Excellent. I was looking at buying a couple of these for my twin boys who need new bikes. They currently have Norco Fuel 24" bikes but are too small. Wanted something similar in style and price, but obviously moving up to an adult size frame. Height puts them at size small. This bike looks perfect for the price.
Yeah it’s pretty solid. An air fork would really help. Depends on how hard they ride I guess. Stay tuned for my ride and review video. Should be out in a couple days.
Marin has come out with a lot of great bikes the last couple of years, seems like they are finally moving in the right direction again. This one specifically looks like a decent-ish option for beginners, although I'm not stoked on the flimsy quick release rear axle. That kind of thing really shouldn't exist on a mountainbike in the year 2021. There's many options out there for around the same price point that come with a rear through axle in the modern 148 boost spacing standard.
Yeah I’m a little torn on it. I mean boost is good but a beginner will never know the difference. I don’t notice it either riding. Plus there have been plenty of people riding QR axles way harder than I’ll ever ride any bike.
@@downtoridemtb You’re right. Maybe I’m just being an elitist here. A beginner would most likely never notice the difference. It’s probably fine for XC and light trail riding.
Man I would have gone for this Bobcat Trail 4 or their most expensive Bobcat model, but I went to a different route instead want a bike capable of trail plus being able to adventure. So the Marin Pine Mountain bike was my answer so I will be expecting it by late October so I can fully ride it to see how a steel hardtail rides.
The pine mountain looks awesome. I’d love to try one and see how steel compares. One recommendation is to swap out that rear tire. My Rift Zone came with the same tires and they are grippy but so slow rolling. Drop a comment once you get it and let me know what your think. Cheers!
@@downtoridemtb I had plans on making them tubeless thinking Maxxis or Schwalbe tire, gotten Stans 33mm, and Muc off tubeless valves sealant same brand.
@@downtoridemtb Yeah unfortunately it got delayed until Mid-November so I went with the San Quentin 2 Large to honest I do not what is this bike built for.
Thanks! I’m 6ft and this bike was a Large. The fit of the frame was great for me although some bars with more rise and back sweep would have made it more comfortable.
Nice review and congrats on getting the bike sent to you. Now the bike.... This is a Marin branded Walmart bike at the end of the day. Not picking on Marin but maybe this is a microcosm of the bike industry. Staight steerer tube, not tubeless ready, no boost specs, no name crank, cheap grips, and a pogo stick for a fork (couldn't resist since you have one hanging on the wall). And charge $900 for a bike that two years ago could be had for $500-$600. A Trek Marlin 5 would be comparable and is under $600. Take a look at a 2019 Vitus Rapide to better see the movement in the industry. I got that for $845 delivered and spec for spec there is no comparison. And maybe thier hands are tied due to supply chain issues, and again not picking on Marin, but for $900 you are getting a bike that needs a $250 fork upgrade (Recon) before it can even be taken off the pavement. If you have a bike that can last another year or so, I'd hold off. Or look at the Trek Marlin line or other brands before shelling out $900 on this.
Thanks! I have to agree and disagree… Walmart bikes come with bad drivetrains. Even their 1x drivetrains don’t have the range of this and the clutches, if they are there, are weak. They almost never have a cassette either making a drivetrain update more difficult and costly. But they are moving to tapered headtubes on a lot of them. Good catch on the pogo stick though, it wasn’t coincidence! The Marlin is a bad example because it has outdated geo. 69.5 degree head angle was old school when I started riding 5 years ago. All that said, yes you can find better spec on direct to consumer brands, which Vitus pretty much is. I had a Nucleus and it has a lot of bang for the buck. But their prices are rising too. The cheapest Rapide is now $1100 before shipping from the UK. This price segment is becoming tougher and tougher to get something decent. You might find another bike out there with a tapered head tube or an XCR fork, but then you’re going to get a worse drivetrain or something else of lesser quality. I guess it’s just all about what parts and specs you value over others.
To be honest I don’t notice much difference in tire widths but I’ve never had a chance to test the same exact tire in different widths. Regardless, I think a 2.4 would fit just fine.
My bad, thought I responded to this. I’m not sure to be honest. Yes the parts are better but I’d rather put additional money into a dropper post and air fork. Someone not looking to upgrade, then maybe a different bike that has those things stock. More money up front though
Hey can we change the bottom bracket to hollwtech? And what is best suspension u would recommend for this tappered tube? And how would u compare it to polygon extrada 5
Yes you can change the bottom bracket like any other bike. Need some specialty tools though. For the fork, if you want a straight steerer tube qr fork so you can use your same front wheel, then a Rockshox Judy or a Manitou Markhor are about the best you can do. I can’t really say about the Polygon because I’ve never ridden one.
