[MikeeMellor]

Im looking to buy my fist bike and I would like to know a little more about the Trek/Gary Fisher Marlin 29er. Im a beginner that will ride single track and city.

Have you guys had any problems with this bike?

Are there known problems?

Thanks,

Mikee

 

[Lone Wolf8634]

I cannot give you any concrete info on the bike. I can tell you however, that I'm in the same boat as you. After hours of research, both here and other sites, more than a few trips to the local LBS (my wife was really bored....revenge for all the trips to the mall!!!) I came down to 2 different bikes. The Specialized Hardrock, and the GF Marlin.

I'm choosing the Marlin myself. It felt better when I rode it, seems to be a better suited to upgrading in the future. I compared the geometry all the way up to the Cobia, and from what I can tell, its the same frame with nicer components.

And I liked the color better too....

Now, If i wouldnt have gotten so hosed on my taxes.....

 

[Lucyvet]

I just bought this bike 2 weeks ago, after having to take a 3 year break from mtbing. I use it for easy trails (I am in Florida and am used to much more hard/technical riding where I used to live!) and roads to get there. It's great so far. I feel like it was a good choice for the price and can be upgraded or sold in the future, and does fine to get me back into biking without spending too much. I don't have any issues so far (but then I only have about 150 miles on it). Having owned a Specialized before, I would say go with whichever feels better and have fun!

 

[rideintpa]

Its a great entry level bike and the frame is great base for upgrades

 

[Mufonga]

New to the forum, I bought a 2012 Marlin in green yesterday. Looking foward to ridding on the weekends, I have a question, does the fork click when fully entended raising the front tire of the ground?

 

[itstreky]

yup mine does.. if i am pedaling up a step hill and my front end comes up its clicks its normal..

 

[Mufonga]

I got the itch to start upgrading components and putting her on a diet. She is fat weight 34 lbs.

 

[tegmech]

All good comments above, and it would be a great entry level bike. But I'll share my experience from a couple weeks ago:

After determining my Trek dual sport wasn't cutting it on the trails I decided it was time to upgrade. I was in a bit of a hurry, so my first look was at a Marlin. I took it for a little spin and the salesman made quite a few comments about how he personally would rip the front off and replace the fork. FTR: I thought it felt great on the first ride.

I come from the motorcycle community (advanced rider at track days) but am relatively new to bicycles. I had been riding on the same style (spring) fork on my dual sport and couldn't see how much an "upgraded" fork would make such a big difference. He finally convinced me to take a Cobia out for a quick ride, and I was floored. The front end felt soo much better, as did the rest of the components. The price difference was about $300 and in my opinion it was a no brainer. Definitely worth the price to get a bike with a bit more upgrades.

Do yourself a favor and at least test out a couple bikes in the $1k price range. If you don't think it's worth it, great. At least you know. But you could potentially avoid shelling out $600 on a bike you might not like after a couple weeks. (My trek dual sport was my $530 mistake that I bought earlier in the summer)

Note: I'm a stingy bast*$d and I still thought it was worth it.

 

[Mufonga]

I couldn't agree with you more, the fork on my Marlin is awful. That is the major complain I have with this bike along with the shifter style and response. I wish I would have bought a Cobia. Does any one have difficulty locking the rear tire, my LBS told me that disc brakes wont lock (WTF) that means I wont be able to fish tail or spray stop the bike. I already wiped out twice not being able to lock my rear tire.

 

[tegmech]

Mufonga: I'd say your LBS is inaccurate. I know I locked up the Marlin's rear on the test ride. Also, my Cobia can lock up the rear like it's nobody's business. (they are hydraulic though)

If it's still under warranty I wouldn't take no for an answer. Make them fix what they sold you!

 

[pitbull30]

Im looking to buy my fist bike and I would like to know a little more about the Trek/Gary Fisher Marlin 29er. Im a beginner that will ride single track and city.

Have you guys had any problems with this bike?

Are there known problems?

Thanks,

Mikee

Heres a pretty long post about the marlin..

http://forums.mtbr.com/beginners-corner/gary-fisher-trek-marlin-726464.html

 

[James K]

Hello everyone -

I am on the fence between a new Marlin SS and a Used 2011 Cobia (that I would convert to a 1x9). If I bought the used one I'd loose the warranty etc..

Any advice on what the better option would be? My price range is strictly sub $700.

