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Average Rating
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4.76/5
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# of Reviews
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33
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MSRP
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$ 1995.00
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Weight
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Description:
The ML7 incorporates Maverick American's MonoLink Suspension System to provide the ultimate riding experience. The MonoLink's linear wheel path moves the rear wheel in the same direction as the impact, resulting in more effective shock absorption. Other suspension systems move the rear wheel opposite to the impact so the force is transferred to the bike and rider. The distance between the axle and cranks hardly changes through the Monolink's suspension travel so it is not affected by chain torque. Both frames use a cast magnesium box section design for the suspension link riding on sealed cartridge bearings.
Epic Machine.
100mm travel.
Very rigid, custom Easton tubing mix, integrated headset, disc brake only.
Frame - 5.8lbs.
Complete bike - approx. 26lbs.
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Submitted by
Tom
a
from Westchester
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | light, good handling | | Weaknesses: | bottom bracket a little low? | | Similar Products Used: | rented a Blur LT in Moab once | | Bike Setup: | 32 tooth single speed front chainring, race face bashguard, LX cranks(small ring removed), no front derailleur, 2005 Fox TALAS 130, Crossmax Enduro Wheelset, Vertical Pro UST front & rear, Thomson post & stem, X9 rear derailleur, WTB pure V saddle, Easton EA70 31.8 bars, HFX9s | | Bottom Line: | I saw this 2004 frame hanging on the wall at LBS, it had never been built up. The price was less than any 2007 full suspension frame. Bought it, built it with stuff I had around my garage. I have ridden it twice.
This is a really nice bike. I am not using a front derailleur, so I have no problem there. Single speed ring has long teeth and no ramps, chain stays on just fine. I ride single speed a lot, so 1X9 is fine by me.
Bike is fast uphill and downhill, handles really well. Bottom braket seems a little low over rocks and logs. I would consider purchasing another Maverick (ML8?) for full price if I was getting another bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Lichty
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything in Park City | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | I have 2006 ML7. Great XC bike, up and down this bike is fast! Customer Service is very friendly and fast. | | Weaknesses: | Front deraileur is really fickle and I really can not keep in tune. I have put the deraileur maverick recomends and still have issue's. | | Bike Setup: | maverick's complete bike 2006 ML7 | | Bottom Line: | I would buy this bike again if there were no deraileur isues | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Only two pivots. Relaxed geometry is very stable but climbs very well. Manufacturer is very responsive. Minimal suspension movement under power, responds very well to the terrain. | | Weaknesses: | My 2003 powder-coated frame with the ML7/2 air strut upgrade weighs 6.25 pounds. Limited shock options. Relaxed geometry is slow for riding fast through twisting singletrak. | | Similar Products Used: | I've owned the following full suspension bikes; Titus Racer-X, GT I-Drive, Aeon Isis, and K2 Proflex. I've ridden just about every full suspension bike made. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Maverick ML7 with the ML7/2 all-air strut, Fox F100X, SRAM XO shifters and rear derailleur, XT E-Type front derailleur, XTR crankset, Eggbeater Twin Ti pedals, Stans NoTubes wheelset, Easton Carbon Composite Monkeylite handlebar, Thompson seatpost, WTB Laser V saddle, ODI Lock-On grips, Aztec Powerlines for shifting, Marta SL brakes, Kenda Karma 2.0 tires. 24.0 pounds on the scale at Fedex. | | Bottom Line: | The short answer is that this is the BEST full suspension bike I have ever ridden for general trail riding and 100-mile races. It is light, competent in all situations, and climbs better than any of the 150+ mountain bikes I have ridden.
In February 2006 I purchased this 2003 frame new from a dealer and built it up with the components listed above. I rode the original coil and air strut for about a month and decided that it didn't work well with my 190 lb. weight. It seemed to bottom out too much and there was very little rebound contol. The manufacturer told me that above 180 lbs. people seem to prefer the all-air strut. I purchased the all-air strut for $225 and have been using it for about 4 months in a variety of conditions. It works VERY well with plenty of rebound adjustment for all conditions.
