Submitted by
Steve Gager
a Weekend Warrior
from 412 Hillside Dr. Date Reviewed: December 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
owl's roost
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
I got it cheep It is light strong and I have a blast on it
Weaknesses:
The wheels that came on it were crap
Similar Products Used:
96 proflex
Bike Setup:
stock with mavic 517s and a wtb seat.
Bottom Line:
I have a great time on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
smokey strodtman
a Cross Country Rider
from gilliam, MO USA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
many of 'em
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Walt's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Durability, price, genesis geometry, a good enough frame to be upgraded.
Weaknesses:
weight, stock fork, stock wheels, shifters (all of these are related to the price, however).
Similar Products Used:
none.
Bike Setup:
SRAM 9.0 9-spd halfpipes and rear derailleur, LX front der., SRAM levers with Avid brakes, different wheels, Thudbuster with Koobi seat, riser bars, Shimano 536 pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to my earlier report. After nearly 5 years, I still like this bike. As you can see, I've done a lot of upgrading; most of it has been done on closeouts and discount sales to keep the price down. Upgrading has had one other benefit; it's taught me how to work on my bike and keep it in top shape. It also brought the weight down a bunch, it's under 30 lbs. now, which isn't bad for an economy hardtail of this vintage. The only thing that will make me go to a different bike on my next one is my back problems (old motorcycle injury). The next bike will be full suspension and there's a good chance it will be another Gary Fisher from Walt's Shop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad D
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, Wisconsin Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Quarry Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Budget Bicycle Center
Strengths:
Frame is good, "Genesis" geometry (longer top tube shorter stem) moves weight back- it really helps on steep descents, RST-281 fork doesn't suck too bad
Weaknesses:
The wheelset SUCKS. Both rims got messed up- they started splitting at the seams. I weigh 175 lbs and I'm not exactly a North Shore hammerhead so I'm not sure what the deal is with these pieces of crap. The rear wheel has had about 5-6 flats in a month and I had to replace it with an identical model because the rim was so messed up. Also, the weight is a bit on the heavy side...the bottom-of-the-line Altus/Alivio/SRAM 5.0 probably contribute to this. Also, I hate Grip-Shifters. I always accidentally change gears, and it won't stay in third gear sometimes, it just pops back to second. I would much prefer some trigger-style Shimano equipment (I would upgrade to Deore but I don't have the $), RST-281 fork doesn't have damping adjustability
Similar Products Used:
None (first MTB)
Bike Setup:
New rear wheel (identical to stock) which has the same problem, Continental Twister rear tire, 2 water bottle cages, pretty soon I will have an LX/Mavic wheelset
Bottom Line:
Despite the TERRIBLE wheelset, this bike is a pretty good value. I bought it used last year for almost half off the list price, but I honestly could not find anything that made it look used. I think it was just a demo model that never sold or something. With a wheelset upgrade, and possibly a new fork, this bike could be used for serious competition. For a rider like me who just likes to dick around at the trails and commute and stuff, this bike works pretty dang good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Macdonald
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottetown PEI CANADA Date Reviewed: September 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the cave breaker
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Smooth Cycle
Strengths:
For the price the components were nice. suspension works better if set lower mine came with a Jett not the RST
Weaknesses:
The cranks mine gave out a couple months later replaced them And am very happy
Similar Products Used:
GT outpost? The price was about the same in Canadian funds
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the Judy XC up front and disc brakes, new michelin wild grippers
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing bike for the price a bike that will stand up to the abuse of a beginner rider going to move up to a soft tail soon to try and keep the rear planted
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Impala
Strengths:
This bikeis worth the money, it is a good strong bike that can go threw anything that a sugar could. With this bike i have gone down a 4 stair staircase, over bumps, a food curb, and plenty of other stuff.
