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Average Rating
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4.24/5
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# of Reviews
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66
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MSRP
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$ 469.99
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Weight
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More Products from Gary Fisher
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Description:Frame
Gold Series 6061 T6 internally and externally butted aluminum, Genesis Geometry
Wheels
Shimano M475 hubs; Bontrager Camino rims | Bontrager Jones XR tires, 26x2.2/2.25
Componentry
Shimano Deore rear derailleur, Shimano Deore shifters, Shimano Deore front derailleur | Shimano M442 44/32/22 crank | Avid SD 3 brakes w/alloy levers | (Full Specs)
Suspension
RockShox Dart 2 w/preload, lockout, 100mm travel
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Submitted by
Ben Crocker
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | 3 Larch | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Hangar | | Strengths: | Absolutely bullet proof performer, perfect frame geometry, fisher quality | | Weaknesses: | Ugly graphics, lol. average components. v-brakes. | | Bike Setup: | Changed to Avid BB7 disk brakes and upgraded wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | Dollar for dollar probably the best bike you will find under $600. I have ridden this bike in Moab, and all over the Northwest on some really rough trails. I ride 4+ times a week and on really rocky singletrack always. This is the little hardtail that could! Never fails! I will upgrade to better high dollar components as things break, but nothing ever breaks! I have upgraded the wheels and changed to Avid BB7 disk brakes. What a great bike! I will upgrade soon to a 29er, but I will never sell my Marlin. It is too loyal to part with! If you are a new mountain biker and you want a good bike to grow with in your first two seasons, this is the bike for you. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Billerica, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Everywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Loft | | Strengths: | frame, upgradeable, fun, no major problems in a year | | Weaknesses: | Breaks, Tires, wheels but all three can be replaced. and i recommend going xt but thats just me. | | Similar Products Used: | a few treks, and Gary Fisher hoo koo e koo | | Bike Setup: | Almost stock. waiting for parts to break first | | Bottom Line: | This bike has served me well. I never had a "true" mountain bike before this one and was well worth the 500. This bike gives a lot of confidence to the rider. The first time I took it off road my first drop was 4 ft and I never had a bike w/ suspension on it but the bike handled fine. 5'9" and 170 bike fits me great.
I would say better tires are needed for serious off road though. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, entry level, mountain bike. The '07 frame in silver/black is gorgeous. | | Weaknesses: | Weak components. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | I have changed everything EXCEPT the forks, stem, handle bars and grips. Now XT head to tail, Avid BB7's, Mavic Crossride wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I have been a road biker since the early eighties, so this was an experiment to see if I would even like the dirt. I shopped around and found the Marlin to be a good value, tested it, liked it, and bought it. For a while it was good, as I used it for my daily 14 mile commute to and from work, and trail riding every once in a while. I was happy. Then one morning the front derailleur grabbed the chain, and my problems started.
I knew from the beginning that this was going to be way different than my Ultegra equipped road bike, but the Marlin was never a "smooth" shifter. After the third time the chain got caught, the front derailleur actually spun a little on the down tube. Stop. Swear. Adjust. Swear. Go again.
My LBS informed me that my large chainring was bent. Okay, I'm 220 lbs, but my biggest drop is a CURB on my way to work! It was only a slight wobble and the front derailleur was also bent, but actually worked better, so I pedaled on until I could afford better parts.
The chain went next, probably because the drive train was tweaked.
Then after about 1500 miles I took it in to get the rear wheel trued, found 2 broken spokes, and a small flat spot in the rim. I was informed that these wheels and spokes were not designed to last this many miles.
So, the bottom line for me is this; I expected a mountain bike to be more durable, even at the entry level. I am disappointed in Fisher’s choice of component set-up. If you are lighter than me and are only a weekend warrior, this bike might work for you.
