This is my first mountain bike. I was originally looking at Amazon, dicks and box stores but was convinced to look at local bike shops.
I was looking into the Giant Talon 4 and a Diamondback Line because I heard the marlin 4 was prone to breaking.
Well the sales guy talked me into a marlin 4 🤣 it was cheaper and he said it came with hydraulic breaks which were better than the Giant and that he has “never had them come back broken”.
I have been really enjoying the bike and I’ve taken it for a few rides already, mainly streets and bike paths (paved).
Is there anything I should look out for on this bike? If it were yours, what should I look into upgrading so that it is more trail worthy if anything?
by AverageNeat9842
9 Comments
It should be called creck and not trek because the bike is going to make some noise as some point
Breaks might be the keyword.
Good brakes though?
I feel like this was the right decision. Ride the crap out of it, get on the trails, find out what you like and don’t like and decide if upgrading is worth it to you.
Solid bike bro. This and the Talon are a lot better than anything from department stores (GT from Dicks is good too but I prefer brands like Giant and Trek). Just get out there and have fun as that’s the main thing that matters. In terms of upgrades, I’d get grips and pedals and perhaps a saddle if the stock one gives you discomfort on longer rides. Outside of that, I wouldn’t really touch it. If you really get into the sport you’ll get the itch to upgrade. Especially if you’ve started riding harder trails and you’re at the bike’s limits. And at that point it’s better to buy a new, better bike as that will be cheaper in the long run than trying to upgrade this bike. For example, I just upgraded from a Talon 2 to a Devinci Kobain Deore 12S. Budget bikes have certain limitations when it comes to upgrading as well. Like the Marlin has a straight head tube so getting better modern forks can be difficult as most are tapered. But until you reach that point where you feel that your skill level has surpassed your bike, don’t worry about a thing. Just send it and have fun!
Congrats!
Have fun!
Just get some better pedals and you’re good to go! Maybe some better grips if you want as well
I work for a bike tour company and most of our bikes are 2021 Marlin 4s and 5s. They probably need to be retired soon with how much use and abuse they see, but they are tanks!!
Great choice enjoy it
My first bike was 2013 marlin 6 single speed. I rode the hell out of it. Eventually due to the strain put on the rear drop out because of a smaller cog, a clean break occurred. The bike lasted over 11 years. I eventually upgraded to a carbon Scott and now have gears!