Submitted by
Tom Freeman
a Weekend Warrior
from England, Suffolk Date Reviewed: November 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
black root (Thetford)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$647.00
Purchased At:
Madgetts cycles
Strengths:
Very good all around cycle, easy to control and is very strong frame and forks.
Weaknesses:
The disk brakes are sh*t from the start and should be changed ASAP to hydraulics. Also the seat is the most un-commutable one I have aver sat on.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Bobcat trail.
Bike Setup:
DMR V8 peddles, Hope mono Minis fount and rear also a leopard skin seat.
Bottom Line:
A very good strong bike for all around purposes, but when it comes to trials nothing beats it. (Nice one Marin)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve page
a Weekend Warrior
from new zealand Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Burwood plantation, Chch
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Penny Farthing Chch
Strengths:
Built like an out house. Simple rear shock with direct pressures onto frame. Still looks sexy after all these years As a big guy at 6 foot 2 and 18 stone the bike has held together well. Most of the riding flat with small hills. No problem with shock or frame but bent a few seat posts. Real strong bike.
Weaknesses:
Don,t even start me on the Diatech Brakes,useless from new, and no fit anything else hubs.Alot of the gear fitted to the bike from new was borderline quality.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale fatboy, Khs
Bike Setup:
Hope hubs, Mavic downhill rims, Xt, Raceface Gears and Avid cable rear, with Hayes hydlulic front. Bomber Front forks.
Bottom Line:
Had to have a big nasty frame that was strong. Replacing the other stuff over the years was fun. The frame and shock have been great. As for those Diatech brakes, I can,t beleive that the idiot that designed them didn,t even find out if they worked or not. Thank you, I feel better.Great bike for the weekend warrior.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Sussex, England Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
singletrack, downhill etc i love it all
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Weaknesses:
Shockworks rear shock repeatedly blew seals and have cracked several swingarms.
Similar Products Used:
Marin
Bike Setup:
DH-FRS, stratos Mx6 with 20mm bolt thru.
Bottom Line:
I actually have the 1998 DH-FRS which was basically the b17 framset. The bike has performed well over the last 5 years even though i had many problems at first with rear shock and swingarm but dealt with under warranty everytime ( even when i crushed my rear swingarm in a car accident and dont know how i got away with that one). Bike has been used for DH,XC and FR and has performed well with them all. I will keep this bike until it finally dies. Definitely recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brendan
a Downhiller
from dublin, ireland Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
fairy castle
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
i got this bike in summer of 99 and its still going strong. i dont know if i am lucky to get a great shockworks shock, but i have never had any trouble with it. i even prefer the feel of it to my friends fox vanilla r.
Weaknesses:
the only bad thing is that marins after sales service absolutely sucks
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz bullit, marin wild cat trail, kona stinky, kona stab deelux
Bike Setup:
7" monster T, 24" lmf rear with 2.3 tioga, 26" lmf front with 2.8 michelan, hope, hussfelt chain guide, azonic, planet x, shimano cleats
Bottom Line:
when i got this bike i was moving from a hardtail XC into the new world of full bounce, and this bike has been with me all they way. initially it was a light free ride, and then as my skills progressed it turned into a full on DH bike. this is the best bike i have ever had and will surely shed a tear the day it dies. but i hope that wont happed for another 3 years
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse Wigman
a Downhiller
from Scotland Date Reviewed: December 7, 2002
This is the best DH/FR bike there is!It is very strong and can handle very large drops,P13 in the March 2000 issue of MBUK is there to prove that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Griffiths
a Downhiller
from Grizedale Forest Date Reviewed: February 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Nannerch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ex race
Strengths:
Dead simple design with few pivots to wear and service. Fairly plush ride. Very stable on the big stuff. one of the last B17 to be made so has a real swingarm not made from cheese. Pedals very well!
Weaknesses:
Not what your'd call nimble. I'm 6ft and a medium is far to big for properly chucking around. Pearl white paint jobs doesn't stick to well but thats minor.
Similar Products Used:
Coyote DH1,Sintesi Bazooka,Orange 222,Intense M1.
Bike Setup:
Jnr T's,Hope hubs,205 4pot front,165 2pot rear, on 321's. DMR 3 piece cranks, Azonic bits, Dirtworks stem,titec post.
