gary fisher marlin opinions

Getting back into the bike thing after an 8 year hiatus (marriage, kids,
etc). Last bike I bought was in 1992, Diamond Back Apex which was $800 not
including additional front suspension ($400). Don't need a psycho race
machine, just something to cruise around on with occasional stints in the
dirt. Was considering a Trek 4500, but my local bike shop said the Fisher
Marlin was better and only $10 more. Any experiences with the Marlin????
Looking forward to getting back into the dirt.

B. Sanders wrote in message
news:2Bk5b.341673$Ho3.50744@sccrnsc03...

wordectomy

My 2002 Marzocchi MXR Bomber, by comparison, has too little
damping and too much travel (110mm = 4.5").

Really? Mine seems to have plenty of damping, even setroughly mid-way (where
it stays for the most part). You could try going from the rec. 7.5 wt oil to
10 wt - that'd put your damping range up a notch.

For when I need less travel, or for when I find it detrimental (like if I'm
on road), I just crank the pre-load all the way up. Works for me.

It does take big hits very
well, though.

Indeed they do - I've gone through all the travel on these forks many times,
and never once felt like I've bottomed them out (although I _know_ I have).

Shaun aRe

Thanks for the input. Time to go dump some coin. Will let you know how it
works out.


"B. Sanders" wrote in message
news:2Bk5b.341673$Ho3.50744@sccrnsc03...
"kb" wrote in message
et...
Getting back into the bike thing after an 8 year hiatus (marriage, kids,
etc). Last bike I bought was in 1992, Diamond Back Apex which was $800
not
including additional front suspension ($400). Don't need a psycho race
machine, just something to cruise around on with occasional stints in
the
dirt. Was considering a Trek 4500, but my local bike shop said the
Fisher
Marlin was better and only $10 more. Any experiences with the
Marlin????
Looking forward to getting back into the dirt.

Yeah, the Fisher Marlin looks like a nice entry-level bike. The Genesis
geometry is a plus - much better than Trek geometry, IMO. Good choice. The
2004 deep blue paint scheme is beautiful. If I were in the market, the
Marlin would be high on my list (next to the Kona Cinder Cone, which I
believe is more expensive.)

One possible caveat is that on entry-level bikes, the shock forks often
lack
effective damping. Try the Marlin for yourself, and let us know what you
think of the ride. I have an older Manitou entry-level fork (Magnum R),
and
I really like it. Plenty of damping, 3 inches of travel. It's perfect for
what I do. My 2002 Marzocchi MXR Bomber, by comparison, has too little
damping and too much travel (110mm = 4.5"). It does take big hits very
well, though.

Looking forward to your test ride report (TRR?)

Cheers,

-Barry

"B. Bargain" wrote in message news:2Bk5b.341673$Ho3.50744@sccrnsc03...
"kb" wrote in message
et...
Getting back into the bike thing after an 8 year hiatus (marriage, kids,
etc). Last bike I bought was in 1992, Diamond Back Apex which was $800
not
including additional front suspension ($400). Don't need a psycho race
machine, just something to cruise around on with occasional stints in the
dirt. Was considering a Trek 4500, but my local bike shop said the Fisher
Marlin was better and only $10 more. Any experiences with the Marlin????
Looking forward to getting back into the dirt.

Do yourself a favor, don't listen to Barry Bargain. I truly believe
he doesn't ride, but instead just shops for bikes/parts. Test ride as
many bikes as you can in your price range, don't get hung up on brand
names, and buy what fits you and your needs the best. Buying into
gf's "genesis" geometry is just as bad as buying into any other
buzzword bull****.

JD