Together with the Fox F100X fork this bike pedals extremely well under all conditions with very little movement in the rear suspension. If I watch the suspension I can see it moving a little but I can't feel the movement when I'm riding. The amount of movement doesn't change when I stand and pedal hard to climb over a short rise or to sprint.
The rear suspension follows the terrain so well when climbing that I seldom spinout unless I'm on very loose and sandy soil. I usually run out of power before the rear breaks loose. I can now climb sections of trail that were impossible before.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dewi Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Wales
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Afan Argoed | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sideways Cycles | | Strengths: | This bike does climb superbly well, and it also feels very plush coming back down. Although not as nimble on the tight and twisty stuff as my trusty Kona, it still does singletrack and fast rocky decents very well. The Maverick DUC forks swallow mostly anything. | | Weaknesses: | A bit of the lower left fork stantion snapped off. This area has now been beefed up, no problems since.
Snapped the monolink, resulting in a knackered frame. Frame currently on way back to Maverick. | | Similar Products Used: | Ridden quite a few full sussers'. | | Bike Setup: | Chris King, Hope, XT. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does ride superbly well. Snapping the mono link caused a brief crisis of confidence, but apparently this issue has been addressed. Hoping to get an ML8 in the near future.
With the advent of the ML7/5 the ML7 would appear to be on the way out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Woodward
a Cross Country Rider
from Danbury,CT. USA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Seller | | Strengths: | Suspension design, build quality, finish. Everything I read turned out to be totally acurate! Crazy climbing in bigger gears and wicked fast on descents.
| | Weaknesses: | None so far... | | Similar Products Used: | Mountain Cycle San Andreas, Specialized Enduro and S-Works, Giant XTC | | Bike Setup: | ML 7 large black anodized, Mavic Crossmax with Kenda Kinetics, Fox Talas RLC 130, full XTR group, Thompson post, FSA carbon headset, FSA 110 stem, Monkey Lites. | | Bottom Line: | I know... I'm posting a review during the "holy-s**t-my new-bike-is-the-F***ing-best" period so take that into consideration. After 6 years of watching my buddies break their Giants, Specialized, Tomacs etc.,I wanted a light 4-5" travel XC frame that would perform like the Mnt.Cycle. and utilized newer rear suspension technology. I have only 6 rides in on the new rig and it seems to be everything the other owners have said and more! I am 6' 175lbs and the large frame fits me perfectly. It climbs like a maniac in or out of the saddle and needs very little steering input or body english in very technical sections. Kenda Kinetics are suicide on anything even a bit moist and are being replaced. Looked at the Mountain Cycle, Niota, Turner Flux, Scalpel, Blur etc. They say "it's not about the bike"... They were wrong! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Dimino
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Wasatch Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wild Rose | | Strengths: | Many have summed up the ML7 as sports car like but gentlemanly. A Bill-E-Goat climber and confidence inspiring descender. The most efficient FS ride I have ever thrown a legg over. | | Weaknesses: | Creaking frame and seat post that requires lots of tender love and attention. | | Similar Products Used: | GT iDRIVE, Ellsworth Truth, SPEC EPIC and Intense Spider | | Bike Setup: | ML7.2 rear, 7.3 monoLINK, SUC32, new XTR cranks, XTR drive train, Avid Jucy7, ChrisKing rear and MAV front hubs, STANS converted X919 rear and X717 front, Easton CNT bar. | | Bottom Line: | I have owned the OTTER since early 02 upgrading as newer parts became available. This is a ride that requires some grease time by the owner. Reminds me of my 66 Porsche Super90. At 43, I am faster over rocks roots and nasty terrain than most I ride with. The transmission is quite and efficient on the ups. Going downhill is a confidence inspired point-and-shoot experience. No fear bro's like skiing the Devils Castle at Alta ride, like hell! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Perry Bertsch
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvake, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Not trail, place - Skeggs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Trailhead Cyclery | | Strengths: | Man, with the Maverick front shock it floats over everything. It is stable, comfortable, and VERY forgiving should you be having an off day. It is a waterbed, and loves to be thrashed!!