Bottom Line:
Not a bad DH machine, Pedals very well, just a bit big and long to be as nimble as others but it was an evolution of a XC bike! Got mine as frame/fork in a swap. Ex race bike. "Animal" paint job. If it was any longer though it would be such a gate you could put between wall ends to hold cattle in!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spide
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Rage Cycles, Tempe, AZ
Strengths:
plush ride
Weaknesses:
swingarm welds cracked -- thought this was a downhill bike
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
This bike has been great. I'm 6'2" and weigh in at 225lbs. The swingarms welds cracked on the way down Schnebly Hill Rd in Sedona. If it weren't for the cracked welds I'd say this bike is perfect -- it has such a plush ride and (even though it is a relatively heavy bike) I've been able to climb some stuff I wasn't able to climb before (Widow's Peak on National in Phoenix).
Too bad it cracked -- I won't buy another Marin unless they significantly change the swingarm design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Swindon Date Reviewed: May 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ridgeway
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great value, plenty of travel (for the weight), plush rear end, good fun.
Weaknesses:
Hi 5's
Bike Setup:
'98 spec
Bottom Line:
It's my first full susser and it's great fun, but the RST's let it down. Everything else is great. Good as a 'freeride' bike but a little too heavy for XC racing. Brilliant for light downhill use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Gallagher
a Downhiller
from Mayo Ireland Date Reviewed: March 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
union wood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
2nd hand dealer
Strengths:
good frame soft shocks nice wheels and ok paintjob
Weaknesses:
crap rst-hi5,dirty lookin saddle
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
rst hi-5 shock works rear lx derailer single downhill crank 8 speed
Bottom Line:
nice jumping bike execpt that i broke the derrailer the 1st day i got it.Overall it was worth the money. but the rsts keep bottoming out and i mangaged to brake 4 spokes with the deriller and bent the drop out
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
so farmer guy
Strengths:
(bought as frame and fork) rear shok is ok and for my small weight soaks up anything you throw at it even a 7ft drop-off
Weaknesses:
not much rear tyre clearance
Similar Products Used:
team dh, gt lts 3000 ds, trek y22
Bike Setup:
z1 drop-off, hope disk, planet-x(glitter, porn* stylee), 321, tioga factory 2.3, sram 7.0 everything, blackspire chain ring. Respray on rear triangle to match Z1's.
Bottom Line:
the bike is a PEACH wether run with a single or triple crown, travl adequate for small- medium frame. works well with hope discs and mavics. if you want a top frame or bike GET THIS. no i am not just blaggin it coz i av got it it's a top bike!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Hart
a Weekend Warrior
from the Sierras of Sunny California Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
007 & Crystal Cave
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Al's Fatty
Strengths:
Very nimble in technical areas, which is how most riding in the 14,000 ft.+ mountains of California are! Solid design and good looks make this my favorite freeride machine thus far!
Weaknesses:
OE forks are awful!!as are the Brakes
Bike Setup:
total freeride
Bottom Line:
I have put put hyd. disc brakes, better bars, ODI lockjaws, Raceface Turbine LP cranks and chain ring with a kOOka big chainring replacement ring w/o teeth and IRC Kujo DH's and I'm going to put on a Marzocchi JR. T fork...the bottom line is this...for freeriding this is a sweetass chariot!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay S
a Downhiller
from New York Date Reviewed: November 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
I cracked the head-tube & the swingarm welds cracked..just don't go extreme with this frame.lot's of other racers do this to thisframe too..I'm getting the team DH frame next !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Seymour
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
GOOD frame= strong and worry free:9 lbs with shock
Weaknesses:
Replace diatech disks in rear to vee brakes A.s.a.p
Similar Products Used:
Univega 950-Marin team DH-
Bike Setup:
Now is single crown 4" Manitiou.Vee brakes.."Sun"Ditch Witch wheels"--DH stem--
Bottom Line:
Had it setup for DH racing"held up well"--Now have it setup for all around"DS" bike..Replaced stock spring W/700# speedspring on shock.I weigh 180lbs..I will ride this bike until it falls apart if it ever does??6" travel is real nice & plush.Climbs excellent.Decends better..Looks killer..The 2000 model is sweet all around bike that can take the big hits....good reasonable $$ too
