Submitted by
John
a
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
City Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Used from Craigslist
Strengths:
Climbs really well. Maverick front shock is really nice
Weaknesses:
Proprietary stem. Rear shock seal kit is $200. Never could get front derailleur to work well.
Similar Products Used:
Recent: Titus Quasi-Moto, Ventana El Saltamontes, BMC Four Stroke, Specialized Epic (w/ Brain); Old School: AMP B2, GT RTS, Ventana Marble Peak, Kona Hei Hei, Fat City Shock-a-Billy, Kestrel CSX, Klein Attitude. Got 14 bikes at home...what can I say, I love bikes. Ride 120 miles per week (4 x 30 mile runs).
Bike Setup:
Full Shimano drivetrain / hydro disc brakes. Mostly XT w/ XTR Shifters (dual control - work OK but not my favorite), Maverick fork. Basically a stock package build from a local bike shop (LBS).
Bottom Line:
I guess if I still owned it, I could rave about how great it is and make myself feel better at spending some hard earned cash at a new toy. Truth of the matter is that I have been riding full suspension bikes since the GT RTS came out in the early 90's. Rode several of the Macpherson strut designs w/ Horst Link (AMP, FSR), 4 Link designs (more modern), etc...so when you've owned and ridden various designs you tend to be more critical of shortcomings. So if someone reviews this bike and it's their first ever full suspension bike, would you take them seriously?
First thing I will mention and give credit is that it really does climb very well and the Maverick fork is nice. There's not much bob on the rear shock. It's about all the positive I can say....now for the negatives...
I would not buy this bike again. Rode it for a couple months then sold it right away while it was still worth some money.
Main problem is that I ride where there is quite a bit of varied terrain and when it came time to go up some steep hills / technical sections, the front derailleur would not downshift very well, especially to the small ring, which I hardly use, but for a bike as expensive as this, it should work 95% of the time or more. Been riding mtb trails since 1991, raced in my prime, and I never had this many problems with a front derailleur not shifting. LBS mechanics couldn't get this set up right (even with input from Maverick)...sure there's the thing about matching it to your weight, etc... Basically a DESIGN FLAW. Word is that when the rear shock compresses, the top section of the chain (heading towards the crank) gets too much slack and the derailleur just doesn't have the tension needed to force the chain down.
My second biggest gripe is that the top tube is relatively short and the backwards angle of the seat tube basically seats you too far back over the cranks as you raise the seat up. You get a slight "recumbent" bike feeling. Also, the head angle is somewhat slack (69 degrees) so be prepared to lean more on fast turns.
Don't forget all that proprietary stuff built in... Maverick specific stems (kiss your Thomson units good-bye) as well as $200 for a rear shock rebuild kit that no one but Maverick will sell you....and the 24mm front axle (trueing, wheel mount for car rack, lack of aftermarket replacements). Don't know who's worse about this, Cannondale with the 1.5" Head Shock / Lefty head tube & weird rear shock mounts or Maverick (at least Maverick has better shocks, but Cannondale has a front derailleur that works. Wouldn't own either of them these days.
Solution: I bought a Ventana El Saltamontes to replace the ML7 and I never looked back. The Salty is just faster, handles better, everything works, no proprietary stuff. The Maverick is like a Mercedes while the Ventana is like a Porche. The BMC is very similar ride to the Salty. I ride the Titus Quasi for rougher rides since you can make the back get almost 6" of travel.
Hope this helps....If you're thinking about Maverick don't do it.... I like Paul Turner (Maverick founder) and his Rock Shox, still own a Mag21 and a couple of Sid Race SLs (until Fox came out), but this is just not a good design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Golding
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: December 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anti Atlas
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
John Atkins cycles Leamington spa
Strengths:
handling,build quality, style,the rear suss is awesome
Weaknesses:
takes a while to set the gears right, but once susssed no problem
Similar Products Used:
marin, specialised with the brain?
