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Submitted by
Bob Rynd
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The ones that go downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | The Marin Quake series (5.0 & 9.0) looks cool! It gets attention wherever I go. The frame is a good base for which to upgrade/ build a good lightweight, all-around bike. I mainly use mine for XC but because I ride in the mountains I'm not afraid to open it up on the descents. Be it technical S.T. through roots and boulders or flat out fireroads, the Quake FRS is at home on it all. I can keep up with the best of the hardtails on the uphills as well. No biopacing. | | Weaknesses: | I have to concure with one of the other reviewers from NZ. The moncoque frame makes the slightest noise (click, clang or clatter) reverberate through the frame. It makes locating the noise very difficult. I too, experienced a mystery noise that I eventually diagnosed as the screws hold the replacable dropout. A little loc-tite fixed that. The clearance between the chain and the swingarm is a nuisance as the chain will bang on the swingarm make it a noisy ride. The fix... cut an old innertube and wrap the swingarm - quiets it down nice! | | Similar Products Used: | I've ridden my buddies GF Joshua and Specialized FSR, both are very good. | | Bike Setup: | I've upgraded to XTR with Chris King bearings all around, Headset and front/rear hubs on Bontrager Rims. Fox Vanilla Air rear and Manitou XT vert. front. Bontrager riser handlebars. I ride in the forest (XC) on Onza Rail front tire and Panracer Duster Pro Rear(kevlar light). I have a set of Panracer DH Pro 2.3 for downhill (Ski Area Stuff) and some Michelin Wildgripper Rock for hardpack and street | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, I've taken a great frame and built a supurb all around bike. Having built it over time the expense isn't as much a shock on the wallet as off the shelf. I have a bike that is unique in appearance and performs excellent in all conditions. It's a agile climber and holds it's own at 40 mph on the downhill. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bikeyboy
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt Tarrengower Vic Australia | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
looks way cool,v/strong frame,light with parts mods, XT as standard | | Weaknesses: |
limited to compact rings,some stock parts are not too good,cross chaining causes chain to rub swing arm | | Similar Products Used: |
Diamondback V-link 3.1, Specialized FSR Comp,Scott FRS, Marin Rocky Ridge, GT Avalanche | | Bike Setup: |
Quake 9.0 Frame w Fox Vanilla R, AMP F4BLT carbon fork, Magura Tomac hydraulic Brakes, Spinergy Spox Wheels, Thomson post, Raceface LP cranks,FSA needle h/set, Kore 3 stem, Hope Ti b/b,Kore gass spuds, Profile carbon riser bars, ride on cables,Nisene saddle | | Bottom Line: | I knew i had to get this bike after riding it only about 50 meters. i started looking at hard tails and then rode a Rift Zone which got me hooked on full suspension. I rode DBR,Specialized, Scott and GT. I loved the laterally stiff and quik ride of the Specialized but favoured other aspects of the DBR. The GT and Scott left me unexcited. i was going to get the DBR in the end but at the last minute i heard that the Marin people had an amazing sale on. i wanted a Mt Vision but there were non left. the sales guy said to look at the Quake and so i did. i have not looked back since.the bonus was that the Marin had way better spec gear on it for the same price as the DBR. i saved NZ$2000 off the retail price of the Marin. this bike is so stiff laterally and is fairly light in stock form. it is also a real eye catcher and to make this 'worse' i had my frame stripped and polished. after about a month i noticed that my h/set was loose. i found out that it is a really cheap Diatech one and so i put in an FSA needle bearing h/set. this started me on the upgrade path to the bike i have now as speced above. it is now so light that it weighs less than many desent hard tails and i did not have to sacrifice strenght at all to get it this way. it is fast and climbs hills like you wouldn't believe.going down can be a bit 'harsh' but is still way more plush and comfortable than any hardtail. the problems that i have had are the following:
1 the new Marin agent in New Zealand does not know what customer service is and did not want to know about getting me new suspension parts when my old ones started to wear out. i got on the net and Marin USA sent me the new bearings(the old ones were faulty from new i found out)and a removal/fitting tool all for free. other wise i had to have the parts machined here and get the bearings from australia(Bendigo Bearings in Bendigo Victoria Bearing type Fafnir KP6A) at circa AU$54each.all is sweeeet now!