Weaknesses:
It is a bit heavy, making it hard for me to lift. When you goover piles of stuff the chain rubs against the metal bar under neath it, making that bar just metal, all the paint is off.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
The setup is overall very well, i would just change how close the chain is to the bar. Maybe i need to get the chain tighened.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line, the bike is pretty good for the money. It has got all the stuff i would expect on a bike of that caliber and price range. All i would do is change the shox to a middle line roxshox.
I would recommend this bike to someone who is starting tomountain bike and hopes to get good at it, this is the perfect bike for that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Broomfield, Co Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$408.00
Purchased At:
Golden Bear Bike Shop Broomfield, Colo
Strengths:
Compared to other bikes, the marlin is the best in this price range.
Weaknesses:
Exchanged the seat before I left the shop.
Bottom Line:
Just a beginner at 50 yrs old. For the price and the quality you can't beat the Marlin. The bike shop sales person was very professional, answered alot of my novice questions. Excellant bike for the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Niklas Sandin
a Weekend Warrior
from stockholm,sweden Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
värmdö "mörtnäs"
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At:
spinn cykelsport
Strengths:
Most parts of the bike. The rockshox jett suspension. The feeling.
Weaknesses:
The seat is like useless. when it´s raining it makes a good swimming pool in the seat. The front gear "altus".
Similar Products Used:
Trek "singeltrack 810" Montana
Bike Setup:
Alivio back and altus front. Hutschinson chamelon tires. Rock shox jett fork. Altus cranks. V.brakes.
Bottom Line:
I´ve haeven´t been a really good rider so Marlin was the right choise for me. The price wasn´t so bad when it comes to the joy you get out of it. But it could been a better front gear. I think it is the ultimate bike for a beginner like me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Hecox
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge, LA Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hooper Road
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Overall a solid setup. Has quality parts where imprtant(frame, shifters, brakes)
Weaknesses:
RST shock is crap, seat post wore out quickly
Bottom Line:
A great place to start mountain biking. Right price to enter with and then upgrade as parts wear out/break over time. The RST shock is the worst part on the whole bike. It eventually got so bad that it was like riding on a rigid fork. Replaces with a Z-2 BAM and am MUCH happier. Like a whole new bike. I am very happy with my Marlin purchase. Even convinced my father to buy one and give biking a try! He loves it too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Lopez
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, Arizona Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
South Mtn. by Pointe Resort
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Casey's on Central
Strengths:
Superlight bike, nice looking color(blue and silver)takes a licking on the trails.
Weaknesses:
Seat clamp kept on getting loose. Drove me nuts because the seat would wobble on the trail. The seat itself is pretty hard on the trail. (all stock equipment)
Similar Products Used:
none 1st Mtn. Bike
Bike Setup:
Right now I changed the stock bar with some Easton riser bars. I have some Velociraptors 2.1 instead of the stock wheels it came with. Looking forward to changing the seat or a new suspension seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line for a light, inexpensive, and pretty tough on the trails, it's a damn good bike. Maybe when I get a little (a lot) better on the trails. I'll move to a better(hopefully full suspension) bike. Until then my Marlin is for me!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro, NC Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Reedy Fork
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Decent combination of weight, sturdiness, upgradable bits and price. A good beginner bike that not a POS.
Weaknesses:
weak seatpost clamps; cranks could be better; needs end bars, unless you like constantly shoving the grips back on.
Bike Setup:
replaced seatpost, added end bars, otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
Considering the price it's a good combination of frame and parts. I've had to replace the seatpost (seat rail clamp gave out - I replaced it with a sturdier one which has proven to be bombproof) and a crank (cracked at the bolt; replaced under warranty), but otherwise nothing else's failed. I'm 6'4", 200#, and I ride pretty hard.
I could use more travel in the front fork, but for what it's worth I'll probably just get a new bike instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Koh
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nature Reserve
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Value for Money. Bike is responsive and the frame is great.
Weaknesses:
Could use a better crank.
Bike Setup:
Installed bar ends and replaced the shifter and braking system with XTR parts.