It climbs very nicely. | | Weaknesses: | When the rear is compressed, and I am going over a big root, my chain ring has smacked the root. It can be exciting until you adjust for this. | | Similar Products Used: | Ventane Marblepeak (1996) | | Bike Setup: | XTR back hub, Maverick front hub, XTR derailuers and crank set, Hayes hydralic disk brakes, Mavic 819 rims, monkey lite 70 aluminum bars, SRAM rocket shifters | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome X-country cruise mobile. It will allow you to ride ANY trail, all day long, and feel no pain from trail selection. It can do many small hucks, and it is a fun entertainment machine in my life! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guillermo bright
a Cross Country Rider
from whistler bc canada
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | kill me thrill me | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | maverick web site | | Strengths: | WOW about sums it up. Cant belive my climbing has improved now i just sit down and peddal over anything . this bike flies over everything I feel God like on it. That duc-32 fork is so plush and bomber I call it 'point and shoot' just let your bike go you will be surprised what you can ride. And hey I live in Whistler the trails here are the hardest anywhere. This bike is for anyone who loves quality,its like riding an ultralight plane. | | Weaknesses: | Well ive waited 2 years to submit review . you know waiting for something to happen . Well I gotta say the bike is flawless. | | Similar Products Used: | kona , giant | | Bike Setup: | hayes mag plus, chris king free hum , scram x0, tubeless tires, duc-32 fork | | Bottom Line: | get it you will love it. The guys at the shop will help you set it up , and if you do you own work on your bike. you will love all the help the shop boys give. Somethimes I over tighten a bolt and Maverick sends me new ones right away. Best costomer service ANY WHERE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerset NJ USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Sourlands Ringwood Killington | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | XC Light but all mountain strong, most efficient design compared to Horst, Single pivot, VPP. | | Weaknesses: | Paint rubs off easy, no Hard Ano option for the ML7.3, while its very worth it as per my ML8 | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Palomino, Jekyll,SPider,5.5EVP | | Bike Setup: | 2005 ML7.3 with Stans WHeels and XTR wheels,Thomson, Talas 130, RF cranks, Next XC bar | | Bottom Line: | This is the real deal, I owned the imitaion products and the bushings don't compare witht the trouble free bearings that are found in the ML7.3's new alu monolink, stiffer with better leverage for a plusher ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Albuquerque
a Cross Country Rider
from New Mexico
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | ATA Cycle, Cambridge MA | | Strengths: | Climbing. Descending. Singletrack. There's not much that I can add to what everyone else has said- this is easily the most well-rounded bike bike that I've ever ridden. | | Weaknesses: | Price? Not really, though, considering what Specialized and the like get for frames, and competitive with Ellsworth, Foes, etc. Resale value- would love to trade up to an 05 :) Will have to keep saving... | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Intense 5.5 EVP, Giant VT1, Specialized Enduro, Haro Werx XLS (Santa Cruz Superlight), Orange Sub 5... | | Bike Setup: | Always evolving... Marathon 120, XTR Wheels/discs/shifters/der, XT cranks, evil creaky Thompson post, Easton bars/stem, Conti or Schwalbe 2.3 tubeless tires | | Bottom Line: | I like bikes. A lot. For almost the past ten years, I've purchased a new frame or bike almost yearly... I don't have a decent TV, but such are our choices. After two years, I started to get new bike fever this spring. I rode a bunch of what was available. I really liked the looks of the Intense 5.5, and seeing as everyone and their cousin has a Blur, figured that they must be pretty good too. Having ridden those, as well as several others, I have no desire to own anything but a Maverick. Except maybe a new Maverick. This bike climbs better than anything I've ever ridden- period. It descends like its got more than its 100mm of travel, and durn it- I think its pretty. There's no noticible lateral flex, and its been quiet and squeak free for as long as I've owned it. The shock would occasionally lose all of its pressure, but seeing as it as a coil spring as well, it still rode pretty well. New seals took care of that. The integrated headset hasn't proven itself troublesome at all, and looks clean. That's about it. The price can be a bit hard to swallow, but biking is pretty inexpensive compared to other hobbies (motorcycles, Jeeps, skiing, crack), so don't feel too too bad- its worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pizzorni
