Anyone got one of the cheaper Trek 29er bikes; the Mamba and Marlin? Thoughts? Pics?
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Trek 29er Sport bikes - Mamba, Marlin, Marlin SS - experiences
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Posted 1 year ago #
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thrown a leg over a marlin SS and geared in the LBS, looks good apart from thin bars,and frankly rubbish looking forks but frame worth it, would make a good upgrader, not riding experience though sorry
Posted 1 year ago # -
The Mamba comes with RS Toras and a few minor changes, so was erring toward that. Was looking thinking about longer-term upgrade potential.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I bought the Marlin ss. Its def a good base for upgrading. The gear ratio isn't too bad. I am planning to use it as a base for a 1x9. Fork is incredibly jittery, doesn't really inspire confidence on technical sections. But all in its been great fun. I really am amazed at how quick it is, and I daresay with a better/lighter fork it could be a great bike.
Btw - how important is it to replace the fork with another "G2" fork? Or could any 29er fork do the job?
Steve
Posted 1 year ago # -
A bit more straight out of the gate but ive had an X-Cal for a couple of weeks and its a great bike - i'm guessing if the others use the same frame/geometry then they're going to be full of potential...
Posted 1 year ago # -
I've been thinking of getting one of the "cheaper" 29er's to try them out, the Treks look good as it is the same frame from the cheapest up to the £1400 mark.
The fork is the bit that worries me - not much choice yet plus they don't come up often over in the classifieds.
I may just build one overtime from the classifieds once I can find a tidy secondhand frame or the Scandals/swifts are back in stock.
Posted 1 year ago # -
mike, i had a xcalibre and a paragon.
too long and low for me.
comfy for about a hour.Posted 1 year ago # -
Toras seem to get good reviews. 51mm offset gives me some options for alternative rigid forks too, for if I'm feeling perverse
Posted 1 year ago # -
valleydaddy - Member
I've been thinking of getting one of the "cheaper" 29er's to try them out, the Treks look good as it is the same frame from the cheapest up to the £1400 mark.
The fork is the bit that worries me - not much choice yet plus they don't come up often over in the classifieds.
I may just build one overtime from the classifieds once I can find a tidy secondhand frame or the Scandals/swifts are back in stock.
If you check out ebay you get GF 29ers cropping up from time to time.The fork is def a let down, but at this price I don't really think its a complaint. Fox do a nice looking G2 fork for later upgrade anyway
Posted 1 year ago # -
The 2007 GF Rig is great - the gearing is spot on. The forks are a bit stiff but the big wheels make up for it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I would look at a second hand quality option- I tried an older rig and didnt get on with it but have recently bought a built up swift for £500 and absolutely love it- the fork isnt very bouncy though as its rigid!
Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks for the feedback, everyone.
Posted 1 year ago # -
as an aside
one of the online shops is selling Rockhopper and Stumpy 29er frames cheap. £199 and £299
http://www.bikescene.co.uk/Specialized-Rockhopper-Comp-29er-Frame-3013-92-0.html
http://www.bikescene.co.uk/Specialized-Stumpjumper-HT-Comp-29er-Frame-3008-92-0.html
Posted 1 year ago # -
Someone else asked about a Marlin and fork options on here t'other day.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Obviously it depends on what you want to ride, but dont dismiss a decent rigid fork. My Inbred has a carbon rigid, & if run with a decent volume front tyre & old-fashoined non O/S carbon bars its certainly good for places like Cannock (my local). The rigid fork seems to work well on a bigger wheel.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Second the above. Big tyre, wide bars, carbon forks.
Posted 1 year ago # -
cheers for the links rootes I think you've got me a new project
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'll probably get some rigid forks to swap out the suspension when I feel like it. Only ever done a couple of rides on suspension forks (£35 second hand Bombers) before the bike was nicked; felt like cheating.
Thanks again for the links and discussion.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Cheers MrGFisher
Posted 1 year ago #
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