Submitted by
Simon Raistrick
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK Date Reviewed: September 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
near oslo
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
A beast! Unbreakable.
Weaknesses:
Aluminium corrosion appeared.. weird but doesn't seem to affect strength.
Similar Products Used:
Yeti asr-sl, sworks 03, wolf ridge 03, vpfree.
Bike Setup:
replaced all the components .. now has hope minis, 03 xt, sids, panaracers on mavic etc.
Bottom Line:
I've now got a stable of trick bikes but can't let this one go. Nothing compares to that sweet smooth ride, and the 'half crosscountry, half freeride" build defys todays categorisation - its just a good all-rounder. I've hauled mine over some really long races, and although it's not as nippy as a yeti, its really plush, and my marin's been through so much i know it can stand anything. a truly dependable bike.
a classic suspension design that was way ahead of it's time - just look at all the pretenders who came afterwards and copied it. This still doesn't feel like a 5 year old bike. A true classic and mine'll probably still be good for high speed rocky trails even when I'm not any more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, West Australia Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Marrinup & Jarrahdale
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
T.B.E.
Bottom Line:
Coming up to the five year mark on my '99 Mount Vision I thought an up-date was appropriate. Basically this bike has been tremendous.It's had a few component upgrades - Easton riser, W.C.S. stem & post, 747 pedals, Conti Vert Pros and King headset. I'm on my second Manitou SX with travel reducer removed to give 80mm in place of original 70mm (massive improvement!), boots are gone with new Evil Genius seals in place and delicious Ti custom spring kit as before. In the space of five years my speed and trail skills have improved immensely and yet this bike is more than up to the task. The frame is as tight and as true as new despite the battering it has recieved in the very harsh Australian environment.What more can you say? I dread having to replace it one day as I've grown to love it so much and they're as rare as hens teeth in Western Australia! Possibly the most sorted single-pivot ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Western Australia Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Bicycle Entrepreneur
Strengths:
Great frame design/ light weight/ shock protected by seat tube from the elements/ value group set & components.
Weaknesses:
Poor fitting swing arm/ swing arm srength?
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Full XT/ Easton carbon riser/ Ritchey stem & post/ 747s/ Mythos kevlar 2.1s/ ODI grips
Bottom Line:
This is a well designed, comfortable bike sold with high quality components. However I have had some major problems. Within a couple of months of taking delivery of the Marin, I noticed the upper stay section of the swing-arm had started to show signs of stress and distortion- the once flat metal was now 'rippled'. This was replaced by the importer, under warranty, after a wait of several weeks. Further one of the bearings was also clearly damaged. After a year or so of riding on the new swing-arm, considerable lateral play had developed at the main pivot-not good. This has been corrected by inserting a shim between the frame and the swing-arm. All that aside, the Mount Vision is an excellent well balanced bike, robustly built and highly enjoyable. The Fox shock is superb and the SX Ti has proven to be a fully adjustable, easily maintained, super-plush fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Erwin Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Strengths:
Great ride - what else do you want? Handles like a greased pig on superconducting magnet levitating rails
Weaknesses:
It's a little heavy? I dunno.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper, Slingshot, Trek 850
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, except for the stuff I've busted. Must have my Panaracer Dart in front, though.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike. Has a great feel to it. I actually have the '98 version, but same difference. Once I change out the Manitou SX-R shock, it will be a little lighter. Did I mention how well this bike handles? I can kick my hardtail friends' asses even on the smooth stuff. Don't know why exactly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Lyons
a Cross Country Rider
from Northampton, England Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Karrimor, Coed-y-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Second Hand
Strengths:
Couldn't afford a new Marin, so hunted round for a 2nd hand Mount Vision. Couldn't believe the feeling from the 2 year old XT shifters & brakes. OK, so the sprockets, chain & chainrings need replacing, but I've save over £1000 ($1500) on a new one. There's no noticeable flex at all in the rear swingarm, something which seems to be a feature of some new bikes.
Weaknesses:
Previous owner had wide bars & big, fat DH tyres. Now I've changed them, the bike's perfect. I reckon I saved 1/2 kilo on each wheel by ditching the DH tyres in favour of a pair of Panaracer XC tyres. Pretty much the best place to save weight on a bike.
Similar Products Used:
A load of new full sus bikes under consideration, but none of them could match a second hand Mount Vision for value, quality, and long term durability.
