I bought Bobcat 5 and it is best decision ever, having no problem catching up with my friends that rode Enduro Full Sus It has been almost a year, so far my upgrades are: PNW Handlebar Rockshox Pike 140mm Tubeless Assegai + DHR Dropper No issue with the frame etc
You're spot on their Marc! The Team slipped my mind. It's definitely a sleeper in Marin's line up. I'd say the Team would be a great light weight option is people want something a bit more efficient and don't want something as slack as the san quentin
I'm trying to get my 13-year-old son excited about single tracks and trails overall. What bike would you recommend to get for him to get him excited into this hobby. What hotel offers through axles at the price of 1000 or less Thank you for all the reviews you make for us
Hey phil… just to let you know you are famous in Philippines … we can understand you but please try a bit slowly when you talk 😂😂 we’re tryin to hear all details..😂😂 ❤bikeONline❤
Hi Phil! Got the same bobcat trail 4 but in medium size, do you think it will still be fine for the frame geometry if i will be putting a 100mm travel fork on it and a -17 stem plus a backsweep handlebar. Planning to make it a xc bike.
I think it will be fine as an XC bike with the 120mm fork. The 100 would make the BB height a bit too low. A light fork and wheels would make the biggest difference in making it more efficient for XC. Plenty of XC bikes have 67 degree head angle now days :)
Aside from the trails...would you guys recommend the bike to take it in a occasional road trip? coasting...? I want to buy one for me son and he likes to do both activities...Thanks
There are a lot of great bikes out there, and we focus on having industry leading value for our riders. You can check out our lineup at BikesOnline.com!
Hey mate, my trail 4 just arrived today from you guys and I have a small problem. A little hard to explain but basically when I’m ridding and change gears the chain is sticking to the front sprocket underneath and rides up until it touches the chain on top and gets stuck on the frame. I can’t find any help online if you know why this is would be a big help thanks
Hey Jordan, sorry to hear you are having a problem, send us a message here with a video and we will see how we can help out support.bicyclesonline.com.au/support/home
Common problem, chains are covered in a thick sticky grease to prevent them to rust, all you have to do is to clean that chain out, and put some good lubrication. After that chain will stop sticking to chain ring.
Hey buddy, Just curious on sizes, I know I'm a little over the XL limit at 193cm. Does that make a difference? I do like the bike. But I don't mind getting the polygon xtrada 6 as a second choice
Depends on your trails :) I would pick the bobcat trail 4 over the san Quentin 1. You will notice the biggest increase in descending performance going up to the san Quentin 2.
Hello..quick question..I’m 5’8.. but I’m kind of a big guy..do you recommend getting an XL bike.. which I believe is for people who are 6’1-6’2..would it be to big for me to ride?i feel like a bigger bike for me would be great
If you are planning on doing the upgrades right away, 100% but for someone starting off, they will gradually upgrade, which I think this a great platform to do it on :)
Phil rides a size L at about 6ft tall. You can set it up tubeless by getting tubeless ready tires, putting tubeless tape on the rims, and adding tubeless valves and sealant.
@@bikesonline Wicked , sounds pricy .I got a large and I'm a bit shorter lol . I can ride it tho . It's the older model tho . I probably would of gotten medium , but they didn't have any and it only cost me 500 nzd on sale . Which is kind of a steal . Saw the same bike for 700 . And even at that price they were all sold out . It does feel massive riding it , but not in a bad way . Might give the seat the chop or just get a dropper post installed . But feels fine to ride , haven't taken it for a good ride yet tho . Kind of of scary how high off the ground it feels lol . Much easier to ride then my old medium bike , that bike felt like a kids bike . Quite hard to get the right size with me . Different makes and models I guess .i have to go into a bike store next time maybe , instead of just ordering online .
@@bikesonline Have to take it to a bike shop so they can adjust the chain guard , chains rubbing on the guard lol . Hopefully it doesn't cost much to sort , someone said it's a 15 minute fix .
