About to Start - Marlin 6

As mentioned previously, @SnakeCharmer suggested and rides a Timberjack. This would be a much better buy https://salsacycles.com/bikes/timberjack/2018_timberjack_nx1_27.5 . It has an air fork (although I have no experience with the Judy TK), boost wheelset, 1x transmission 11-42, hydro brakes (just get metallic pads), and later buy a dropper. Added bonus it's 27.5 plus which so forgiving. If your not in shape 11-42 gearing might be tough. When I first started riding I did more hike a bike then riding up the hills. You can add a wolftooth 49 tooth cog and will work with the SRAM NX derailer.
 
It's not going to be unrideable with that fork. I'm still on my original cheap o coil fork. Not the best ridge quality, but adequate for learning if you keep in mind that it will need to be replaced. You will still have fun. More important, make sure it is tapered so you can easily find a replacement.

When I first bought my bike, I didn't know how much I would actually trail ride, looking back, I would have looked at something a little higher quality.

Basically..depending on your budget, or if dead set on buying new, take a long think about are you looking to spend more up front and get a quality bike, or do you want to stick under a budget and have something that you will continue to upgrade as parts wear out or budget allows
 
muni said:
Hmm the X-Caliber 7 would still fall into the upgrade in 2 weeks. My previous post I mentioned you want a air fork. Coil fork is a no no, unless it's a high end coil fork. You need to bump up to a X-Caliber 9 for the true air fork. You'd be better off with a rigid fork then a entry level coil fork.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. He mentions he wants to do beginner trails to start. The coil fork will last until the bike is ready to be replaced, at least a year or two. I rode a freakin' Walmart Schwinn with an 80mm fork for over a year, and beat the hell out of it.

It would be good to start with a lower medium-end bike until he figures out his riding style. The Trek will do that nicely.
 
Runs with Scissors said:
Not necessarily. He mentions he wants to do beginner trails to start. The coil fork will last until the bike is ready to be replaced, at least a year or two. I rode a freakin' Walmart Schwinn with an 80mm fork for over a year, and beat the hell out of it.

It would be good to start with a lower medium-end bike until he figures out his riding style. The Trek will do that nicely.
Click to expand...

Yep... I know a lot of guys started on decent bikes, but a lot of us did not. My piece of Sh!t Diamondback with the coil fork lasted for 4000 miles, and got my fat butt in shape. It also gave me a better idea what I wanted to ride. It was still rideable when I donated it, and the wheels were perfectly straight. They were as heavy as a Prius, but they were straight. :p
 
muni said:
Hmm the X-Caliber 7 would still fall into the upgrade in 2 weeks. My previous post I mentioned you want a air fork. Coil fork is a no no, unless it's a high end coil fork. You need to bump up to a X-Caliber 9 for the true air fork. You'd be better off with a rigid fork then a entry level coil fork.
Click to expand...

Well f*** me! LOL.
 
Runs with Scissors said:
Not necessarily. He mentions he wants to do beginner trails to start. The coil fork will last until the bike is ready to be replaced, at least a year or two. I rode a freakin' Walmart Schwinn with an 80mm fork for over a year, and beat the hell out of it.

It would be good to start with a lower medium-end bike until he figures out his riding style. The Trek will do that nicely.
Click to expand...
Faust29 said:
Yep... I know a lot of guys started on decent bikes, but a lot of us did not. My piece of Sh!t Diamondback with the coil fork lasted for 4000 miles, and got my fat butt in shape. It also gave me a better idea what I wanted to ride. It was still rideable when I donated it, and the wheels were perfectly straight. They were as heavy as a Prius, but they were straight. :p
Click to expand...

Good to know gentleman. And yes, beginner trails around Los Angeles is the plan. Heads up if I see any of you guys, sorry I'll be slow. I will try to get out of your guys way!!
 
Last edited:
I don't see a size mentioned, you'll want to make sure it would fit.

I think the Trek Roscoe 7 would be your best bet. 27+ so you should be able to also run 29er wheels. $1,100 msrp but any bike shop will give you 10% off that if you ask, so really that takes care of your sales tax.
 
Welcome, @Demetrio GQ :geek: You’ve found a great place to geek out on bikes and riding...enjoy and keep an open mind.

I gotta chorus with guys here like muni suggesting more bike as the most economical and fun MO. When your skills come up in the next few months you’ll be glad you took their advice and tooled up with commensurate gear.

Ride on! :thumbsup:
 
mike said:
Welcome, @Demetrio GQ :geek: You’ve found a great place to geek out on bikes and riding...enjoy and keep an open mind.

I gotta chorus with guys here suggesting more bike as the most economical and fun MO. When your skills come up in the next few months you’ll be glad you took their advice and tooled up with commensurate gear.

