Bushwacked

Has anyone got any experience of this years (05) Marin Hardtails for XC? I'm trying to decide on a new bike and I'm hoping to find someone who has bought either a Nail Trail or a Indian Fire Trail and can tell me of their experiences. Vice versa if anyone almost bought one and didn't, why didn't you go for it.

Your help is appreciated.

B.

Speedub.Nate

The only real problem with Marin is the brand is so difficult to find domestically. They're huge in the UK, but for whatever reason you don't see a lot of them 'round here, especially strange for me residing practically in their backyard here in the San Francisco Bay area.

My first mountain mountain bike was a Marin, my wife's bike is a Marin Mount Vision, and they've always put out a quality product (made in the same Taiwanese factorys every other manufacturer's frame comes out of). Their warranty department is solid, although not the most efficient, so you'll be taken care of if you have any problems.

So for those bikes you're looking at, I'd look first at proper fit, then component spec (bang for the buck), then styling/color/whatever floats your boat (in that order).

genny1

Unfortunately, I don’t have info/experience on the two models you mentioned, but will throw my two cents in on Marin. I bought an ‘04 Marin Hawk Hill earlier this summer after finding it in a LBS. I have been very happy with it, and agree with the three steps outlined by Speeddub. If you like the fit/geometry, based on my experience comparing Marin to other brands I would guess the specs will be comparable (and perhaps a tad better in some respects) to other bikes in the price range. They look good too, and the relatively smaller sales figures sets one apart here in the US (as Speeddub mentioned) if that is a bonus for you.

In other words, FWIW based on my bike-buying process and personal experience with the Marin HH, I wouldn’t have any qualms about Marin as a brand, especially if you have a LBS that is a Marin dealer (smaller indie stores might be the best bet; we have at least one in Minneapolis that carries Marin and Kona). I’m sure, like with all brands, some have had negative experiences with Marin, but I think it has proven to be a solid bike manufacturer.

You might try to find an ‘04 still around as well. At least for the Hawk Hill, the specs on the ‘04 were the same in material respects to the ‘05 (not sure if that is the same for bikes you are considering), and it came quite a bit cheaper because it was from the LBS’ last year’s inventory.

Finally, you might check out this thread on MTB Review:

https://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=57614

I looked at it when I was buying, and it has a collection of comments from Marin owners. You might considering cross-posting your message there, as I think you are likely to get some responses from the Marin crowd.

Sorry I can’t help on specific models you mentioned; as higher end than what I bought, they would be competing in a different market segment than the Hawk Hill, so hopefully someone can give you some specific input on the bikes that interest you.

Take care and good luck with your purchase.

wrinklefree

IMO Marin's are some of the best and underrated bikes on the market today. I wouldn't hesitate to buy any bike that bears its name.

I can't answer specifically about the Indian or Nail trail bikes, but I can tell you the spec sheet looks solid. Don't worry about the quality, marin stands behind their products, when used properly of course. Also keep in mind their hardtails tend to run slight larger than other brands, so if a 18" Rockhopper feels right to you, chances are you'll need a 17" (or smaller) Marin.

As far as dealers go, check their website for local bike shops that sell Marin. I was able to find plenty of Marin dealers here in the bay area. There's one right down the street from here in Berkeley, and even select REI stores sell them as well. Whatever you do, make sure to get some seat time and see for yourself.

I also bought a 04 Hawk Hill just a few months ago, and came away impressed with the feel and quality of the bike. Their frames look different that what you'd find on a regular fat-tubed Trek or Specialized. I've taken it on some tough trails, and even some jumps, and it's been perfect thus far, I'm very impressed. So impressed in fact, that I recently picked up a 04 Rift Zone which uses their terra-quad FS setup. I absolutely love it!

Peek the Geek

I've got a Marin Pine Mountain from '04. It's basically the Indian Fire Trail, but with a steel frame instead of aluminum. The bike is oh so nice, in my humble opinion. I actually did a load of research and comparisons last year, trying to find a replacement for my aging Trek 6500zx. I decided on the Nail Trail because its parts list was nicer than the specs on similarly priced Treks, Giants, Specialized, etc. Konas were a good value to, but they were a tad beefier than what I wanted.

Seriously, after a couple of months of research and rides I was dead set on the Nail Trail, but I couldn't find one to buy. It was late in the season, and Marin was all out of '04 Nail Trails.

By chance I came across a classified ad on mtbr.com for a Pine Mountain. Slightly used, but a nicer bike than the Nail Trail. After a season of riding it, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either of the bikes you're looking at.

fretman

I just bought the Marin Bobcat Trail and I'm quite happy with it.