Submitted by
Bob Rynd
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000
Strengths: The Marin Quake series (5.0 & 9.0) looks cool! It gets attention wherever I go. The frame is a good base for which to upgrade/ build a good lightweight, all-around bike. I mainly use mine for XC but because I ride in the mountains I'm not afraid to open it up on the descents. Be it technical S.T. through roots and boulders or flat out fireroads, the Quake FRS is at home on it all. I can keep up with the best of the hardtails on the uphills as well. No biopacing.
Weaknesses: I have to concure with one of the other reviewers from NZ. The moncoque frame makes the slightest noise (click, clang or clatter) reverberate through the frame. It makes locating the noise very difficult. I too, experienced a mystery noise that I eventually diagnosed as the screws hold the replacable dropout. A little loc-tite fixed that. The clearance between the chain and the swingarm is a nuisance as the chain will bang on the swingarm make it a noisy ride. The fix... cut an old innertube and wrap the swingarm - quiets it down nice!
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is, I've taken a great frame and built a supurb all around bike. Having built it over time the expense isn't as much a shock on the wallet as off the shelf. I have a bike that is unique in appearance and performs excellent in all conditions. It's a agile climber and holds it's own at 40 mph on the downhill.
Similar Products Used: I've ridden my buddies GF Joshua and Specialized FSR, both are very good.
Bike Setup: I've upgraded to XTR with Chris King bearings all around, Headset and front/rear hubs on Bontrager Rims. Fox Vanilla Air rear and Manitou XT vert. front. Bontrager riser handlebars. I ride in the forest (XC) on Onza Rail front tire and Panracer Duster Pro Rear(kevlar light). I have a set of Panracer DH Pro 2.3 for downhill (Ski Area Stuff) and some Michelin Wildgripper Rock for hardpack and street
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bikeyboy
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999
Strengths: looks way cool,v/strong frame,light with parts mods, XT as standard
Weaknesses: limited to compact rings,some stock parts are not too good,cross chaining causes chain to rub swing arm
Bottom Line:
I knew i had to get this bike after riding it only about 50 meters. i started looking at hard tails and then rode a Rift Zone which got me hooked on full suspension. I rode DBR,Specialized, Scott and GT. I loved the laterally stiff and quik ride of the Specialized but favoured other aspects of the DBR. The GT and Scott left me unexcited. i was going to get the DBR in the end but at the last minute i heard that the Marin people had an amazing sale on. i wanted a Mt Vision but there were non left. the sales guy said to look at the Quake and so i did. i have not looked back since.the bonus was that the Marin had way better spec gear on it for the same price as the DBR. i saved NZ$2000 off the retail price of the Marin. this bike is so stiff laterally and is fairly light in stock form. it is also a real eye catcher and to make this 'worse' i had my frame stripped and polished. after about a month i noticed that my h/set was loose. i found out that it is a really cheap Diatech one and so i put in an FSA needle bearing h/set. this started me on the upgrade path to the bike i have now as speced above. it is now so light that it weighs less than many desent hard tails and i did not have to sacrifice strenght at all to get it this way. it is fast and climbs hills like you wouldn't believe.going down can be a bit 'harsh' but is still way more plush and comfortable than any hardtail. the problems that i have had are the following: 1 the new Marin agent in New Zealand does not know what customer service is and did not want to know about getting me new suspension parts when my old ones started to wear out. i got on the net and Marin USA sent me the new bearings(the old ones were faulty from new i found out)and a removal/fitting tool all for free. other wise i had to have the parts machined here and get the bearings from australia(Bendigo Bearings in Bendigo Victoria Bearing type Fafnir KP6A) at circa AU$54each.all is sweeeet now! 2 when i accidentally cross chain in the large ring and the large on the cassette the chain rubs the heck out of the swing arm and makes a hell of a racket. 3 due to the design of the bike i am limited to using compact size cranks and rings. 4 the XT brakes seized in wet weather due to the twisty routing of the cable and water and muck getting into the lining so i have to use ride on Gortex Cables(continuous) but made the switch to Maguras. 5 the most annoying creeking noise that the monocoque makes so hard to find and fix. i found it in the end after 18 mths. it was a loose screw on the derrailieur hanger. tightened it up after giving it a clean and now the bike runs very quiet even in rough terrain. i had all the bike mechanics looking for it and we went through everything from cranks to pivots. i have not really minded these problem too much as i have a great interest in finding out how things work and now i can service my bike with my eyes closed. the problems pale in comparison to the awesome time i have riding this bike and i believe that with a few mods this is still one of the best full suspension bikes even after 2 or 3 years and i still surf the bike stores regularly. i highly recommend this bike even if you can get it second hand which is the only way you will get one now.
