Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Julies Cycles
Strengths:
It's the nuts! Everything!
Weaknesses:
Nothing...
Similar Products Used:
GT Bravado
Bike Setup:
As it came, but with a raceface XY seatpost...mmm
Bottom Line:
Got this as an ex-demo. It is just brilliant.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Boo Littlewood
a
from Reading Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Corriearick Pass, Oxford ways
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Behind Bars,Abingdon, Oxford
Strengths:
Everything, light weight, components, folk & shock, looks, handling,
Weaknesses:
Me riding it badl
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel, Gary Fisher Sugar, Scott
Bike Setup:
As sold - shocks set very fast on rebound - Keeps me riding quickly
Bottom Line:
Excellent piece of kit, good for XC long days, better than my old hardtail for freeriding. Well worth the money.
Climbs very well and digs in when its needed. Downhill its pure fun fun fun.
Covers ground very quickly (or is ot just new bike legs?)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
insanegman
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bow Ridge - Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Strengths:
Light-weight! Adjustable rebound damping! Great frame design!
Weaknesses:
No disc brakes, not even disc hubs.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR XC; Gary Fischer Sugars; various others that I can't remember right now.
Bike Setup:
SID XC 80mm up front. Tossed the straight bar for an Easton Monkeybar riser. Miss the bar-ends though. Tossed the skinny tires for Michelin Hot S 2.1's. Tacoed the rear rim so I replaced it with a Mavic F519 with straight-gauge spokes.
Bottom Line:
I got this bike after riding a completely rigid bike for a long time. It took me a while to get used to it and after many endos I finally got the hang of it. This bike has made me a better rider because it begs to be pushed to the limit. This bike performs best when going fast. When going slow one needs to slow down the rebound damping on the suspension and hone their balance. I used to be a straight-up old-school XC rider but now I enjoy more of the freeride stuff simply because the bike likes it! This bike handles 5-foot drops with my 6' 180lb ass on it! I wouldn't mind a stiffer fork with more travel but that will have to be part of the joy of upgrading. To make a long story short - this is a great cross-country full-suspension bike, with some modifications it can be a good freeride bike as well. If you want to do truly hardcore freeriding (>6' drops) or major downhilling you probably want a bike with disc brakes, more travel and strength (and weight). But for most people this bike can take you past where you're willing to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hope Valley, Peak District.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Ozone Cycles, Sheffield
Strengths:
Very good climber, I was impessed the first time I rode this bike on a technical climb with the way the back wheel can get traction on any surface. Not too bad on the downs either. Nice & easy to maintain, pivot gave no trouble over a winter of horrible conditions, Fox shock works well, easy to service too.
Weaknesses:
Could do with four inchs of travel up front as well to even things out a bit. Try Pace Evos/Evo II's huge improvement!! Tyre clearance when removing wheel is poor but can get used to it.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V 1000 sl [1998]
Bike Setup:
90mm stem [origional is 120mm] & XC riser bar sharpen up the handling for single track and still let it climb nicely. Shimano SPD with cages for more support. Bigger tyres for winter!!
Bottom Line:
Absolutly bl**dy lovely!! best trail bike I've ever ridden. Comfy for long rides over rough ground. Could even be raced XC with lighter wheels. All XT kit works beautifully in all conditions, only problem is position of bottle mounts and carrying the thing, frame design prevents shouldering the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from Essex England Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Danbury Common
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Charing Cross London
Strengths:
Great balance between climbing and smoothing out the downhills. Great over a particulary nasty down hill with tree roots crossing the descent. Climbs very well compared to a friends GT. Doesn't seem to sap the pedal effort as some FS bikes do. Brakes are good although they do go off in wet muddy conditions where a disc set up would be better.
Weaknesses:
Front brake rubs when climbing hard, probably flex in the forks. Stickers fall off.
Similar Products Used:
First FS.
Bike Setup:
Standard with high rise down hill bars (6 foot 2" makes the standard a bit cramped). Rear shock pumped up hard due to weighing 211 pounds.
