Marin FRS
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7 inch Weagle
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Marin FRS
I am considering upgrading from my Rockhopper hardtail to a FS in the near future. I had considered the Kona Dawg, but when I visited my LBS, the owner (with whom I ride) started to convince me of the merits of the Marin XC bikes, specificly the Rift Zone FRS. He said as I race XC the Dawg will be a bit too heavy, but more importantly, the Kona suspension design looses it's efficiency in the longer travel models. The Marin however does not. I haven't ridden a Kona yet, but I have ridden a mates Wildcat Trail (6" travel) and I was impressed. The LBS owner has been riding his Marin B17 for four years, and had a Rift Zone before that, so they must have impressed him. Also he has a Rift Zone FRS in my size that is a reduced price as it's last years model and the new ones have the new Quad rear end.
I have looked on mtbreview and the Marin's have had good reviews there, but doing a search of these forums, there is very few threads mentioning Marins. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these bikes, and their opinions?
I have looked on mtbreview and the Marin's have had good reviews there, but doing a search of these forums, there is very few threads mentioning Marins. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these bikes, and their opinions?
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Just one comment, I'm not a big fan of single pivot suspension designs. They do have their merits, like durability and simplicity, but I don't really like the pedal induced bobbing inherant in all single pivot bikes! Besides that, it appears like a nice set-up.
BTW, if you're racing XC, why do you want 6" of travel? Or was that just your friends bike?
L8R
BTW, if you're racing XC, why do you want 6" of travel? Or was that just your friends bike?
L8R
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
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I only have one concern having tested one and talked with the bike shops about these bikes. Durability for a big rider. They don't handle big hits well nor do they handle big riders well..otherwise they are fine bikes...
personally I would still get the Dawg...that is a sweet bike
personally I would still get the Dawg...that is a sweet bike
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My friends bike had 6", the one I'm looking at only has 4. The one that I rode didn't seem to bob at all and that was going hard on the road. I would have thought the longer travel model would be the one that would bob more. I have to try one on the dirt soon.
So it may be a little fragile? That was one of my concerns.
also looking closer at the Dawg, it is effectively a single pivot too.
So it may be a little fragile? That was one of my concerns.
also looking closer at the Dawg, it is effectively a single pivot too.
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But it still based on a 4 bar so it would be a better ride. (4 bar rocker but I find it stll better than a pure single pivot). Depending on your size and riding you may find the Marin fine. I am 100% sure I would destroy one