a Cross Country Rider
from acqui terme, italy
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | "Tre Fiumi", Piedmont, Italy | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | la bicicletteria | | Strengths: | Comfort, rear shock design, downhill handling and stability. | | Weaknesses: | front derailleur setting is more complicate than other bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | my previous bike were a Trek Fuel, a Cannondale Jeckyl, not quite similar.. | | Bike Setup: | Xt, DT weels, Avid juicy 7, sc 32 fork | | Bottom Line: | I've made with this bike 1500 km. in 5 months, so far; I ride in severe terrain, lots of singletracks, rocks, creeks etc.; the bike posively surprised me on hard and loose climbs, challenging descents, rock gardens, and (yes!)paved downhills of the Alps, where it handles like a motorcycle.
After mounting an XT crankarm, Shimano Ultegra front derailleur and Sram X.9 rear derailleur and shifters, the bike simply didn't work fine; switched to all Shimano Xt and "E type" front derailleur and works ok!
This is not a pure XC racing bike, it's too heavy; it's the perfect bike for all day rides and long distance or multi day races (I tested it on TRANSALP)
Italian distributor and USA factory were very solicit in answering my techn ical questions, great customer care! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Lippmann
a
from Lafayette, CO
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything around Winter Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4300.00 | | Strengths: | Climbing is very solid-actually am quite amazed by it. Going down rocky terrain fast is a breeze. The DUC 32 fork is sick-my seals leaked too-no problem after blue seals. Ethans rocks. Looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | Front deraileur was an issue at first. Had an XTR at first-then was told to use a lollipop thing with an Ultegra. Don't do it-can't use all the gears. Get chain rub. Went back to an XTR. That is what is best. Period. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, Titus Racer X | | Bike Setup: | New ML 7.2, 819's with Chris King hubs, Maxxis Ignitor UST Tires, SRAM XO rear & SRAM X9 Triggers, XTR Cranks & Chain Rings, Easton Carbon Bars, DUC 32 fork, Thomson Elite seatpost, WTB Rocket V seat (kinda hurts) | | Bottom Line: | The bike is wonderful. I race it in both cross-country & 24 hour races. This is my first full-suspension-always had hardtails. After 24 hours at Moab-needed a FS bike for lower back pain. Getting old I guess. Geometry took some time to get use to, but I will say no real need to stand up when climbing. Live right outside Boulder, Co - where these are made. Guys at compnay are really awesome. Bike is silver w/ silver fork + all black wheels-including the Chris King hubs. People love it. Would like to make it lighter. Any ideas-contact me. Peace. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Encinitas, CA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Gooseberry mesa, Noble Canyon,Devil's Gulch,Alpine Trail,Reno Flag Bear, Emerald Lake-Bozeman,MT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR | | Strengths: | Great climbing bike with no pedal bob. Rear shock has a great XC feel on the rough terrain. The frame is solid and unique. The geometry is perfect for the XC. Downhill was a surprise. The bike really holds well and seems to want as much abuse as you can give it. TIght singletrack is covered extremely well and will carve out whatever you can dish out. | | Weaknesses: | I am still trying to figure that one out. The maverick does everything really well for a 4" XC suspension bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Boulder Gazelle, Gary Fisher RS-1,Mantis Pro Floater,Klein Mantra, Litespeed Obed FS, Marin FS, Rocky Mountain Instinct,Giant NRS, Klein Palomino,Ellsworth Id | | Bike Setup: | Full Xtr, Fox Fork, Thomson post and stem, American Classic wheelset, | | Bottom Line: | This is a high performance XC mountain bike. I does not ride like a Klein at all. So if you think that you can get the same ride by getting a Palomino-forget it. This bike will blow a Klein out of the water. The Maverick, like the Palomino, climb extremely well. You will not experience any pedal bob under standing grinds up your favorite steep singltrack. Going down that same trail is where the Maverick will leave the Palomino behind. If you can fork out the Ben Franklins, this bike will not let you down. I am extremely happy with its overall ability to put that smile back on your face. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Lutz