Bottom Line:
The best all round user friendly FS bike I have tried. Happy to be riden all day or just stunting around jumping things and crashing a lot. Hasn't broken yet and I am particularly heavy for this sport. Good for a beginner or pro alike. Very good deal to buy a year old bike paid £1200 for mine. Result!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam Whiting
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: January 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Still too many to try...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles
Strengths:
Well balanced, thoughtfully spec'd, climbs brilliantly. Makes a newcomer to mountain biking feel right at home.
Similar Products Used:
Many road bikes (sorry)
Bike Setup:
Stock with Roox riser bars and Keywin D/H pedals
Bottom Line:
Coming from a road racing background, my technical skills are still not as good as I would like, but I don't make my expert riding friends wait too long at the bottom of the trail. This bike could potentially make very technical tracks possible for an average rider, if set up correctly from the beginning. The pivot placement seems to strike a great balance for climbing (very little bob) and fast, knarly descents. Stock running gear is more than sufficient. I would recommend the Mt Vision for anyone who wants maximum fun for their hard-earned dollar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Savage
a Cross Country Rider
from Northampton UK Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Peak District or Avebury
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes Daventry
Strengths:
Very light weight. Smooth and plush. Drop dead gorgeous looks!!!!
Weaknesses:
IRC Notos Tyres, Tight clearance on fork.
Similar Products Used:
Looked at Specialised Stumpt FSR XC, Orange Sub 5, Orange MrXC also briefly looked at Trek VRX 300, Cannondale V500
Bike Setup:
As standard except for Orange Kevlar saddle, Cobtinental Traction Pro tyres (with the smashing Jaffa orangy bit in the middle!)
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike now for 6-7 months and it's now seen the best that the UK conditions can throw at it, so I think it's reasonable to give an initial verdict on it.
Wow!
Before buying this I'd been riding a 98 GT Backwoods that I'd specc'd up to a good standard (XT, Mavics, Manitou Fork). It was a good bike but after a long day in the saddle you knew about it! Time to take the FS plunge then. Of all the bike I looked at it came down to a choice of 3; The Marin, The Sub 5 or The Stumpy. There was very little to choose between the 3 but going on the principle that 3/4 of the bikers in my club ride Marins I knew they must be doing something OK!
What a differance. I was no longer wheezing away at the back after a 30 miler through the Northamptonshire bogs. Cycling was an effortless joy. Anything greater than 1 inch was being bunny hopped. Rocky downhills were being taken at speed considered suicidal before. Control was perfectly balanced thanks to two smooth, fluid shocks, braking was sharp thanks to the ever excellent Avids, shifting was perfect as should be expected from a complete XT drivtrain. A fantastic bike, with only 2 minor gripes....
1. IRC tyres.... Everyone in our club who uses IRC tyres flats every ride. Michelin, Contis, Geax never a problem. This may be conicidence but in the 2 years I had the GT I flatted once, I flatted twice in the first month of using IRC.
2. There is very little clearance between the tyres and brake pads when removing the tyres which must damage the tyre. This are easy to solve... Fit a Pace fork at the dealer or fit a Hope 2 pot disc at the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Anderson
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, Illinoois, USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mr.. Toad's Wild Ride
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Rapid Transit (Chicago)
Strengths:
No clear-coat over the decals--it's a stealthy polished aluminum dream machine. XT drive train. SID XC. Weight (around 25lb). Climbs like a, how should we say, raped ape. Descends like a pillow-lined roller coaster. Rides like a Cadillac without the slop. Handles great stock, even better with riser bars. I could go on!
Weaknesses:
Well, cost? But any full susser with all XT costs at least this much. Oh, I remember! No disc-brake ready XT hubs. I was a little disappointed about that one. Flat bar maybe. And the INTEGRATED shifters and brake levers. Come on Shimano, or maybe come on Marin for choosing that route, since separates were available.
Similar Products Used:
FSR-XC. Rocky Mountain Spice. ProFlex / K2
Bike Setup:
All stock except for the Bontrager Rizer bars. They ain't Monkey lites, but they were $22.
