Happy to say this was my beginner's bike. Went for a recon fork with a straight stirrer, switched the vee tires it came with back then, to descent xc ones and it worked like a charm. Got most of what I spent back when I sold it for my first full suspension. The buyer took a 50 yard ride and skipped the haggle. Nice!
Gotta wait until it sells in Poland :/ I have an cheap bike and I wanna upgrade to the marin and If I get it after an while i would change the fork but I don't what fork, any ideas?
That really all depends on your budget. Rockshox Recon is a good option or SR Suntour Epixon. Those are probably the best ones you’ll find with a straight steerer tube. More expensive forks will have a tapered steerer tube and you’ll have to get an EC44 lower headset to make those fit.
@@k4cperz_333 I really can’t say because I’ve never ridden both of them back to back to really try to determine which is better. I’m pretty sure the Epixon is lighter. However at least here in the US, Rockshox is much more prevalent so it is easier to get replacement parts or have a bike shop do service on it.
@@Filarel mój tata miał bobcatbtrail 4 ale z roku 2018 to tata mi go dał bo nie jeździł więc nie kupuje tego nowego ,ale napewno jest wart swej ceny jak model 2018 już jest fajny
I only had it for a few months and then had to ship it back to Marin. It was just a media sample. I have no reason to believe that this or any other aluminum frame would have any longevity problems though.
Friend, what size frame is it and what tread are the tires? I am very interested in knowing since the price changes somewhat in Size M and L. The price also changes in tire tread 29 to 27.5, I am almost 6 feet tall and I don't know what frame. take size M 27.5 or L in 29
Oh that’s tough, your right between sizes. Smaller bike will probably feel more playful. Larger will probably feel more like a monster truck. See about your inseam and how that may guide you.
@@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN ok so medium frame you can choose. I’d go 29er. Better rollover abilities. The difference isn’t as noticeable as people would lead you to believe though.
Everything in this video, plus better pedals, shorter stem, and bars with more rise. Raceface Chester are good affordable pedals. I’d go with PNW for the bars, stem and dropper. Rockshox recon or manitou markhor for the fork. I’d stay away from the cheap air forks on Amazon. Potentially dangerous.
Could you clarify what exactly agriculture shifting is?!?! Is this when you you rig a tiller to the back of your bike and the use the shift lever to start seeding crops?!?! 😜
Yep it’s a “farm use only” bike! In my head at least, it means that it is kind of clunky and noisy but still gets the job done. Like shifting a tractor versus shifting a silky smooth luxury car.
Yeah it’s crazy, Americans like to get down about not having the best this or that but really just being born here is like winning the lottery. It’s easy to forget how lucky we are.
does a tapered head tube really matter in a bike sir? does it really affect your riding experience? is it really advantageous over this non-tapered headtube bike? I'm just curious since I'm planning to buy a Marin Bobcat Trail bike... Thank you and Godbless 🙏
Has no effect on the ride, but it does open up your possibilities for fork upgrades. Let’s say one day you want to put a Fox 34 of there (for example). You can only get higher end forks like that with tapered steerer tubes. Check out the rest of my videos in this series though because you can retrofit with a certain headset.
Let’s just assume I know absolutely nothing about mountain bikes but I am interested in purchasing my first one -asking for a friend. How does this bike compare to a Trek Marlin 7?
Sure we can help out your “friend”! The thing I’ve never liked about the Trek Marlin is the steep head tube angle. This put the front wheel more under you and shortens the wheelbase which results in a less stable ride on downhills or anything technical. Basically the fun stuff. It probably is a little better on climbs but to keep that doesn’t matter.
Nice choice. The wheels are not tubeless ready and the tires are not tubeless compatible either. Easy enough to tape the wheels and put in valves but new tires will be needed.
I really like this bike. I'm 191 cm, should I get L or XL? I can't decide! It would be my first serious bike. Before I had some trash bikes only, that are too small now.
@@downtoridemtb Hi! I've got one more question. In future, I would like to upgrade fork as well as you did. But my question is, can I put fork with more travel? For example, instead of 120mm as was in default, 140mm? It will affect a little bit to geometry, but I do not have enough knowledge if it's fine.