Bike Setup:
rock shock psylos, shimano wheels, hope brakes shimano xtr throughout
Bottom Line:
just spent 8 days in the anti atlas in moroccoo this bike is amazing!!! out of several other full suss top quality bikes this rode the best downhill and also climbs better than a hard tail and was the only bike to have no mechanical problems! we also experienced a fair bit of rain, making trails extreemly muddy again this was the best, cannot fault it in extreemly gruelling conditions!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
wrenchscience
Bottom Line:
Revision to my earlier review. Now that I've ridden this bike for a year, all good news to report. Suspension is still tight and quiet. Never experienced the shifting problems noticed by some. Things I shoulda done differenly: this bike needs tubeless tires. the Hope Minis are chi-chi but fussy - would consider other alternatives. My only costs of running this bike for a year are tires, brake pads, and chains.
Bottom line: this bike delivers as promised - the ultimate Colorado bike. Unique, expensive, and worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Sammamish, WA Date Reviewed: January 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
thatguy@mambodogface.com
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Wrenchscience
Strengths:
Balance, functional and aesthetic design. Pedals and shifts beautifully. Handles like a dream.
Weaknesses:
Can be touchy when dialing in the shifting. mostly in the front derailuer. Setting the cable tension a bit looser than you'd think seems to do the trick.
Similar Products Used:
C'Dale hardtail, Klein Mantra, SC Blur.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, Mavic Crossmax XL Disc, Conti UST.
Bottom Line:
I demo'ed an ML7 in Hood River, OR 3 years ago and immediately felt the difference in the balance, handling and responsiveness. Only problem was that it was a bit out of my reach pricewise. Considered the Klein Palimino (same basic design) but once I found out that Klein was using nylon bushings at the pivots instead of the sealed bearings as in the ML7 I knew that those bushing would become a maintainence nightmare. LBS owners that I've talked to about this have confirmed my suspicions, they've been replacing those bushings on the Palimino every 500 miles or so. Tim @ Wrenchscience was great to work with and I haven't regretted spending the extra $$ on the Maverick once. It has to be some of the best money I've ever spent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robin Fisk
a Cross Country Rider
from Thringstone, UK Date Reviewed: December 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Minton Bach, Shropshire, UK
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Sideways Cycles (info@sidewayscycles.co.uk)
Strengths:
Unique 'no bob' rear suspension, superb 'straight as a dye' tracKing 150mm Maverick forks. 25.5 lbs built weight. Bespoke quality components.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
My first full suspension bike - joins Merlin Ti hardtail, Spot SS and much loved Kona Exposif (as well as two road bikes - but we won't mention them here)
Bike Setup:
'04 ML-7 (US) med frame in gorgeous red with Black Maverick forks. Maverick front hub,White Industries cassette rear, Mavic 717 XC rims (black), silver DT db spokes, black brass nipples, 'Hope' mono disc brakes, XTR drive train, Sram chain, Raceface seatpin, SDG 'Satellite' saddle, Shimano 959 pedals, Easton 'Monkeylite' Lo-Rise Carbon bars, ODI 'Ruffian' grips, King Ti cage, Continental Vapor Protection Kevlar tyres, Michelin latex tubes.
Bottom Line:
Nirvana :-)
I rode several other suspension designs, but the Maverick suits my 'expedition/enduro' needs perfectly. It's exclusive and beautifully made. Appearance not to everyone's taste - but "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"?
I love it ('Goblin', BTW)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Jarecki
a Weekend Warrior
from Bubbaville, TX Date Reviewed: October 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Whoopee Do, HR, Oregon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2900.00
Purchased At:
piece by peice
Strengths:
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!! Plus, just plain nice to ride...like possibly the best??? Shifts flawlessly.
Weaknesses:
Rich old man reputation. Long term durability??? Proprietary rear shock. Goofy IS headset (What was wrong with King?). Wierdness in the front derailleur set up. High top tube (on large).
Similar Products Used:
many high end: Hammerhead, Switchblade, Blur, Turner, Racer-X, Saltemontes, Epic (puke), brief exposure to Tracer and Spider, etc, etc. Switchblade might be closest. Blur is serious competition but has its idiocyncracies. I started this project just a hair too early, now that there are all these "Stable Platform" shocks out that might fix up the Horst & single pivot designs.