Bike Setup: Quake 9.0 Frame w Fox Vanilla R, AMP F4BLT carbon fork, Magura Tomac hydraulic Brakes, Spinergy Spox Wheels, Thomson post, Raceface LP cranks,FSA needle h/set, Kore 3 stem, Hope Ti b/b,Kore gass spuds, Profile carbon riser bars, ride on cables,Nisene saddle
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Watson
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999
Bottom Line:
I bought a Quake 9 for £1350, 20% discount on the inflated UK price just after they were replaced by the Mount Vision. My reasons for choosing this model were: A.The tidy design with a single good quality rear sus bearing rather than linkages. B. The seat/tube is not cantilevered C. Mainly XT equipment fit.I have not regretted buying the Quake and am well satisfied with its performance and overall quality. The wheels have stayed true with only the rear requiring minor attention after one year. Minor gripes are as below:A. Dia tech headset. Rubbish but easily upgraded. B. Frame welding on monocoque halves uneven. Unsightly but it works OK C. Cable stops under frame are not lined up with cables (they are just onto the lower Y ) and hence operation is rough. Particularly the back brake. I have got round this by fitting a continuous ouer.
Overall though a good reliable bike which I am in no hurry to replace.
Submitted by
Paul E Zyskowski
a weekend warrior
from FT. CAMPBELL KY
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have owned my 5.0 Quake for 2 years now. A friend and i originally rented this bike after a theft had occured which left my buddy without a ride. One ride and I was hooked. Since my purchase my 5.0 has gone through many changes. My first up grade was a Chris King headset the one that came with the bike was trash. Race Face crank set with the Ti BB, Mavic CROSSLAND wheel set with IRC tread(mythos xc),Manitou X-vertR,and the mother of all up grades you can give to your 5.0 or 9.0 a Stratos Helix Air/Coil pro shock with lock out.Your shock unless you got the Fox Vanilla from MARIN is way to plush. The Helix enables you to adjust the air pressure for your weight the coil over handles the big stuff. My ride,lines,and overall bike performance is off the hook. The Helix wont just mount uo to your trusty steed with out some simple mods. Want the 411 drop me a line at PSANQS@ AOL.COM. The upgrades give my 5.0 its overall rating.
Submitted by
John Lenci
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've had my QUAKE 5.0 hardtail for about six months now. Great bike so far. I'm running Manitou FS TI 1997 front suspension, and I must say is performing quite to my expectations. The bike itself is quite lite, but it could be made even lighter. With most of the components mainly LX and STX and Kevlar tires, it's about 26 pounds. If upgraded to XT, XTR, or other titanium components it could brake the 23 pounds. (not bad Eh!). Anyways it performs great on climbing sections, but if you are into crazy downhill kamikaze stuff, you better get off the saddle, because it's gonna hurt. Aluminium hardtail are just stiff as a rock. If there are any other owners of Quake hardtail bike, please drop me an Email!!.Ciao for now, and ride hard.John
Submitted by
nic emerson
a weekend warrior
from Lincolnshire, England
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
Has anybody got a review on next years (1999) Marin Wolf Ridge 'cos I just bought one but I can't ride it because I've bust up my collar bone while jumping my old LTS 2. I'll review the LTS with the chilli's 'cos I haven't ridden the Wolf Ridge yet! The LTS was a 21 frame and the shock was far too heavy for me, Because I only weigh 10 stone!
Submitted by
Jerome Brennan
a weekend warrior
from Newfoundland, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
I am having a 1994 Team FRS frame replaced under warranty by a 97 NAIL FRS. There was an option of paying additional cost of approximatel $700 Canadian dollars to upgrade to a Mount Vision Pro or Quake 9.1. My 94 Team FRS was a great bike.Anybody have any reviews on this frame. Is the the 97 Team FRS a better frame. Reply appreciates, thank you.Jerome
Submitted by
Armin Horner
a cross-country rider
from Austria
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
i´m a bike-mechanic and have ordered a Quake 5.0 in 1997.When i first saw this bike i just wanted it because of its great design On my first rides i wasn´t happy with the leightweight-parts on the bike for ex. the wheels, the Manitou - i changed it for handbuild wheels and a Marzocchi Z2. I´ve never had a bike like that before! I did cross-country racing with good results as well as downhill racing.Some Problems with the bike are: -You cannot use the middle chainring with the larger cogs because of it´s wide bottom-bracket -On larger frames there should be a stiffer rear swingarm -the noise of the main-frame
Submitted by
Guillermo Vargas
a cross-country rider
from San José, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought a Quake 9.0, in june of 1997. I ride almost 4 or 5 times per week, and 80% of the time Off-Road. Since new a put on my bike a Bomber Z2, and a downhill Azonic handlebar, the perfect convination. Ride faster, less fatigue on long time rides, more control going up or down. The only trouble I had few days ago, was with the aluminium bushings at the low pivot point of the rear shock, they became a little unrigid. Solution I changed them for inox steel, and it work perfect.Any way I just can tell it is a great bike!!!