The general rule of thumb is no more than 20mm increase from stock. I think Marin is ok with a 10mm increase in terms of warranty. The biggest thing is the effect on the geo and making sure your stand over is ok with a higher top tube. You want to be able to step off on trail and put your feet down without hitting your jewels or falling over.
Yeah I’m on the fence about it being worth the extra money. The drivetrain and bottom bracket and crank are better. The fork is marginally better but still a coil spring fork. So for it to be really good you’ll be replacing the fork on either of them.
Hey Jorge, here are the $1129 (US) Bobcat Trail 5's key upgrades from the $919 Bobcat Trail 4: * Shimano Deore 1x 11-speed drivetrain * Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes * SR Suntour XCR32 Coil LOR DR fork w/ thru-axle
Telktro brakes perform just fine and the shimano That come on the bct 5 are very budget. You will have to replace the fork anyway and Idon’t really see the benefit for a better drivetrain than the Advent9, so it’s just $ 300 more for the drivetrain. Better save those up, get the bct 4 and get a dropper and better tyres. You will not regret it.
Good review but the bike was taken out of it's intended comfort zone at the beginning so all the shortcomings of a bike in this range will be apparent. Not sure it's really relevant to take the bike on trails like that for a review because it could discourage a buyer from purchasing a really good bike. When ridden on the appropriate trails I'm sure this bike will exceed all expectations.
While I agree that any hardtail in this price range would be as harsh and unforgiving, I don’t necessarily think it was too far out of its comfort zone. But point taken, it would be much more at home on flowier trails.
@@downtoridemtb and yet they’re marketed for different tasks. The Team Marin is supposed to be a very cross country specific machine, and the bobcats XC/Trail. I don’t get it. Maybe is only the weight. Anyway, I use mine as an enduro rig almost exclusively. XD
@@junboo8730 yes. With new tires and some tape the sky is the limit! Well I guess the frame will run a 2.5 in the rear but there might be some rubbing. I use a 2.4 rear and a 2.5 front.
Happy to say this was my beginner's bike. Went for a recon fork with a straight stirrer, switched the vee tires it came with back then, to descent xc ones and it worked like a charm. Got most of what I spent back when I sold it for my first full suspension. The buyer took a 50 yard ride and skipped the haggle. Nice!
Nice. Smart upgrades you made. I have a very similar one coming up…
Awesome review, 3 months back I took the Trail 3, it is also performing very well.🙌
Thanks. Glad you’re enjoying yours! Cheers!
@@downtoridemtb please do a ride review of vitus nucleus 27 vr
@Aazad V I did this one a while ago but it’s not a stock, off the shelf Nucleus:
th-cam.com/video/rGvtiZok1mg/w-d-xo.html
@@downtoridemtb but that 2 years before
Awesome 💯💯, this MTB is good for a student , it's really really nice
I agree!
San Quentin 1 at my local shop is always sold out, should I wait for SQ1 to be back available or just go for Bobcat Trail 4?
That really depends on the type of riding you do. The SQ is much more suited for downhill riding. Good luck with your choice!
@@downtoridemtb Thanks mate
Gotta wait until it sells in Poland :/ I have an cheap bike and I wanna upgrade to the marin and If I get it after an while i would change the fork but I don't what fork, any ideas?
That really all depends on your budget. Rockshox Recon is a good option or SR Suntour Epixon. Those are probably the best ones you’ll find with a straight steerer tube. More expensive forks will have a tapered steerer tube and you’ll have to get an EC44 lower headset to make those fit.
@@downtoridemtb i really like the look of both of them the price on them are very similur, which one would u rather?
@@k4cperz_333 I really can’t say because I’ve never ridden both of them back to back to really try to determine which is better. I’m pretty sure the Epixon is lighter. However at least here in the US, Rockshox is much more prevalent so it is easier to get replacement parts or have a bike shop do service on it.