@@downtoridemtb just a quick question for you the Bobcat has gone a clutch system dose that need to be switched off when i am taken the back wheel off because i have never used one b4 thanks 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
question i just bought wildcat 3 marin bike already thinking of tossing the 2x8 for a one buy the price i got the marin wildcat 3 2022 was dirt cheap reason i bought it under 500 to my door . i'm on the fence between microshift accent group set without replacing bottom bracket then replace the crank with sun race crank its only a 8 speed or am i better to just use . shimano deore 5100 11 speed or 5200 12 speed group set new bb replace derailer shifter . i'm spoiled with 1 x 7 batch lifestyle bike i ran the poor bike nearly 3k miles last yr with little issues, i won't trash batch bike handled fine bb was only issue bikes were hard to come buy that bike took a lot abuse but the 1x7 was awesome never a chain drop anyhow . i'm a train trail rider no bike races i do ride in snow and rain will not phase me either. i'm 53 i'm riding for exercise but when i ride its normally a 20 to 40 miles each day unless I get lost you can tack on 62 miles lol i'm just a one that leisurely rides at my pace not some puppy impressing the gf .
The Microshift Advent X is good. It is what I have on my Rift Zone. I suggest using an 11 speed chain with it, less noisy. Deore 11 speed is enticing too with the 51t cassette but I’ve never ridden one personally. Deore 12 speed is probably not compatible because the cassette is made for a Microspline hub body. Since you’re having to replace the crank anyway then I’d go ahead as do the bottom bracket too. Good luck!
@@downtoridemtb thank you for the reply i'm one to try things that are new to me i have never used microshift products before . i may shoot for the advent H i believe its called lighter version of the advent its a 1x10 i or stick with good Shimano 5100 the crank and bb there going no matter which company i choose i'll end up with a bike still under marin 4 price or close to it . ya i been using my snow days here to drool over bike upgrades seems we get 15 inchs of snow every three weeks now lol stay safe thanx for the advice
@@melainkinney7213 yeah advent x does have a lighter cassette option. But either tour you go will be good. Enjoy the snow. All we have been getting lately is rain and a lot of freeze/thaw conditions that keep the trails closed
That’s a tough one. The talon has a better fork. But the Bobcat frame geo and stand over is better. The drivetrain is better on the talon being shimano deore but it only has an 11-42 range which is odd.
I have the Advent on my bike and I love it. For the price, it is amazing stuff. Very durable and easy to set up.
Agreed, this one has been solid so far and same for my Advent X!
Nice to visit you , have a nice day and have a lot of fun .
Thanks
The head tube will take a EC44 lower head set cup, allowing to put a fork with tapered steerer in. Nice review 👍
Thanks. I may actually do that so I can run the Rockshox Recon that came off of my Rift Zone.
Excellent. I was looking at buying a couple of these for my twin boys who need new bikes. They currently have Norco Fuel 24" bikes but are too small. Wanted something similar in style and price, but obviously moving up to an adult size frame. Height puts them at size small. This bike looks perfect for the price.
Yeah it’s pretty solid. An air fork would really help. Depends on how hard they ride I guess. Stay tuned for my ride and review video. Should be out in a couple days.
Marin has come out with a lot of great bikes the last couple of years, seems like they are finally moving in the right direction again.
This one specifically looks like a decent-ish option for beginners, although I'm not stoked on the flimsy quick release rear axle. That kind of thing really shouldn't exist on a mountainbike in the year 2021. There's many options out there for around the same price point that come with a rear through axle in the modern 148 boost spacing standard.
Yeah I’m a little torn on it. I mean boost is good but a beginner will never know the difference. I don’t notice it either riding. Plus there have been plenty of people riding QR axles way harder than I’ll ever ride any bike.
@@downtoridemtb You’re right. Maybe I’m just being an elitist here. A beginner would most likely never notice the difference. It’s probably fine for XC and light trail riding.
Right on. I hear you though, would be nice to have as it would kind of future-proof the bike.
Very few guys have the balls to listen to ipod music while recording lol
Well done
Hahaha! I was actually looking at getting a proper mic but now I don’t even want to!
Nice review. Glad it is a one by now. Going on the short list for my cross country
Thanks. Yeah the 1x makes such a difference.
Best video intro ever - lol - nice vid - sounds like a decent build for the price
Ha thanks. Yeah it really pretty good out of the box and has the potential to be really good.
apparently that straight head tube can also accommodate a tapered tube fork.
