[DomDil]

Hey everyone!,
I've got a question for ya. I'm 5'9, and 120 Lbs ( haha, i know). Anyways, i'm looking for a tough, yet light(er) full suspension frame. I will be building it up with Disc brakes, manitou black elite, vuelta excaliber wheels, truvativ husselfelt cranks etc. And I need some advice. I've always loved marins, the way they look and feel, especially the TARA line, which has adjustable rear travel. Anywhoo, I went to my LBS shop today, and they said they would strip down a 2002 Marin Rock Springs and sell me the frame for $950 CDN. I test rode it and it felt awsome, even with crappy mavic x138 wheels. I was almost ready to pounce, but thought I should look at my other options.
I dont want something TOO heavy, and would like to keep the price around $1000 cdn. Rear travel should be 5-7, anything more is overkill, and I dont want anything less. I also want something that Can handle abuse, along with a dual crown fork ( the shop owner said the marin can handle a 7" dual crown). I know alot of people are saying to look at a kona dawg, but I can't find any here in canada, and I'm not a fan of kona anyways. Basically, my choices are
cannondale Gemini ( found one used for $1000 cdn), giant ac's...etc..
What else could(should) I be looking at? Thanks for your time!

 

[rbx]

i would pick the giant AC-air great bike really rigid rear end and adj travel,,,
i find marin to be flexy in the rear end,,

did you also consider specialized enduro series?
5-5.75" travel adj
proven suspension
amazing value for the money

im not sure those marins can handle dc forks but even if it could putting a 7" fork on that marin will seriously screw up your geometry you will hate bike afterwards..

 

[TimeBomb]

The Giant AC is a great bike. I have never personally heard anything bad about them. I see them used for XC & freeriding all the time. I ride with 2 guys that have Geminis & they absolutely love them. Check out the Rocky Mountain Slayer, I have a friend that rides one & likes it. Not alot of travel but, one tough bike.

Good Luck.

 

[ohio]

Check out the Iron Horse line too. Sounds like you're somewhere between the SGS and the Hollowpoint. Both great bikes and great values.

 

[DomDil]

Hey, I actually have a 2002 iron horse hollowpoint, want something a little beefier with more travel.

 

[ska todd]

Originally posted by DomDil
Hey, I actually have a 2002 iron horse hollowpoint, want something a little beefier with more travel.

The SGS-Expert frame is $800 USD. It is a fsr-style 4-bar linkage frame w/ 5 - 7" travel, 1.5" headtube, and is full sealed bearing. It can take a 1.5" Sherman Breakout or a triple clamp fork (8" or under).

-ska todd

 

[Danchez]

Originally posted by rbx
i would pick the giant AC-air great bike really rigid rear end and adj travel,,,

AC's cannot handle dual crown forks...

 

[Echo]

Originally posted by Danchez
AC's cannot handle dual crown forks...

Actually, I've seen many people use dual crown forks on AC's and never heard of the frames breaking because of it... The correct statement is "you void the warranty when you use a dual crown fork"

 

[mrbigisbudgood]

Originally posted by Echo
Actually, I've seen many people use dual crown forks on AC's and never heard of the frames breaking because of it... The correct statement is "you void the warranty when you use a dual crown fork"

Amen

The headtube junction is pretty darn burly. I'm planning on putting the new Sherman Slider on mine.

 

[Pulser955]

I just got a KHS FXT pro frame from Jenson USA for $400. Its a grate frame nice and strong and its a 4 bar link.

 

[Roasted]

Marin makes good bikes for small riders doing xc - small hits. If you decide to go bigger the bike won't hold up as well as others. That is a pretty sweet deal on that frame and you are a lightweight so it should be fine for you on many levels.

Besides Marin try Ironhorse. Another fairly light bike and ironhorses are sold CHEAP in Sportcheck. I personally haven't seen any real bike shops selling Ironhorses. But again I have only lived in BC and Ontario so maybe you can find one somewhere.

I will plug the Giant too. No need for details as everyone else explained. The ac air is sweet and light.

Where do you live in Canada. Kona is sold in just about every lbs in the lowermainland of BC. Besides that the dawg is a big burlier and heavier than the Marin. I love kona but it sounds like it might be too much. Unless you can find a after sale on the Kona Bear (last year). It is the exact same frame with a discontinued name and is being sold cheap.

 

[Zark]

I have heard of AC's breaking from DC's, of course I'm friends with a guy in Giant's warranty dept. That said, I love the AC bikes and would love to put a DC on it if I could. I'd steer clear of the Marin. AC's, enduro's & Iron Horse are where its at.

 

[lonewolfe]

Hey, I would consider buying a nice used frame and getting more for your money. I would consider getting an Ellsworth Joker or a Santa Cruz Bullit. The Ellsworth is going to be lighter and better for a lighter rider. Both bikes can take a 7" fork.