Ride on! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

That's what it looks like. As previously mentioned, looks like I will churn out something like 1000-1200 for a bike. F it, will need it work for a few years lol.
 
Demetrio GQ said:
That's what it looks like. As previously mentioned, looks like I will churn out something like 1000-1200 for a bike. F it, will need it work for a few years lol.
Click to expand...
Excellent!

I’d forget the numbers just a little and just try for a good used bike, demo, blem or special that meets your riding needs. Sorry about not reading the thread, but have we tried to home in on what kind of riding you hope to do, like to do, see yourself doing? New riders may not have a lot to work with there, but many bikes handle broad duty. Your local areas have some bearing on choice as well.

Stay stoked!
 
mike said:
Excellent!

I’d forget the numbers just a little and just try for a good used bike, demo, blem or special that meets your riding needs. Sorry about not reading the thread, but have we tried to home in on what kind of riding you hope to do, like to do, see yourself doing? New riders may not have a lot to work with there, but many bikes handle broad duty. Your local areas have some bearing on choice as well.

Stay stoked!
Click to expand...

Definitely. I really do appreciate all the insight on this forum. It's been super helpful and I've been convinced that to have a quality bike that will last you will need to spend a little. I plan on doing entry-level trails around Los Angeles (I'm in Pasadena) with full intent on trying harder trails as soon as I feel confident.
 
Demetrio GQ said:
Hey fellow riders! I'm back with an update. Found this on CL:

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/d/diamondback-overdrive-29/6615969902.html

$500. What do you guys think? I feel it's a good choice for me to start off with beginner trails. Hope to get some feedback before I pull the trigger.
Click to expand...
I say walk into a bike shop or your nearest REI and see what’s on sale. Floor models on sale at REI are not listed online, and there are genuine deals to be had. How tall are you? I imagine someone online here has a spare Bike they don’t ride anymore and can sell. For instance, I have a 15 year old dual suspension Giant AC2 that is collecting dust, but it’s a Medium and has sentimental value that renders it ridiculously expensive for what the market on an old 26er would bear.
 
Demetrio GQ said:
Hey fellow riders! I'm back with an update. Found this on CL:

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/d/diamondback-overdrive-29/6615969902.html

$500. What do you guys think? I feel it's a good choice for me to start off with beginner trails. Hope to get some feedback before I pull the trigger.
Click to expand...

I'm going to guess that it was probably around $500 when it was new. I paid $700 for my Diamondback Overdrive and it had hydraulic brakes instead of the cable actuated brakes on that one. Not a good deal...

As others mention, don't overthink... As I said in my first post in the beginning of the thread, a good entry level bike will get you started.

Yes... You can sometimes get better components buying used. But as a newb to the sport, there's nothing wrong with an entry level or upper entry level bike. It will help you learn what you like and learn some skills. REI has some decent offerings. Go check em out!
 
Demetrio GQ said:
Hey fellow riders! I'm back with an update. Found this on CL:

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/d/diamondback-overdrive-29/6615969902.html

$500. What do you guys think? I feel it's a good choice for me to start off with beginner trails. Hope to get some feedback before I pull the trigger.
Click to expand...
This bike was too small for its prior owner. The seat was shoved back farther by setback seatpost. It has a longer stem than would be normal. It has a lot of risers under the stem to make it higher. Not saying that it would be too small for you, but if the frame is the right size for you, you will want to undo the modifications I mentioned, and that will add to the cost. Moreover, this bike would have been about $600 brand new, so not much of a bargain.

You say you are 6'1". How is that proportioned? Would you say you have longer legs, longer torso or relatively balanced?

Like a few others on this thread, I would recommend buying from a reputable bike shop so that you have recourse if you don't like something. They can help you choose a bike that fits to begin with. The folks at REI were great with my daughter, even though I knew more than the salesman (he didn't know that, and I didn't tell him). You can probably talk most bike shops down in price a bit, unless it's REI. I would not buy from a sporting goods store like Big 5 or Dick's. They have no clue what they are doing and probably built the bike wrong.

Since you are brand new to the sport, you really don't know what to look out for in a used bike. You would want an experienced rider to look at a used bike with you. I would volunteer, but we are not geographically compatible.
 
Last edited:
Demetrio GQ said:
@herzalot - you and @DangerDirtyD have convinced me then. I will save a few more bucks buy something better. Will post once purchased. I love the Timberjack just hate that baby blue color. I know - color who cares lol.
Click to expand...
That blue is AWESOME in person. I like colorful mt. bikes. I don't care for the "murdered out" black on gray, gray on black. I paid a lot of money for my bike, I want to see it!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top