Bike Setup:
Awesome Fox Talus, Magura Marta's, Magura Pro (Hugi/317's) wheels, XTR derailleurs, XT cranks / cassette, Sachs Extreme shifters (yes!!!viva la 8-speed)
Bottom Line:
I like it. I like it a lot. I like it a hell of a lot.
Had Ventana Habanero (80mm F /3.25 R). Wanted big improvement, which is a little tough. Buddy bought Blur, has let me ride alot...had to show him up. He's not convinced, but if you are interested in feel and sublties, I think I have the nicer bike...and I PAID LESS...but it took effort, luck, shopping (including ebay), and self-build...piece by piece.
My bike feels more stable than his 6-month old Blur. Perhaps not up to Titus standards, but still great. Blur is plusher, at least at times, and might provide the added smoothness through moderate rough stuff. Plus when it tightens up in the sprints, if feels a little more efficient than the Mav. But barely.
SHIFTS PERFECTLY!!!!!!! I have old XT 737 crank with 107 BB, much narrower than Maverick recommended. That may be the key to my shifting success. Using XTR 952E Frt derailleur, modified per Maverick, with XT compact crank. Like I said...ZERO problems. Oh, and that is with Sachs Extreme shifters. Be prepared to experiment and keep the distance from the middle ring to the BB shell to a minimum (13-14mm). Try a BB with adjustable chainline. Well, who knows with 9-speed...I'm using 8.
Fox Talus is fun fun fun. Bike steers better at ~91-97mm, but of course the ROUGH stuff feels better at ~113-119mm. 125 gets a little wobbly. Rear is firmer than Blur but still nice. Much less pedal scrape than on Blur, less kickback from chain, more seamless feel (Blur feels like Jekyll and Hyde, which is kinda OK: soft when you want, firm pedalling when you need...Maverick is more middle of the road: fairly firm pedalling, fairly plush. MUCH plusher than Racer-X / Hammerhead (which are incredibly great bikes, if you can handle the harshness in the rough. Much firmer pedaling than Saltamontes...at least without any Romic / 5th Element help. More responsive than the Turner I rode.
BL: If you live by the clock or race, depending on your youth and fitness level, you might do better. But as a trail bike, the Maverick is awesome. Pedals pretty efficiently and seems relatively plush. Very well balanced, responsive. This is a great bike. Of course, so is the Blur. Ventana's still seem the best-built, Turner is OK, and Titus's are impressive. But the Maverick has nothing to be ashamed about..despite its price. If you can find a deal like I did, go for it. All the better. Just be ready to ride hard, as everyone will be gunning for you.
But I got what I wanted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin, CA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
New Paradigm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Wrenchscience
Strengths:
Rides like a hardtail when you need it, plush and responsive.
Weaknesses:
Price, upper bushings.
Similar Products Used:
Test rode several FS bikes (Santa Cruz), softails, and my old old old Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
All XTR derailleurs, Magura Marta brakes, Marzocchi M-100 shock, Race Face cranks...can't remember it all right now.
Bottom Line:
I got this bike 18 months ago and - after swallowing hard at the price - have gotten happier and happier about my purchase. Outside of the brakes I chose (and which I am going to swap out) - the bike has been my best investment in recreational happiness since, well, ever.
Only issues I have had 1) Upper bushing on suspension shock needed to be rebuilt after about 200 miles. I have an anodized frame, and this was apparently a common early design flaw, 2) Creaking from monolink on occasion - think this is usually dust related and usually goes away after cleaning, but wonder if it is the first sign of #1. Otherwise, fit, function, quality are impeccable.
I have never had any of the problems with shifting noted by other reviewers on this page.