Bottom Line:
Damn. Every time I ride this thing I fall more deeply for it. I don't have any problems with bobbing, but I have a pretty efficient (round) stroke as it is. It might move a little more than the linkage bikes if one is a push-only pedaler.
The lack of disc-compatible hubs on a bike of this price and caliber was the only bummer. Now I have to do the new wheel dance--mucho money. Good thing the V-brakes work well.
I'd never had any Rock Shox until now--only Manitou. Initially I was bummed about the re-spec to the SID XC. That is until I rode it. It flexes a bit, but then I'm 180 lbs. After the break-in period I rarely have to add air. I was worried for the first month or so because I had to add 10-15 lbs every few days. The same goes for the Fox Vanilla R. IRC Notos tires are great. The wheels are pretty light and durable.
The frame rocks. Pretty much flex-free. No hassle in terms of maintenance. Great suspension. Looks like a silver praying mantis.
The 2001s are even lighter with the new monocoque design--saw 'em at Interbike this year. Stunning.
This bike should get WAY more press. Everyone I knows who tries mine wants it, NOW!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alexander Repenning
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, Colorado Date Reviewed: July 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Well designed frame, and suspension. Almost perfect quality/price components
Weaknesses:
trivial issues: stickers come off, water bottle mount: only one and badly positioned: reduces stand-over clearance significantly (you will need some water backpack deal)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper Pro, Trek V?400, Scott Octane
Bike Setup:
re-speced: RS SID XC 00
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike: rigid frame, great suspension, great components => all you need for some great XC riding. Marin has done a great job in finding some of the best components for the money.
Despite plush 4" of travel in the back I have not noticed ANY bobbing. There is no need for lockout on this bike.
Front suspension: the 2000 model comes now with SID XC 00 which feel better than the Mars (also I heard about some serious problems of the Mars fork). However, the SID is about $250!! cheaper than the Mars. No need to complain about the fork but these savings should be passed onto the buyer. I did get a discount.
Another snag which has more todo with RockShox than Marin. The XC fork can be adjusted (a lot of work) to 80mm but seems to be set to 63mm per default. hmmmm... anybody sharing this experience?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Wilson
a Downhiller
from Santa Barbara CA USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tunnel Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stocked with an XT drive train and Manitou Mars-C forks, weight (it's barely heavier than my hardtail), climbs like a goat, descends like a dream and just all-around handles great
Weaknesses:
Would have preferred a coil over oil shock due to the gnarliness of the local trails, but the stock one seems to be working fine.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Nail Trail, Kona Stinky
Bike Setup:
Stock everything except pedals (put Shimano DX on it) and tires (put some Ritchey ZMax 2.1 for better traction on the loose dirt around here)
Bottom Line:
I shopped and compared just about every other bike I could in this price range (I got it for a little under $2200 out the door) and came back to my original choice. I can't for the life of me figure out why Marin doesn't get more press. A full suspension bike with 80mm of front travel and 4+ in the rear at a weight of under 25 pounds? Sounds too good to be true, but it isn't.
Let's just put it this way - I took this bad boy out for it's virgin run on a trail that had just literally blew up my hard tail. There's a 45 minute climb up a fire road to get to the steep, super rocky single track downhill section. My bike climbed great, with no absolutely noticable loss of power from the shock. Once at the top, not only did I cruise down the trail faster and smoother than ever before, I made it through the one spot that I always a little trouble with like is wasn't even there. It was almost too easy (famous last words). This bike made me a better rider the first time on it.