a Cross Country Rider
from Steamboat Springs
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Howler | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | build/finish, real innovation... the ride quality | | Weaknesses: | innovation can equal a difficult set up process -- nothing that an experienced shop can't deal with - especially of they read the manuals | | Similar Products Used: | gt i-drive race 2001 with a talas, blur | | Bike Setup: | duc32, fsa mega exo crank, hope m4 mini, 819s with supercomp spokes, sram -- built up as a fast cross country/ trail bike. sub 26 lbs even with big tires, stans | | Bottom Line: | a very refined ride that seems to excel in both climbing and descending. rear tire grip on loose climbs is amazing --
the 4 inch mode up front really works well.. drops the front end, suspension becomes much more firm but still active (standing -- no bob) and rebound slows so the front end stays glued -- tracks/climbs like a fs xc race bike.
even in the 6 inch mode the tight single track is effortless -- very intuitive steering. I was concerned that the 69 degree head angle would seem sluggish -- it does not. The geometry is dialed perfectly.
decending on fast, technical, rocky, rooty, loose -- insane control. very playful... stable and as nimble as you need/want... perfect balance.
I noticed a huge improvement over my GT on the more technical sections of the trail(and the GT was awesome). The rear end seems to eat it up without any bounce or negative feedback to the rider... just pedal and it grips and drives you forward.
perfect balance for someone looking for an fast all round performer... I will use it primarily as a fast trail bike but will not hesitate to use it in the local race series and the occasional 24 hour race.
This is my only mountain bike, so it needs to do it all very well. I'm 155 lbs and ride mostly on fast single track, technical climbs and descents -- typical Colorado terrain. This bike feel just right for the my application.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bert
a
from Northwest NJ
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Strengths: | Strong, Light, Dependable | | Weaknesses: | None to date other than price | | Similar Products Used: | trek | | Bike Setup: | have the maverick fork. No shimano! | | Bottom Line: | This was one of the best investments I have ever made. I ride almost daily and this bike has held up great! I am 270 + and was nervous about getting a full suspension bike but this bike holds up great! Had early issues with front fork seal but their customer service had me back riding in a few days. I think its worth waiting and saving up for this great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross Country Rider
from Kelso, Wa
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ape Cyn/Smith Cr. loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from Mav. Universal for parts | | Strengths: | Just a all around GREAT cross country bike. The climbing, decending and all day epic's are better than ever before. The Mav will acceleratae up a hill in or out of the saddle like a rocket. Decending is very sure footed, very stable even in the nasties. In baby head rock gardens the rear end will move around on you, but nothing that is not managable. In fact the front is what makes even the most challening white knucklers fun and dabless. It will take me years , if ever, to push this bike to it's X-country limits. | | Weaknesses: | DUC32 Did leak oil. Problem solved with new Blue Seals. Contact Maverick and they will ship them out to you that same day. Heavy riders @200+lbs need the heaver compression spring. No problem, sent out same day. | | Similar Products Used: | 03 Klein Palomino (main ride for 2 yrs.), 03 Trek Liquid 30, 02 Klein Adept,couple of others, to many hard tails to list. | | Bike Setup: | 05 XL 7.3 ML7, Blk ano. with Blk DUC32.All good durable components, for a 210 lbs hard rider. If you want specifics, you can go to the Message Boards scroll down to "Custom Builders and Other Manufacturers and look for a thread about ML-7 for pix and other great info about the bikes. | | Bottom Line: | Dream bike finally came true. It is a little pricy but when you love the sport and you are always riding who cares?