Hej I jak, kupiłeś ten rower? Ja właśnie planuje go kupić, w Polsce można już go łatwo dostać :P
@@Filarel mój tata miał bobcatbtrail 4 ale z roku 2018 to tata mi go dał bo nie jeździł więc nie kupuje tego nowego ,ale napewno jest wart swej ceny jak model 2018 już jest fajny
Is this frame still in good shape after a few years u owned it? Thanks.
I only had it for a few months and then had to ship it back to Marin. It was just a media sample. I have no reason to believe that this or any other aluminum frame would have any longevity problems though.
Friend, what size frame is it and what tread are the tires? I am very interested in knowing since the price changes somewhat in Size M and L. The price also changes in tire tread 29 to 27.5, I am almost 6 feet tall and I don't know what frame. take size M 27.5 or L in 29
I’d go large 29 if you’re close to 6ft tall
Hi! Im going to buy one and Im deciding between l and m size. 175 cm here, which one should I choose. Thanks for this review.
Oh that’s tough, your right between sizes. Smaller bike will probably feel more playful. Larger will probably feel more like a monster truck. See about your inseam and how that may guide you.
Can I ask marin bobcat trail 4 or trek marlin 7 or specialized rozkhopper comp?
I’m going for the Bobcat Trail or maybe the rockhopper. Not a fan of the geo on the trek
Most comprehensive review of this bike I’ve seen yet, thank you!
Glad to spread the knowledge! I love getting into all the details.
How do i know to order 27.5 or 29?
I thought you just got the wheel size that corresponds to the frame size that fits you
@@downtoridemtb that's what I thought.. but apparently it isn't like thst
@@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN ok so medium frame you can choose. I’d go 29er. Better rollover abilities. The difference isn’t as noticeable as people would lead you to believe though.
When upgrading this bike, what parts would you change, and what brand? Thanks!
Everything in this video, plus better pedals, shorter stem, and bars with more rise. Raceface Chester are good affordable pedals. I’d go with PNW for the bars, stem and dropper. Rockshox recon or manitou markhor for the fork. I’d stay away from the cheap air forks on Amazon. Potentially dangerous.
Could you clarify what exactly agriculture shifting is?!?! Is this when you you rig a tiller to the back of your bike and the use the shift lever to start seeding crops?!?! 😜
Yep it’s a “farm use only” bike! In my head at least, it means that it is kind of clunky and noisy but still gets the job done. Like shifting a tractor versus shifting a silky smooth luxury car.
wonderful vid💯💯
do you have a site you recommending to buy a chain from?
Thanks! Yeah check the about tab on my page for some links. Not sure about non-US delivery though.
@@downtoridemtbdo you have worldwide delivery site?
@@omeriluz9800 I unfortunately do not
@@downtoridemtb I wish was born in the US just for these reason.
Yeah it’s crazy, Americans like to get down about not having the best this or that but really just being born here is like winning the lottery. It’s easy to forget how lucky we are.
does a tapered head tube really matter in a bike sir? does it really affect your riding experience? is it really advantageous over this non-tapered headtube bike?
I'm just curious since I'm planning to buy a Marin Bobcat Trail bike...
Thank you and Godbless 🙏
Has no effect on the ride, but it does open up your possibilities for fork upgrades. Let’s say one day you want to put a Fox 34 of there (for example). You can only get higher end forks like that with tapered steerer tubes. Check out the rest of my videos in this series though because you can retrofit with a certain headset.
@@downtoridemtb Thank You so much sir...!
Welcome!
Looking at this for my nephew .. what’s the drive train 1 by 11 ???
It’s actually a 1x9 but it has 11-46t range which is pretty good
What would b the maximum tires you can run with a bobcat 29er M ?
I think 2.4” is the max you would want to go
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
Biggest difference is the drivetrain. You get a 2x setup on the 3 which may sound good but it is not.
For climb and speed on flat roads 2x drivetrain is better or 1x drivetrain ?
Unlikey... if the smallest front chain is 28t, and biggest rear is 32t...then you have same climbing gear as 1x7 single
Let’s just assume I know absolutely nothing about mountain bikes but I am interested in purchasing my first one -asking for a friend.
