Submitted by
Roger Cassey
a Racer
from Dundas, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2010
Strengths: Tough but fast. Can be used on roads, bad weather, for commuting but great off road also. No bells and whistles. This is an older model with no suspension, no disc brakes. No hassles. Horid paintjob can only make it less of an object for thieves. Paint makes it look late 80's early 90's? Looks like it was never ridden. Virtually brand new and for $70.00 life is good. I'm a commuter, road biker but know a good deal when I see when. Besides, I bike all year and the tires should make it bullet proof.
Weaknesses: Paint job. Flourescent yellow with green splotches. uggghh.
A bit heavy, but then again I'm a road biker so what do I know? No other problems. Kicks the crap out of anything I saw at my local bike shop for $800.00.
Bottom Line:
What can be said about a bike of this quality for $70.00? As I mentioned, looked in my local bike shop at $800.00 bikes that weren't as well made. My road bike is an old Nishiki that I paid nothing for but does everything I could possibly want. I ride to work and need to get here fast and with reliability. The Marin is the perfect bad weather commuter.
Bike Setup: Simple, wheels, tires, gears. Just as it should be. Took all the extra stuff off and am not too concerned with components. Has some Shimano which can only be bad, but I don't do alot of shifting anyway.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
factorialpython
a Cross Country Rider
from nantes france
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2010
Strengths: had DS800 for approx 9 years, it has travelled all over europe (literaly)from Scotland, to sussex, across france and Italy via alpina passes. rode it along the beaches of Spain and poodled through the German forests whilst camping.
Weaknesses: can;t get one for my friends
Bottom Line:
i drive a Land Rover defender, this sits in the back and is basically the landies love child
Bike Setup: only change i done was had MOZO forks put on (when i got it)
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Marcel
a Weekend Warrior
from North East, England
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007
Strengths: Build quality is fantastic, the frame is very light, the components are high quality.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I borrowed a friends "Marin Bear Valley" for a 50 mile trip. It was such a fantastic, high quality, reliable bike I decided to buy a Marin myself. I couldn't justify buying a brand new one as they cost way too much for just a weekend play. So, I looked on ebay. After a couple of months browsing I found a lovely alloy framed Marin Palisades for £150 pounds. I had a quick look at the reviews on this site and decided to go for it. The bike is fantastic. It's lighter than the Bear Valley due to it having an Alloy Frame. The gear levers are different (I think a bit old fashioned ) compared to the Bear Valley but the bike is a bit older. The overall build quality is fantastic. I've never owned such a quality make bike as this one. It's like the Rolls-Royce of bikes. I love it to bits.
Submitted by
Simon Wyndham
a Weekend Warrior
from Worcestershire, UK
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2007
Strengths: Just keeps on going!
Weaknesses: Cna't find brake blocks to fit it anymore! Anyone know if it can be upgraded to V-brakes or Disc fronts? Geometry not suited to suspension forks :-(
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike since I was 15. Its a '91/'92 model (can't remember specifically). Really nice blue in colour. Just recently started riding it again and enjoying every minute! Just added Rapid Fire shifters and a few other bits and bobs due to wear and tear on the old girl.
Ideal for those who want something to throw around.
Strengths: Got it when I was 15, now I'm 26 and still occasionally take it out for a ride. Nothing original left except the luminous green paint job !
Weaknesses: Marin won't provide touch up paint anymore :(
Bottom Line:
Great reliable bike; new Marin Palisades trail not so reliable (from a friends experience who broke his 2004 Palisades Trail whilst I was on my 1996 Palisades Trail !)
Bike Setup: Was Stock, now running XT level components from various years. Essentially upgraded yearly but frame geometry can't handle modern suspension.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from berkshire, england
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005
Strengths: No suspension, steel frame (I think) bike from intermediate heaven. The geometry on my 17" was perfect from the first ride - up hill is a joy, down dale stable as anything (allegedly clocked (by a third party) in Ethiopia at 80kmh down a gravel trail on a volcano), on the road (lite, bright, quick), in the mud (excellent) and snow (OK so the original tyres could have been better) it just has the most incredible "feel" and I have been on plenty of far more expensive bikes since that don't get close.
Weaknesses: Are there any, really. I was a novice buyer and if honest to this day wouldn't know one set of gear from another except through substantial testing
Bottom Line:
OK OK so this review is late! I bought this bike in Sept 1989 (read that again!) and it has been up, down, through and over 1000s of miles of stuff with nary a grimace. In the 17 years that is has been (literally) thrown on planes, down volcanoes and worse the only things that have actually broken (as opposed to worn out) is the rear der hanger and the pedal reflectors! I have of course replaced tyres, rear and front shifter, chain set, bottom bracket and rear wheel. The saddle has worn out, the frame has rust patches all over the grey paint job (the lime green is still there and hardly faded), the original front wheel has reached the end of the road and I can't find a front shifter to replace the second (maybe third) worn out one and am pondering the cost of the overhaul required to reinvigorate the beast. But after riding £750+ bikes (Cannondale F400 etc) this week I think I will - OK so my now over 40 frame has earnt the right to some comfort but this bike was and remains unbelievable so I reckon I favour the rebuild than a new one even if my poor backside will suffer........
