Marin Quake 7.2 review

Mine is not stock, it's heavy on the modifications. The only original parts are the E-13 chain tensioner, rear shock and hmmm, I think the chain.

The stock build kit is pretty nice (Marin does well with that) but, I like my build better.

My way: Rock Shox Totem Coil, Syncros 1.5 headset, FSA/Gravity stem and carbon bars, Avid Code (8"/7") brakes, SRAM X9 shifters (twist left, index'd clicky right), XTR front D, Sram X.9 (short) rear D, Saint cranks w/ Race Face BB, rings 26Salsa/36E-13 with E-13 bashring and dualy chain guide, Sram 991 cassette 11/32, Time Z pedals, Thomson post, Hope clamp, WTB Pure V saddle, A-Class Kaprun wheels, WTB Timberwolf K front tire (2.7), Maxxis 3D 2.5 rear tire, ODI Rouge lock on grips.

changed recently: GOLD Chris King headset, Michelin tubeless tires w/ Maxxis tubeless rim strips, Azonic Dunce saddle (really comfortable!!!).

41lbs, 4oz (with pedals).

I had my eye on this bike for almost two years... On paper, I think the bike looks pretty funky and far too different from the other bikes I have bought through the years. I looked at it last year, almost pulled the trigger but went with a Kona Coiler DeLuX only because Kona had silly terms on the demo's and I already knew the Kona's were a great riding bike.

Flipping through catalogs, I never would thought about the Quake series but my CO out post part-timer (we'll call him Rico Suave for now) had a chance to ride one and reported back that he was really impressed with the bike so I said, WTF... go for it.

I give Marin a call, got any 7.2's left in medium? . You do? cool... send one.

Right out of the box, there's a slash/gash on the head tube and the 31.6 stock seatpost should really be a 31.8 so, I'm not too happy.

A. I didn't have a 31.8 post on hand to fix the super under sized seatpost.

B. I hate dings, dents, scuffs when they are not crash related.

So I pulled stock parts off and start building it my way. All's well... no fit issues at all.

First test ride didn't go too well because I was still using the 31.6 post with a Coke can shim and every time I made any sort of twisting body motion the saddle would turn side to side and over a distance of about a 1/2 mile, the seat post would drop almost 2 inches (not fun). Even though I was have seatpost problems, I could tell this bike was a nice ride.

Second test ride went much better. I was able to snag a 31.8mm post and with it, able to ride without the saddle twisting and dropping on me.

1. the climbs amazingly well. I must say, the best climbing, heavy, full squish I have ever been on. Frankly, it climbs better than some XC bikes I have had. Since I ride the same trails all the time, I know my limitations. So far, nothing out there on the trail makes me feel like I'm struggling.

2. ssssssuper smooth suspension when it comes to the rock garden, slow huck shizick. I must say, the rear suspension action beats the Kona Coiler and many other bikes I have tried.

3. FLICKABLE!!! the bike can really be tossed around when you're zig-zagin' through the twisty turny stuff.

4. taking off on the flats, the bike is super fast off the line. That rear suspension stays extremely stiff when pedaling hard through on level ground. I handed the bike off to other riders and watched the action of the rear suspension. As far as I can tell, I see zero bob.

5. drops: butter!!!!

6. balance: very nice

7. did I mention it climbs like a goat on crack?

8. brake jack? not that I can tell... I could feel it on the Kona.

9. chain line issues? not with that E-13 system (nice call Marin!!!).

10. stand over = very good.

11. over all feel, just ridng around... fantastic.

12. clear coated decals: eh, whatever...

13. adjusting the rear shock: a little tight...

14. weight: pretty nice for the much squish (41.4lbs)

15. paint: seems to be very nice. We'll see how well it holds up.

16. cable routing: well thought out.