Marin Rift Zone '03 vs '04

"Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone have an opinion on the Marin Rift Zone '03 compared
to an '04 model. I noticed that the '03 didn't come with
disc brakes, is this a problem? Any other major
difference's. Can't decide if it is OK to get a second
hand '03 for maybe £800-900 or get an new '04 for £1500...

The brakes depend on where and when you ride, the gnarlier
and wetter the downhill the more suited disc brakes become.
Bear in mind so long as the '03 has disc hubs (and I'd guess
it has) you can fit a set of Hope Mini Monos for £200. If
you mainly ride dryish XC trails then the lack of discs
isn't a problem and you can always add them later if you
feel you'd benefit.

The S/H solution depends on the usage the bikes had, if you
can get one that's had little use for £800 then spend
another £200 on the brakes you're still quids in, the money
saved could be invested in a better fork than the Skareb for
instance should you find it lacking.

However, a bike that's been well used for a year will have
seen off the chainrings, cassette and chain, and perhaps
have serious rim wear if not disc equipped, not a problem if
recently replaced but will eat into your S/H bargain if you
have to replace them shortly.

You could end up with a bike that's had a little use but is
fitted with kit that suits you for the same price as a brand
new bike that you may want to upgrade as some components
don't suit you. Yer pays yer money ;-)

AFAIK the '04 fork has 100mm of travel against the '03s
80mm, but you need to verify this.

Personally I'd be reluctant to pay full price on a new mtb
if I could, without too much trouble, locate a very good S/H
one or could find a deal on last years model.

Review at: bikemagic.commpOpen ↗
s/RGN/1/RCN/57/RPN/15465/v/2/sp/

--
Regards, Pete

Peter B said:

"Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Anyone have an opinion on the Marin Rift Zone '03 compared
to an '04 model. I noticed that the '03 didn't come with
disc brakes, is this a problem? Any other major
difference's. Can't decide if it is OK to get a second
hand '03 for maybe ?800-900 or get an new '04 for ?1500...

The brakes depend on where and when you ride, the
gnarlier and wetter the downhill the more suited disc
brakes become. Bear in mind so long as the '03 has disc
hubs (and I'd guess it has) you can fit a set of Hope
Mini Monos for ?200.

Also bear in mind if you get disks that the Marins have
quite a reputation for coming with the worst QR imaginable.
Of course it's the fork design that is the basis of the
problem, but the risk can still be bigger or smaller
depending on the QR.

marin.co.ukreviews.phpOpen ↗

1. This is a different model but I think they all come with
the same no-name QR (not sure though).

2. This is not a unique report!

James
--
If I have seen further than others, it is by treading on the
toes of giants. ne.jphomeOpen ↗

in message <[email hidden]>, Jason

(') said:

Hi all,

Anyone have an opinion on the Marin Rift Zone '03 compared
to an '04 model. I noticed that the '03 didn't come with
disc brakes, is this a problem? Any other major
difference's. Can't decide if it is OK to get a second
hand '03 for maybe £800-900 or get an new '04 for £1500...

Disk brakes are nice in exceptionally filthy conditions,
and hydraulic disks are very low maintenance. But they
weigh a bit more than Vs or cantis and replacement pads
(which you don't need that often) are expensive. So like
everything else on a bike it's a trade off and for a
general purpose off road pootling about cross country bike
they aren't necessary and may not even be the best choice,
irrespective of cost.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke)
jasmine.org.uk~simonOpen ↗

;; ... exposing the violence incoherent in the
system...

Thanks for the replies. I will opt for the 2nd hand one and
see how I go on without disc brakes.

Appreciate you both responding!

Jason

"James Annan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Also bear in mind if you get disks that the Marins have
quite a reputation for coming with the worst QR
imaginable. Of course it's the fork design that is the
basis of the problem, but the risk can still be bigger or
smaller depending on the QR.

Funny you should mention that. On a ride last year my
friends front QR came loose on his disc equipped Mount
Vision, he was convinced he had tightened it properly when
fitting the wheel at the car park a couple of hours prior.
He never had a repeat until a month or so ago. He was
unaware of the controversey re discs/qrs until I filled him
in, needless to say he's bought replacements. Personally I
use Shimano QRs as they seem strong and reliable.
--
Regards, Pete