Submitted by
Charles G III
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2004
Strengths: Very plush (with the addition of `04 Marzocchi Marathon SL 100's), strong entry-level crankset, frame seems very stiff, love the four-point rear. Loads of fun to ride. I'm 6'3 195+ and when I'm tossing it around I'm never scared. Feels sharp, cuts to well.
Weaknesses: NOISY!!! This thing creaks and squeaks like an old spring bed. I might not be lubing properly, but I've only ridden for a month and since day 1 its sang like a cricket. I love the bike, and some have said that it has a great entry level componentry setup for a bike of in its price range, but I feel that the shifting is definitely the worst feature of the bike, and the brakes are going to have to go as well. The R/S Pilot SL's were the first thing to go, not because they were the worst feature, but because I could get Sun & Ski to upgrade the forks and still keep the bike under $1200.
Bottom Line:
I love my bike. The rattling, squeaking and chain slap are nearly insignificant when barrelling down the trail, but there's no sneaking up on anybody! Good looking bike (particularly the addition of the new forks(see review). My ratings, therefore, are based solely on the bike. The only issues to tackle are those based on the componentry.
Check for my review on the Brakes(Avid), Shifters(Shimano Deore), RD(Shimano Deore) and FD(Shimano Alivio)
Bike Setup: Stock `03 Marin East Peak w/ '04 Marzocchi Marathon SL 100mm
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Submitted by
K Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2004
Strengths: Frame, light weight, great component set for entry level bike.
Weaknesses: Like the previous post stated, it can be noisy on the trails with the cables and creaking, but when I'm hauling down a mountain side, I'm not really focusing my attention on the cables.
Bottom Line:
I love it. Looks great, rides fantastic, components are super for an entry level bike, and the frame is the same as the more expensive Marin full suspensions. I will keep the frame and upgrade the components as money allows.
Bike Setup: Stock, except added Crank Brothers Candy SL pedals
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Submitted by
Mike Brandsma
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004
Strengths: Strong construction, great initial componentry at entry level, great handling bike, Excellent Company Reputation.
Weaknesses: Somewhat noisy on trail (cables banging on frame), creaking. Both of these can be easily addressed however.
Bottom Line:
Great intro bike to Full Suspension riding. Maintenance is straighforward as there is no proprietary equipment and the frame is rock solid construction.
Bike Setup: After arrival, I beefed up the tires for rock climbing (1.95's upon delivery) to 2.2's. I also set up the front and rear shock to my preference - a little stiffer than the default for my weight.
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Submitted by
Mark Wendon
a Cross Country Rider
from Colchester, UK
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2004
Strengths: Excellent Value for money and strong as an ox. I'm not the heaviest of riders by my gun-ho riding style can be quite harsh on my chosen steeds. The Marin’s Monocoque frame construction gives a very strong set-up, which oozes confidence giving a safe and rewarding ride.
Weaknesses: Can be a little noisy to ride with trail buzz being amplified through the frame. Rebuilding the Quad-links cured initial creaking when new. Threshold on X-Fusion Shock can also be sensitive to small adjustments.
Bottom Line:
For the money a superb buy and a fine platform to build upon. Bought to replace my Kona Hard-tail, the extra confidence I gained with the Marin was amazing and immediate, allowing me to take on challenges which previously I thought were impossible.
The fork and rear shock are in line for upgrade in the near future. Although the X-fusion and Rock Shox are perfectly adequate for weekend XC the bike deserves a Fox Float rear paired with a Talus up front for more aggressive trail riding.
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel, Rocky Mountain Vertex
Bike Setup: Began life as standard but upgraded with XT groupset, Hope E4's, Panaracer rubber, Raceface, FSA, DMR & Easton goodies
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Submitted by
Rick Gessner
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA, Santa Clara
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2003
Strengths: Lightweight and frame set is identical to higher end models. Rear suspension is nice with good response and adjustability. Looks great.
Weaknesses: Noisy, rear drive train is not very good and front fork/shock is low end. Tires are garbage and should be replaced first thing. Components are what you pay for.
Bottom Line:
Purchased 2003 model late in year at cut rate. This is a great full suspension starter bike. Previously rode hardtails. Ride is far smoother than similar bikes and comes with disc brakes unlike competition. Shocks need to be tweeked to preferance. Some minor component upgrades would make this bike top notch. 2004 model is improved with fork and components. Grease the chain and adjust derailleurs properly. Fork comes uncut and can be sold and upgraded easily. Very happy with the bike overall.
Strengths: same frame as the mt vision pro minus rear shock. out of the box set up was easy the fork was un cut so it was sold and upgraded. on the trail it rides like a race bike, climbs like lance on steroids and still takes big hits easily.
Weaknesses: original parts group is heavy and only 8spd.
Bottom Line:
it rides very much like the blur but is lighter. it is stiffer than last years marin frs and superlite, more active than the epic so longer riding isn't a problem and it doesn't take a hard hit to move the suspension. the old fsr can't come close. it really is a vpp but let's just call it the quad link. sounds cooler! anyone that wants to ride all day or race will want to have this bike. can't wait to see the new 3vh free ride version.
Bike Setup: the only original parts left are frame and avid discs. marathon sl,fox float rc,hugi 240 disc tubeless wheelset,full xt 9 spd,easton carbon riser,thomson post-stem, 26lbs