However, if you are a bargain minded shopper like me (you might read “cheap” here), you can get an XT equipped hardtail for about $750 less than the shops have them for by getting a Marlin and upgrading parts as they break off
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a
from Exeter UK
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Price, frame geometry, ok spec for money I suppose. | | Weaknesses: | Supplied rims are weak and bend easily. Stock tyres dont really grip on anything but bone-dry trail. Pedals may as well be blocks of smooth polished ice. Forks are heavy and kinda floppy but they come at a price... | | Similar Products Used: | Various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Deore LX Hydraulic discs, DMR bars, easton stem. Maxxis High Roller 2.35"s | | Bottom Line: | In the price bracket you will struggle to find a better specked XC bike. Is (just about) useable out of the box and with minor changes like pedals and tyres will make a great value bike. Needs various stronger bits if you ride it hard (Wheels etc) but it was never billed as a freeride bike. Some may find the geometry a little strange on the ascents when seated (Seems to lift weight off front wheel and results in some 'interesting' handling tendencies).'Genesis' geometry is confidence-inspiring on the way down though. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe levack
a Weekend Warrior
from Akron, Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mohican State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 275 | | Strengths: | Geometry, Light weight, PRICE and durable | | Weaknesses: | Tires are complete crap, upgrading to disk brakes is expensive and requires a new wheel-set or new hubs, The lockout on the fork broke and the fork needs to be rebuilt | | Similar Products Used: | Crap from wall-mart | | Bike Setup: | Mavic crossride wheelset, avid juicy 7, Specialized Fast trak Pro | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner bike, $200-$300 in upgrades makes for a pretty kick ass XC bike. I have over 200 miles on the bike and it has served me well Genesis Geometry is great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Leiter
a
from Columbus, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | 500.00 | | Strengths: | Good strog frame and components for a beginer bike. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, grips, and tires are all terrible. Also too expensive to upgrade with disc brakes, might as well sell it and buy a better bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock mostly. New Specialized saddle, new tires, and Shimano SPD clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | My first mountain bike and I love it. I have recomended it to many other riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MO
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rockbridge, Rhett's Run | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Walt's Bicycle Fitness and Wilderness Co. | | Strengths: | Downhills and cornering are handled very well. Components are about the best you can get in the $500-600 price range. Frame seems strong enough for me, which was a concern being over 200 lbs. | | Weaknesses: | Surprisingly, I think the Genesis geometry is a weakness of this bike. It happens to be while climbing (the area that is most often seen as a positive attribute of Genesis) because the front wheel is lightly loaded when going up climbs. This becomes a problem when going up climbs with roots and rocks because you have to consciously tell yourself to put weight forward or you'll bounce off and have the front wheel redirected. It does allow you to roll over obstacles better on a climb, but more often than not, the results are a lot of direction changes which leads to me having to dismount. It is annoying, but I'm hoping to figure out a better way to overcome the problem.
I also broke a crank arm off when I rode singletrack a day after I bought the bike. Walt's fixed it quickly and it turned out fine. I just had to get it checked the next week to make sure it was torqued properly. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820, Trek 4300, Trek 4500, Gary Fisher Wahoo, Specialized Hardrock Sport, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock 17.5" | | Bottom Line: | Overall, I like the bike and the performance, but it makes it difficult to complete a large rooted, rocky incline when the front wheel keeps coming off of the ground. Once I stop having to get off of my bike during a climb, I'll be very happy.
I do recommend the bike because it does everything else pretty well, and has decent components for the price. I also recommend not crashing into trees.