Great overall bike (5 chilis), high price drops the value somewhat but if you got the $$, can't be beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from los banos, Ca, UsA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
no bob design
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
specialized stuff, ventana salt & la bruja, 4 banger all mountain homegrown, giant ac air and 2,
Bike Setup:
sram x.0, monkey lite xc, next lp standard, hayes mag plus 6", hugi 240/317 front, king/519 rear, Manitou black comp 100/120,until maverick fork ships, thomson-special grind with flat basstard(auto edit said proper spelling was profanity, how profound), shimano 545 pedals, until ti eggbeaters installed. Ritchey wcs
Bottom Line:
price? how do those mastercard commercials go?....gary fisher supercaliber frame $800, giant ac2 $2200., trek fuel $2500.. Maverick ML7 priceless. Comparing this bike to all others, it simply does a lot well and other things very well. Lock out the front fork, stand and hammer and it feels like a hard tail. Put 120mm travel up front and feel as comfortable handling steep descents. The rear is not as plush as my giant is, but it's not harsh or ever uncomfortable either. Weight is 26lbs with Maverick fork and eggbeater ti. It feels extremely stiff. Now what some have been waiting for... shifting! I built the bike from frame up with only 2 previous complete builds prior. After 40 miles analyzing the shifting, I have not experienced any problems- and I stress that I have been looking for problems. My initial setting for front derailleur was factory standard crank. TJ (maverick technical advisor) suggested lowering the rear of derailleur 1/2 way through range to get a better gap from top of chain ring. So, add up cost of my gary fisher team issue hard tail, my freeride giant, and a 24 pound xc full suspension, and the Maverick ML7 is a bargain. The fork is not too great, but a $300.00 quick fix to get me riding. I will post again after installing the much anticipated Maverick fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Ros
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Backbone
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Wrench Science
Strengths:
Fantastic fit and finish, superb design, and incredible peddling efficiency. I was surprised how much stronger I felt. Rode with a friend who should have been close, saw him much later than expected (He was bummed).
Weaknesses:
The bike is a relatively complex design in the front, even 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. Had to ride around with a screwdriver to get the bike to shift under load. Does this mean I have to fix my own bicycle? Handeling will take some time as I am so conditioned to a throw it around ti. hardtail
Similar Products Used:
Many many years with hardtails, then a 20lb. Litespeed Unicoi Ti. softtail
Bike Setup:
Stealth Black frame, Fox TALAS RLC 2003, Full 2003 XTR, Ritchey WCS Mtn stem, Continental tires 2.3 front 2.1 back, Shimano M959 pedals, Easton EC90 Monkeylite SL Composite bar,ODI Ruffian lock-ongrips,Mavic Crossmax XL Disc wheels, Salsa Skewers, WTB Rocket V Stealth saddle,Thomson seat post weing in at 25lbs.
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bicycle, looked at the Seven Cycles Duo version and, while remarkable, decided to gow with the stiffer and better valued Maverick. I had 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 now that they have discounted it. The bike weighs just under 25 lbs., and climbs like a mountain goat. I think that the maverick Mavericks are headed in a remarkable direction. I am blown away.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug
a Cross Country Rider
from tyler,tx Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
womble trail, arkansas
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Strengths:
The bike climbs extremely well and handles well on the roughest of trails. The rear shock helps go over every type of terrain with minimal problems.
Weaknesses:
The rear derailleur hanger is flimsy and hard to find in this part of the country.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Instinct. Litespeed Tsali
Bike Setup:
marathon fork 4", carbon monkey lite bars. Hope discs, XTR all around, time pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for a 200 pound plus rider who likes to ride epic rides all over the country. It climbs as well as it descends while being fairly responsive on winding trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ronald lourie
a Cross Country Rider
from israel Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Maverick dealer Israel
Strengths:
looks finish excellent and when it works ride is great
Weaknesses:
impossible to get front derailler to work correctly have tried 2 XTRs including new 2003 2 Race Face next lp..finally 2003 Truvative psylo team no better
Bottom Line:
when the bike works it is great..support from Maverick has been excellent but did not help..am sending frame back to them to see if they can fix it..should have returned it to my Maverick dealer a year ago but thought we could work it out..have replaced every possible part mono-link rear shock rear triangle numerous front deraillers..with all this I still hope Maverick can do something..cannot rate this any other way at this time
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Salinas Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all of fort ord
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Spokesman
Strengths:
Superb build quality..NO BOB..Great support from Maverick
Weaknesses:
Front deraileur cannot be made to shift well..Three mechanics, selling dealer and owner mechanic cannot get the thing to shift predictably unless the suspension is set very firm to eliminate all sag
Similar Products Used:
Moots, Santa Cruz superlight,blur ellsworth
Bike Setup:
Shimano xTR,Mavic crossmax wheels, fox vanella rlc
Bottom Line:
The bike is very well made. There is great support from Maverick, but the front deraileur cannot be made to shift well with the bike properly set up for rider weight...this flaw appears to be endemic as all the mechanics admit it is a "touchy" set up. The front shifting spoils the ownership experience if you ride steep and varied terrain...I have tried with several mechanics..no luck..very frustrating..near great bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Denver, CO USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
wrenchscience.com
Strengths:
Superb design, craftsmanship, and details. Frame geometry biased toward stability rather than agility. Many many grins. Why doesn't everybody do Q/R seatposts anymore? Made in the U.S.A.