Thanks

 

[tegmech]

If it were me...used Cobia. But I'm the type to figure out how to fix something myself if its not under warranty.

The different feel between the two is pretty substantial. Take a ride on the Marlin first and tell them you'll think about it, then test out the Cobia.

Also IIRC the warranty isn't void. Just the free service agreement.

 

[Mufonga]

I second the Cobia, I wish I would have gotten one instead.

 

[giant_kyle]

I have a 2011 cobia and love it. my first decent bike and i've not had any problems with it. i do my own maintenance and it runs like a dream. now if i could just upgrade the motor, and make it less of a fat ass....*drinks Buffalo Sweat*

 

[Mufonga]

After more hours on the saddle, I must admit, I am content on what the Marlin brings to the trails and the road. I changed the grips, peddles and saddle, I am by no means an expert but I am as happy as pro's with 2k bikes. I am sure when I get more fit and put in more time I will get a better bike. The bike is heavy and slow coming out of the berms, SO WHAT!!!!

 

[donalson]

Does any one have difficulty locking the rear tire, my LBS told me that disc brakes wont lock (WTF) that means I wont be able to fish tail or spray stop the bike. I already wiped out twice not being able to lock my rear tire.

ok I'm going to be "that guy"

there is very few reasons you ever should need to lock the wheel... and even fewer on the trail... its poor form... its a slower way to stop, it means you don't have full control, and most importantly it's bad for the trail...

On skidding, this borrowed from San Diago MTB Association:
Don't skid or brake slide. Do you know what a "skidiot" is. Not very nice sounding is it? You certainly don't want to be called this on the trail. Locking up the brakes can degrade hills by forming gullies that water funnels down, can rut sensitive trails, and always indicates a lack of control to others. Modulating brakes - both front and back - will prevent skidding and increase control. Slow, even pedal stokes prevent "spinning-out" up hills (which can cause ruts), as well as increasing the chance that you'll make it over the top. Finesse is often more successful than brute strength.

all that being said... welcome to the fun world of MTB ... it's a hoot... as mentioned spending a little more goes a long way especially when buying new... (and even more so when you consider some guys spend more on their fork then what you spent on the entire bike)... at much of that price point a rigid fork is a better way to go (and me being a clyd the ONLY only real way to get on a 29er)... also requires you learn to ride smoother (or die lol) and with time upgrade to a decent fork (again you'll get more bang for your buck if you pay up front... but sometimes you can't... or sometimes you don't really know that before you dropped the cash...

anyway again welcome aboard and enjoy the ride

 

[itstreky]

disc brakes must be broke in... clean them with rubing alcohol after each ride.. adjust the cable

 

[Man Mountain]

Just bought 2012 GF Trek Marlin 29er

I just bought a Trek Marlin from LBS I had ridden a few different bikes around the car park but was having trouble finding something that would fit, I am 194 cms and 130 kg. The shop owner brought out a catalogue and said that I should try the Marlin and he could order one for me to try in a 23" frame. I was a little hesitant because I generally like to see what I am getting before I commit but once it was delivered I was stoked.

The other good thing about this was it was less expensive than the other bikes I had been looking at.

Have read several review and comments stating that the bike comes up short on some elements but so far I have nothing to complain about. I am new to mtb so ignorance might be bliss in this case but I find this bike easy to ride and it appears to be well built.

Forks and seat cop a bit of flack but in my case the fork has a heavy spring signified with little sticker on back of fork, it gives me confidence on the downhill sections i have ridden. The seat is as comfortable as any I have ridden, I wear knicks, so this might help.

I have been riding on pea gravel tracks around my home and even though I am not fast (technique is lacking) I find the bike to be very sure footed and even a fat unfit bloke can get up a decent extended gradient.

Cannot recommend more highly, for someone just learning about mtb.

Made one change put on some different pedals with SPD one side and small platform on other.

 

[Mr.Soul]

Just bought the 2012 Marlin 29er for a pretty decent price at my LBS. I was prepared for brake squeal (and man, is it there) but I'm also getting an inconsistently intermittent yet persistent squeak while just riding. Sounds like it’s coming from the front and it’s often loud enough to alert walkers on a bike path. Happens on straight pavement or dirt, with shock open or locked, usually peddling but sometimes coasting.

Anyone have any ideas?