I just bought sq3, I'm 164cm tall on my first trail ride I find out that I hunch down abit into the bike and my arms and around my hand is bit numb after awhile on the bike. Any tip to make the bike more comfier?. Thanks
Help me out with bobcat trail 4 or xtrada 5 ,. I want to go on all sort of terrains and i live in mountains so their are all types of terrains . I just want good quality frame and less maintenance
The San Quentin is a bit more aggressive, so if you are riding a fair bit of XC, the Bobcat trail will be a better option but you prefer a bit more descending performance on steeper/faster trails the San Quentin will be a better option
Is there a reason why bikesonline are advertising this bike as having a 180mm front disc brake rotor but delivering bobcat with only 160mm front rotor? Is this an indication how bikesonline do business or is it an honest mistake..... Perhaps people who have purchased from bikesonline should check over the actual spec provided....
I have the Marin BC5 with the Suntour xcr, 120mm with a 46mm offset. I'm looking to go to the Rockshox 35 Gold, 140mm with a 44mm offset (Im aware of the headtube differences). In anyone's opinion, would this be detrimental to the frame of my bike? And will the offset change hinder brake compatibility? Very beginner here...maybe a dumb question.
Just bought my trail 4 today. Bombing down hills tomorrow!
Stoked to hear!!!
First time buyer 5'11 rider , comparing specialized rockhopper,
Marin Palisades Trail2, and Marin Bobcat
Great choices! The Bobcat Trail would be our fav :)
Bought the same like yours. My first Marin in my life. Thanks for the
review.
Awesome review to know about budget friendly MTB
Thanks! There is definitely starting to be more great value budget options!
,,,,Yup just bought the BC3 for our son...Thank you...Hope the factory rewards you well : P
Hope you enjoy it!
I bought Bobcat 5 and it is best decision ever, having no problem catching up with my friends that rode Enduro Full Sus
It has been almost a year, so far my upgrades are:
PNW Handlebar
Rockshox Pike 140mm
Tubeless Assegai + DHR
Dropper
No issue with the frame etc
Stoked to hear you love it! Checked out some of your videos. The build looks great!
Sick build! The Pike is my dream Fork!
@@jurisx85 get one brooo.. older pike should be fine as the air spring can be upgraded
@@SafwanRahmanofficial Hi there!
Have you not experienced any geometry-related issues due to the 140 mm travel?
Thanks in advance!
@@yengsabio5315 no haven't notice any
Instead\additions to the SQ2\Xtrada comparision, I would have compared it to the Team Marin XC HT.
You're spot on their Marc! The Team slipped my mind. It's definitely a sleeper in Marin's line up. I'd say the Team would be a great light weight option is people want something a bit more efficient and don't want something as slack as the san quentin
Nice shirt bro 😎
Does bikes online ship 🚢 to New Zealand 🇳🇿
I'm definitely digging it! Unfortunately we don't ship to NZ at the moment.
Hi great review. I just purchased this model and was wondering which model chainstay protector you used? Marin series 3 or 4? Thanks
Yup...same question
I'm trying to get my 13-year-old son excited about single tracks and trails overall. What bike would you recommend to get for him to get him excited into this hobby. What hotel offers through axles at the price of 1000 or less Thank you for all the reviews you make for us
Maybe the Siskiu d24 would be a good candidate? If he’s taller and needs an adult bike, maybe a D6 SE! Thanks for checking in!
Im curious, what would be the difference between the 4 vs 3? I’m looking to purchase one of the two but they seem very similar
The main difference is that 1x drivetrain :)
@@bikesonline if that’s it, I’m saving $300 and getting the trail 3 😂
Explained in detail in this video
Looks good! How do you find the Tektro 275 brakes? Worked fine?
Hey Colin! I found them great for this kind of riding, especially with the decent tires
Is the back wheel you installed a 2.4 wide as well?
Yep :)
Hey phil… just to let you know you are famous in Philippines … we can understand you but please try a bit slowly when you talk 😂😂 we’re tryin to hear all details..😂😂
❤bikeONline❤
❤❤ The Philippines. I will do my best to talk a little slower ☺☺
could the stock tubes and rims be used for larger sized tires? mainly curious about 2.4 tires
Certainly!
Hello! I'm 175cm height and I'm deciding between L and M. Which one will be better? Than U for this review.
We would go the medium
Hi Phil! Got the same bobcat trail 4 but in medium size, do you think it will still be fine for the frame geometry if i will be putting a 100mm travel fork on it and a -17 stem plus a backsweep handlebar. Planning to make it a xc bike.