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie McGlone
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any dry one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Rear Suspension, Frame, appearance
Weaknesses:
Diatek Disc brakes, Forks, water bottle placement, difficult to carry (compared to a diamond frame)
Similar Products Used:
Specialised Stumjumper FSR, Trek Vrx
Bike Setup:
Hope Discs
Bottom Line:
Delighted! A fantastic bike for the money. Rides great, feels instantly brilliant, climbs amazingly and stops on a dime with the Hopes! If you're heavy you'll need to change the shock spring. At just under 16st (220lbs) bottomed out the 500-650 progressive that the bike came with. Now running a 750 with hardly any preload. Forks not so good - they seem to handle the big stuff but not plush on the little stuff even at my weight. I'll probably change them after a couple of years. Put Hope brakes on this bike the Diateks were abysmal but the Hopes are the most amazing precision engineered piece of kit you could buy and work faultlessly under all conditions. I get the feeling that this bike will last as long as my old Rockhopper Comp - 12 years old and still going strong! Here's hoping.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evil Banana
a Downhiller
from Wirral, UK Date Reviewed: February 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nantmawr
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Amount of travel Cool 'Mother of Pearl' paint job on main frame. Stability/confidence inspiring
Weaknesses:
Wheelset and tyres are a little too XC for a big travel bike like this. Bars are bit narrow for my liking.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS Mountain Cycle San Andreas
Bike Setup:
Stock except for.. DMR V8 pedals Gripshipt plasma shifters and best of all and upgrade to Hope Hydraulic discs.
Bottom Line:
For just over £1000 this bike is unbeleivable value. 6 inches of travel, AND an upgrade to hydraulic discs is unheard of at this price!
Although I've only used the bike a few times so far, I've felt at home on it immidiately. It just makes you want to start launching off huge drop offs, cos the suspension just soaks up all the impact.
The bike is very forgiving, and despite the discs not bedding in yet its still fantastic. Buy this bike if you want bags of confidence inspiring travel for relatively little money!
I'll post another review after a longer test period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockling, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Pioneer Trail, Grass Valley, CA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Suspension. It totally kicks ass. The front disc is great. The bike has a nice solid feel, and ispires confidence.
Weaknesses:
The rear disc brake, and front chain rings. THE REAR DISC BRAKE IS HORRIBLE!!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper M2
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I weigh in at 185lbs., and I'm a little over six feet tall. The Bike has a great feel. It is very agile, and feels stable at high and low speeds. The suspension is outstanding, it will suprise you. I have rolled over things that I thought would launch me way over the bars, but the suspension sucks it up no problem. Plan on putting a hydrolic disc system on the back, because the cable system TOTALLY, COMPLETELY, AND THOROUGHLY SUCKS ASS!! I am serious, it will NOT slow you down when you are d'hillin. Also plan on replacing the front rings with ones that help the shifting a little more.
If the rear brake wasn't suck a piece of s#@t, I would have given the bike the highest rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Seymour
a Downhiller
from Knoxville ,TN ,USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sugar mountain dh
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Excellent bike.reliable performance--good price--climbs good--decends even better.Won DH races on it stock!
Weaknesses:
stock rims--brakes/dia tech don't work really great...
Similar Products Used:
Marin Wildcat trail
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Monter T--Hope 04 front brake.Mavic321 rims,
Bottom Line:
Marin has the new Wildcat trail with rear travel 6.5"-9.6".And it comes with hyd. brakes too.I would go with that
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Harrowven
a Downhiller
from Lowestoft, suffolk, england Date Reviewed: February 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
red bull, wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This bike is the best value for money bike on the market. cool travel on rear shock. Strong Frame!!!
Weaknesses:
Diatech disc's are a waste of space, upgrade to hydraulics! Upgrade skinny rims and reduce pinch punctures!