Similar Products Used: trek (also 1989 in the same price range)
Bike Setup: completely 1989 standard
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Submitted by
karl broom
a Cross Country Rider
from liverpool,england
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003
Strengths: good looks,strong,top spec for the price
Weaknesses: none that iv come a cross YET!
Bottom Line:
A very good bike,been looking for a bike to replace my stolen nail trail and the marin palisades trail fits the bill.As am from england the price was in pounds not dollas.the price was £565 and worth every penny.proberbly the best buy for the price.
Similar Products Used: gt zaskar,mongoose pro,carrera banshi
Bike Setup: manitouforks,deore gears alex rims
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Submitted by
Silvia
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002
Strengths: Reliable. Sturdy. Excellent handle. Smooth ride. Compact Design. Indestructible. Fast descents. Good Climber. Low maintenance. Excellent paint job. Long lasting components.
Weaknesses: Decals fell off.
Bottom Line:
I tried several bikes before I bought this one, 10 years ago. I knew immediately that this was the one first when I saw it and then when I took it for a spin. I have taken it everywhere, thrown it through logs, mud, creeks, rocks, sand, pavement, long rides. I just got the new rime in the rear a few weeks ago when I backed up the car and destroyed the rim and spokes. I have gone through three chains, a couple of tires, brake pads and it still goes. It's never abandoned me in any of my adventures. My friends laugh at my old, shock-less bike. They feel sorry that I don't have a fancy one with shocks everywhere and aluminum frame, and that I have to haul it on hard terrain. But I refuse to change it until it literally falls apart and there is no way to fix it. In the meantime, I am very happy to own it and proud to own it. The paint is all there (purple), some of the decals are gone (they were gone on the first two months after I bought it). There isn't a trace of corrosion in it. So I think I'll have it for another ten years.
Bike Setup: Araya front rim (original), Mavic rear, Shimano Altus A10 components, Cro-mo frame
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Bicycle
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001
Strengths: rigid steel, but it don't NEED no suspension, yo
Weaknesses: a teensy bit flexy when you pound it
Bottom Line:
This review is for the '90 Palisades Trail (hee hee) with the neon yellow on the head tube and the top/seat tube. Yeah, it's old and you'll probably never see one of these, but for an affordable old bike, the frame is amazing. Long, comfy chainstays, kicked out fork, long top tube for an old bike, and it's holding up great even with all the rust on it. To anybody with spare parts and one of these frames kicking around in their garage, build it up! It's a lot of fun to ride an old frame, and with some v brakes and a riser, it's just that much better. And the steel soaks up rough winter stuff, just remember it's a beater and laugh at the rust. Wheee!
Submitted by
Matt Weaver
a Cross-Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: November 1, 1999
Strengths: The Aluminum Frame with Ovation tubing is incredible. It is the stiffest frame, that I have found in this price range. My bike (15.5) weighs about 22 pounds. The Ritchey Logic Headset is great, I haven't done any damage to it yet. The shifters work suprisingly well, I have no major complaints from either the Alivio or STX/RC components. The Ritchey Vantage rims work well and the IRC tires are some of the best there are. The stem and riser bar make for a very upright cockpit. This has geometery that is more common on higher end bikes. Any bike at this price should be bought for one thing, the frame. This bike delivers. The polished color is great.
Weaknesses: The biggest weakness is the RST 381 EL fork that came with my bike. It is easily adjustable, but is not as supple as other forks out there. Of course, at this price range, it is probably fairly good. I'd replace it though. With the money you save on the bike, an RS Judy is not out of your price range. The RST has a tendency to wobble at high speeds over technical terrain and during hard front braking. The brakes are adequet, but these should probably be replaced over time, also. I would also recommend better cranks (try LX for about $80-$90).