I think it will be fine as an XC bike with the 120mm fork. The 100 would make the BB height a bit too low. A light fork and wheels would make the biggest difference in making it more efficient for XC. Plenty of XC bikes have 67 degree head angle now days :)
which chain stay protector did you use for this? I just got the bobcat trail 5 and looking for a good one
We recommend mastic tape if you don't have a chainstay protector! It's great for that.
Aside from the trails...would you guys recommend the bike to take it in a occasional road trip? coasting...? I want to buy one for me son and he likes to do both activities...Thanks
Oh yeah the bike would be great for general cruising about as well! Definitely a strong choice for both occasions.
Thanks a lot for your answer!!!
What do you think of the Merida Big trail 400? It has a thru axle front and rear, more aggressive geometry and costs about the same.
There are a lot of great bikes out there, and we focus on having industry leading value for our riders. You can check out our lineup at BikesOnline.com!
@@bikesonline Thanks for the offer, but I already bought a used 2017 Conway WME MT 829. I really like this enduro hardtail.
But what the breakdown? What’s the final cost? Mine is around $ 1300
Cost of upgrades was around $800-900 but stuff like the forks could easily be put on a future bike too :)
Hey mate, my trail 4 just arrived today from you guys and I have a small problem. A little hard to explain but basically when I’m ridding and change gears the chain is sticking to the front sprocket underneath and rides up until it touches the chain on top and gets stuck on the frame. I can’t find any help online if you know why this is would be a big help thanks
Hey Jordan, sorry to hear you are having a problem, send us a message here with a video and we will see how we can help out support.bicyclesonline.com.au/support/home
NEVER BUY A BIKE ON LINE
Bought many and did the research first...No problems
Common problem, chains are covered in a thick sticky grease to prevent them to rust, all you have to do is to clean that chain out, and put some good lubrication. After that chain will stop sticking to chain ring.
Hey buddy,
Just curious on sizes, I know I'm a little over the XL limit at 193cm. Does that make a difference? I do like the bike. But I don't mind getting the polygon xtrada 6 as a second choice
The XL bobcat trail will be a bit more roomy compared to the Xtrada
@@bikesonline so I won't be to small for me being 193cm tall?
hey mate, those Cs protector, is series 3 or 4 ? thanks
Series 3 and I trimmed a little to make it fit perfectly because its designed for the rift zone range :)
@@bikesonline thanks mate, will purchase online
How does this compare with the Voodoo Bizango? Really like the voodoo specs and geo.
Bobcat Trail 4 , St Quentin 1 or Rocky Mountain Soul 20? 🤯
Depends on your trails :) I would pick the bobcat trail 4 over the san Quentin 1. You will notice the biggest increase in descending performance going up to the san Quentin 2.
Hello..quick question..I’m 5’8.. but I’m kind of a big guy..do you recommend getting an XL bike.. which I believe is for people who are 6’1-6’2..would it be to big for me to ride?i feel like a bigger bike for me would be great
We would definitely recommend still going the size for your height
Hi, its been 2 year plus after u got this bike. Is it still good?
These bikes are fantastic! Still quite relevant, indeed!
Hello. My height is 175 cm, which size should I choose? M or L? and what wheel size would be better? 27.5 or 29 for my height? Thank you!
If you’re between sizes, we highly recommend using our sizing calculator on the website. It’s geared to help you with whatever bike you’re looking at.
Hey mate wouldn’t you have just been better off just getting the San Quentin 2 …save doing all the upgrades ?
If you are planning on doing the upgrades right away, 100% but for someone starting off, they will gradually upgrade, which I think this a great platform to do it on :)
Could you give me a couple recommendations for hardtails for a beginner?
The Bobcat Trail or Polygon Xtrada would be our picks :)
How tall are you and what size bike is it . How did you make it tubeless , according to google it's not tubeless ready lol .
Phil rides a size L at about 6ft tall. You can set it up tubeless by getting tubeless ready tires, putting tubeless tape on the rims, and adding tubeless valves and sealant.
@@bikesonline Wicked , sounds pricy .I got a large and I'm a bit shorter lol . I can ride it tho . It's the older model tho . I probably would of gotten medium , but they didn't have any and it only cost me 500 nzd on sale . Which is kind of a steal . Saw the same bike for 700 . And even at that price they were all sold out . It does feel massive riding it , but not in a bad way . Might give the seat the chop or just get a dropper post installed . But feels fine to ride , haven't taken it for a good ride yet tho . Kind of of scary how high off the ground it feels lol . Much easier to ride then my old medium bike , that bike felt like a kids bike . Quite hard to get the right size with me . Different makes and models I guess .i have to go into a bike store next time maybe , instead of just ordering online .
