atl47

I'm torn between the Specialized Rockhopper 07 base level and the Gary Fisher Marlin 07. I originally set out to purchase a Hardrock or Wahoo, but figure its worth the extra $100 for the lockout fork and slightly better components. I also heard some pretty bad reviews about the RST Gilla Plus T7 (hardrock fork) about how it leaks and all, that it pretty much scared me off it. Just to point it out, the standard Rockhopper comes with a RockShox Dart 3SL w/ lockout and the Marlin comes with a Manitou Axel Elite with Lockout - I assume these are comparable, or is one better? I doubt that I will be getting into any serious trail riding in the near future, mostly light trails with the occasional really good excursion, which is why I think the lockout feature is probably so important. (Assuming I would keep it locked out when on a path or street vs. dealing with suspension - Is this a correct conclusion to come to?)

I test drove both Rockhopper and Marlin for a few minutes over the weekend at my LBS, and I honestly didn't even know what to look for to compare in terms of ride "feel". They both felt pretty similiar, I think the ONLY thing that stood out was that my a$$ hurt! After reading some of these posts, some people seem to think the Marlin's Geometry is better suited towards tall people, and I'm 6'4", 210 lbs. (is this accurate or just some myth). I would just like to get a bike that I will really enjoy (obviously), and if this new hobby becomes somewhat of a serious passion, I'd like to get whichever bike will hold up longer if I start doing some upgrading in the future.

If anyone prefers one vs. the other or was questioning the same thing and has made a decision, I'd love to hear about it and why they chose whichever one they did. Also - any close up shots of the silver/black Marlin I'd love to see them - so far I only have seen the standard magazine shot, and there isn't much detail.

Killerbee

the marlin was my first bike and it held up great for me. the setup was a little diff because it was a 98 model but the frame has not changed much. ive out grown the frame but the bike still works great. at that level the components are gonna be about the same.

Oleanshoebox

get the gary hopper fishlin

ohmyggg

I'm trying to decide on a bike right now too and I've test ridden the Rockhopper a couple of times. I can't comment on the GF but as for the RH, I wasn't too crazy about the fork, particularly the lockout feature. I'm no expert on the matter, but I wouldn't really call it a lockout, as the fork still has about an inch of travel in the full lockout position. It didn't feel beefy enough to handle anything too rough either. I do like the Rockhopper's geometry though. I rode a 21" and I am about 6'2" (weighing 245 lbs.). Hope that helps.

I would just recommend playing around with some of the adjustments on that fork during your next test ride and try taking it into some dirt/gravel/grass/off curbs, etc. Try locking it out and sprinting also. If you feel like you're wasting a lot of your pedaling effort in the lockout position, it's not a great lockout IMO.

IAMTB

The bikes are setup pretty similarly spec wise it seems. I don't think, from a hardware standpoint, that one bike is much better than the other. I like the Manitou fork better though.

The idea that GF's fit taller people better is a myth. The "Genesis Geometry" has a longer top tube coupled with a shorter stem. So total reach stays the same. I suppose because of the longer top tube you could put a longer stem on and it might feel better to those long armed people, but out of the box they should be about the same.

Make sure you take each for an extended test ride(at least 15 minutes). Once around the parking lot isn't going to tell you much. I guess if both bikes fit the same buy the one with the coolest color.

The Marlin does have a sweet color this year!
https://www.fisherbikes.com/images/bi...rlin_black.jpg

Avidmtnbkr

I would choose the Gary Fisher because I like the brakes and derailleurs better on it. I think the shifters are a step up also on the GF.

CaptMatt15

my vote :

Marlin!

Jacob C

hard to go wrong either way, I have an '06 rockhopper

slowchris

Had posted this on another thread but you might find it interesting as well.

atl47

Thanks for your posts - and thanks CaptMatt for the pic of your Marlin, I don't think I'd have a hard decision to make if they still looked that slick. I'm leaning a little towards the Marlin at this point b/c its the one bike from last weekend's test drive that I distinctly remember feeling really good on, but I'm gonna test again to make sure before I give up on the Rockhopper.

If anyone has any other pics of their new 07 black/silver Marlin - I'd love to see it. I did see the pic you sent IAMTB, but that's the ONLY pic I've seen of it so far for the 07.

CaptMatt15

haha, you're welcome for my picture - and I agree that those paint schemes are much better than the new ones. I have dropped some coin on my marlin however (not that it had any glaring issues before), as you can see its no longer stock... getting a job in a shop tends to do that....

fubar5

Well, I am a little biased because I like Gary Fisher, buuuttt. I've compared several bikes comparable to the Marlin, and to me the Marlin is the best bang for the buck. It is well spec'd, has good geometry (Genesis geometry actually), and what is cooler than orange and black?

atl47

Well I just got back from the Rockhopper test drive, and the sales guy at the shop recommended a size 23 instead of 21 b/c I'm 6'4". I hope he is correct b/c the Marlin felt fine with only a few minutes of test, but the sales guy was saying after a long ride I will feel the difference if I'm on a bike that is too small for me.