It can with new lower headset… and it did in one of my subsequent videos
well done getting a manufacturer to send you out a bike hopefully they will send you out the san quentin to review
Yeah it was a while in the making. I’m kinda hoping they can send me a Pine Mountain next. Gotta see what all the fuss is about steel.
@@downtoridemtb steel is nice i have a gen 5 cotic soul, most of cotics line up use reynolds 853 steel tubing
@@stuartarmstrong4650 nice! I had never heard of them but they look awesome.
Man I would have gone for this Bobcat Trail 4 or their most expensive Bobcat model, but I went to a different route instead want a bike capable of trail plus being able to adventure. So the Marin Pine Mountain bike was my answer so I will be expecting it by late October so I can fully ride it to see how a steel hardtail rides.
The pine mountain looks awesome. I’d love to try one and see how steel compares. One recommendation is to swap out that rear tire. My Rift Zone came with the same tires and they are grippy but so slow rolling. Drop a comment once you get it and let me know what your think. Cheers!
@@downtoridemtb I had plans on making them tubeless thinking Maxxis or Schwalbe tire, gotten Stans 33mm, and Muc off tubeless valves sealant same brand.
You’re good to go then!
@@downtoridemtb Yeah unfortunately it got delayed until Mid-November so I went with the San Quentin 2 Large to honest I do not what is this bike built for.
Really nice bike 💯💯 sir 👍
Thanks!!!
Hello, i like your videos. I have a question about your height and which frame size your reviewing. KEEP ON ☺️
Thanks! I’m 6ft and this bike was a Large. The fit of the frame was great for me although some bars with more rise and back sweep would have made it more comfortable.
Hi man! can you please make a video about how to use chain checker ? even a shorts video
Perfection of an overview by the way!
Thanks! I’ve never used a chain checker. I have used a ruler though which is pretty effective.
@@downtoridemtbAnd did you already replace the chain?
I have not yet replaced the chain. I should check it again though because it has been a while since I checked.
Nice review and congrats on getting the bike sent to you. Now the bike....
This is a Marin branded Walmart bike at the end of the day. Not picking on Marin but maybe this is a microcosm of the bike industry. Staight steerer tube, not tubeless ready, no boost specs, no name crank, cheap grips, and a pogo stick for a fork (couldn't resist since you have one hanging on the wall). And charge $900 for a bike that two years ago could be had for $500-$600. A Trek Marlin 5 would be comparable and is under $600. Take a look at a 2019 Vitus Rapide to better see the movement in the industry. I got that for $845 delivered and spec for spec there is no comparison. And maybe thier hands are tied due to supply chain issues, and again not picking on Marin, but for $900 you are getting a bike that needs a $250 fork upgrade (Recon) before it can even be taken off the pavement. If you have a bike that can last another year or so, I'd hold off. Or look at the Trek Marlin line or other brands before shelling out $900 on this.
Thanks! I have to agree and disagree… Walmart bikes come with bad drivetrains. Even their 1x drivetrains don’t have the range of this and the clutches, if they are there, are weak. They almost never have a cassette either making a drivetrain update more difficult and costly. But they are moving to tapered headtubes on a lot of them. Good catch on the pogo stick though, it wasn’t coincidence! The Marlin is a bad example because it has outdated geo. 69.5 degree head angle was old school when I started riding 5 years ago. All that said, yes you can find better spec on direct to consumer brands, which Vitus pretty much is. I had a Nucleus and it has a lot of bang for the buck. But their prices are rising too. The cheapest Rapide is now $1100 before shipping from the UK. This price segment is becoming tougher and tougher to get something decent. You might find another bike out there with a tapered head tube or an XCR fork, but then you’re going to get a worse drivetrain or something else of lesser quality. I guess it’s just all about what parts and specs you value over others.
I plan to get this bike. How would i know which size tires to get? 29 or 27.5?
What is the widest we can run on these stock rims?.. I know you have the stock rear wheel was wondering how that 2.4 felt/fit
To be honest I don’t notice much difference in tire widths but I’ve never had a chance to test the same exact tire in different widths. Regardless, I think a 2.4 would fit just fine.
If im not one to upgrade parts would the bobcat 5 be a significant upgrade worth it?
My bad, thought I responded to this. I’m not sure to be honest. Yes the parts are better but I’d rather put additional money into a dropper post and air fork. Someone not looking to upgrade, then maybe a different bike that has those things stock. More money up front though
Wow My bike future
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! Cheers!