Bike Setup:
'99 model with Manitou's, diatech disc's
Bottom Line:
This is a qulity bike, you can look around everywhere to find a better value downhiller, it will be hard to beat. The diatech disc's are a waste of time, XT V-brakes work better, or go for the jump to Hydraulics!!! I've changed the pedals, hope to change the rims in the near future. This is a great bike to ride. Additions can be made when you can afford them! If you're looking for your first downhill bike, seriously consider this!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Colchester Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
rear travel is 6.5 come on manitou x-vert t's well everything actually.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
scott fx1 kona stinky saracen addiction '98
Bike Setup:
hope sport disc upgrade dmr V12 pedals
Bottom Line:
possibly the best bike for 1 grand you can buy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Guimont
a Downhiller
from Quebec Date Reviewed: October 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
La coupe du monde, Mont Ste-Anne
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
-Rear suspension...very plush ! -brakes( with a little time on them) -fork
Weaknesses:
none so far...
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR Comp
Bike Setup:
stock except for the tires soon
Bottom Line:
Great bike for downhillers who start
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from Suisse Date Reviewed: September 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Gets
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
Would anyone please write to my email adress because it seems i can't write to anyone else. Fisrt of all I want a Good 'downhill' bike in the price range of the B17. I have looked at a wheeler 6000 which has the same components on it except it has Zokes elite dh ( 110mm) of travel. Please advise which bike is the better one. ( B17 or wheeler 6000). Thank you.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gav
a Downhiller
from Auckland Date Reviewed: August 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ANYTHING BIG
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Nice all round travel, reasonablly specked for $$$ Good suspension system
Weaknesses:
Needs better cranks
Similar Products Used:
Everything and anything
Bottom Line:
Get's an A in my book
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Downhiller
from Coventry Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cannock chase
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great frame Good value for money
Weaknesses:
Forks sieze up Some cheap parts
Similar Products Used:
Haro Ex1
Bottom Line:
Great bike, buy one, but get the forks serviced reguarally and don't take off the fork boots. It climbs like a hardtail and descends like a full on downhill bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Connor Cripps
a Downhiller
from Calgary Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good handling, stable in the air, surprisingly confident down steep sections.
Weaknesses:
Even in granny gear, this bike has trouble climbing anything
Similar Products Used:
K2 beast
Bike Setup:
stock set-up except for bontrager stem roox chainguides and 636 DH pedals
Bottom Line:
Since the purchase, I have broken the rear dia-tech brake caliper, which was stock (in my basement). Also, I have blown the Shock works shock and had it replaced as well as the vp clip pedals. I was lucky that the store was able to repair that on site. It has gotten to the point where the first time my father and I walked into the store and announced that we had NOT broken anything, the sales staff threw their hands in the air and yelled HORRAY! Thank god for warranty. On top of it all,we have been trying to locate a larger chainring for the 4-bolt crank. We have found one, but it has been on order for three months now from another company and only very recently have we recieved word that we might actually get it. DON'T GET ME WRONG!, NOW, this bike is not a bad bike to ride. I have been impressed with the results it has helped me acheive in my first couple of downhill races (a first and a sixth, had it not been for a tree), so I have in fact been satisfied with owning this bike based on those merits. This bike can perform if you want it to, but it has left me with an uneasy feeling when I put it through it's paces in a race setting.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Downhiller
from Sidcup, Kent. UK Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999
The B17 is a great bike and with a few upgrades it is superb.Advice to others:if buying beware of frame size as it comes up a bit large.Good all round bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Myke Harrison
a Downhiller
from Worcaester Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Plush, linear rear end. Price-£1260!
Weaknesses:
Parts a bit poor, a little flexy, forks need fettling
Bike Setup:
1998 bike, shockworks shock, RST hi5 Forks
Bottom Line:
After a Year of ownership I am ultimatly pleased with my B17. To get a nice soft ride for my 11.5 stone, 6ft3in mass, I use a 17.5 frame with 450 spring with very little preload. The shock is a tad over damped on comperssion for my tastes, but you can get it revaved. A quarter turn of rebound adjustment prevents chopiness, and if you want better big hit ability get aprogressively wound spring. I managed to soften the forks by removing the rubber inside the steel spring. The RSTs do however flex so I will Buy a new brace which will also improve mud clearence.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Downhiller
from Derby, England Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cannock chase
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It's stiff, strong, suprisingly lightweight feeling, oh, and it's a Marin
Weaknesses:
Some poor components (but for the money what do u expect?). HI-5's are also shite out of the box, but u can get them working brilliantly (mail me if u need details)
Similar Products Used:
Coyote XC/DH full sus, Cannondale Super V, GT LTS - All good, but Marin B17 would be my choice (performance wise) every time!