How does this bike compare to a Trek Marlin 7?
Sure we can help out your “friend”! The thing I’ve never liked about the Trek Marlin is the steep head tube angle. This put the front wheel more under you and shortens the wheelbase which results in a less stable ride on downhills or anything technical. Basically the fun stuff. It probably is a little better on climbs but to keep that doesn’t matter.
@@downtoridemtb my friend went with the Marin! Thank you! One more question: is the Wheels tubeless ready?
Nice choice. The wheels are not tubeless ready and the tires are not tubeless compatible either. Easy enough to tape the wheels and put in valves but new tires will be needed.
I really like this bike. I'm 191 cm, should I get L or XL? I can't decide! It would be my first serious bike. Before I had some trash bikes only, that are too small now.
I’d recommend the XL based on how the large felt for me at 6ft but also going by Marin’s size chart
@@downtoridemtb Thank you so much! I would by XL. Thanks for help :D
@@Filarel enjoy!
@@downtoridemtb Hi! I've got one more question. In future, I would like to upgrade fork as well as you did. But my question is, can I put fork with more travel? For example, instead of 120mm as was in default, 140mm? It will affect a little bit to geometry, but I do not have enough knowledge if it's fine.
The general rule of thumb is no more than 20mm increase from stock. I think Marin is ok with a 10mm increase in terms of warranty. The biggest thing is the effect on the geo and making sure your stand over is ok with a higher top tube. You want to be able to step off on trail and put your feet down without hitting your jewels or falling over.
What about the5 ? Is it much better than the 4 or what?
Yeah I’m on the fence about it being worth the extra money. The drivetrain and bottom bracket and crank are better. The fork is marginally better but still a coil spring fork. So for it to be really good you’ll be replacing the fork on either of them.
Hey Jorge, here are the $1129 (US) Bobcat Trail 5's key upgrades from the $919 Bobcat Trail 4:
* Shimano Deore 1x 11-speed drivetrain
* Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
* SR Suntour XCR32 Coil LOR DR fork w/ thru-axle
Yeah I forgot about the better brakes too.
Telktro brakes perform just fine and the shimano That come on the bct 5 are very budget. You will have to replace the fork anyway and Idon’t really see the benefit for a better drivetrain than the Advent9, so it’s just $ 300 more for the drivetrain. Better save those up, get the bct 4 and get a dropper and better tyres. You will not regret it.
5 also gets wider rims than 4 - 30mm inner instead of 25.
Good review but the bike was taken out of it's intended comfort zone at the beginning so all the shortcomings of a bike in this range will be apparent. Not sure it's really relevant to take the bike on trails like that for a review because it could discourage a buyer from purchasing a really good bike. When ridden on the appropriate trails I'm sure this bike will exceed all expectations.
While I agree that any hardtail in this price range would be as harsh and unforgiving, I don’t necessarily think it was too far out of its comfort zone. But point taken, it would be much more at home on flowier trails.
It’s NON TAPARED! That, and through axles! Those are the only things that separate this bike from the $ 2000 price range.
Yeah as far as the frame itself goes it is VERY similar geo to the Team Marin.
@@downtoridemtb and yet they’re marketed for different tasks. The Team Marin is supposed to be a very cross country specific machine, and the bobcats XC/Trail. I don’t get it. Maybe is only the weight.
Anyway, I use mine as an enduro rig almost exclusively. XD
@@jurisx85 Can you go tubeless on those wheels?
@@junboo8730 yes. With new tires and some tape the sky is the limit! Well I guess the frame will run a 2.5 in the rear but there might be some rubbing. I use a 2.4 rear and a 2.5 front.
@@jurisx85 Oh man. Thank you so much. Making them tubeless and may install some Cush core afterwards. I’m going to donate those 27.5 tires.
saludos desde México
Saludos amigo!
had mine for 5 months before i bent the fuck out of the front rim wooo
Dang. Warranty cover it?
@@downtoridemtb I have to look into it
Good luck