Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank CommonScientist
05-21-2023 at 07:14 AM.
Quote
from Mayt948
:
Is this a decent beginner trail bike/ good deal? Or should I be looking more at something used? Looking to get into trail riding.
I see Scheels has a trek Marlin 5 for $600
edit: also the GT aggressor pro is only $300 which leaves wiggle room for upgrades.
I'm no expert, but the biggest problems I see are quick release(QR) axles, 27.5" wheels, and 3x7 drivetrain.
Axles - QR allows the possibility of your wheel falling out when you're in mid air, since it's retained through pinching instead of being contained in it's entire circumference by the frame /fork material. So it's a U socket that gets pinched for retension vs a pass through axle that's bolted in. This is not a concern if you're not planning on taking jumps or launching off flat tops.
Wheels - 29" wheels are the standard for mountain bikes now because they have less rolling resistance when rolling over objects, such as rocks, roots, branches, etc. Larger wheels make it easier to roll over things due to physics. If you're riding your bike on flat surface with no obstacles this is less of a concern. 27.5" wheels are better for tight single track because they turn easier and make the bike feel more responsive.
Drivetrain - The higher spec'd bikes all use a 1x drivetrain because it allows less chain jumping/chain loss. Meaning the chain won't come completely off the gears and need to be manually placed back on the gears. In a 1x drivetrain there is no front derailer because there is only one cog at the crank(pedals.) You still retain full width of drivetrain capability because the variation of teeth on the cassette is wider to make up for the lost gearing at the crank.
All that being said, if this is gonna be used for leisurely rides with low obstacles, and hilly or flat terrain, this is still a solid bike. If you're buying the bike for upgradablity or to go on more action packed rides with climbs, decents, obstacles, with the intent on improving your skill and trying harder tracks over time, this is not the place to spend your money.
Is this a decent beginner trail bike/ good deal? Or should I be looking more at something used? Looking to get into trail riding.
I see Scheels has a trek Marlin 5 for $600
edit: also the GT aggressor pro is only $300 which leaves wiggle room for upgrades.
REI house brand Co-Op is fine and the big plus is their service with free adjustments or parts replacement if needed. I've found they always do a good job with having knowledgeable techs working on bikes.
Regarding the Marlin 5: nothing there to make the jump from the Co-Op to the Marlin 5. Ignore the guy bashing the Tourney rear der..it's a easily replaced part for $30. with Deore when it's worn out. The GT Agressor Pro is a definite step down and I would certainly avoid having Dick's handle any bike issue. With REI you get a no questions asked return if needed and the points can be used for swag.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank batpot
05-21-2023 at 07:32 AM.
Quote
from CommonScientist
:
I'm no expert, but the biggest problems I see are quick release(QR) axles, 27.5" wheels, and 3x7 drivetrain.
Axles - QR allows the possibility of your wheel falling out when you're in mid air, since it's retained through pinching instead of being contained in it's entire circumference by the frame /fork material. So it's a U socket that gets pinched for retension vs a pass through axle that's bolted in.
Wheels - 29" wheels are the standard for mountain bikes now because they have less rolling resistance when rolling over objects, such as rocks, roots, branches, etc. Larger wheels make it easier to roll over things due to physics. If you're riding your bike on flat surface with no obstacles this is less of a concern.
Drivetrain - The higher spec'd bikes all use a 1x drivetrain because it allows less chain jumping/chain loss. Meaning the chain won't come completely off the gears and need to be manually placed back on the gears. In a 1x drivetrain there is no front derailer because there is only one cog at the crank(pedals.) You still retain full width of drivetrain capability because the variation of teeth on the cassette is wider to make up for the lost gearing at the crank.
All that being said, if this is gonna be used for leisurely rides with mostly flat terrain once or twice a year, this is still a solid bike. If you're buying the bike for upgradablity or to go on more action packed rides with climbs, decents, obstacles, with the intent on improving your skill and trying harder tracks over time, this is not the place to spend your money.
None of those are a problem, except the 3x7.
Virtually every bike in this price range will have QR axles. QR had been in use for decades. You don't need boost, especially if you're shopping in this price range.
29er vs 27.5 is more a function of height than anything. I'm 6'1, and still prefer 27.5, but if you're below about 5'6", 29er starts feeling big.
3x7 was the standard from the 80s though much of the 90s, but now it is all tourney. They've abandoned those old designs.
Virtually every bike in this price range will have QR axles. QR had been in use for decades. You don't need boost, especially if you're shopping in this price range.
29er vs 27.5 is more a function of height than anything. I'm 6'1, and still prefer 27.5, but if you're below about 5'6", 29er starts feeling big.
3x7 was the standard from the 80s though much of the 90s, but now it is all tourney. They've abandoned those old designs.
