonably well on the descents. Component set is of excellent quality and you really get a lot for your money. Nothing wasted on gimmics -- everything solid & reliable.Weaknesses: Nothing except I think I bought it one size larger than I should have. May end up selling it looking for the same bike a size or so down.Bottom Line: Excellent, timeless cross country bike that won't let you down. Great value for the money back when it was new. If you can find one these days, the value will probably be even better.
Favorite Trail: Purisima Creek
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At: Broken Spoke, San Carlos
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Hoo-Koo-e-Koo. Assorted Cannondales, Specializeds, Treks, etc in the 800-1200 price range (hard-tails)
Bike Setup: XTR rear derailer, XT Hubs, LX shifters, crank & front derailer, Avid 7 brake levers & disk brakes, Manitou Mars front shock. Shortened the stem up with a Ritchy Pro stem, and running with speedplay frogs.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bonehead
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, CADate Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Strengths: Super comfortable, especially downhill; actually encourages you to ride harder/faster; the paint job - it's badass.Weaknesses: the fork stanchion bolt came loose after 1st ride; the paint job - it makes you worry about how clean she is as you want to show off the paint.Bottom Line: After almost 3 years with the Big Sur, I decided to try a shorter top tube and, so far, have been pretty happy with the results. I'm not into fast downhilling, so I don't need the extra control offered by a longer top tube. The steel frame really helps to cushion blows on varied terrain much more than aluminum. By the same token, I'm not looking forward to worrying about paint chips and rust. I decided against an FS since the components I wanted weren't available in the same price range and how many people really need or can truly appreciate an FS. Other than almost falling off on me, the brakes are great alternative and the mechanical avids are less intimidating than hydraulic set ups in terms of maintenance.
Favorite Trail: Any road in Kathmandu
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At: LBS - Cyco
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Big Sur; Marin Verona
Bike Setup: stock (less the fork stickers (seems like at least 10 grams off))
|
Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)
| |
Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