Bottom Line:
For a starter, this bike provide me the equipment and terrain requirement knowledge of MTB riding. I find it most useful to prepare myself for my next MTB.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gautam
a
from acton Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
very nice feel, excellent shifters, brakes, shox, gears, excellent riding position, real light
Weaknesses:
could use bar-ends
Similar Products Used:
mongoose d50i
Bike Setup:
sram 5.0 shifters, rst 281 shox
Bottom Line:
very good bike overall, probably the best hardtail under $500. a great bike! 5 flamin' chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Helmick
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, GA Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sope Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I test rode many bikes, but this one seemed the best value. I'm new to mountain biking, and so I didn't want to spend a fortune on the "wrong" bike. I've been very pleased with it so far...
Weaknesses:
I gotta replace that seat! and get some clipless pedals...
Similar Products Used:
none, just test rode a bunch
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I'm glad I bought this bike. Sure, I'll probably want to upgrade it as time goes on, but I'll have lots of fun riding it, abusing it and myself, in the meantime!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Bender
a Downhiller
from california Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
outpost mounitin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I think it is a very strong and light bike. I have had mine for a year and I have fliped and fell and I only have had one thing wrong with the gears.
Weaknesses:
I think there is not very many things that I think are week
Similar Products Used:
trek 900
Bike Setup:
1999 gary fisher marlin rock shock shamano v-brakes and crank set.
Bottom Line:
I think this is a realy good bike for people who don't mountin bike that much and for some good bikers but some people might like more advanced ones. so this is my opinion on 1999 gary fisher marlin
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Johnson
a Racer
from Westport, MA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anyone that has dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
strong frame, and just a great deal for the money
Weaknesses:
the shox that it comes with mine came with a rock shox jett and i broke it within 2 days of riding
Bike Setup:
i just got a judy c, and some wellgo clipin pedals for it and a better back tire other then that all factory stuff
Bottom Line:
great bike for the money and for begginers i ride mine everyday on some pretty crazy single tracks and stuff and its takes it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
smokey strodtman
a Weekend Warrior
from gilliam, MO 65330 usa Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
dirt roads and levies in my area, rhett's run
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
value for the money. durability. appearance(i have the blue/silver paint). stock tires are wearing very well.
Weaknesses:
fork, stock pedals.
Similar Products Used:
none(this is my first bike).
Bike Setup:
rockwerks spd pedals, moxey suspension seatpost, oury grips, azonic bar ends.
Bottom Line:
at 47 years old, i thought it was time to get back in shape so i bought my first mountain bike. i made two very good choices; this bike and walt's bike shop in columbia, MO. they were extremely helpful and patiently answered all my novice questions. the bike was a left-over '99 XL frame and they gave me a great price, too. i have REALLY enjoyed riding and maintaining this bike. it has survived several falls and a couple of hard endos and keeps coming back for more! one of the best things about this bike is that it is inexpensive, yet good enough to be worth upgrading to the rider's preferences. one word of advice to new riders; a good local bike shop is every bit as important as the machine that you choose. five flaming chilis for my marlin and, even though you don't have a category, five big ones for walt's bike shop, too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kit Smart
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC USA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the fastest way to work and back
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Strong frame, large size fits me perfectly, great deal $399, nice paintjob, reliable, takes abuse politely. People say I'm nuts, but the Rockshox Jett fork is better than comparable Manitou I've tried--I like the stiffer ride
Weaknesses:
Lose the stock seat before leaving the store! Not really happy with quirky rear Alivio derailleur. Pedals are a joke, lost the locking nuts to clips the first day, riding on the street! Folks say the components are low end, but I haven't had much problems, except the occasional drifting when using 3rd chainring
Similar Products Used:
Comparable Cannondale, Trek 850, Haro
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Serfais Anatomical seat (no kidding, guys--don't sit on that stock seat at all; added Flasher LED, Zefal fenders (rains a lot in the mountains of NC)
Bottom Line:
Basically, I wanted a bike that would get me around town and that I could use on backroads and gravel washboards without breaking down or getting me killed. So far, so good. Very reliable, very dependable. I'm just learning about tune-ups and maintenance, and so far, I don't feel frustrated with the setup. Lots of room, easy to work on. Very affordable, and though the derailleurs might be low-ball, I can't say they dimish the quality of an overall excellent first MTB. Hell, my brother's Moab isn't as reliable!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Murfreesboro, TN Date Reviewed: April 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bowie Park, Franklin Co Forrest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good aluminum frame and light weight for the money.