Weaknesses:
Rides less plush on descents than some other designs I've ridden (may be my set up). Frame geometry biased toward stability rather than agility. My hardtail technical skills will diminish significantly if I keep riding this thing.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd Blur, Superlight, Psycle Werks, K2, Sugar, Klein USB, FSR
Bike Setup:
XTR drive, Fox Talas RLC, Thomson post/stem, Hugi/317s, Hope Minis, Monkeylite bar, Brooks saddle (only one retro grouch piece)
Bottom Line:
I'm an experienced/old mt biker, riding 70 - 100 days per year, used to race XC. Didn't think I'd ever want to buy a full suspension bike due to weight, durability, handling, aesthetic and effeciency concerns.
This bike totally changed my view of full suspension mt bikes. The ML7 is the only full suspension bike I've ever ridden that climbs better than my ti hardtail - didn't think that was possible. Standing up on the pedals, the lack of "bob" is downright eerie - this bike needs no lockout. Great combination of efficiency and stability. While I was suspicious about the geometry (laid back seat tube, long top tube), it actually allowed me to run a shorter stem than on my hardtail, significantly improving jumping and low-speed handling without compromising the seated climbing position.
Probably not the right bike for racers - I'd go lighter and maybe shorter travel for XC. This bike was made for long, rocky rides with wicked climbs and challenging technical sections.
Can't give 5 chilis for value because I can't yet vouch for the durability of this bike, but if it's still tight and quiet in a year, I'll kick up to 5.
Bottom line: The ultimate Colorado bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lorenzo Lavagnino
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bicycles 101, Florence, Oregon
Strengths:
NO-BOB! Feels like a hardtail until you hit something, then you know you have suspension because you see the tires going up & down, but not the bike. Traction, especially going uphill, is fantastic, because unlike most rear suspensions where the wheel moves forward when it goes up, the Maverick wheel actually goes BACK, pushing down all the time. The reason is the cranks are attached to the mono-link and not the main frame. Also, the laid back angle of the seat tube allows the seat to go back as it rises; great for bigger people. Geometry is perfect after a few rides. Always feel in control. Eats up big hits. Looks like a bike with a diamond frame; makes it easy to shoulder.
Weaknesses:
Other than the cost, which is worth every cent, I can think of none.
Similar Products Used:
More f/s bikes than I can count.
Bike Setup:
Maverick ML-7, floral finish option, with Rockshox '02 Pslo Race with M-bits and new remote lockout, Rohloff 14 speed rear hub, Am. Classic fr. hub. Velocity disc rims, Kenda Kozmic Lite II tires with Stan's No-tubes, XTR crank, Coombe Pro pedals, XT disc brakes with Stan's pads & Hope Gothc rotor, Saddleco Flow Saddle, Thomson seatpost and stem, Ti flat bar, cork grips.
Bottom Line:
I am a 65 year old bikejunky and have been in the bike industry for over 25 years, with lots of opinions to go with my experience. The Maverick design is unlike anything else out there. The rear wheel always tracks the front wheel. I feel very safe with this bike. It has saved me numerous times from stupid mistakes on my part, that would have caused a crash on most bikes. If you have the bucks, buy one; if you don't, get a Klein Palamino with the Maverick technology. Plus, Paul Turner, the two Franks, and the rest of the Maverick crew are some of the best people I've ever met.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 1995.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
