Marin Full-suspension

[Nickel]

Hello -- DH is looking into full-suspension frames and he wanted me to ask you guys your opinions on these two:


Marin QUAD Tara
Marin QUAD XC

(size 15.5")

He has contacted several Marin dealers and no one has them in stock so he hasn't been able to get an up close look at them. If anyone knows of any in stock somewhere, please let me know. Or if you own one and wouldn't mind him taking a peek at it :cool: <tt>
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[soupboy]

I've haven't seen too many Marin FS bikes around these parts. I see older HTs every now and then. They've always put out good "value" bikes similar to Jamis.

I thought one MORCer had an older long-travel Marin FS bike (Wildcat?).

[bike>>rider]

If he hasn't contacted Now Sports, or Trailhead Cycling in Champlin, he should check with them. They carry Marin, though don't know if they have these models presently in stock.

MBA mag usually rates the Marin FS's pretty high when they do trailbike shootouts, FWIW. (Usually like 2nd out of 5 or 6 contenders).
Good luck.

[LightWeight]

My brother rides a 2-year-old version of this:

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_mt_vision_pro.html

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/graphics/bike_photos/bike_photos_zoom/z_mt_vision_pro.jpg

I've used it on a couple of laps at Leb. I'm no full suspension expert (never owned one), but if I were in the market for a FS, I'd put the Marin on your short list. Valley Bike & Ski in Apple Valley carries Marin. I could put you in contact with my bro if you wanted to take a look at his. I think he's got a 17".

[Tex]

I rode a Marin Wildcat Trail back in about '98 and it was a good bike for what I paid for it. I had the bike for about three seasons and I never had any issues with it. My biggest complaint was the placement of the waterbottle cage on the top tube, so as long as DH doesn't mind riding with a camelback he's good to go.