Marin 2001 Medavac

Advantages: Great bike, unbeatable value and an exellant warranty.
Disadvantages: Fork needs to be upgraded.

...Marin has once again succeeded in producing a top quality full suspension bike! This bike just keeps getting better, this year it is an unbelievable £900, and has a cheap hope upgrade option. Even though the nature of the bike is downhill, it has the ability to be ridden uphill thanks to the active traction control. When you pedal hard the bike does not bob at all, it is very smooth and has a plush 6.5" travel. The only thing which you can grumble at is the front fork which I really do strongly recommend upgrading to complement the rear shock. The bike is very durable (lifetime guarantee on swingarm bearings) and has an EXALLENT warranty. This bike really is built by the experts, Marin have offered an unbeatable package!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: excellent rear suspenion for light offroading
Disadvantages: poor build quality

...if your after a bike that will be used for some light offroading in the woods on down a track, you will be happy with this bike. Its long travel and adjustable rear suspension manages to take out the strain of those rocks and bumps with ease. The front also isnt far off the mark but could do with an upgrate for the extra ease on you arms and hands. As for the 24 gears and Marin lightness is also good for the hills but the rear suspensions will need to be adjusted to a harder setting for that hill climb tho else you will be knackered half way. I have been told that Marin's have bad build quality but i owned my shoreline for years and hand no problems there and i was rode most weekends across our local common. I did find though after my time of having this bike i did find the rear suspension a pain due to its softness and little... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Strong, light, looks nice
Disadvantages: Chain stays can cause chain suck and problems with quick release pins

...For those of you out looking for a new frame, i'd recommend purchasing a Marine Quake frame. I bought a marine Quake 9 a few months back and its certianly given me value for money, and is one of the most sturdy bikes i've had. The Marine Quake frame comes in three colour scheme those being a combination of grey yellow red and blue. The Quake 9 model has a yellow and grey paint job and looks rather plush. The frame comes in a range of sizes, but being a dirt jumping/Dual bike those sizes are generally small (my own model is a 13" frame). The tubing is triangular in shape, which from your science lessons will tell you adds to strength. Where the top and down tubes meet, extra triangular plates have been welded on to give the bike some strength (especially for those of you thinking of running tripple crown forks). The chain stays... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful