I am looking at Mountain bikes. I was in the LBS 2 days ago. I've had good luck with the Deore deraillers that I have on my Trek 7500 so I was wanting a Montain bike with at least Deore. I was looking at the Trek 4500, 4900 and 6700 models. The store also sells Gary Fisher bikes (which I didn't realize was owned by Trek). The GFs seem to be a better buy. A GF with the same components seem to be in some cases a $100 cheaper. I wonder why the GFs seem to be cheaper. They looked to be compareable quality atleast.

My question is one of the models I looked at was the Marlin. It was a 2003 model. It was marked $469 was is the current retail list for the Marlin. The 2003 used the GF Silver series frame. The 2004 uses the Gold series frame which I think may be the one on the Tassajara. Is there a a noticable difference in the 2 frames. Should I try to negoticate a lower price on the 2003 or just order a 2004? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

From what ive heard, the GF Tassajara is the best bike for the price. That Genisis geometery ive heard is incredible for climbing, especially is you are a taller rider. The build quality should be the same(very good), as GF and Trek are the same company.

Yes I'm seriously considering the Tassajara. The specs seem compareable to the Trek 6700 and cost $150 less. The 6700 uses a Rock Shox Pilot SL and the Tassajara uses and XC I don't know gear so I don't what price differential is caused there. Do the GF Tassajara and Marlins use Chinese Frames or are they USA made? I'm not going to buy for probably about another month.

The Tass has Deore SGS rear deraillers I'm familar with Deore and Deore LX but I'm not familiar with SGS.

Thanks for the reply I've recieved so far.

my friends got a tassahara. its awesome

Right now my mind is playing kickball between a Tass or a GT Avalance 0.5. The 0.5 has hydro disks and Deore LX rear and Deore front, and the clipless pedals, and a Marzocchi Race fork, but the Tass is a GF and has gotten rave reviews, and is 100 bucks cheaper, AND has the legendary genesis geo and trek reputation, and can be bought at my favorite LBS. Any thoughts?

Gary Fisher claims that "most" of their bikes are handmade in the US. I would gamble that their lower end models aren't. Just because they are made in a factory in Taiwan doesn't mean they aren't any good. Look at Giant and Specialized. Also, regarding which bike to choose, many tall riders find the Genesis geometry a godsent so if you're over 6 feet you might want to try it out.

6'2" seals my fate into a Tass...i like it better anyway, better graphics...now for the test ride.......

Hey, I just picked up a 2003 Marlin about a month ago, all said and done I was able to get it for just over $350.

This Marlin is replacing my specialized hardrock that was stolen late in the fall... It is technically an upgrade partwise, but I think I actually liked the Hardrock better, it may be worth a look.


and trekkie, what do you mean by "6'2'' seals my fate to a Tass" ?

I've heard a lot about how beneficial the genesis geometry is for taller riders, a godsend if you will. I'm 6'2", and ive had a lot of interest in the Tass. That statement sealed my fate for the Tass being my next ride. Sorry, kinda poorly worded(made sense in my head, but many things that do, don't make much sense to others). Congrats on the Marlin, and if you are looking to give it away, i'll take it!

nah, I think I'll keep it, it is growing on me... or am I growing on it... who knows.

I have heard about the whole height/genesis geometry thing, but -- Not that this is a pissing contest or anything-- being 6'8'', even with genesis geometry, I think my bike is a little small for me.

Ive got an 00' Tassajara and I love it. the geometery of it is very comfortable and makes a very comfortable to ride bike. Its light weight and just all around great. Im starting to use it for trial riding but the frame is a little big for trials so i might replace it for that reason only, but for cross country riding and city, its the best bike ive ever ridden.

I ride an '03 Big Sur and am very happy with it.

Wow you are 6'8". Do you play Hawkeye basketball?