2 when i accidentally cross chain in the large ring and the large on the cassette the chain rubs the heck out of the swing arm and makes a hell of a racket.
3 due to the design of the bike i am limited to using compact size cranks and rings.
4 the XT brakes seized in wet weather due to the twisty routing of the cable and water and muck getting into the lining so i have to use ride on Gortex Cables(continuous) but made the switch to Maguras.
5 the most annoying creeking noise that the monocoque makes so hard to find and fix. i found it in the end after 18 mths. it was a loose screw on the derrailieur hanger. tightened it up after giving it a clean and now the bike runs very quiet even in rough terrain. i had all the bike mechanics looking for it and we went through everything from cranks to pivots.
i have not really minded these problem too much as i have a great interest in finding out how things work and now i can service my bike with my eyes closed. the problems pale in comparison to the awesome time i have riding this bike and i believe that with a few mods this is still one of the best full suspension bikes even after 2 or 3 years and i still surf the bike stores regularly.
i highly recommend this bike even if you can get it second hand which is the only way you will get one now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Watson
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Quake 9 for £1350, 20% discount on the inflated UK price just after they were replaced by the Mount Vision.
My reasons for choosing this model were:
A.The tidy design with a single good quality rear sus bearing rather than linkages.
B. The seat/tube is not cantilevered
C. Mainly XT equipment fit.I have not regretted buying the Quake and am well satisfied with its performance and overall quality. The wheels have stayed true with only the rear requiring minor attention after one year. Minor gripes are as below:A. Dia tech headset. Rubbish but easily upgraded.
B. Frame welding on monocoque halves uneven. Unsightly but it works OK
C. Cable stops under frame are not lined up with cables (they are just onto the lower Y ) and hence operation is rough. Particularly the back brake.
I have got round this by fitting a continuous ouer.
Overall though a good reliable bike which I am in no hurry to replace.
| Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul E Zyskowski
a weekend warrior
from FT. CAMPBELL KY
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned my 5.0 Quake for 2 years now. A friend and i originally rented this bike after a theft had occured which left my buddy without a ride. One ride and I was hooked. Since my purchase my 5.0 has gone through many changes. My first up grade was a Chris King headset the one that came with the bike was trash. Race Face crank set with the Ti BB, Mavic CROSSLAND wheel set with IRC tread(mythos xc),Manitou X-vertR,and the mother of all up grades you can give to your 5.0 or 9.0 a Stratos Helix Air/Coil pro shock with lock out.Your shock unless you got the Fox Vanilla from MARIN is way to plush. The Helix enables you to adjust the air pressure for your weight the coil over handles the big stuff. My ride,lines,and overall bike performance is off the hook. The Helix wont just mount uo to your trusty steed with out some simple mods. Want the 411 drop me a line at PSANQS@ AOL.COM. The upgrades give my 5.0 its overall rating. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Lenci
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my QUAKE 5.0 hardtail for about six months now. Great bike so far. I'm running Manitou FS TI 1997 front suspension, and I must say is performing quite to my expectations. The bike itself is quite lite, but it could be made even lighter. With most of the components mainly LX and STX and Kevlar tires, it's about 26 pounds. If upgraded to XT, XTR, or other titanium components it could brake the 23 pounds. (not bad Eh!).
Anyways it performs great on climbing sections, but if you are into crazy downhill kamikaze stuff, you better get off the saddle, because it's gonna hurt.
Aluminium hardtail are just stiff as a rock.
If there are any other owners of Quake hardtail bike, please drop me an Email!!.Ciao for now, and ride hard.John | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nic emerson
a weekend warrior
from Lincolnshire, England
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Has anybody got a review on next years (1999) Marin Wolf Ridge 'cos I just bought one but I can't ride it because I've bust up my collar bone while jumping my old LTS 2. I'll review the LTS with the chilli's 'cos I haven't ridden the Wolf Ridge yet! The LTS was a 21 frame and the shock was far too heavy for me, Because I only weigh 10 stone! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerome Brennan
a weekend warrior
from Newfoundland, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am having a 1994 Team FRS frame replaced under warranty by a 97 NAIL FRS. There was an option of paying additional cost of approximatel $700 Canadian dollars to upgrade to a Mount Vision Pro or Quake 9.1. My 94 Team FRS was a great bike.Anybody have any reviews on this frame. Is the the 97 Team FRS a better frame. Reply appreciates, thank you.Jerome | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Armin Horner
a cross-country rider
from Austria
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i´m a bike-mechanic and have ordered a Quake 5.0 in 1997.When i first saw this bike i just wanted it because of its great design
On my first rides i wasn´t happy with the leightweight-parts on the bike
for ex. the wheels, the Manitou - i changed it for handbuild wheels and a
Marzocchi Z2.