This bike has gotten me very excited about riding everyday and when I don't get to, it is very disappointing. I can't wait to upgrade to a full suspension bike, but the Marlin will just have to handle my abuse until I can afford a FS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Racer
from Ripon, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Kiekhafer in Fond du Lac, WI | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Attitude Sports, Fond du Lac | | Strengths: | fairly reliable shifting, even through some mud; wheels are virtually indestructible; no fork problems at all; climbling power is amazing, very torquey; generally durable, reliable, good all around bicycle | | Weaknesses: | seat is horribly uncomfortable; after a nineteen mile rain race i had to use my foot to shift in the front; but besides that i don't really have too many shifting problems; fairly heavy | | Bottom Line: | Best bang for your buck bike, great climbing, tires are good, durable; replace the seat right away and maybe upgrade to disk, depending on your needs | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIke
a Cross Country Rider
from Chi Burbs iL
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Local id say Palos | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | American Bike & Fitness | | Strengths: | The best beginner bike hands down. Genisis geometry gives loads of confidence to newer riders. Very light compared to similar priced hardtails. climbs efficiantly and is easy to navigate tight, fast, twisty, or any combo of the three. The parts are great for what you pay and will have no problem lasting till you wish to upgrade. | | Weaknesses: | The frame is very flexy at the bottom bracket, hard climbing and sprinting cambers the BB left to right. In all fairness a beginner wont have the strength to exploit this weekness for a while and will probably enjoy the more plush ride that is a result of the lack of rigidity. As far as components the saddle is garbage and the grips are just as bad. I suggest using the tires for ten or so miles on singletrack, limestone, and street just so you can appreciate whatever tires you upgrade to. I swapped grips, tires, and saddle within a couple days of buying the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | I had tried a specialized hardrock but felt the fisher was far more nimble and a better climber. | | Bike Setup: | EggBeaters, XTR front hub with Mavic 717, XT rear hub with Mavic 717, Ultegra 12-27 Cassette, Avid 7 V-brakes, Avid SD7 Levers, Raceface Next Carbon flatbar, Panaracer Fires for XC, swap back to Panaracer Cinder for singletrack trails, WTB speedV seat, Raceface Next Carbon seatpost, serfas grips. | | Bottom Line: | If you want to get into mountain biking buy this bike. It is perfect in every aspect for beginers. If any Specialized dealers tell you that Fisher sucks because trek bought them I suggest you leave because thats all that they ever say to sell bikes. The Genesis geometry is awesome. Ive taken this bike everywhere and after a thousand hard miles its still great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from arizona
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | miller cayon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | m&m cycles | | Strengths: | genesis frame is great love the forks front derailer is sweet | | Weaknesses: | sprocet cacthes pants easy rackages | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great for beginners it is the bike for the price its great for shorter people that can grow into it awsome for kids i stongly recomend this bike for begginersand children alike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howard Dixon
a Cross Country Rider
from San Rafael, Heredia, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Barva Volcano | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$428.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop ( Frame only ) | | Strengths: | Light, stable, can take the pressure of a fast & tough ride | | Weaknesses: | nothing that I can think of | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond back response, Iron Horse Maverick | | Bike Setup: | Mostly XT ( derailleurs, crankset & hubs ) and LX ( V brakes and levers) | | Bottom Line: | This one is simply the s**t, overall, I mean, it's something else dawg !
Cheap, light, stable, Genesis geometry rocks man ! I've been giving it at least a 3 to 4 hour ride per day, I've never felt so confident going down hill till I tried this frame! Uphill even better yet !
100 rated from 1 to 10
GET IT, IT'S A MUST !!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Cook
a Weekend Warrior
from Rolla, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lion's Club Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Strengths: | TPC Lockout, Love the Tribal Graphics and overall looks, price | | Weaknesses: | TPC Lockout had to be fixed after one week | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike so far. This is my first real bike in years...since I was a kid really. This has rekindled my long dormant passion for biking. For the price...this bike is great. It has opened my eyes to the difference between a Wal-Mart bike and a real bike. Gary Fisher has my business for a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus,GA,US
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Any single track I can get my hands on | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$590.00 | | Purchased At: | The Great Bicycle | | Strengths: | Awesome Fork! Gears shift almost seamlessly, responsive in sharp turns. a fisher | | Weaknesses: | chain has a bad tendancy to Jump off frequently, stem brittle | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | ritchey stem. frog speed play spuds | | Bottom Line: | great bike for price. durable, fast, basicly its an all around great bike. perfect for dicking around, but i am ready to start raceing and i see right away that i am in desperate need of an upgrade. you basicly get what you pa for. the v brakes work well on this bike, even when wet/muddy will still lock up(take that as you will good or bad). but overall to somebody who is starting off, on low buget or just not willing to pay 900+ for good bike this is for you. and u think this seat is hard needs to grow a pair. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a
from Cleveland, Ohio
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddy's Bike Shop (LBS) | | Strengths: | Very smooth riding. FAST! I can ride alot faster than I could before. I handles nicely. | | Weaknesses: | Very hard seat. I had to get a new one. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new seat (Specialized BG2) | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a good deal on a hard tail, this bike is for you. Very good quality. I thought something was wrong with it when I heard a squeaking noise coming from the BB area, but I found out that the cranks had just com loose. They were tightened up and the sound was gone. I've put about 140 miles on it in just the past week and a half. The first half week I had it I didn't ride it much for some reason. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio , TX
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | O.P. Schnable/ McAllister | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Great frame(genesis geometry)climbs like a billy goat. Perfect bike for upgrading as you progress. Best bike for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The fork(axel 100mm)---not that bad use it 'till it breaks then get a marzocchi mx pro eta, its a great upgrade.