I would highly recomend this product and have nothing but positive things to say about the customer service. I have ridden several FS X-country bikes thru out the years. I have found this bike to be at the front of the pack. You either love it or hate it. Just my own opinon.
Let's Ride,
Kelso | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet and LBS | | Strengths: | Extraordinary climbing traction/ability and forgiving geomotry. This bike is not a snappy racer, but climbs like a frightened monkey up a tree. On the descents, it has very precise handling characteristics that, intererstingly, requires more weight over the front wheel if you are using the Maverick fork. I have yet to take it on any big drops (over 5'), but it handles medium to small drops effortlessly. | | Weaknesses: | Shorter cockpit. I came off of a Trek 9.8 Elite carbon hardtail, which initially made the Maverick feel sluggish; that trait, however, went away after a few rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 9.8, Trek Liquied, Ellsworth Joker, Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Yeti 575 and various Kona and Cannondale products | | Bike Setup: | Maverick Fork DUC-32 fork, Chris King hubs, FSA Team Issue cranks, Hayes Mag Plus, SRAM XO, tubeless, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Overall, this bike is terrific with the Maverick Fork. Due to the geometry difference with the long travel fork and more upright angles, it took some getting used to coming off of a hardtail. Nevertheless, this bike is nothing less than a high performance machine. I used max my Trek out on the climbs and decents at obscenely fast speeds, whereas now I feel like I have a ways to go before maxing the bike's full potential.
Also, the seat post angle makes for an effective setup adjustment. Extended up you are set back from the handlebars almost perfectly to your height and then when it's lowered for extremely technical downhills (I don't usually lower my seatpost, unless it's really ugly) then the seat is out of your way. Fantastic.
Lastly, the setup issues that another poster mentioned have been nonexistent. Call Maverick to have them explain to you or take it to a local bike shop familiar with Mavericks and you will have zero issues. It's an incredibly simply bike to setup and adjust when the right parts and tools are used. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Snowshoe WV
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | The one I am on | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1995.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | It climbs good, suspension is active on a steep climb witch gives good traction over bumps & water bars | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailleur is way too hard to set up. Shock leaked and had would hold in a compressed position after the first bump. Really bad creaks coming from the pivots. Pivot bolts loosened. Finally failure of the mono link | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | All top line stuff Marzccohi marathon S | | Bottom Line: | I could not recommend this bike. It had too many set up issues with the front derailleur. The shock was hard to set up without a very adjustable rebound dial. It did climb fair and hook up well on a rough climb. The rear stays had very little room for a tire over 2.25. It did handle ok. But considering all of the set up problems and the final failure of the mono link while I was riding made me get rid of the bike. Thank goodness I had a great LBD!!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Sammamish, WA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Burn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Bottom Line: | It is pricey, not two ways about it. But you get every penny's worth back in the ride. After a year of riding my ML7, I still enjoy it as much as the first day I rode it. If I were in the market for new bike this would still be on the top of my short list. There are some great folks at Maverick are quick to reply to email questions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Jesseman
a Cross Country Rider
from Johannesburg, South Africa
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Long Tom pass, sabie | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5400.00 | | Purchased At: | Boulder, Colorado | | Strengths: | Light as a hardtail, climbs like a cougar and decends like greg minaar. The major revolution is that the geometry does not put your hands over the front hub - your centre of gravity lies near the bb and pivot region | | Weaknesses: | none at all | | Similar Products Used: | Tested - Intense 5.5, Ellsworth moment, Santa Cruz Blur, Litespeed Niota, Yeti 575, Gary Fisher Cake DLX1
owned - NRS AIR | | Bike Setup: | Duc32 Fork, Full XTR, Chris King hubs, 819 rims, panaracer firexc 2.1 tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike shaved 15mins weekend to weekend over the same course on my previous FS rig. (25miles)
It has elevated my performance, ability and it is great to own a thoroughbred.