I´ve never had a bike like that before! I did cross-country racing with good results as well as downhill racing.Some Problems with the bike are:
-You cannot use the middle chainring with the larger cogs because of it´s wide bottom-bracket
-On larger frames there should be a stiffer rear swingarm
-the noise of the main-frame | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guillermo Vargas
a cross-country rider
from San José, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Quake 9.0, in june of 1997. I ride almost 4 or 5 times per week,
and 80% of the time Off-Road. Since new a put on my bike a Bomber Z2,
and a downhill Azonic handlebar, the perfect convination. Ride faster, less fatigue on long time rides, more control going up or down. The only trouble
I had few days ago, was with the aluminium bushings at the low pivot point
of the rear shock, they became a little unrigid. Solution I changed them
for inox steel, and it work perfect.Any way I just can tell it is a great
bike!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Davanzo
a cross-country rider
from Manchester- England
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the Quake 5.0 for a year now. I had wanted a Rift Zone but they were selling really fast and I couldn't find one. Strangely Quake's weren't selling - Okay it's not as good looking, but the rides the same and it's fractionally lighter and stiffer.
One year and 2000 miles on, the bike is good as new. Bear in mind I live in a flat, so I can't simply hose down the bike after each ride, yet the swingarm always works, even when caked in mud. Compare that to my friends 3 year old LTS, which basically needs new pivots each season.
Out in the trail the Marin is a dream. One of the people I ride with is a weight freak with a floaty light Klein Pulse, but even he had to admit that despite the weight the Marin is a superb climber. Actually he's thinking of buying a Mount Vision! I've met many other FS bike owners out on my rides, and have always been pleased to see the Marin design is the best for climbing, and in fact despite the falling rate shock, and the shortish travel it makes a superb downhiller too!
Okay they don't make Quakes this year - but the other FRS designs just as good. The Alpine Trail isn't really worth it (the cromo swingarm isn't as good), and cross country riders won't like the B17 (too high, heavy and a bit bouncy for me), but freeriders/downhillers will love it. Best buy is the Rift Zone. So buy one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Beech
a downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Marin Quake 5.0This bike is amazing! I know they don't make these this year, but still, they ride the same as the rest, and are lighter. Get the Rift Zone, not the mount vision, and spend the money you save on some 4 travel forks, they make a massive difference (Bomber Z1s are tops). There can be no doubt of the rating, even if the frame does resonate a bit. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris beaver
a weekend warrior
from new zealand
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
97 Marin Mt Vision.
Excellent excellent! Light, strong, it challenges me rather than limits me.
Delivered with broken bolt in front shock clamp (dealer Pack n Pedal); front mech (Shimano XT) busted after a couple of weeks, both replaced under warranty. Rear wheel frisbee(spoke protector thingy) busted too, chucked it away.