Bottom Line:
Good geometery, great frame, featherweight alloy, easy upgrades, great ride, good price. You'll also like the color. But, do try one first.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper, Gary Fisher, Marin Bear Trail, Cannondale F300, Haro Escape A7
Bike Setup: 15.5 1999 with Ovation Tubing RST 381 EL w/ preload adjusters
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max Munteanu
a Downhiller
from Brasov Romania
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999
Strengths: nice price, pretty light frame, specs are OK, value, alu frame, it has a suspension fork, kevlar(!)tires, hubs, handlebar, shifters, rear derailleur, cassette, chain, cranks (even if Alivio),bottom bracket, steering tube (it's aluminium!), handling (well it's 17.5 inches high and I am 1.89m tall...), nice but maybe too intense color, nice decals, it handles wheelies very well
Weaknesses: cable guidance throuh the BB ...IT SUCKS and it did serious damage to the paint of the head tube even if clear decal protected, weak, non adjustable fork, low quality fork bushings, nightmare headset (I just wonder how a bunch of brands keep spec their bikes with this junk, I think DiaCompe should even abandon production), rims -I have bent(!) the rear one more than five times they suck, they're not double, they're not eyeletted, a nightmare!, rim tape, tubes (do I need to mention more?), the hollow interior of the KALLOY stem is not well cleaned of remaining production material, I have cut myself in it, the seatpost gave me headache since I bought the bike, low quality clamp, so I switched it, I switched the Ritchey saddle to a 99 model Marin saddle: bad move, even if it had Kevlar corners, I have bent it after a jump when I have landed on it, grips:killed 'em after short time, brakes: LX copys with Avid copied levers: work not bad at the beginig but after you use higher quality stuff, you begin to hate 'em, front (topswing) derailleur: it really sucks and lets the chain rub against it when on the big ring, cranks: even if they work well: they're Alivio!
Bottom Line:
check strenghs & weaknesses I changed the rear rim to eyeletted frenh MACH 1 item (it works really nice, and stays pretty true, these guys are also the spoke brand used in racing by defunct sunn and American Eagle), I also mounted an adjustable h-bar brace which gives scary noises from itself if untightened, and a pair of 5cm bar-ends (I have shortened 'em), the front tire is now a Ritchey AlphaBite SC 2.1 K which isn't so bad after all if you reverse it, I also switched the shifters for some without the otical gear indicators, because I can adjust 'em more properly in a comfortable position, the rear rim tape is now a Michelin item
Bike Setup: RST 281 SM red colored, non adjustable, six crown bolts (steering tube and stanchions adjustable)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver Day
a Weekend Warrior
from Penally, Wales
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999
Strengths: Its light, tough, looks cool and is value for money
Weaknesses: I honestly haven't found any yet
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is light and fast, with great acceleration and a really lively feel. The fork is stiff and responsive for the money and I like everything. Even the cheapo brakes stop as well as LX. This bike just kicks ass and is very tough. I have ridden and crashed it really hard and nothing is broken. Buy one. Buy one today
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper GT Avalanche Saracen Blitz ( don't buy it it is shite )
Bike Setup: Riser bars and a 381 fork
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Dewar
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Canada
Date Reviewed: June 20, 1999
Strengths: Solid, responsive frame Beautiful finishing and detailing Most components are decent for the price Dealer provided great service
Weaknesses: Weak brake components Saddle suitable for masochists
Bottom Line:
Marin is a bit of an obscure brand in this area. I was looking at GTs, Fishers and Konas in my price range( and a few that were not like GT Karakorum and Ricochet, Fisher hoo koo and Paragon) and stumbled across the Palisades Trail at Mountain Bike City in Calgary. I was immediately struck by the craftmanship of this bike; it's almost a work of art. But what really sold me was how responsive the bike was. I had ridden several 7005 aluminum bikes and found most to be inferior in responsiveness to a good Cromoly frame; kind of a dead feel. The Marin was every bit as good as the Kona Cromoly bikes(which I really liked as well) but was priced more competitively and the clearcoat silver with red finish was a knockout.The components (Shimano Alivio) are okay for an intermediate bike and are comparable to what's available on similarly priced bikes from other manufacturers I tested. The one exception is the low-quality brakes which will be upgraded when I return the bike to the dealer for its first tune-up. The saddle looks good with the red detailing to match the bike's finish but it is not friendly to one's tender parts. I'll live without the detailing and replace it soon.Performance? Wow! Is this a sweet bike for the price! The handling is precise and the bike is easy to control. It climbs like a goat. I haven't tried any tough downhill trail sections yet( and probably won't until the brake upgrade) but I think the bike will be up to the challenge. The RST 381 fork is adequate for me right now but I will probably upgrade it as I get more involved with tougher trails. The bike seems to be ideal for upgrading with it's good quality frame and durable feel. I expect to have it for years. If you are shopping for a bike in Calgary, you can't go wrong by dealing with Terry at Mountain Bike City. He knows his stuff and provides great service.
Bike Setup: 1998 version with mavic D521 rims,qranc DH handle bars,DMR V8 peddles
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian smith
a weekend warrior
from quebec, canada
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought my Palaisades back in about 1991 black with ugly bright green rear end and decals.The bike has been very used and abused but is such a good bike I still cannot bring myself to buy a replacement I keep telling myself when the frame breaks I will.Best, toughest brand on the market even in snow.
Long time browser, first time poster. My cousin recently gave me his Palisades Trail due to him hardly ever using it, the bike is in great shape. I don't know a thing about bikes, Read More »
