So I've always loved my old Marins but loved my new Marin in equal measure...
...however more recently I'm falling out of love with my 2008 Marin Rift Zone! I know what most of you are going to say (retro is best etc). But I have always seen the differences between the ages of bike being about them being completely different machines. I specced the Rift Zone with the best bits I could afford a mix of XTR crankset, cassette and brake calipers and XT derailleurs shifters and levers with Mavic 717's on XT hubs etc etc.
But here's the thing, I've been riding my 90/91 Marins more frequently and maybe I've got more used to them, but when I went out on the Rift Zone today it just feels like a huge lump of a bike! Its heavy too despite the parts at around 32lbs!! Compared to the 25-26lbs of my 90/91 Marins. I'm thinking more and more of getting rid of it...
Its lovely in that you don't feel a thing as the front and rear shocks soak up everything! But it just feels soooo heavy...Disc brakes are great but a bitch to set up and maintain (always seem to rub somehow!) So given that its about a £1000's worth of bike would I get a lighter retro full suss equivilent for the same money? What do full suss bike of the 97 and before weigh in at?? Are they any good??...I think I might even be able to consider something other than a Marin!! :shock:
So what are the opinions of you folk? I think I would still like a full suss in the stable...or maybe I could just get away with a hardtail???
All opinions appreciated and listened to...
Doug
...however more recently I'm falling out of love with my 2008 Marin Rift Zone! I know what most of you are going to say (retro is best etc). But I have always seen the differences between the ages of bike being about them being completely different machines. I specced the Rift Zone with the best bits I could afford a mix of XTR crankset, cassette and brake calipers and XT derailleurs shifters and levers with Mavic 717's on XT hubs etc etc.
But here's the thing, I've been riding my 90/91 Marins more frequently and maybe I've got more used to them, but when I went out on the Rift Zone today it just feels like a huge lump of a bike! Its heavy too despite the parts at around 32lbs!! Compared to the 25-26lbs of my 90/91 Marins. I'm thinking more and more of getting rid of it...
Its lovely in that you don't feel a thing as the front and rear shocks soak up everything! But it just feels soooo heavy...Disc brakes are great but a bitch to set up and maintain (always seem to rub somehow!) So given that its about a £1000's worth of bike would I get a lighter retro full suss equivilent for the same money? What do full suss bike of the 97 and before weigh in at?? Are they any good??...I think I might even be able to consider something other than a Marin!! :shock:
So what are the opinions of you folk? I think I would still like a full suss in the stable...or maybe I could just get away with a hardtail???
All opinions appreciated and listened to...
Doug