Marin Indian Fire Trail

[Dave 9966]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone on here can help me?

I've been thinking about getting a mountain bike for a while. I live in an area with lots of trails and a mtb centre. My wife bought a bike this summer and I was waiting to see how often we get out before I invest in a bike for myself (I'm currently riding a Townsend thingy).

I know someone who has a Marlin Indian Fire Trail (I think a mid 90s model) who doesn't use and wants to sell. I googled them and found a lot of good things being said about them, so I asked for opinions on another forum. I think my question was misleading because I mentioned I was thinking of buying a new bike up to the value of £500 and most of the replies suggested buying new, (and someone suggested asking here). However, I wasn't going to spend £500 on the Marlin - was hoping more like £150.

Considering some of the comments I've seen about the Marlin (someone even called it the perfect hardtail) have bike really improved that much? Then again, I've just thought about it and 1994 is almost 20 years ago!! Bloody hell, time goes.

To give you an idea of my experience with pushbikes, my wife's new bike is a Decathlon/B'twin Rockrider 5.3 - cost about £350 ish, and I have never ridden anything so nice in my life!! Not taken it off road though.

Thanks
Dave

 

[PopsTrippin]

Go for it bud if it's a 1994 or earlier model as in 1995 they made the head tubes so thin and they have a tendancy to crack!

One to maybe avoid if you're going to give it some abuse...

 

[Dave 9966]

Not 100% sure which year it is - is there a way to date them? Can I check for cracks, just by a close inspection of the frame?

Also, is there any problems getting spares for a bike like this?

I don't intend doing any jumps or anything too extreme on it, just days out with the family and maybe some local trails (I live next to the Clwydian range so there's a few tracks I can have a go on without travelling). To begin with, its going to do most of its miles on tarmac country lanes whilst I build my fitness up.

Thanks

 

[PopsTrippin]

The one in the picture above is the '95 model which can be easily identified by the square chainstays and the fancy cnc work behind the bottom bracket. The place to check for cracks on these is the headtube where the forks and handle bars are attached.

If you click on Archive & Gallery at the top of the page, then Manufacturers archive then look for Marin you will find catalogues from 1991 to 1997 where you find what year the I.F.T. is.

If you don't go too crazy on it you should be ok.

 

[Dave 9966]

Thanks for the advice. Can I just ask one more thing? Are spares for a bike of this age readily available?

Dave

 

[wookiee]

Thanks for the advice. Can I just ask one more thing? Are spares for a bike of this age readily available?

Dave

In a word...yes...and that is what this site and ebay are for!

 

[Exeter Man]

Thanks for the advice. Can I just ask one more thing? Are spares for a bike of this age readily available?

Dave

Yes, you should be fine. If or when you get hold of the bike, just ask here and you will get all the advice you will need.

Regards

EDIT: What he said ^^^^

 

[Dave 9966]

Appreciate the replies. I'll let you know if I buy it.

Thanks
Dave

 

[martinjs]

Hi Dave, i've only just recently joined the forum, i have a 95' IFT, the frame is the same as the one pictured above. You can tell what year it is from the frame number and code stamped under the bottom bracket.
You can de-code it here viewtopic.php?t=37430

I've had mine since 2000 when i bought it from my friend who bought it new.
I've hardly used it to be honest, until recently when my car expired. I intend to do a full resto on it as its not in such a good state at the moment so will create a new thread.

Regards
Martin