Bottom Line:
I'd suggest anyone with between £600 and £800 (around $1000 to $1500) - to forget about the shiny new full sus, or even hardtail, they've spotted in the local shop. Go for a second hand Mount Vision instead. It'll last longer... slightly worn XT will ALWAYS be better than this years STX-RC or whatever a new, cheap bike comes with... it's almost definately a better design than anything but this years Marins... you'll be able to afford the petrol and accommodation expenses to have some brilliant weekends away at Coed-y-Brenin.
Oh yeah... on a 2nd hand bike, you wont look like some green bean while out on the trails, either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: November 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Apline Bikes
Strengths:
Plush, plush, plush. Solid Build. Fast over the rough stuff and climbs like a demon. Great spec. Light. And looks great.
Weaknesses:
The ahead set on my ’99 model was crap. Replaced after six months. Saddle was not comfortable. Front brake squealed like hell. Stupid semi slick rear tyre.
Bike Setup:
Replaced flat handle bars for Icon risers. Replaced saddle for a Fizzick Giro. Replaced XT Brakes for Hope XC2 Disk Brakes, expensive but I can’t reccommend these brakes enough, they are fantastic. Swaped semi slick rear for a more grippy IRC Mythos.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, it inspires confidence, it makes me want to push myself each time I ride it. Everytime I know I'm heading back home I just want to turn around and do it all again. My other bike never made me want to do that! I would recommend this bike, or any Marin Full Sus. to anyone who enjoys their mountain biking. It’s an expensive bike, but I have never regreted spending my dosh on it. The bike is just bleedin' marvelous!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a
from Esko, Minnesota, Date Reviewed: October 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Geometry, Weight, Strength, Ride, Components. Geometry--I liked it. Weight--There isn't much. Strength--Nothing has broken yet. The bike doesn't creak. The rear suspension is built tough. There doesn't need to be multiple pivots to have a great riding full suspension bike, and this bike proves this. Ride--It's just a really good ride. Components--The all XT set up is ultra smooth. It has the most fluid shifting I've ever experienced. The breaks have excellent stopping power.
Weaknesses:
Tires and pedals. Tires--The tires are probably just a personal preference. Pedals--After reading reviews I decided to go with the Time pedals. Everyone seemed to think they were great. Everyone was right. Also, the breaks squeak if the rims don't get cleaned regularly.
Bottom Line:
This bike has a smooth ride. The shifting is also incredibly smooth. I spent a lot of time looking for the right bike. After test riding bikes in the same price range this bike was an easy choice. If you're debating on what bike to buy take the time to ride this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julius Marstrand
a Weekend Warrior
from Gloucestershire, England Date Reviewed: May 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Coed-y-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fabulous Frame; Robust Rear Suspension - especially pivot bearing; Low Step-over height; Great all-round performance
Weaknesses:
Frame Seat-post could be longer to give more support; no bosses on downtube for crud-catcher mudguard; old gold/orange colour scheme
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher X-Caliber with Marzochi Z2's & Use Suspension Seat-post
Bike Setup:
Std except for 26" Bars & Kore stem; Shimano 535 SPDs; & Conti Traction Pro, Kevlar wall tyres.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic Bike - I've had it less than a month and already done Coed-y-Brenin, in the Welsh mountains, with Cheltenham & County CC MTB Section. We did the 'Karrimor/Experts' Trail, which now includes some of the technical sections from the 'Red Bull' Trail and part of the 'Red Bull'. The Marin got me out of situations that I wouldn't have got through on a hard-tail. It rode brilliantly and kept me grinning all day. It didn't let me down, if anything, I let it down! It's a lot more competent than I am. Ideal for experts, or less experienced riders wanting a full sus bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karen Heater
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Co. USA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Elk Meadow, Evergreen
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Excellent suspension system. This bike offers the smoothest ride I have experienced in riding the Rocky Mountains. Great value for any mountain biker - novice to experienced. If you like the color (orange) and you like off road cycling, single track, technical trails or just weekend riding on the paths, this is absolutely the bike you want.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stump Jumper
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is one of the best performance bikes I've ever ridden on the mountain terrain of Colorado. This bike is perfect for someone wanting an easy ride over technical terrain. Great control, very solid ride, sturdy, and very light. The flexibility is outstanding in this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
XT groupset... Superior suspension design...
Weaknesses:
Crappy headset on my model year... Couldn't get VP cleats easily in the UK... Bottle cage mounts useless...
Similar Products Used:
My first full suss bike...
Bike Setup:
Mt Vision '98, Chris King headset, Shimano 747, Icon stem, WTB SST '98 saddle, USE seatpost, Titec risers.
Bottom Line:
This bike has been ridden every week through all conditions for almost 2 years, without any major faults, except those caused by wear and tear (only just replacing wheels and B/B). Any other parts that I've replaced have been to loose weight, except the headset, which was a piece of s***.