The major difference between the ML7 and the items noted under "similar products tested/used" is that true no bob pedal feedback chain suck is eliminated by a design with clean lines - it is not a contraption of a bike with arms, springs and so called virtual pivots ie - drool factor 101..Paul Turner has yet again re-invented the sport.
Maverick has online manuals and even a service schedule which i have programmed into my cycle computer
I paid alot, but i can feel and see where every dollar went
When i complete a ride, even the pro's que up for a test ride after... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Sokolski
a Racer
from Leadville, Colorado
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Pedaler | | Strengths: | I actuallly have the Reposado. Climbs very well even with my own fork. Clean frame design. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't developed any | | Similar Products Used: | last full suspension was a Specialized fsr some years back. Um... not too similiar I guess. | | Bike Setup: | Sram trigger shifters and rear derailler, dura aec front derailler.XTR wheels and hydraulic cailipers. XT levers. XTR cranks and bottom bracket. Manitou Minute fork | | Bottom Line: | Once I got use to the bike it's very stable on the downhills and secure on the climbs. Light smooth climber. I didn't even notice the suspension working on steep climbs but it was. Saved me several times during rides and races on downhills. i need to race this bike more. It's a fast xc bike. I watched racers on hardtails and still chose this bike over my available hardtail on the same course. Value rating is a bit low from the time I bought it ayear or so ago but only ridden it a short time | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrice LEVEE
a Weekend Warrior
from Poissy
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Wrench Science | | Strengths: | perfect | | Weaknesses: | absolutely none | | Similar Products Used: | no one | | Bike Setup: | SRAM XO, Race Face deus, Hope mono mini, Fox Talas .... | | Bottom Line: | This short message in order to correct my past opinion about Tim Medina at WS. Even if I have had some difficulties to contact him a few months ago, he did everything to solve my problem and find a solution, availability and rigor. I sincerely recommend WS if you want a custom bike and said the same thing to my friends here in France ... continu Tim, great guy, great job. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Mulford
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, Dorset, England
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hampshire Downs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$7000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sideways | | Strengths: | Climbs like a hardtail, except even better when it gets to the rocky stuff. You can get out of the saddle without any bob! Fast as lightning - soaks up trails - not too complex - light - beautiful. | | Weaknesses: | It's expensive (but you get what you pay for)...and that's about it! So far I've had no troubles with my front mech. | | Similar Products Used: | Whyte 46, Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | DUC32 forks, 819s with Chris King rear and Scorpion tubeless tires, SRAM X.0, XTR chainset, Thompson post, Easton Monkeylites, Hope MonoMinis, BelAir camo saddle (tart) | | Bottom Line: | I've always been a hardtail racehead, and I am really upset because this bike has made me sell my Merlin! In anodised black it is a work of art, from the sculpted tubes, to the hand-engraved head badge, and it rides better than it looks. Somehow I have ended up with a 25.5 pound (inc pedals) trail bike with 6 inches of travel, that rides as fast up the hill as my hardtail did, and comes down again faster than gravity itself. Seriously, sell your kidney and your kids and buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a
from Denver
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light. Very efficient pedaling bike. Very stiff and flex free. Somewhere between a crosscountry and a trail bike. Geometry works well despite the unusual frame configuration. | | Weaknesses: | Lower BB than I am used to. Steeper head angle than I am used to. My frame was first generation and I had some issues with the mono link, seatpost clamp and derailleur hangar. Maverick upgraded everthing - great customer service. Rebound adjustment range could have been better. | | Similar Products Used: | Superlight, Heckler, Bullit, Moment | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla RLC 125, XTR, Crossmax SL, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Very strange but positive feeling to the ride. It has a very firm ride while pedaling and descending but it does soak up just about eveything. Not an issue but it does comes up a tiny, tiny bit short at opposite ends of the spectrum - big hits & small bump compliance.