Shop around but if you're serious about riding and having a ton of fun while doing it then this bike is the one. Well worth the investment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Fioretti
a Weekend Warrior
from Frederick,Md.,USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gambril or Shaefer
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Easy set-up, Full XT, Great climber, Stand-over height, Price, Simple design, low maintenance, Plush fork (Mars C)
Weaknesses:
Swoopy steering, Cable routing, VP pedals, Tires (IRC Notos supplied just didn't hold the trail)
Similar Products Used:
Trek VRX, Sugar 2
Bike Setup:
Stock except Time pedals and Wildgrippers
Bottom Line:
Love this bike. Excellent traction on climbs, easy to control on downhill. Took a while to get used to the steering. Bike wants to turn harder/faster. Once I got used to this I can take sections faster than before. For the price, full XT, handling, and a suspension that delivers on the promise, you can't beat this bike. If you are considering a FS bike, try lots of different bikes but buy this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Mullaney
a Weekend Warrior
from Alamogordo, NM, USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chutes & Ladders, Fruita CO
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good weight for a full suspension, no immediate need to upgrade spec'ed components. Had a SID XC substituted by Marin for the Mars C due to Mars problems?
Weaknesses:
Cruddy cable routing, seems like alot of FS bikes have this problem around the shock.
Similar Products Used:
'88 DB Ascent (rigid),'90 Stumpjumper (rigid), '98 Nail Trial Hardtail
Bike Setup:
Factory substituted SID XC & Race face air alloy riser (my sub)
Bottom Line:
Maybe its the wider bar, maybe my unfamiliarity with a full suspension, maybe my SID isn't set up quite right, etc. but this bike is a handful to turn at slow speed.
On the plus side it feels like I'm gliding along, it climbs great, descents are faster.
In short I already love this bike, I've even named it ... Mo-Mo-Ma! The name says it all!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
don johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from novato ca. usa Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
china camp
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
simple frame design, light weight, stand over height, active suspension
Weaknesses:
too many decals,easy to remove on a hot day.
Similar Products Used:
y bike, ridged and hard tail
Bike Setup:
bought bike with super fly fork, no pedals,seat post,bar ends,seat. used some old parts due to being lighter in weight.
Bottom Line:
great cross country bike, light weight 24.5 lbs. ACTIVE SIMPLE SUSPENSION THAT WORKS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J!M60
a Cross Country Rider
from Kent, UK Date Reviewed: July 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any thats hard!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great frame, very light, easy to ride after an old rigid £200 bike.
Weaknesses:
Rear shock failed on me after 1 week of pretty gentle riding. But was replaced by the bike shop within a week.
Similar Products Used:
Rigid MTB. First ever FS bike!
Bike Setup:
Standard, part from new saddle as the one on it was very uncomfy for my arse!
Bottom Line:
I really love this bike, its brilliant, I just have to ride it as soon as I get home from work. Was very annoyed with the failure of rear shock after gentle riding, but it was replaced no probs.
Friends couldnt justify the cost of £1600 but that was until they had a go - I think they want one now! hehe
I cant imagine going back to a rigid now, this rocks!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dieter
a Downhiller
from Brighton, England Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Llanberis @ Snowdon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great frame, very light for full suspension. Great suspension design (requires no riding adjustment from a hardtal). XT groupset. Mars C fork
Weaknesses:
IRC Notos XC tyres - traction, what traction? Access to front mech
Similar Products Used:
My first full suspension bike!
Bike Setup:
Stock, with Race Face riser bar, and flatties and grippier treads
Bottom Line:
This bike is so comfortable and fast. On descents I suddenly realised I could go an extra 20% faster! Then I couldn't stop because of the tyres, which I have now upgraded to Specialised Team Control and Master. Front mech often gets clogged up with mud and stuff and access is a bit of a problem. Apart from that the bike is a dream and we cover many happy miles together!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Samuel LAUDREN
a Cross Country Rider
from Paris France Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
very good confort because of the rear shock working so well no need for disc brake
Weaknesses:
the manitou fork i have try seem not to work on little bump
Bike Setup:
new from outside the box
Bottom Line:
A very good bike, but seem to be not as good as my hardtail on equipment (my brakes are magura race line the best brakes ever, my wheels are Mavic crossmax tubeless nothing to do with the Xt/Mavic combo)
i love the frame, i will probably buy one but with others wheels. If you want a performance bike for sport but not racing it will be the bike for a long trail;
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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