@@bikesonline Have to take it to a bike shop so they can adjust the chain guard , chains rubbing on the guard lol . Hopefully it doesn't cost much to sort , someone said it's a 15 minute fix .
do I have to change out the rims to put new tires on?
No you do not :)
Are those 2.4 Tyres on the stock 25mm rims? Looking to upgrade my Bobcat Trail 4.
Yep :)
Would you happen to know if the stock WTB tires are tubeless compatible?
They will most likely be wire bead meaning they are not tubeless compatible.
I just bought sq3, I'm 164cm tall on my first trail ride I find out that I hunch down abit into the bike and my arms and around my hand is bit numb after awhile on the bike.
Any tip to make the bike more comfier?.
Thanks
What size bike did you get?
Help me out with bobcat trail 4 or xtrada 5 ,. I want to go on all sort of terrains and i live in mountains so their are all types of terrains . I just want good quality frame and less maintenance
Bobcat Trail 4 would be our pick :)
How would you compare this to the san quentin?
Also, how would you compare the wildcat trail 5 to the bobcat trail 4? Deciding which to go with?
The San Quentin is a bit more aggressive, so if you are riding a fair bit of XC, the Bobcat trail will be a better option but you prefer a bit more descending performance on steeper/faster trails the San Quentin will be a better option
I got it shipped and built it myself and the chain and wheel keeps coming loose
Uh oh! Make sure that your axle is installed properly.
Is there a reason why bikesonline are advertising this bike as having a 180mm front disc brake rotor but delivering bobcat with only 160mm front rotor? Is this an indication how bikesonline do business or is it an honest mistake..... Perhaps people who have purchased from bikesonline should check over the actual spec provided....
Hi Patrick, we are sorry about that. We will get that changed, it looks like the Marin specs say 180 too so we will contact them as well
I have the Marin BC5 with the Suntour xcr, 120mm with a 46mm offset. I'm looking to go to the Rockshox 35 Gold, 140mm with a 44mm offset (Im aware of the headtube differences). In anyone's opinion, would this be detrimental to the frame of my bike? And will the offset change hinder brake compatibility? Very beginner here...maybe a dumb question.
We would recommend going no more than 130, as adding the lower headset cup will also slacken the head angle a little too
Bobcat 4 is a 2 by here in Croatia :o
That's interesting!
Hey if this a upgrade over the trek Marlin 7 gen 2
Depends on what your goals are! They're pretty similar bikes.
is this bike upgraded already?or everything is stock?
This one is customized.
Hey im thinking of doing the same with mine is there any worry with void warranty on frame with the fork upgrade.
As long as the travel remains the same and the correct headset is used, this should not be a problem
@@bikesonline thanks very much :)
how many inches is the frame of the bicycle presented in the video?
I believe Phil rides large frames!
@@bikesonline how mamy?
@@adriankowalik-345it’s a large frame
@@martimcfly6207 no its small, its only 19"
What about trail 5 can i jumping on this bike and is it good fir 13yers old boy
It can get you started! As your riding progresses, you may want something more.
Hii....will zs44/28.6 headset adaptor fit on this Bobcat trail 4 headtube...need to fix tapered air fork
The Lower cup needs to be an EC to accommodated the tapered fork
@@bikesonline any specific number ??
Anyone happen to know the length of the crank arms? I bent one.. I know they r the square type
This would be a good question to send to our warranty department!
I guess a 2 second improvement in time is worth over a $1200 for upgrades.
That's for you to decide!
😎
120mm o 1300mm fork?
Both are great options :)
can i jumping on this bike
It can definitely address beginner possibly intermediate jump lines. We wouldn't necessarily say it's ready to smash A-line at whistler!
What about trail 5
I'll stick with my Kona Mahuna.
Fair enough!
Hows this conpared to the extrada 6?
I'd say the Xtrada is a little more XC but very close
@@bikesonline is the one shown a 27.5 or 29? I don't know which tire size to order
just bought trail 4. than you