So far - it looks like everyone is recommending the Marlin - anyone out there a fan of the Rockhopper? Right now I have hesitations about both bikes so I'm still undecided. The Marlin b/c it doesn't come in a 23 (if that in fact is the size that I need) and the Rockhopper b/c I think it has integrated shimano shifters? which I heard is more expensive to replace b/c you have to replace the WHOLE part vs. shifters that aren't integrated and only having to replace the broken piece. After typing that - I realize that is probably a pretty insignificant hesitation compared to a bike that may or may not be my size!

Any recommendations on fitting the bike?

kandnhome

Well, I'm 6'2" and ride a 21" Rockhopper. It fits me just about perfect. I have enough room to breath and not feel cramped when I'm riding on the roads or long open trails. But it doesn't feel big or awkward when I need to get it down a tricky descent or over obstacles. It just feels right, at least size-wise. Although I am a bit leggy for my height (36" inseam).

I'm a pretty big guy too (240ish) and although I'm definitely no pro, I can put some power down. If you do decide to go with the Rockhopper, get the shop to ditch the stock tires and put some decent ones on (I'll not suggest any specific ones, that's a whole other can of worms) because if not you'll be spinning the back and washing out the front constantly if your trails are at all dry/sandy.

Other than that though, I love my Rockhopper. I test rode the Fishers (Marlin and Tassajara) and the Hardrock and a few Raleigh M's, but settled on the Rockhopper. The component group is more than functional if you know how to set it up and keep it tuned, which is not exactly rocket science.

If you prefer the Marlin, check out the bike's geometry online. One make's 21" is another's 20" and and one's 22" is another's 23", etc, so just because they don't have a '23"' doesn't mean they don't have one that fits you. The main things I found that really affected how I felt about the bike were toptube length and standover. Different geometry = different feel for the same measurements, so you might need a different size depending on the bike. In general, for me, a smaller TT:ST ratio feels more "chuckable" but also more cramped when I'm grinding out distance.

RE: the integrated shifters vs. independent brakes/shifters, it takes a pretty weird crash to break the shifters and leave the brakes untouched, even if they aren't in one plastic shell, and if you're just talking about wearing them out, the cost is so small over the long run I wouldn't worry about it -- by then you'll want to upgrade or get a new bike anyway.

Hope that helps a little.

CaptMatt15

well I'm 6-4 with long arms and my marlin is a 21, its *almost* too big, anything longer would not be good for the climbs, plus it already handles kinda slow 'cause its so long.

atl47

Thanks for the added input. I'm still waiting to hear from the bikeshop about them trying to get the 23 in. I don't think I can make a decision until I at least try it out - of course it will be hard for me to walk away since they are having the damn thing delivered and built just to see if I like it. I mean - if it fits, I can't imagine walking away after all the trouble they'll have been through! Then again - they offered, so hey - "buy what you like."

Something about the way that Marlin shifted, it felt a bit smoother then the Rockhopper and I can't get it out of my head. If the feel of that Rockhopper isn't PERFECT - then I'll probably be purchasing a Marlin. At some point you just gotta pull the trigger already, I'm missing some good riding time!

One thing to mention - if anyone has any thoughts on this - one of the workers at the bikeshop said they would only recommend Specialized and Kona for today's bikes (he knew I was looking for hardtails only, so I assume he meant hardtails only). Obviously this was his response to me saying I was torn between his Rockhopper and a Marlin, and he started bashing Gary Fisher saying they were great in the 90s, but since Trek bought them they've lost their luster. I do sales for a living, and I make a point to never bash the competition, so it turned me off a little when he did. I thought I'd mention that here to see if there might actually be some truth to it and not just some cheap answer to get me to buy his bike. I guess I should say that it wasn't the sales guy I was working with, rather one of the other workers who was asking me about the test drive when I got back to the shop.

Avidmtnbkr

Sounds like more of an opinion than fact from the worker. My opinion is that they are both good bikes but Gary Fisher will give you better components for the money than the Rockhopper. As you said, it seemed to shift smoother. The GF has a little better shifters and derailleurs for the same price range.

bfuser2834719874

I guess that everyone thinks the gf is better than the rockhopper. I cant disagreee cause i know nothing about it. But rest aside my three day old rockhopper so far has been an awesome bike.

bspurrie

This is my 06 bought at the end of last season right after I brought it home from the bike shop. Only got about 200 miles on it because I ride my road bike more for triathlon training. I agree with comments that you get better components for the money. I absolutely love this bike. It handles great on the single tracks by my house. If it feels good when you ride it you won't be disappointed!