Wheel size being a function of height is not the right take. The height change is only 1/2 of 1.5 inches, so 0.75 inches height change when swapping wheelsets. Sure, if you weigh a lot then perhaps the center of gravity change will be felt when you're turning at high speeds; otherwise I don't see the wheel size ever being a function of height, but that's just my 2c.
Other than what I stated about rolling resistance, smaller wheels turn faster because there is less mass and less gyroscopic effect and so the bike feels more responsive or "whippable/whippy." If you're using the bike for tight, winding single track where you need to turn on a dime frequently, then perhaps consider 27.5" wheels, otherwise 29" is the standard now.
Among other benefits of 29" wheels, they allow you to retain speed easier, since they have more rolling mass (on top of less rolling resistance.) Given the same width wheels, 29" wheels give you more grip, since they have more surface area touching the ground at any one time. When in the same gear, 29" wheels are faster off the line because each complete rotation of the crank moves you further, since the wheel is larger.
REI house brand Co-Op is fine and the big plus is their service with free adjustments or parts replacement if needed. I've found they always do a good job with having knowledgeable techs working on bikes.
Regarding the Marlin 5: nothing there to make the jump from the Co-Op to the Marlin 5. Ignore the guy bashing the Tourney rear der..it's a easily replaced part for $30. with Deore when it's worn out. The GT Agressor Pro is a definite step down and I would certainly avoid having Dick's handle any bike issue. With REI you get a no questions asked return if needed and the points can be used for swag.
Service is good, but there are not many people who live closer to an rei than a bike shop.
You are comparing two entry level components and not one better than the other. YOur comments show you either don't ride mt, have never built a bike from frame up, or both. Arguing entry level rear der's is pointless unless one moves way up the ladder and that's only as good as it's adjusted correctly. Shimano's entry level stuff works and when worn (years later for 95% of riders) move up for cheap.
You are comparing two entry level components and not one better than the other. YOur comments show you either don't ride mt, have never built a bike from frame up, or both. Arguing entry level rear der's is pointless unless one moves way up the ladder and that's only as good as it's adjusted correctly. Shimano's entry level stuff works and when worn (years later for 95% of riders) move up for cheap.
I've built plenty of bikes and you clearly have never worked with tourney (lucky you).
I put one on a kids half bike, and it literally fell apart...on asphalt... unloaded.
There are countless accounts of how shitty these are online as well.
Altus/Acera is the bare minimum, and that is apparently what REI chose for the shifters, luckily (rapidfire).
I've built plenty of bikes and you clearly have never worked with tourney (lucky you).
I put one on a kids half bike, and it literally fell apart...on asphalt... unloaded.
There are countless accounts of how shitty these are online as well.
Altus/Acera is the bare minimum, and that is apparently what REI chose for the shifters, luckily (rapidfire).
any component can fail. I group ride mt and see some new riders go all year without issues on entry level mt bikes. Rear der's are the least of entry level parts to be concerned as the bigger failures are front susp., cheap wheels that bend and shifters. Here in N Cal we have some nasty trails so I'm not talking bike park/smooth trails or fire roads.
any component can fail. I group ride mt and see some new riders go all year without issues on entry level mt bikes. Rear der's are the least of entry level parts to be concerned as the bigger failures are front susp., cheap wheels that bend and shifters. Here in N Cal we have some nasty trails so I'm not talking bike park/smooth trails or fire roads.
23 Comments
Your comment cannot be blank.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
I see Scheels has a trek Marlin 5 for $600
edit: also the GT aggressor pro is only $300 which leaves wiggle room for upgrades.
I see Scheels has a trek Marlin 5 for $600
Tourney is garbage. This is very overpriced.
Get the Royce Union with SLX components.. That is a really good price for SLX.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank CommonScientist
I see Scheels has a trek Marlin 5 for $600
edit: also the GT aggressor pro is only $300 which leaves wiggle room for upgrades.
I'm no expert, but the biggest problems I see are quick release(QR) axles, 27.5" wheels, and 3x7 drivetrain.
Axles - QR allows the possibility of your wheel falling out when you're in mid air, since it's retained through pinching instead of being contained in it's entire circumference by the frame /fork material. So it's a U socket that gets pinched for retension vs a pass through axle that's bolted in. This is not a concern if you're not planning on taking jumps or launching off flat tops.
Wheels - 29" wheels are the standard for mountain bikes now because they have less rolling resistance when rolling over objects, such as rocks, roots, branches, etc. Larger wheels make it easier to roll over things due to physics. If you're riding your bike on flat surface with no obstacles this is less of a concern. 27.5" wheels are better for tight single track because they turn easier and make the bike feel more responsive.
Drivetrain - The higher spec'd bikes all use a 1x drivetrain because it allows less chain jumping/chain loss. Meaning the chain won't come completely off the gears and need to be manually placed back on the gears. In a 1x drivetrain there is no front derailer because there is only one cog at the crank(pedals.) You still retain full width of drivetrain capability because the variation of teeth on the cassette is wider to make up for the lost gearing at the crank.
