Mountain Biking - 2004 Gary Fisher Marlin vs. 2013 Motobecane 300HT

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Tessek461
10-25-12, 05:32 PM
Last year I had a 2004 Gary Fisher Marlin (http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Gary Fisher&Model=Marlin&Type=bike). It was pretty much new, having sat in a garage since it was purchased. I'd only been riding it for about a year. It seemed like a quality bike for an inexperienced rider like myself. Keeping a long story short I no longer have that bike and am looking for reasonably priced replacement of comparable quality. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm willing to spend about $300. Also, would anyone be able to tell me how a 2013 Motobecane 300HT (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/3ht_new_xii.htm) bike compares to my 2004 Marlin?

ColinL
10-25-12, 06:14 PM
Junk fork. Any $300 BD bike will have one. Any sub-$800 bike at a bike shop will have a junk fork too.

For $300, I guess it's fine, but I'd consider upping your budget *and* buying used. You'll get a much better, more trailworthy bike. I assume you intend to ride some of California's awesome singletrack. If you are going to be on a bike path or the road, then the fork doesn't matter.