The front derailleur--- good weakness because it does not cost an arm and a leg to replace.
The seat--- try it and if you don't like it grab another it won't break the bank.
| | Similar Products Used: | GT timberline. | | Bike Setup: | New fork (Marz), derailluer, seat and upgraded the brakes to avid bb7s. | | Bottom Line: | Best bang for the buck. Great bike you won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester NY
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Towpath Bikes | | Strengths: | Upgraded front suspension from my previoud marlin. Better hardwear all around, Genesis. | | Weaknesses: | Alivio front derailer, it is having some issues shifting right now, but I'll get that worked out soon enough | | Similar Products Used: | GT Aggressor 1.0, 2001 Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Stock cept for a seat, bar ends and a little saddle bag | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike new after mine was stolen 4 days ago. I was crushed because I loved my 01 Marlin. I headed back to Towpath where I bought it in hopes of finding the same bike in the same size and came across an 05 Marlin. Test road it and loved it. Road the same as my 01, but with with but just that much better with upgraded shifters, brakes etc. I am no pro, but this bike does what I want it to, fun in the streets and can handle the trails as well. Now if I didnt have to carry it up 2 stories to get it into my apartment because obviously the garage isnt safe enough anymore! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Wixom, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lakeshore Park, Novi | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango | | Strengths: | For sure the frame geometry. I climbs better than most other bikes I've ridden. The component mix to start with is allright for just getting back into riding, but as your skills grow / come back to you, the frame is well worthy in my opinion of hanging much nicer components on it (which I did) | | Weaknesses: | Just a few nags. The Manitou Six fork thats on it stock (the year I purchased) is soft, flexy, and really kind of hurts pedaling effeciency. But what do you expect for the price? Also a 9sp drive train would have been cool...but I upgraded to that anyways... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Azonic Steelhead, Haro V4, a few others | | Bike Setup: | WTB Speed V seat, Sram X.9 / X.7 9sp. drive train, Bontrager Race X lite carbon post, wellgo wam clipless pedals, lizard skins lock on grips. Fork, handlebars, new v brake in back, and mech disk in front w/ new levers coming later this summer | | Bottom Line: | Great base frame. Very upgradable. Comfortable ride (besides stock seat, upgrade that first!) Basically, if you are WAY into mountain biking, but don't have the deep pockets to buy the Ellsworth that you really want, than this is a nice ride. Great way to keep the trails rocking. Perfect for the midwest trails here in michigan. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Burge
a Weekend Warrior
from Escondido, CA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Daley Ranch, Lake Hodges | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$435.00 | | Purchased At: | Grand Bicycles | | Strengths: | Has a great climbing frame, very responsive; this bike offers a superb ride in its price range; front derailleur is underrated | | Weaknesses: | The ridiculous pedals are outdone only by the ludicrous seat; rear derailleur sometimes misses | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Giant Yukon | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but swapped out pedals and seat, added bar ends and computer | | Bottom Line: | I'm a guy in my mid-50s who's taken up trail-riding during the last two years. I wanted a Tassajara real bad, but the shopowner convinced me that this bike was the better choice for me. I've never regretted that, though I still get bike envy every time I see a Tass. The point is, you can get this bike and extras for less than $600. That's hard to beat. I knew nothing about Genesis geometry, and still don't, but I can tell you if you believe you can climb it, this bike will not hold you back. It also is fast and steady downhill. I've ridden this bike on gutted trails and put road tires on it and ridden it 30 miles, and it has done everything I asked. I'm not a jumper, and I know there are better bikes for extreme riding, but for the sheer exhiliration of trail riding, get a Marlin. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Pagano
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, Flolrida, USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Jonathon Dickenson | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels of Wellington | | Strengths: | Frame is good for log hopping, climbing, and dirt jumping; Monitou Fork has lockout, compression and rebound | | Weaknesses: | rims, brakes, levers, derraileur | | Similar Products Used: | '95 Mongoose Maneuver, Pacific dual suspension | | Bike Setup: | 05 Monitou Axel fork 100mm, Sun Rhyno Lite Rims, Single Speed conversion kit, Race Face Bash Guard | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review about 2 years later and I had to replace several parts on this bike. The derraileur broke so I switched to a single speed drivetrain, the original rims bent so I upgraded to sun rims which are much stronger and almost never go out of alignment, worst of all the original frame cracked but the original dealer and Gary Fisher were very helpful in getting me a new one.
