[mrbell83]

Hello everyone. My buddy and I both like to ride, but neither one of us have a whole lot of knowledge on bikes. He has a 2004 Gary Fisher Marlin, and I just picked up a 2006 Specialized Rockhopper comp disc.

We were both just wondering what the differences are. I mean, we can look at what type of brakes they have, or see that the shifters are different, but we don't know anything about the stuff. If any of you bike goo roos could help out that would be great.

Here are the specs:

2004 Gary Fisher Marlin:
Main frame Genesis Gold Series butted aluminum | Genesis Geometry

Fork Manitou Six | 80mm travel

Headset Aheadset | Semi-cartridge

Bottom bracket Shimano BB-LP28

Crank Bontrager Sport 42/32/22

Pedals Alloy platform

Front derailleur Shimano Alivio

Rear derailleur Shimano Deore

Shifters Shimano Alivio

Cassette SRAM 850 11-32, 8 speed

Chain IG-31

Front hub Alloy QR
Front rim Bontrager Maverick
Front spokes 14G stainless steel

Rear hub Shimano RM-40
Rear rim Bontrager Maverick OSB
Rear spokes 14G stainless steel

Front Tire IRC Mythos XC, 26x2.1

Rear tire IRC Mythos XC, 26x2.1

Front brake Alloy linear pull

Rear brake Alloy linear pull

Brake levers Alloy linear pull

Handlebar Bontrager Crowbar Sport

Stem Bontrager Sport

Grips Bontrager Ergo dual-density

Saddle Fisher ATB

Seatpost Bontrager Sport

2006 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc:
FRAME Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, double-butted front triangle with ORE DT, 100mm travel, reinforced disc mount, externally machined HT, forged drop outs with eyelets and 06 replaceable derailleur hanger
REAR SHOCK None
HEADSET 1-1/8" threadless, sealed ball retainer
STEM Alloy A-head forged and tig weldeded w/ four bolt clamp
FORK RockShox Tora 318 SL, coil spring,100mm, 32mm Cr-Mo stanchions, alloy steerer, motion control damping, preloadand rebound adjustment w/ Lock Out
HANDLEBARS Alloy, 25mm XC rise, double-butted, 6 degree upsweep, 8 degree sweep, 640mm width
TAPE Specialized Enduro, dual density
BRAKE LEVERS Avid FR-5
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano LX, long cage
CRANKSET Truvativ 5D w/alloy outer ring
CHAIN SRAM PC-951 w/ power link
CASSETTE SRAM PG-950, 9-speed, 11-34t
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Deore SL, 9-speed
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, bottom pull
REAR BRAKE Avid BB-5, mechanical disc with 6" Roundagon rotor
FRONT BRAKE Avid BB-5, mechanical disc with 6" Roundagon rotor
CHAINRINGS 22t/32t heat treated Cro-Mo/44t 7075 aluminum
TUBES Specialized 26x2.0 schraeder valve
REAR TIRE Specialized Resolution Pro, 26x2.0", aramid bead
FRONT TIRE Specialized Resolution Pro, 26x2.0", aramid bead
SPOKES 1.8mm, stainless w/brass nipples
REAR HUB Shimano 475, 32h w/ Shimano QR
FRONT HUB Specialized disc, 32h double sealed w/alloy QR
BOTTOM BRACKET Truvativ, Power Spline, sealed cartridge bearing with alloy cups
RIMS SUN DS2 disc, double wall, 32h w/eyelets
PEDALS Alloy 1pc body and cage
SADDLE Specialized BGSport MTB, light weight foam
SEAT POST Alloy 30.9mmx350mm, micro adjust
SEAT BINDER Alloy collar with Q/R
NOTES Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat, owners manual

 

[corleone]

Short story is you have the higher components spec. This is normal given that your bike is newer, it is also at a higher price point. The differences that you should or may see/feel is that the geometery of the bikes are different. Your weight should be farther back on the Marlin than on the Sepc. Some people like it...some don't. Also you have more travel up front which should allow you to soak up larger bumps and hits better. You should also be able to break better with the discs as they are not as affected by improper set up. In the end they are both good entry level bikes.

 

[mrbell83]

^^^^ Now what kind of ride difference is there between a bike that has the weight more balanced in the back? I only ask because he is bigger than I am and I haven't rode his bike....

Thanks,
Chris

 

[bdee]

i'm no expert, but being on a bike with the weight being more centered in the rear seems to me that it would allow the rear tire to stay firmly planted when climbing. there are soooooo many variables when it comes to riding that it is nearly endless with what you can do to change the feel of a bike, shorter stem/longer stem, longer travel fork/shorter travel fork, etc....

 

[mrbell83]

Yeah I figured, but I had to ask. I am such a novice that I don't know anything really.......