Very nice bike - I would buy again - no regrets! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Conrad
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | @home = Kettle Moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | RichardsBicycles.com | | Strengths: | Very efficient full suspension frame w/o the need for 'pro pedal damping' and things like that. The DUC32 is the BEST fork I have ever ridden - super smooth, plush, light...it probably has a lot to do with the fact that the more I ride this bike, the more I love it! Rather then a full lock out, the fork has a 'reduced travel' option that can be enabled w/ a flick of the switch on top the fork -> it reduces the travel and also makes it a little stiffer (harder) which I prefer to a full lockout = great for 'longer' climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing to really complain about. | | Similar Products Used: | Turner 5-spot, Klein Palomino, Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | DUC32, Hope Mono M4, SRAM X0, Mavic 819 Rims w/ Hadley rear hub and Maverick front hub, WTB Weirwolf 2.3 Front / 2.1 Rear | | Bottom Line: | The first time you get on this bike you'll notice right away that it does not bob when you stand on the pedals like so many other full suspension bikes (that I have tried). Needless to say it is a great climber but then, when it's time to point downhill, it soaks up all the bumps that I can thrown at it. If you get this bike, get the DUC 32 - I was hesitant to get it but it's awesome (unless maybe, if you are a racer in which case you could mount a Terralogic or something like that)! With the DUC32 though, the bike is a lot of fun an probably more of an enduro bike, great for long epic rides. Compared to the Turner 5-spot? I rode the 5-spot for a 4 days in Fruita, CO and yes, it can suck up bigger bumps (more of a freeride bike(?)) but it is not quite as efficient as the ML7 which I think makes it a better allrounder. Richardsbicycles.com = a highly recommended, no BS bike shop. 4 chili's for value 'cause I had to dish out muchos pesos but overall I give it 5 flaming chili's! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrice LEVEE
a Racer
from Poissy (France)
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Wrenchscience | | Strengths: | Maverick ML7 | | Weaknesses: | creak, sometimes, creaks ... sometimes | | Bottom Line: | This is my second review about the ML7. Of course, as good as before, perfect geometry and perfect behaviour any time. A very very good opinion for Tim Jones from Maverick. I have had some trouble with one of the thread (connection between base and shock) and he send me a new one in less than a week (plus some goodies, thank's Tim). And a very very bad mention for Tim MEDINA from Wrenchscience who never answered me when I contacted him, except to pay my frame ... Absolutely no comments, avoid them that's all. continu Mister Turner, continu .... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Troop 80 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wrenchscience | | Strengths: | climbs like a hardtail and smooth on the downhills | | Weaknesses: | creaks, creaks and did I mention it creaks | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, SC Blur | | Bike Setup: | Fox, XTR, Crossmax, Marta SL and carbon | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that after I brought the bike back to Wrenchscience to have EVERYTHING greased,.. it still creaked,..( a poor job on there part ) So, after bringing the bike to my local mechanic and spending $150.00 to rebuild the bike I'm finally starting to enjoy the ride. I had a couple of other VERY BAD experiences with WRENCHSCIENCE and have other friends with similar issues from this so called "high end" shop,.. so buyers beware !!!! The bike ultimately rides great,.. it handles on the single track like my old Moots YBB and the down hills couldn't be more fun. The angles on the bike make it a great cilmber. It's a bike for the long all day rides but I would deffinately buy elsewhere. Happy Trail |
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