Very happy with this bike. Ver good frame. Climbs amazingly well. I'm going much faster downhill and still gaining experience at this. Back end is very smooth and plush, Manitou at front less so and would like a little less stiction there. But its Fun Fun. Goes anywhere. Excellent all-rounder. Very please with this device. Buy one!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Prodigy/Bike/Snowboard lover
a cross-country rider
from Way up there in Scotland
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Alpine Trail:
I was looking for a full susp for my byrthday, and I checked out many makes, models
etc. I couldn't buy something over $1500. As soon as I learnt about the Marin
FRS designs, I started to have great interest in them, finally convincing my parents
to buy me an Alpine Trail. All I can say is that it is excellent. When I ride in
my local trails (you know what Scotland's like) with 13 other people, I always lead in the uphills, straigts and
sometimes even downhills (Some of my partners have $6000 downhill jobs) And I'm not one
of the better riders. I've only had it for two months, but it is working superbly. The rear end takes
anything you give it, small bumps are also absorbed and it sprint faster than any
other bike I've seen in my trails. The front end is OK on small bumps, and
superb on big-medium ones. We usually race and bet money. The problem is,
most of my partners are now going to turn to a Marin FRS design. Damn. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alistair Freeman
a cross-country rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Marin Mount Vision '97.I've had my Mount Vision since February and ridden it extensively over the summer. I am extremely pleased with the bike: it climbs well, descends well and is very comfortable over full-day rides. I do ride faster and harder with this bike: the only problem is that it encourages you to do things that may be a bit unwise! All the components have performed well and I haven't needed to replace any bits except the brake pads.As far as problems go, the only trouble I've had is one of the top caps on the forks becoming stuck (faulty thread, couldn't unscrew it: took 8 weeks for Manitou to get a replacement. Come on Manitou, why can't you keep a stock of spares in the UK?) and the slight loosening of the rear end mentioned by Jono Offler in his review: quickly sorted by a bit of bolt tightening. Otherwise, the bike just seems to take everything I throw at it in its stride.If you ride XC for fitness and fun, as I do, then you'll love this bike. If you're a racer you might want something lighter, but to be honest I can keep up with people of my level of fitness on their hardtails when riding it so I think for most people it'd be fine.Highly recommended. I don't like the orange-painted swingarm on the '98 model though.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from Northampton England
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the Mountvision pro. I used to have a custome built rigid bike, I tried out a fs Marin in a shop just to see what it felt like and ended up buying the dam bike. It's amazing, I haven't noticed any decrease in speed and can still whip some of my friends in straight out sprinting on it. It climbs like a demond and desent is easy. I can now pass most people on the local trails with ease. The weigth doesn't seem to be a problem and I only really notice when having to pick it up. Top bike I'd say buy one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce Sherman
a downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I knew when I bought my Mount Vision that it was supposed to be a XC frame and not for DH but value for money this seemed like an excellent choice for my first DH bike. I bought the frame by itself and then spec'd the rest of the bike to DH needs, Marrzocchi Z1 Bombers, White Bro's front hub, Deep dish Rigida rims, Azonic 2 riser bars etc.
The ride is amazing with 4s of plush travel at both ends, excellent adjustability from both the Fox Vanilla shock and the Bombers. The frame is stiff and handles beautifully going down.
I must admit that I'll be buying a new frame for more travel soon but I'm definatly keeping the Marin as well. I think that this alone speeks alot for the frame.My only real bitch is the fact that a 44 tooth front gear is the biggest that can be run, but on the other hand if the DH course requires a bigger ring it'll probably need bigger travel as well.I totally recomend this fame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rafael G. Corrales
a cross-country rider
from Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I previously had a Marin Rocky Ridge, and was very happy with the performance of this bike, but decided to go FS. After as much research as I could find I decided to by the Quake 9.0. I've only had it for a week, but can already tell it is a dream to ride, it is almost like a whole other sport.When you go off drops, you don´t even feel the landing (it's wierd) and you can just steer over loose rocks and gravel. When you are going uphill and the back tire slips, it just seems to shoot out until it catches and you just keep going. When you are taking technical downhills, this bike greatly improves your control and handling.I know this is a XC bike, but last weekend (when I was just getting used to the bike) I went on a bike trip with about 40 people, including a guy who kept on bragging about how fast he came down on his AMP research bike. The Marin came down first every time, and I don´t have a scratch on me. Enough said.Critiques:1) In certain not recommended gear combinations the chain tends to scrape the rear triangle. Solution: Lizard Skins or a reversed Shark Fin.2) The frame seems to work as a resonance box in some situations, augmenting noises produced by the bike. Solution: Depends on Marin modifying the next generation.I still love this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby Whitley
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Decided to buy FRS bike, tried a Gary Fisher Joshua, 17 hundred pounds, very pleasing to look at and wanted to buy it but, tried the Quake 5 as well (pig ugly) loved it, didn't even bother trying the Quake 9 and feel very sorry for anyone who spends the same or more money on a Gary Fisher Joshua.