Weaknesses:
Fork, pedals, rear deraileur.
Similar Products Used:
Research Dynamics Coyote
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX fork, Specialized bar ends, Titec Titanium Saddle, Sun Rims with LX hubs.
Bottom Line:
As many other reviews read, this is a great first real mountain bike. Gary wasn't fair, teasing with a sound, cheap bike to get me addicted. With a few modifications, I was able to keep up with the Paragons and Stumpjumpers on the trail, but alas more investment wouldn't get me much further. I'm moving on to Genesis Pro. The only true problem I ever had with this bike is a slight click in the head set area caused when I took out my front wheel on an oak, and probably warped the head tube. A definate good buy. Beginner, trust me. This is a bike that will do what you need it to do while you figure out what you want in a bike. Don't go right out and drop $1000 on a bike that isn't designed for you or is just too big (most common mistake). Happy riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RUben
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cibolo Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Al frame, geometry, price
Weaknesses:
Lower end components, weight. Still a good bike for the money. Wheels, seat.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback, Giant
Bike Setup:
Bontrager bar ends, FS +10 saddle, handlbar; RST shock (stock), Truvativ Fire SL cranks, 8 sp shimano cogs, XT RD and bottom bracket, SRAM 7.0 RD, stock rims and wheels, Wellgo clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
Good entry level bike worthy of upgrades. Good beginner bike or something to explore with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Talahassee, FL Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tom Brown Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Price, Durable Aluminum Frame(3.9lbs), gripshifts
Weaknesses:
rima, tires(these are the first to go if you want good traction) and plastic pedals
If you are looking for your first mountain bike, this is the one for you. It's ride is perfect for those who are learning how to ride off-rode onto their first true trails. Cost is another great part of this Fisher.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Sicola
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: December 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Petrolyphs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Value, frame strength
Weaknesses:
seat is a little hard. weak rims.
Similar Products Used:
none- first mountain bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I have been wanting to get a MTB for awhile now, and went shopping and could not find a bike that I could afford with the components. I love this bike. I do not use is all that much off road as yet. When I have, i has held up great. If you are considering a bike purchase, this is the one for you. Plan on adding upgrades as soon as possible. This is one good point about thisbike, if you want it is easy to add things on.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brook Willard
a Weekend Warrior
from Shaker Hts. Ohio Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Nature Center Backwoods Downhill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great seat, light frame, pretty good components, good fork.
Weaknesses:
The Jetts are a little tough.
Similar Products Used:
99 Kaiti (close enough)
Bike Setup:
Marlin, Jetts, Shimano components
Bottom Line:
A great bike to buy if you're in the $400 range. I love mine to death. It may not have all the greatest things going for it, but they all fit together perfectly.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lubbock, Tx. Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Caprock Canyons, Tx.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Relativly light frame, nice seat.
Weaknesses:
Components suck, but hey for under 4 hundred what can you expect.
Similar Products Used:
Releigh
Bike Setup:
Changed the fork, went to a RockS Judy. Went to all XT components including the wheel set. Put new rubber on and clipless Shimonoes, and whalaa, a race worthy bike.
Bottom Line:
Nice Frame for the money. If your broke like me and have to work on your bike piecemeal style, then buy this bike, there are few that can match it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl Bhedwar
a Cross-Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Sturdy frame, nice seat, above average derailler.
