Marin MTB's Any Good?

steviec · 16 Dec 2006 at 19:43

Been debating a new MTB for a while now and today came across Marin and the 07 Range looks superb in Spec & value.

Specifically looking at the Hydro-Light HT Nail Trail
Marin Nail Trail

Anyone any experience of Marin, or this model?

Many Thanks

steviec · 16 Dec 2006 at 19:47

Specs are:
#6061 aluminium frame, multi butted hydro-edge top and down tubes, 4 side double butted seat and chain stays, disc specific.
# Marzoochi MX Pro Lo, 100mm travel fork with preload rebound adjustment and lockout.
# TH-888, 1 1/8" threadless headset.
# Shimano, 32 hole disc hubs.
# WTB 15 gauge black stainless spokes.
# Mavic XM-117, 32 hole disc rims.
# WTB MotoRaptor 2.14 (49/52) 25" x 2.14" DNA Compound Tread tyres.
# Shimano LX shift levers, with 2 way release.
# Shimano Deore front derailleur.
# Shimano LX rear derailleur.
# Shimano 9 Speed, 11-32 cassette.
# Shimano HG-53 chain.
# TruVativ Firex 44/32/22 crankset with 1 alloy chainrings, with Giga X Pipe Drive Exterior BB system.
# Giga X Pipe Drive bb integrated with crankset.
# FSA SL-280, 6061 350mm x 30.9mm seatpost.
# WTB Speed v Comp saddle, with Love Channel and Comfort Zone.
# Double butted 6061 alloy bar, OS-31.8mm, 25.4mm Rise.
# FSA OS115 threadless stem with alloy face plate, with 31.8mm bar clamp.
# WTB Moto grips.
# Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc brakes.
# Avid hydraulic brake levers.
# Alloy double sided mountain pedals.

weescott · 16 Dec 2006 at 20:53

Marin are good. The only thing I would worry about is the Truvativ Crankset. There are some reports of bearing failure under warranty (including a pal of mine's.)

The Motoraptor tyres are excellent. I have been using them for a few years now.

chipperhead · 17 Dec 2006 at 01:07

I've got a Marin Alpine Trail, awesome bike and can definately recommend the brand.

Teifiterror · 17 Dec 2006 at 01:53

Marin are good bikes, though I would advise a test ride first though. I myself dont like to ride their full sussers as they have a riding position which makes you feel a bit perched on the top of them and not riding 'within' the bike. Some people like this position though.

chipperhead · 17 Dec 2006 at 10:11

Teifiterror said:
Marin are good bikes, though I would advise a test ride first though. I myself dont like to ride their full sussers as they have a riding position which makes you feel a bit perched on the top of them and not riding 'within' the bike. Some people like this position though.

That's very true, although they made some geometry adjustments in 2005 to combat this.
Riding a Marin before buying is definately a good recommendation.

steviec · 17 Dec 2006 at 11:24

Thanks guys, think i'll go for a test ride in the week to see how it feels, then if all okay see if I can do a deal.

Teifiterror · 18 Dec 2006 at 23:20

chipperhead said:
That's very true, although they made some geometry adjustments in 2005 to combat this.
Riding a Marin before buying is definately a good recommendation.

I test rode a wolf ridge this year as i had heard the same thing, though I sti felt it was very similar, although hey had made some positive improvements. Orange five was much better though

squiffy · 18 Dec 2006 at 23:25

Marin are good bikes, but quite expensive for the spec, being an American brand bike. You will get better value for money off a bike company from Giant.

steviec · 13 Jan 2007 at 18:53

Well final went for it a Marin Hydro-Light HT Nail Trail, managed to negotiate a £100 discount as well and a few extras thrown in, mudguards, lock etc. So well pleased

Big Chris · 14 Jan 2007 at 21:21

squiffy said:
Marin are good bikes, but quite expensive for the spec, being an American brand bike. You will get better value for money off a bike company from Giant.

Nonsense, Marin are good value for money, I think you have them confused with Cannondale who price their bikes quite highly.

In any case, Giant are from the US too.

Revenant · 15 Jan 2007 at 15:32

I would definately recommend Marin as quality - I've had one for nearly 10 years and it rides great. I also had access to a second for a while and that was equally good.

Caveat; I've had a few goes on both Kona and Orange frames and found them probably as good - the Marins just seemed to be more responsive and alive tho'.