Submitted by
Simon Davanzo
a cross-country rider
from Manchester- England
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've had the Quake 5.0 for a year now. I had wanted a Rift Zone but they were selling really fast and I couldn't find one. Strangely Quake's weren't selling - Okay it's not as good looking, but the rides the same and it's fractionally lighter and stiffer. One year and 2000 miles on, the bike is good as new. Bear in mind I live in a flat, so I can't simply hose down the bike after each ride, yet the swingarm always works, even when caked in mud. Compare that to my friends 3 year old LTS, which basically needs new pivots each season. Out in the trail the Marin is a dream. One of the people I ride with is a weight freak with a floaty light Klein Pulse, but even he had to admit that despite the weight the Marin is a superb climber. Actually he's thinking of buying a Mount Vision! I've met many other FS bike owners out on my rides, and have always been pleased to see the Marin design is the best for climbing, and in fact despite the falling rate shock, and the shortish travel it makes a superb downhiller too! Okay they don't make Quakes this year - but the other FRS designs just as good. The Alpine Trail isn't really worth it (the cromo swingarm isn't as good), and cross country riders won't like the B17 (too high, heavy and a bit bouncy for me), but freeriders/downhillers will love it. Best buy is the Rift Zone. So buy one!
Marin Quake 5.0This bike is amazing! I know they don't make these this year, but still, they ride the same as the rest, and are lighter. Get the Rift Zone, not the mount vision, and spend the money you save on some 4 travel forks, they make a massive difference (Bomber Z1s are tops). There can be no doubt of the rating, even if the frame does resonate a bit.
Submitted by
chris beaver
a weekend warrior
from new zealand
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1997
Bottom Line:
97 Marin Mt Vision. Excellent excellent! Light, strong, it challenges me rather than limits me. Delivered with broken bolt in front shock clamp (dealer Pack n Pedal); front mech (Shimano XT) busted after a couple of weeks, both replaced under warranty. Rear wheel frisbee(spoke protector thingy) busted too, chucked it away. Very happy with this bike. Ver good frame. Climbs amazingly well. I'm going much faster downhill and still gaining experience at this. Back end is very smooth and plush, Manitou at front less so and would like a little less stiction there. But its Fun Fun. Goes anywhere. Excellent all-rounder. Very please with this device. Buy one!!!
Alpine Trail: I was looking for a full susp for my byrthday, and I checked out many makes, models etc. I couldn't buy something over $1500. As soon as I learnt about the Marin FRS designs, I started to have great interest in them, finally convincing my parents to buy me an Alpine Trail. All I can say is that it is excellent. When I ride in my local trails (you know what Scotland's like) with 13 other people, I always lead in the uphills, straigts and sometimes even downhills (Some of my partners have $6000 downhill jobs) And I'm not one of the better riders. I've only had it for two months, but it is working superbly. The rear end takes anything you give it, small bumps are also absorbed and it sprint faster than any other bike I've seen in my trails. The front end is OK on small bumps, and superb on big-medium ones. We usually race and bet money. The problem is, most of my partners are now going to turn to a Marin FRS design. Damn.
Submitted by
Alistair Freeman
a cross-country rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1997
Bottom Line:
Marin Mount Vision '97.I've had my Mount Vision since February and ridden it extensively over the summer. I am extremely pleased with the bike: it climbs well, descends well and is very comfortable over full-day rides. I do ride faster and harder with this bike: the only problem is that it encourages you to do things that may be a bit unwise! All the components have performed well and I haven't needed to replace any bits except the brake pads.As far as problems go, the only trouble I've had is one of the top caps on the forks becoming stuck (faulty thread, couldn't unscrew it: took 8 weeks for Manitou to get a replacement. Come on Manitou, why can't you keep a stock of spares in the UK?) and the slight loosening of the rear end mentioned by Jono Offler in his review: quickly sorted by a bit of bolt tightening. Otherwise, the bike just seems to take everything I throw at it in its stride.If you ride XC for fitness and fun, as I do, then you'll love this bike. If you're a racer you might want something lighter, but to be honest I can keep up with people of my level of fitness on their hardtails when riding it so I think for most people it'd be fine.Highly recommended. I don't like the orange-painted swingarm on the '98 model though....
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from Northampton England
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1997
Bottom Line:
Bought the Mountvision pro. I used to have a custome built rigid bike, I tried out a fs Marin in a shop just to see what it felt like and ended up buying the dam bike. It's amazing, I haven't noticed any decrease in speed and can still whip some of my friends in straight out sprinting on it. It climbs like a demond and desent is easy. I can now pass most people on the local trails with ease. The weigth doesn't seem to be a problem and I only really notice when having to pick it up. Top bike I'd say buy one.