I just bought one of these new for $599, figured I could upgrade the fork later.
Did I make a good buy? 😅
Amazingly good buy!
@@downtoridemtb Woohoo!
Hey can we change the bottom bracket to hollwtech? And what is best suspension u would recommend for this tappered tube? And how would u compare it to polygon extrada 5
Yes you can change the bottom bracket like any other bike. Need some specialty tools though. For the fork, if you want a straight steerer tube qr fork so you can use your same front wheel, then a Rockshox Judy or a Manitou Markhor are about the best you can do. I can’t really say about the Polygon because I’ve never ridden one.
@@downtoridemtb is 1×9 sufficient to upclimb from 30° to 45 ° or should i buy bobcat 3 and update that to 11by1
is Marin basically Polygon's "name brand" now?
It certainly seems that way but as far as I can tell they both have different investment firms/ownership.
Finally you will be riding something not red and black haha
Haha yessss!
i have just ordered one 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Nice, enjoy!!!
@@downtoridemtb 👍
@@downtoridemtb just a quick question for you the Bobcat has gone a clutch system dose that need to be switched off when i am taken the back wheel off because i have never used one b4 thanks 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
@@kmag7122 you might be able to without switching it off but it’s easy to hit the switch and makes it way easier
@@downtoridemtb thanks for the fast reply all the best from Liverpool England 😊👍😊
question i just bought wildcat 3 marin bike already thinking of tossing the 2x8 for a one buy the price i got the marin wildcat 3 2022 was dirt cheap reason i bought it under 500 to my door . i'm on the fence between microshift accent group set without replacing bottom bracket then replace the crank with sun race crank its only a 8 speed or am i better to just use . shimano deore 5100 11 speed or 5200 12 speed group set new bb replace derailer shifter . i'm spoiled with 1 x 7 batch lifestyle bike i ran the poor bike nearly 3k miles last yr with little issues, i won't trash batch bike handled fine bb was only issue bikes were hard to come buy that bike took a lot abuse but the 1x7 was awesome never a chain drop anyhow . i'm a train trail rider no bike races i do ride in snow and rain will not phase me either. i'm 53 i'm riding for exercise but when i ride its normally a 20 to 40 miles each day unless I get lost you can tack on 62 miles lol i'm just a one that leisurely rides at my pace not some puppy impressing the gf .
The Microshift Advent X is good. It is what I have on my Rift Zone. I suggest using an 11 speed chain with it, less noisy. Deore 11 speed is enticing too with the 51t cassette but I’ve never ridden one personally. Deore 12 speed is probably not compatible because the cassette is made for a Microspline hub body. Since you’re having to replace the crank anyway then I’d go ahead as do the bottom bracket too. Good luck!
@@downtoridemtb thank you for the reply i'm one to try things that are new to me i have never used microshift products before . i may shoot for the advent H i believe its called lighter version of the advent its a 1x10 i or stick with good Shimano 5100 the crank and bb there going no matter which company i choose i'll end up with a bike still under marin 4 price or close to it . ya i been using my snow days here to drool over bike upgrades seems we get 15 inchs of snow every three weeks now lol stay safe thanx for the advice
@@melainkinney7213 yeah advent x does have a lighter cassette option. But either tour you go will be good. Enjoy the snow. All we have been getting lately is rain and a lot of freeze/thaw conditions that keep the trails closed
press fit? or threaded bottom bracket...?
I actually don’t know. Hopefully some other viewers can chime in.
What's the weight of this bike..... Boss
th-cam.com/users/shorts-63BhtEbujs?feature=share
hi, I am a newbie and want to ask what is the max size of tyres (maxxis) can fit to marin bobcat trail 4 27.5 S...??(sorry for my poor English)...
With the stock 25mm width rims, 2.4” tires are probably the most you’d want to put on.
@@downtoridemtb thank you for the reply... Blessed New Year...
Blessed new year to you too!
What is the weight for this bike bro?
th-cam.com/users/shorts-63BhtEbujs?feature=share
this or talon 1?
That’s a tough one. The talon has a better fork. But the Bobcat frame geo and stand over is better. The drivetrain is better on the talon being shimano deore but it only has an 11-42 range which is odd.
Are the wheels and tires tubeless ready?
With some tape they should work tubeless just fine
@@downtoridemtb Thank you for the info. Ordering the tape💪
Glad to help. Don’t forget the valves!
@@downtoridemtb haha true. The bike is arriving this Friday.
Awesome! 1 day away!
Gross color. Tan . zzzzz
Brakes are not good and Advent has weird noise.... I only drove 500 km....