Enthusiasts might tell you this is only the best downhill MTB. I don't care which way you're going, you simply have to ride this bike to appreciate how fast and slick it is. Its hard getting a dealer demo because of the cost but more about that later.
Features: 6061 Series Aluminum twin Monocoque front, light-weight Monocoque swingarm with integral disc brake mounts and cable stops; Answer Mars Super, 80mm of Travel with Lockout; excellent Fox Float RL, with Rebound Adjuster and Lockout rear air shock; Shimano XTR throughout; Mavix X517.
I chose downhill bars which I find more comfortable. Most dealers give you these for a free swap. disk brakes are extra but possible.
You don't have to be fit to be the fastest thing on the road and off-road it knocks about 5 to 10 years off your age. A great bike.
The XTR gearchange is amazing. The only one like it.
Essentially this is a racers bike so it is expensive to buy and maintain.
This brings me to the downside: cost. If you want to buy new then a "Mount Vision" is almost as light and much cheaper (by 50%) for parts and maintenance (at a Marin dealer).
A GOOD way to buy this bike new is to bring it back with you from America or a Euro nation (before the UK go Euro). Ireland is very cheap.
Another good way is to buy second hand. These bikes can take hard abuse for at least 3-4 years. Even then, an average bike ride wouldn't notice that anything was wrong. Top second hand examples, maybe 3 years old, can be had for £600-800 which is a must buy and better than any new bike 2 or 3 times the price. Battered examples might cost £300-400 but are worth nothing (like a old Mercedes the replacement parts/maintenance outweigh the initial cost issue). For about £200 including labour all the wearable parts (gearset, levers, wheels, bearings) can be replaced using Mount Vision standard items (XT not XTR). The frame seems virtually indestructable unless professionally raced (and accident damaged) perhaps.
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Price
2750 (new) 300-800 (2nd user)
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