About to upgrade shock to a Stratos XC Pro and probably fit Easton carbon risers, to shed even more weight.
Expecting big things of the Stratos shock (having read the reviews on this site), as I think most riders have the suspension set too hard, so that it doesn't bob too much on the road or smooth trails. With the lockout on the Stratos I'm hoping to get the best of both worlds!
Spent a lot of time tuning the Manitou SX-R forks, now running with the longer coil spring from the X-Vert R (again, after referring to this site!). This gives a much more active ride, and costs only 20 pounds.
The only reason I can see NOT to have a Marin Full Susser is that they are soooo common here in the UK!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andy green
a Cross Country Rider
from london, England Date Reviewed: January 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Comfort from simple, effective rear suspension.
Weaknesses:
Suspension affecting braking performance from bobbing due to brake placement. Disks will improve this. Throw over the front feel, due to head angle. Colours scheme.
Similar Products Used:
Mtn Cycle MOHO CXS, Klein Mantra Pro, Specialised FSR, Kona Manomano
Bike Setup:
Standard 17 inch frame except; Answer Taperlite 2.5inch risers cut to 25 inch, tyres change with ground conditions (Panaracer Mud Pro 1.7 in UK Mud or Cross Country 1.5) or tyres specifc to terrain.
Bottom Line:
The bike is a Superb climber especially for a full-suspension. Increasing the rear shock air pressure to 250lbs for my weight 180lbs seems to help a great deal. Have rode it at varying pressures. Easy to maintain, but V-brake cable over rear tyre is unsatisfactory to the excellent frame design for Muddy UK conditions. Discs may sort this? Full power braking with rear suspension and V-brakes generates a bobbing effect, which is difficult to get used to as opposed to anchor like feel of hardtails rear dragging into ground. Frame is a little short. Seatpost is a little weak unless really torque it up! Saddle is cheap and ripped in less than two months. Front deraillleur position makes difficult to adjust limiter screws. Steep head angle causes throw over front feel, does slacken with set-up but still steep! Cable routing causes seat tube to be cut into!! CAUTION should be made when pedalling on corners, as suspension may be compressed and pedal MAY strike ground!! BEWARE. I still think its a great bike but these are some of the realities.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
acstn
a Cross-Country Rider
from Carlsbad, CA Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999
Nice bike, handlebars/stem and tires were optioned for a real racer, not a trailrider. After spending over 8 hours trying to adjust the Manitou fork I installed a Z-1 alloy from Speedgoat. I've probably taken a nice light cross country bike and converted it to a 28 lb. beast, but I really like the way it handles with the new fork and balloon tires (2.25). LBS was way off base on setting the sag on the Fox airshock, and no manual was included. Download the manual from Fox and don't leave the dealership without the proper shock pump.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A DUNNING
a Cross-Country Rider
from CLEVLAND,UK. Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
MECCA OF M/BIKING
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
ALLROUND A1 BIKE,FROM X COUNTRY/ DOWNHILL.
Weaknesses:
GETTING TOO CARRIEDAWAY!
Similar Products Used:
HARDTAILS,OTHER FS.
Bike Setup:
STANDARD APART FROM RISSER BARS,WILGRIPPER TYRES,LIZZARD SKIN ON REAR SHOCK.
Bottom Line:
I'VE HAD THIS BIKE 2 YEARS NOW AND I COULDN'T AMAGINE RIDING A HARDTAIL AGAIN, A GREAT BIKE! EASILY SET UP AND ADJUSTABLE.I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL.I LOVE IT!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Wong
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Murawai, Woodhill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
lightweight full susp XT gear throughout
Weaknesses:
weak rims
Bike Setup:
marzocchi drop offs fox vanilla R rear XT running gear Azonic double wall bars
Bottom Line:
Good alround bike for cross country. Not really built for harder downhill stuff. Have busted the rims quite easily, will be getting mavic D521s soon to replace the standard mavic 222s which are junk. Have replaced the bars with double walled Azonics which makes the bike easier to handle on the jumps and some downhill stuff. The standard front shocks were very light but are nothing compared to the marzocchi drop offs I replaced them with...these shocks are so plush and with 5 inches of travel they really soak up some big hits.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ks Date Reviewed: September 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Simply the BEST
Weaknesses:
none
Bottom Line:
The BEST Super performance mtb. Light and power bike. buy one and you will not go wrong!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Milligan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fleet, England Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
A truly superb all-day trail bike. The Mount Visions light weight, strength, speed and great looks all lend to an awesome riding experience. Suspension, both front and rear, is out of this world, complementing each other constantly. Zero bob at the rear encourages hard-tail comparable climbing and the downhill, it'll blow your mind! A two-wheeled work of art! Buy one!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ewan
a Cross-Country Rider
from ottawa Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
this bike is good! excellent desgin bomb proof xt kicks manitou sx-ti is wonderful
Weaknesses:
none really
Similar Products Used:
rocky mountains full rigs giant full rigs
Bike Setup:
switched for a dh riser bar switched slicks for 2.1 panaracer knobbies 636's
Bottom Line:
this bike is verrrrrrrrrrry good.multi dimensional .it climbs ,it fly's downhils,looks pertty.if i could rate it any higher i would.wally suck's .