Bike Setup:
Shockworks 200 r.shock with progressive rear spring, RST Hi-5's, Large frame model.
Bottom Line:
It is a fantastic performer, only let down by it's average components - but again - for the money? Get a progressive spring if you're heavy!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a weekend warrior
from Manchester, England Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999
Bottom Line:
Got my 98 B17 a couple of weeks ago, and I love it. I've had four Marins over the last six years, and this is my first full suspension (quite a difference from the stiffness of my Indian Fire Trail! OK, so some of the parts aren't great (I've had a tricky front mech), but I paid £850 for mine and I'm out there riding a lot more than I used to. Marin always seem to do top bikes at fair money, and you can't argue with that.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PORKY PAUL
a cross-country rider
from LONDON ENGLAND Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
FRAME/REAR SUPENSION ARE GREAT,HAD A PROBLEM WITH CHAINRINGS BENDING BUT MARIN UPGRADED,TO AN LX CHAINSET,THANKS MARIN UK!ALSO HAD REAR CALIPER BREAK,ALSO CHANGED UNDER WARRANTY.BIKE FEELS STIFF AND REAR IS VERY PLUSH,FRONT FORKS NOT AS PLUSH AS I WOULD LIKE,COULD ALSO DO WITH SOME REBOUND AND COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT.OVERALL VERY PLEASED.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a downhiller
from DERBY, ENGLAND Date Reviewed: March 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
THE B17 IS THE BOLX! Don't listen to the other bad reviews, they are just unfortunate! I've owned mine for 6 months and it's not let me down once. The parts are infact quite poor, but at the price (or even at a higher price), they still do more than enough! The shock on mine is a shockworks and I only have praise for it, although make sure it's not a soft one and get it progressively wound. The Frame is where the money's gone. The design is straight forward but works excellent in most conditions, allthough don't try to use it as a play bike unless you get the size down from what fits you! Praise all around! Well built, specced to suit it's proce and you get the quality of a Marin. Nuff said!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivor Bigun
a downhiller
from Rodborough Common, Stroud Date Reviewed: February 12, 1999
Bottom Line:
I've had my B-17 For 3 months, and after 3 broken shocks, and hundreds of visits to the local bike shop, what can I say? The B-17 has to be the biggest pile of shit I have ever had the misfortune to own. If anybody reading this is considering to buy a B-17, dont bother because it'll probably spend more time in your local shop getting fixed than doing anything else. I would give this bike a big fat zero, but the lowest score I can give it is 1, so that's what it's going to get.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FATTA
a downhiller
from NE Date Reviewed: February 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have a 98 B-17, the parts ALL is not good! the only thing I kept was the fox piggyback! I put the Hi-5`s on my goof around bike (dakar pro-yes the main pivot is cheap, killed 4 mar-dec 98) and the rest of the stuff I slapped on a frame and sold it. The marin is set up for DH now-6.5 in the rear why not! 98 B17 is good for the price with the parts it came with. 99? CRAZY! DIATECH disk brakes? YA!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gearhead W
a cross-country rider
from CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 15, 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome except for one thing--the X-Vert T. Man, there is less than 4 of travel (and it's dual-crown), damping is not adjustable and it doesn't work well on small stuff, like studder bumps. Not very plush. My friends Z1 BAM is FAR superior. Besides that however, the rear suspension is a dream. Maybe it's what makes the fork feel so bad. I ride XC and DH and this bike is the only long-travel bike I've ever ridden that climbs like an XC bike. Just lower the gearing a little (to make up for the weight) and you will be able to climb almost anything a hardtail can! (I have a setup that gives me 15.3 gear inches to 104) And decending is unbelievable, its extremely plush! Also for $1500, I'd say getting 6 of rear wheel travel and dual discs is a great deal. Just switch the fork for a Z1 BAM and this bike is the king of plush suspension. Yes, it is heavy, but for all around riding, DH, and the ability to climb, this bike is unbeatable. I give the rear suspension 5 stars, the front 3, and the value 4, which comes out to average 4 chilies
Overall Rating:
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