Weaknesses:
stock pedals , tires, and rims suck
Similar Products Used:
Trek 930
Bike Setup:
bontrager clipless pedals, bar ends, Stock RST 921 front shox
Bottom Line:
For the beating this bike takes in downtown Philadelphia and the wet Wissahickon trails all I've gone through is five thousand tubes and a replaced back rim. It can handle the beating
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
da bomber
a Cross-Country Rider
from somewhere Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
seat
Weaknesses:
everything
Similar Products Used:
none compare to the worst of the worst
Bike Setup:
stumpy w/ SX
Bottom Line:
I rode my friends and i say for 500 bucks u guyz are gettin ripped off. It bites
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jos
a Cross-Country Rider
from wilton,ct Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
the seat was comfortable
Weaknesses:
everytrhing, shifters were slow,turning was bad, shocks did nothing, ect. . .the list goes on for hours
Similar Products Used:
my friends stumpjumper from 87 and the stumpjumper rode better than the marlin
Bike Setup:
the jett shock, marlin,
Bottom Line:
SUCKED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sire
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, Idaho Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
All around great bike!
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
Treck 850
Bike Setup:
bar ends, RST 281 shock
Bottom Line:
For the price this bike rocks! for a little less than $500 bucks I got a decked out bike: light, speedometer, bar ends, toe clips, etc. I love it to death! It handles pretty well on hard core downhills too! If you want a awesome bike for less than $500 decked out this is for you!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Treewitt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mokena, Illinois Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any with some singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
serfas grips, cushy seat,
Weaknesses:
get better rims-bad after 1 month of hard riding, and get clipless, better shock
Similar Products Used:
Trek 850 shx
Bike Setup:
stock-w/ barends
Bottom Line:
definately the best bike out there for the $$$, look around you may be able to get a good sale for around $350-that's the only reason I bought it when I did- give it the high flamin' peppers
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Faulkner
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Settlers Cabin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Like many others reviewing this bike, it is my first real mtb... I'd say that the greatest strength has to be the value. You get alot of bang for your buck and the aluminum frame is worth sinking more $$$ into later. This bike has been the best $400 I have ever spent!!!
Weaknesses:
Let's face it, the bike only cost $400... You get a great frame (worth upgrading) but the hardware is rather weak. This is my first mountain bike but I am a fast learner and I have been riding it pretty hard. Everything is holding up fine but I have found a few things that I would like to replace asap. I have read many other reviews about bad tires, so far they have been fine with everything that I have asked of them. Brakes are a bit flimsy, shifting is a bit rough and not always dependable. Fork is fair at best but what do you expect for $400? My biggest complaint about this bike is the grips, they are an absolute joke!!!
Similar Products Used:
This is my first mtb... I test rode every comparable bike that I could find in the Western Penn area and came back to the Fisher Marlin without a second thought.
Bottom Line:
Although I have found a few hardware weaknesses, I have absolutely no regrets in buying this bike. I am a beginner but I ride very hard and this bike has stood up to every test (abuse) that I have put it through so far. It has been instrumental in introducing me to this sport that I am becoming completely obsessed with. I would recomend this bike to anyone that is just beginning to ride or has a cash constraint. I can see myself upgrading and riding this bike for quite awhile.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tracy
a Cross-Country Rider
from coquitlam,b.c. Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
alice lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great frame
Weaknesses:
poor components. no v-brakes
Similar Products Used:
cannondale
Bike Setup:
put on v-brakes and manitou sxr shock am going to replace derailler w/esp9 and new wheels.
Bottom Line:
its my first mountain bike and i love it. i find It comfortable and easy to ride. I also like the fact that its an american product. I hear the new model has better components. Well if I destroy this one I'd look for another.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jan
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Folsom Lake
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
You won't find a better hardtail for under $400! Great bike for the novice or anyone who can't afford to spend lots of $$$!
