Strengths: Bought the 2004 model in december 2004, still looks imaculate even today. Excellent frame and forks. Handles all the bumps and drops with ease. Absolutely flies downhill, and climbs really well in the 5inch (rear shock) setting. Handles my heavy weight with ease (after upgrading some parts)even after bringing the total weight of the bike to below 29Ibs. Really comfortable ride for long days in the saddle. After spending (and I know you will think i'm mad!) £1000 extra on new wheels and hubs, full XTR drivetrain and middleburn cranks/rings this bike's now a really tasty bit of kit that handles my hefty weight and everything that i can throw at it.
Weaknesses: Magura Julies do not give any confidence in stopping. Some poor components elsewhere let things down. Wheels are to lightfor a heavy rider. I snapped the spokes in the back wheel after just 3 rides. Very high bottom bracket height does not inspire confidence on tricky trail sections. Has quite a long wheelbase so tight corners are tricky, combined with the high bottom bracket height this makes it difficult to feel totally at ease.
Overall: This is a superb bike for anyone new to full sussers and even maybe to those who have owned a few. With a few upgrades it makes an excellent all mountain machine that will stand up to years of abuse. Only a few niggles that to be honest are really nothing that a few extra quid cant sort out. Well except for that high bottom bracket.
Strengths: Possibly the best rear suspension design currently avaliable for an XC / Freeride light frame. Shocks Groupset Hayes 9s
Weaknesses: Nothing for the price. Saddle and pedals worth upgrading when required.
Overall: A superb bike for yer money, there is nothing around that even comes close performance wise in that price range. Probably one of the best value FS bikes on the market at the moment.
Strengths: adjustable travel 4/5/6 inch options fox shocks front and rear hayes disc brakes
Weaknesses: headset pedals
Overall: a good value for money bike that has good specifications. its nice to have the adjustable suspension to suit your rideing and its easy to change out on the trail.
'adjustable travel, full suspension do everything bike.'
Strengths: This bike is very smooth down rough hills when in 6' travel mode, feels as though you hover above the trail. Bike is quite fast and responsive when pushed, can make a decent enduro race bike. It climbs quite well considering weight.
Weaknesses: Fairly weighty, the spec is a little basic. Most of the drivetrain, wheels and brakes can be found on £500 bikes. That is the price to pay for such a nice frame and fork. bearings on suspension and frame wore out.
Overall: A brilliant bike that can handle xc races, drop offs or anything you feel like doing. Bike is a bit heavy but adjustability makes the bike feel fast regardless so the weight should not worry you too much
Strengths: Bought mine in jan 2001. I ride a road bike most of the time but have done Shimano 24hr 3 times a few welsh trips and holiday in Spain. Never felt the need to buy anything more expensive. the Hope discs are fantastic and the bike is gret in rocky terrain.
Weaknesses: Replaced rear hub with a Hope and the bottom bracket with something awful the front needs replacing Thought it must have been careless use of degreasers but having read other reports I do not think so any more.
Overall: Excellent bike. Riding over sand mud and rocks I expect things not to last too long, but it has never let me down and I just replace bits as necessary.
Strengths: Adjustable frame, rides well and copes with most things. Contact points comfortable for long periods. Tyres. Pedals. Looks cool. Not too heavy.
Weaknesses: Forks need a firmer spring (easy to get) and new stickers (already). Magura Julies take a while to bed in. Crud Catcher wont fit well.
Overall: Good VFM, goes and stops well, best all-rounder for the price.
Strengths: Great value bike with adjustable rear suspension based on same frame that goes through all Marin's full sussers. Great ride on all trail types and in all conditions - I've had loads of fun on it!
Weaknesses: Again a few poor minor components - in my case the WTB pedals (disintegrated in a 12 hour enduro) and the quick release for the rear suspension adjuster (which broke off at the top of Cwm Carn)
Overall: No wonder it was voted What Mountain Bike "Bike of the Year" a couple of years ago. You could spend up to £700 more on one of the other Marin's in the range, but you won't get 50% more performance or fun!
Strengths: Value for money, good suspension, go anywhere ability.
Weaknesses: Freehub failure, poor quality seat post quick release.
Overall: Really pleased with the bike apart from the freehub which started to seize up after two weeks. Bought the bike from Leisure Lakes (Daventry) who've been great. They contacted the distributor (ATB) who acknowledged the problem (too tight freehub seal apparently), sent a replacement out, due to be fitted this weekend.
Performance
100%
Reliability
60%
Value
80%
Overall Rating
80%
MY REVIEW
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Average Rating: 4 out of 5
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