Bad point the subsidised insurance you can get if you have a datatag is less than poor and six times as expensive as good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick arran
a weekend warrior
from hong kong
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Having owned Marin Eldridges for the last 8 years (!!), I just took the full suspension plunge with a new Mount Vision (a quake 9 made of tubes I guess). Compared to the Eldridge: it's about the same weight, same size and pretty much the same geometry and (bought in Hong Kong) cost less than I paid for my Eldridge in the UK 5 years ago(come on UK bike shops, wise up).The bottom bracket is higher than the eldridge and with the shorter 170mm cranks it feels huge to climb on to and a bit small once you're up. Great ground clearance but tough on the thighs. Much more a pure off-road bike.Mine came with an Indy SL fork and Avid brakes (not Marin spec) I kept the Avids but the Indy SL felt VERY soft so I changed it for an FS Ti. The rear suspension feels soft, I'm no heavy weight (160lbs) but the preload on the Alp rear shock needs to be half way down the thread to give the right sag - even then the damping needs turning up high to stop it bobbing. The FS Ti on the other hand feels really stiff and the preload's wound right out; you think it's not moving 'till you notice all the bumps have gone.Climbing over the rough is GREAT, you can stay in the saddle keep your weight on the rear tire and just go - that's why the suspension is soft maybe. Descending is suddenly so easy and cornering is incredibly neutral, no under or oversteer at all (if the rear tyre's hard enough). The eldriges always tried to pull out of fast turns the mount vision does not.My only gripes are 1. if you accidently get into big front chainwheel and big back sprocket at the same time the chain rubs on the swing arm - OK so it's a gear combination you never use, but hit it by accident and the swing arm's going to get chain sawed, Marin have stuck a bit of plastic sheet on the swing arm but it's not enough. This problem also means you're stuck with compact drive for all time, there just aint space for a big chain wheel.2. The way the cables are run, the rear brake and gear cables can catch your heels unless tie-wrapped back (may not be so with XT brakes). The way the Avid brakes are built means I'm stuck with US handing on the brake levers - spent the first week sliding the rear wheel all over the place whenever I applied the front brake. Now I have to change my Eldridge to make them both the same.Over all - 4 stars, an easy 5 but for the chain rub. Its smooth, it's light (for an FS bike) and it's a whole lot cheaper, prettier and easier to carry than the cannondale V2000 I nearly bought instead. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jono Offler
a weekend warrior
from Bath, England
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Mount Vision review PART THREE
I have just picked my bike up from my local bike shop and was told that the main bolt that holds the swinging arm in place and the bolts that hold the shock in place were all loose. I rang Marin's head office in the UK and was told that the frame should have been supplied with a hand book explaining haw to service the rear suspension ( This was missing) this hand book advises that the bolt should be looked at every few rides. Marin also said that some bolts were not tightened in the factory and that all the main dealers were told that they should check all the frames before they sold them (LBS failed to do this).
So if you want to buy one make sure that it's as tight as a ducks ass. I rode my bike back to work and now I'am stuck in an office with the sun cleaming off the best ride I have ever had sitting in the corner and it's three hours to go before I can ride again, it's a hard life....................... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jono Offler
a weekend warrior
from Bath, England
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Marin Mount vision Reveiw PART TWO
I have just dropped off my frame to the local bike shop that supplied it to be sent back to Marin.
Yester day I spent about 2 hours riding a new trail near to where I live.
I found myself stopping every two miles convinced that the back tube was running flat as the back end felt very skitty and prone to kick out. The tube was replaced but the back end still felt rather sick, but not as sick as I did when I discovered that the life time pivot was shot and the swinging arm was moving about 5 to 10mm off line. Even with this amount of movement this frame still kicked the butt of far better riders than me in the group. I can't help but feel that this frame just loves speed, places where other riders go for the brakes the Mount Vision kicks in and pulls away.