All that being said, if this is gonna be used for leisurely rides with low obstacles, and hilly or flat terrain, this is still a solid bike. If you're buying the bike for upgradablity or to go on more action packed rides with climbs, decents, obstacles, with the intent on improving your skill and trying harder tracks over time, this is not the place to spend your money.
I see Scheels has a trek Marlin 5 for $600
edit: also the GT aggressor pro is only $300 which leaves wiggle room for upgrades.
Regarding the Marlin 5: nothing there to make the jump from the Co-Op to the Marlin 5. Ignore the guy bashing the Tourney rear der..it's a easily replaced part for $30. with Deore when it's worn out. The GT Agressor Pro is a definite step down and I would certainly avoid having Dick's handle any bike issue. With REI you get a no questions asked return if needed and the points can be used for swag.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank batpot
Axles - QR allows the possibility of your wheel falling out when you're in mid air, since it's retained through pinching instead of being contained in it's entire circumference by the frame /fork material. So it's a U socket that gets pinched for retension vs a pass through axle that's bolted in.
Wheels - 29" wheels are the standard for mountain bikes now because they have less rolling resistance when rolling over objects, such as rocks, roots, branches, etc. Larger wheels make it easier to roll over things due to physics. If you're riding your bike on flat surface with no obstacles this is less of a concern.
Drivetrain - The higher spec'd bikes all use a 1x drivetrain because it allows less chain jumping/chain loss. Meaning the chain won't come completely off the gears and need to be manually placed back on the gears. In a 1x drivetrain there is no front derailer because there is only one cog at the crank(pedals.) You still retain full width of drivetrain capability because the variation of teeth on the cassette is wider to make up for the lost gearing at the crank.
All that being said, if this is gonna be used for leisurely rides with mostly flat terrain once or twice a year, this is still a solid bike. If you're buying the bike for upgradablity or to go on more action packed rides with climbs, decents, obstacles, with the intent on improving your skill and trying harder tracks over time, this is not the place to spend your money.
None of those are a problem, except the 3x7.
Virtually every bike in this price range will have QR axles. QR had been in use for decades. You don't need boost, especially if you're shopping in this price range.
29er vs 27.5 is more a function of height than anything. I'm 6'1, and still prefer 27.5, but if you're below about 5'6", 29er starts feeling big.
3x7 was the standard from the 80s though much of the 90s, but now it is all tourney. They've abandoned those old designs.
Virtually every bike in this price range will have QR axles. QR had been in use for decades. You don't need boost, especially if you're shopping in this price range.
29er vs 27.5 is more a function of height than anything. I'm 6'1, and still prefer 27.5, but if you're below about 5'6", 29er starts feeling big.
3x7 was the standard from the 80s though much of the 90s, but now it is all tourney. They've abandoned those old designs.
Other than what I stated about rolling resistance, smaller wheels turn faster because there is less mass and less gyroscopic effect and so the bike feels more responsive or "whippable/whippy." If you're using the bike for tight, winding single track where you need to turn on a dime frequently, then perhaps consider 27.5" wheels, otherwise 29" is the standard now.
Among other benefits of 29" wheels, they allow you to retain speed easier, since they have more rolling mass (on top of less rolling resistance.) Given the same width wheels, 29" wheels give you more grip, since they have more surface area touching the ground at any one time. When in the same gear, 29" wheels are faster off the line because each complete rotation of the crank moves you further, since the wheel is larger.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Regarding the Marlin 5: nothing there to make the jump from the Co-Op to the Marlin 5. Ignore the guy bashing the Tourney rear der..it's a easily replaced part for $30. with Deore when it's worn out. The GT Agressor Pro is a definite step down and I would certainly avoid having Dick's handle any bike issue. With REI you get a no questions asked return if needed and the points can be used for swag.
Service is good, but there are not many people who live closer to an rei than a bike shop.
Yes, an Altus derailer is under $20, which makes the choice of tourney embarrassing.
https://www.amazon.com/JKSPORTS-S...07ZV4Y72K/
Yes, an Altus derailer is under $20, which makes the choice of tourney embarrassing.
https://www.amazon.com/JKSPORTS-S...07ZV4Y72K/
I've built plenty of bikes and you clearly have never worked with tourney (lucky you).
I put one on a kids half bike, and it literally fell apart...on asphalt... unloaded.
There are countless accounts of how shitty these are online as well.
Altus/Acera is the bare minimum, and that is apparently what REI chose for the shifters, luckily (rapidfire).
I put one on a kids half bike, and it literally fell apart...on asphalt... unloaded.
There are countless accounts of how shitty these are online as well.
Altus/Acera is the bare minimum, and that is apparently what REI chose for the shifters, luckily (rapidfire).
How many of your group riders run tourney?