Weaknesses:
Not the greatest components on the market, but great for the price.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 850
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Replaces a stolen Trek 850. I love the Marlin!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toby Marzot
a Cross-Country Rider
from falmouth MA Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Resevoir
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
exellent frame, gripshift shiftrers work very well, pretty light bike, cool colors
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
univega, trek, specialized, raleigh
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This is my first real mountain bike. It is a great value with quality components.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hubo
a Weekend Warrior
from Metro-Detroit, Michigan Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake,Pontiac MI.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light weight, decent shock, and a lot of bike for the buck!!!
If you're a novice on/ lite off-road rider and don't have a whole lotta dough, this could be the bike for you .
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua Houser
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno California Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bass Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good components
Weaknesses:
Flimsy rims, grips are loose
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, GT
Bike Setup:
RST's
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money, nice fit for lean riders, Just replace the rims and maybe upgrade rear derailleur
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingsport, TN Date Reviewed: June 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price, AL frame, looks, decent components, very comfortable bike to ride -I'm a taller rider.
Weaknesses:
Front shock is kinda weak, but for the money what can you expect? Pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock w/clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
This is my first real bike. I have enjoyed the bike immensley. It has been a great bike for the money. I will be trading up this fall, but this bike helped me learn what to look for in a bike. 5 flamers for such a good entry-level ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty
a Weekend Warrior
from Gales Ferry, CT Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bluff Point
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great bike for shorter riders. Good components as is.
Weaknesses:
None for the money spent.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 830AL Specialized HR Comp
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is an excellent value. I highly recommend it to anyone starting out. I ride both on road and off for leisure. I plan to ride and upgrade it for years.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Church Hill, TN Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light frame that's worthy of upgrading, great price. Excellent for commuters who enjoy some weekend off road action. Stock saddle and grips pretty comfy, GripShift 5.0 works very well.
Weaknesses:
Pedals are cheap; tires and tubes not very durable.
Bottom Line:
Dig it, dig it, dig it! I know there are lighter bikes out there, but after wearing out a steel GT, this thang seems weightless. I didn't know four Hamiltons would bag you this much bike. Upgrade the pedals (I like Wellgo 804's,) ask LBS to swap to a longer stem, wear out and replace the rubber, get some bar ends, and enjoy!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sun
a Weekend Warrior
from davis, california Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
it's perfect fit for women! marlin doesn't weigh much and sturdy enough to go over rocks.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale cad m300 with rigid body.
Bottom Line:
excellent frame work and it has gone through my tests to prove to me that it was worth spending under $400.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jasmine
a Weekend Warrior
from Halifax, Nova Scotia Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
I bought the Marlin just over 2 hours ago after having tested out most of the other bikes in its class. It won out due to the incredible amount of bike I got for not as much money as I would have had to have forked out for any of the others. k
Weaknesses:
Yes, for ice-cream.+AL8-
Bottom Line:
Can't wait to get on it and visit my favorite ice cream shack.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Kennedy
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago IL, Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great bike for the price and has good componentry for a lower priced ride
Weaknesses:
rear derailer needed to be upgraded to a 7.0 or9.0 to facilitate smoother shifting.and needed bar ends,and a little lighter seat
Bottom Line:
great bike for the money!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a weekend warrior
from Chattanooga Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
I bought my Marlin after my previous bike was stolen, and looking back I'm glad it was. My Marlin is just as fun on Sunday trail rides as it is the rest of the week on campus. I couldn't have spend $400 dollars any better.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon G. Rector
a weekend warrior
from Spokane, WA Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999
Bottom Line:
I purchased a Marlin in October of 98 and have found it to be an excellent bike! It is light wieght but sturdy enough for rugged trails. I use it mainly on marked trails and roads but have found the quality of it componants equal to bikes twice it's price. This one is a keeper!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor
a weekend warrior
from Marietta Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Marlin is one of the best rec bikes there is today. It's Pull V-brakes, great lite frame, and durable GripShift 5.0 shifters make it a super durable, long-lasting bike. One of the best bikes under $500!
Overall Rating:
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