This still is a five star frame which I hope will be fixed or replaced ASAP (please Marin)
I hope this is just a one off frame, Marin have made what I feel and many others feel is one of the best full suspension bikes around. I will keep you all posted to the next chapter......................................
ps if you want to E Mail me please do th esystem that we use is c*rp so you may not get a reply but I will try my test ........ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Raine
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is simply superb, has to be the best bike I've ever ridden.No problems with the frame or anything else, rides like an absolute dream.(There were at least 2 other 5 star reviews for this bike which are no longer visable ?) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jono Offler
a cross-country rider
from Bath, England
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Over the last few years I have been the happy owner and rider of a GT Zaskar Le.
This bike has been fantastic and has only ever failed when my nerve has given out (Very often on down hill ride as this frame can be very twitchy).
However all things come to an end and I'm now the proud owner of a Marin Mount Vision frame ( I had been looking at the Marin Quake 9 frame but I wa advised that there were problems with this frame ).
The frame is equiped with Judy XC, XTR V's, XT running gear and Hope hubs front and back.
This bike is superb, I can now see that mountain bikes have taken a massive step forwards in the last year. The Mount vision spints like the Zaskar, corners far better than the Zaskar and down hills like the Zaskar could never do.
When I made th emove to full suspension all my freinds tried to make me change my mind by saying that it would never be as much fun to ride as the GT. I can now say that I have rediscovered why I started mountain biking thank you Marin.
Full suspension is the way forward how many people would buy a car or a motor crosser with suspension, mountain biking is all about fun, how can you have fun if you keep losing control and your arse hurts ( please don't answer this one)
Five stars for the bike, Five for the XTR V's and 10 for the best web site in the World wide web.
Thanks and remeber it's not what you ride or how you ride it's the size of the smile that counts........... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick D-T
a weekend warrior
from Yorkshire England
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My first Quake 9 lasted one month. I bought the frame only and after one months normal riding, the rear end became really twisted. The replacement frame, arrived at the shop already out of line at the back end so another replacement was sent. This too was out of line at the shock mount. The next replacement was straight but as the rear shock mount was tightened, the rear swingarm cracked. I was told by UK importers that I could have another replacement from a frame that had been run over by a forklift, surprisingly enough I asked for a refund. They said that they could not find any other straight ones and that although there was a problem with building them straight, they were only slightly out of line. (4 mm in the centre ) Nice looking bike that appeares to have been made in a great hurry to get in some cash. The fact that marin said that the bike would not be sorted by 98 is a little pathetic in my view. I could not recommend that anybody buys such a badly made product, however, if you do, look from behind, line up the frame and check to see if you can see both sides of the top shock mounting equally either side of the seatpost.
Makes you wonder about the build quality of their other products. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Mason
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Frame:
Frame-wise this bike is super-stiff. A lightweigh 6061 Aluminium monocoque frame and suspension swingarm.Suspension:
At the back is a Fox Vanilla-R and gives 4 of travel.
Up front is a set of Answer Manitou FS forks giving 3 of travel.
Both are adjustable for pre-load and rebound.Components:
V-Brakes/levers, Gears/shifters and rear Hub are all XT with White Industries handling the front Suspension Hub (White ind.
Tracker), the Crank and front Rings.
Marin lite components make up the Stem/Bar/grips, Seatpost. Richey provides the leather saddle.
Wheels are Mavic 217 SUP, WTB Primal Raptor Tyres and DT spokes (32) with Alloy nipples.
Total weight is approx 26 lbsRide:
When you ride this bike it is very plush, with no bobbing at the rear.
Front end bobbing is only noticable if you loosen of all the preload and ride on tarmac uphill (not that you would ever do
this!). Under normal circumstances you can ride without any feedback from the whole suspension system.
Off-Road climbing is noticably easier, you can feel the back wheel digging into the bank. Dig in really works with this bike,
but as you would expect is not designed to work in the top ring, this is for the downhills!
You WILL ride harder and faster with this bike...I do.
Reasons to buy this bike....Check the price (£1690 in the UK) and compare it with the the rivals.
The spec will be better on the Marin, and the ride is the most advanced. Check the pedigree of the designer (Jon White,
ex-Formula One).You get a lifetime warrany on the frame AND the Suspension bearings, as long as you are the origional owner.Check my Homepage for a look at the bike (tell me it's not worth buying for it's looks alone!!) and more specs.http://157.228.102.10/STAFF/MASON/QUAKE.htm | | Overall Rating: |
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