I've been toying with the idea of retiring the old Enduro to light duties only and was collared by the owner of the LBS who has managed to leave himself with a few Marin Wolfridge II's of 2009 persuasion.
He's offered me one for silly money (1200 quid) to clear some space in the shop. The spec is good, hope hubs in syncros rims, XT drivetrain, syncros bars and stem, hayes brakes, RP23 shock and Pikes. So nothing really wrong there.
But the Enduro has 130mm travel and the Wolfridge is 140mm. I was really thinking that if I bought a new bike I'd go for a 150mm bike to help with the rocky terrain over here.
So my question is.....will the extra 10mm make that much more difference?
To that end, will I really notice much more difference with a 150mm bike, so 20mm more travel than at present.
I'm thinking that the angles on the Wolfridge will maybe be the biggest change as geometry has changed a bit between 2003 and 2009.
Over to the combined STW wisdom for their thoughts.
Oh......I can grow the beard but will have to nip out and buy some appropriate sandels 😆
Blimey, nobody has anything to say. Everyone must be looking at Octopus Pron.
Ride it ??
10mm is not a lot, especially when you consider sag .
Compare the stated geometry - head angles etc.
Yup - ride it - I didn't get on with my 07' Marin but the geom has changed a bit - bit too "high" and "steep" for me personally but my mate loves Marins/Whytes so I'd try and take it out on a demo ?
if teh enduro is that old im guessing the angles will be steeper than the marin
probably make more difference than 10mm of travel
either way id go for it!
Too many folk on here harp on about angles and all sorts but it is only their opinion. Easiest, and by far the best, way to sort it is try one out.
If it helps at all (and it probably doesn't!) I went from a 130mm Enduro to a 120mm Stumpy and the Stumpy feels like it has more travel.
So erm, ride it and see?
P.S I took the Stumpy to the Alps this year and with a 140mm fork never felt like I was underbiked.
That's the plan when I get chance. The demo is a Large though but I guess I'll get the general impression.
Just wondered whether you can feel the difference between 130 / 140mm really. It seems such a small amount that my feeling is that I probably won't.
I couldn't tell the difference in the circa 10mm travle difference on my bikes. But I could tell the difference between the VPP and single pivot in terms of traction.
Maybe I can arrange a back to back test on my favourite trail......Hmmm.... I think there is a plan coming together 😆
Do you actually want it though or is it because its a bargain? I only ask this as within a few rides you will forget about the bargain bit and possibly be left with a bike that doesnt tick all the boxes.