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Gothenburg Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wilderness Trail. Gbg
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
1. Climbing 2. XT all way! 3. Design!!!
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike is performing like a dream! Climbs up much better than my old hardtail, goes smoother everywhere! The 'clean' design(without chopped tubes and so on...) and the maintaince free pivot point for the rear swing were two important things that made me buy this bike. The XT setup works very well, the nine speed works great even in mud, the Fox Vanilla Air R shock is easy to adjust and gives a plush ride, the SX Ti is also very adjustable and plush. I'll be riding this bike for a long time and in long XC races(over 50miles). This is certainly one of the best fullsuspension bikes in the world, no doubt about it! Buy one, life's too short to miss a thing like this!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Portsmouth, England Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
South Downs Way
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast, comfortable, good spec.
Weaknesses:
water bottle location, lack of shock pump
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike, climbs really well and is faster than my Trek 7000 everywhere. Lack of a shock pump is a real pain and cost £40 to buy later. Avid bit in rear deureulieur line had to be removed to improve shifting - dealer did this at no chrage.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
What a sweet ride! I climb just as well as I did on my hardtail, maybe even better since I swapped out the IRC Mythos for the 2.25 IRC Backcountry. The suspension is very plush and the bike feels very stable. I'm a 205lb, 6' 2 rider and the 19 fits great with the addition of an Easton riser bar. I even got a compliment from an equestrian on my first ride with this bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pentland Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, fast, plush sus all round, superb climber, great spec for the money
Weaknesses:
27 speed gearing needs very light changing, rear semi slick
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for around three months and I am in no way disappointed. Apart from a puncture, which was hardly the bikes fault, I've had no problems at all. The Manitou SX Ti's are very adjustable and plush, the new XT kit is superb. The brakes are really strong, gave me a few worrying moments the first time I took it out! The new 27 speed take a little getting used to but is so smooth when shifting. My only gripe is I'm not sure about that rear semi slick tyre. It's light, it's fast, it climbs better than my hartdtail, it's easily set up and adjustable. A great, great bike! I think it's clear that I love it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Tisdall
a racer
from London, UK Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
After three months use I'm very pleased with this bike. It bobs very little when climbing even when out of the saddle. Forks were a little stictiony to start with but have bedded in nicely. So far it's been a bit muddy hereabouts to get maximum advantage from full-bounce but it's already heaps better than the Zaskar, Quadra 21R combo I was using before. I got the forks upgraded to Carbons, pedals upgraded to 747s and the rims upgraded to 517s. So I've basically ended up with the MountVision Pro spec minus the XTR. I'd like to see at least the 517s fitted as standard on this bike which after all is still likely to be bought by serious racers or hardcore trail riders.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from Liverpool Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999
Bottom Line:
Ooooooh! What a bike. Covered over 100 miles and so-far-so-good. The 27 speed XT groupset takes a little getting used to since the shifters only need a small amount of movement to do the necessary sprocket jumping - but that's more of a minor buggerance than a real problem and it's just a matter of gettin' used to it. The rear shock is excellent although it does seem to have a lost a little pressure after bedding in. Make sure that a shock pump is thrown thrown in on the deal. Front forks needed a little adjustment on the spring pre-load to overcome the feeling of disapearing over the handlebars when a fist full of front brake was applied but boy, do they stop !!! The interchangeable brake block is great since there's no need to alter the brake set-up at changeover but the small retention split-pins are tricky to remove and you'll probably need to carry a small pair of long nose pliers for the job.Overall - it's too early to give it 5 stars just yet but I couldn't be more pleased with initial impressions
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a racer
from Sydney Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
The Mount vision's full XT Groupset is sweet and good to find instead of all these bits and pieces bikes.Forks are great and very tuneable.Fox vanilla rear is plush and surely the most reliable on the market.This is about my tenth dualie and is definitly the plushest that can still climb.
Overall Rating:
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