As far as the overall performance of the bike it has been the best bike I have ridden. It is a speed machine that handles XC great and the genises geometry is great for climbing. Although the frame did crack it has been great for handling my urban freeride adventurs, even all of my major wipe outs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shannon Ward
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything on Cootha | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Uni Bike shop | | Strengths: | FRAME, climbs like a champion, i like the crowbar on it too. | | Weaknesses: | grips, manitou axel fork, v-brakes | | Similar Products Used: | none really | | Bike Setup: | stock except for new shimano clipless pedals and Deore XT hydro's. new hubs as well to accomodate the discs (shimano m525 wheelset) | | Bottom Line: | as a starter bike, its brilliant, but the v-brakes don't hold up to anything even remotely steep for more than a few minutes unless you like cramps. the bars have a good feel to them and it handles really nicely on tight single track. with the clipless, the control is even better that it was and this beastie climbs like a champion. its also more than respectable at log climbs and stops on a dime on the new brakes. highly recommended setup for beginner to intermediate XC riders who are stuck to the budget of a hardtail (me for exaple) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Redman
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterloo
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hydro Cut | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path | | Strengths: | This bike is sick. Plain and simple. You want to hit some rocks, fly, climb? This Marlin will take care of that for you. Nice shocks, axel comps TPC lockout, genesis geometry, keeps you climbing when you think your done. Nice headset mount and set up, you feel like YOUR driving this bike, even when out of control. | | Weaknesses: | Came with a bogus alivio derailleur that I had changed before I left the store. NO OTHER WEAKNESS, this bike will shift caked in mud or leaves, it really shifts well. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, Hard rock comp | | Bike Setup: | This is a Canadian 2005 edition with hayes disc brakes and 9 speed componentry. I couldn't not buy the bike with this set up. | | Bottom Line: | You'll have this bike for a while. If your whiny about weight and whatnot just change the derailleurs, even though deore does the trick. You'll have no problems keeping up to your friends 1500 dollar bikes with this gem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Jim Thorpe, PA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, disc brake mounts for upgrade, Lifetime Trek warranty on frame | | Weaknesses: | Alivio front derailleur, stock tires can get pinch flats(got my first the other day) | | Similar Products Used: | Many bikes through the years | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with added barends, clipless pedals, cages, and cyclocomputer | | Bottom Line: | Note: This is a review of the 2005 version, which is almost identical to the 2006 model. It is an excellent bike for XC riding. The adjustable Axle Comp shock with lockout is nice, though admittedly a tad on the heavy side. And the Genesis Geometry is what makes this bike so special....very nice for going over rocks and logs. All in all, for the money you will not find a better bike IMO.
Love my Marlin....it takes the abuse and asks for more;-)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Kibbutz Be'eri | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$640.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike Bike | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, green paint, Hayes Disc Brakes, tires | | Weaknesses: | could do better than Deore rear derailer. Front end a bit tough (heavy) to lift. Seat not the most comfortable, could use an upgrade. French tube valves...changed them immediately. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for all Cross Country needs, geometry makes climbing (especially technical climbs) much easier. Hayes disc brakes are a joy after using V-Brakes on previous bike. Bontrager Jones Tires really bite into the ground making rides more controllable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wesley Hetrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | San Felasco | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin Cycle | | Strengths: | Tough frame, easy to pedal, Shimano paddle shift levers, a great platform for beginners that is worthwhile of upgrading along with your abilities. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou Six fork, brake pads suck, front deraileur. | | Similar Products Used: | Department store junk, and a well used Diamond Back Sorrento Sport chromoly. | | Bike Setup: | WTB SpeedDisc wheels with Shimano 475 hubs, Hayes MX-2 Disc Brakes, Manitou Axel Super Fork, Sette Chromoly Skewers, Sigma Sport BC1400 wireless computer | | Bottom Line: | This review is for an 04 model Marlin which I purcased in February 04. This was my first real bike purchase and I have not been dissapointed in it at all. You get alot of bike for the price and dealers seem to be very negotiable on the price which I was suprised to find in an entry level bike.
I am 6'1" and 235lbs and have not noticed any strange noises coming from the bottom bracket on my bike.
Because of my weight I think, the stock brakes were no better than any of the junk I had ridden before, I was able to piece together the disk brake setup including the new wheelset for under $200 and I'm glad I did, I have alot more confidence and control which is a good thing for me since I tend to be overly cautious, and like to know I can stop well if need be.
I love the Shimano Paddle shifters, I actually had these same shifters on my old Diamond Back and loved them to death on that bike too, in my opinion this is how all bike shifters should be.
The front fork that came with the bike (Manitou Six) was not very impressive, it worked smoothly but it offered no dampening at all and just bounced you all over the place on rough terrain. It should last a long time and be maintenance free for a beginner bt eventually you will be looking for something better.
Overall I think the Marlin is a great way to get into mountain biking. A bit pricier than what you will find at a department store but it doesnt break the bank either. Plus it won't break on you when you use it for its intended use, off pavement that is! Sure some of the components are pretty bottom of the barrel but the heart is good and you probably will not notice the difference if you are a beginner anyway. It easily accepts the plethora of aftermarket MTB parts that are out there so you can upgrade to your hearts content or as you ablilties progress. Its more like a cheap BMW (318, etc) than a Kia Sephia. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam
a
from winston salem NC USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | if you like to just roam around on a bike buy it | | Weaknesses: | the 80mm fork is awful is went off a 5 foot jump fell off and almost broke my neck. i had to get a new bike due to how awful this bike was | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 specialized hardrock comp and a 2006 cannondale jusge | | Bottom Line: | dont jump i unless you feel like breaking your neck | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BLT
a Weekend Warrior
from Burbank, California
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Local bike shop | | Strengths: | Genesis frame good for tall guys; nice shifting for an "entry-level" bike; comfortable seat; paint job (blue/silver) | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager crank arms; plastic pedals; forks are heavy | | Similar Products Used: | none, really | | Bike Setup: | stock except for...Shimano LX crank/BB; Bontrager aluminum pedals w/ toe clips; Kool-Stop brake pads; Cateye speedo/odo; Bontrager Select Invert tires | | Bottom Line: | After renting a Gary Fisher in Hawaii, I decided to buy one. I'm a big guy (6'5", 225) and liked the feel of the Fisher. I mostly ride on the road (so I ditched the knobby tires) but wanted a bike to curb hop with and also take on dirt roads-- a Genesis hardtail fits the description. When it came time time to part with my $$$, reality dictated I'd be getting a Marlin without disk brakes. I've probably put close to 500 miles on the bike by now and can only complain about two things 1)The pedal threads stripped out of the right crank arm and Fisher wouldn't cover it under warranty. I then upgraded to a Shimano LX crank/BB (maybe next time I'll break the bank for something more extravagant but at least it's better than the stock setup); and 2)The rear brakes started making a scraping noise a few weeks ago. The OEM pads (which were still thick) had actually taken a chunk of aluminum out of the rim. A little online research told me to get some Kool-Stops and the braking is now quiet and more efficient.
I don't think it would do well for serious trail/mud riding, but I believe it's good value for a first MTB and I'm happy I bought it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randell
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Helena , CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | H&S Bike Shop- Burbank, CA | | Strengths: | I like how the Genesis Geometry makes the bike centered. You can feel your center of gravity. The frame can take alot of abuse. I've had my share of spills and it still holds up. I have caliper brakes and they seems to do pretty well. Probably not as good as disc brakes, but they aren't that bad. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is uncomfortable for those long rides and the stock tires might need to be changed out after a few rides because they don't have that good a grip. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Mostly all stock, except i changed the pedals and got a pair of Crank Bros. Candy pedals and a Cateye speedometer. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is good, it has taken a beating and still contunues to to take the abuse. The Genesis Geometry really works. You can feel the difference when you climb hills. You might want to change out the seat, pedals, and tires whenever you feel like you need to.
Overall, it's a good bike for those who are just getting into riding, and it's a good bike to progress on. | | Value Rating:Overa |
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