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I have a 2005 Mount Vision, well maintained and upgraded (Fox, XT, Hope brakes & hubs etc). Apart from the bling of a new bike (and it being a whole lot prettier), what will I gain if I change to a 2011 model? Does anybody have any first hand experience?
To which model? (to help move the thread along)
A 2012 Mount vision with 140mm travel or the East Peak quad XC with 120mm or the Rift Zone quad XCR with 100mm of travel?
Ah, I've just asked a similar question....
The 2012 East Peak - I don't think its any kind of quad link frame, just a cheaper faux bar variant this year.
I'd be interested to know frame weights...
Sorry, I put it in the title but not the question.
I've been offered a 2011 Mount Vision so it's the 120mm quad link frame vs the old 2006 quad link?
Spec is 5.8 but that can all change, the real question is regarding the frame - will I notice a great improvement or be sadly left wanting? A short test ride doesn't really give you time to tell.
I think the 2011 one is still the 140mm version? Like this [url= http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/150742581434?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla ]Mount Vision XM8[/url]
I think the 2010 version, 120mm travel is reportedly a bit on the lardy side for a 120mm bike?
I think the 2010 version, 120mm travel is reportedly a bit on the lardy side for a 120mm bike?
That should be a perfect match for me then. 😀
Hey, I've had both the 2010 and the 2011, the 120mm 5.8 I had seemed to not be sure if it was a xc or trail bike whereas the xm8 seems definitely more trail orientated (in my humble opinion that is). Love both models as said, but the xm8 just edges it for me. However, if I had my way ( and not the missus) i'd still have both, but alas the 5.8 has gone to my mate who loves it. Not sure I like the look of the 'same as everyone else' 2012 rear sus setup, but can't comment on what it's like. Sorry for the waffle, know didn't help your original question much.
Thanks, that was useful to confirm that somebody else doesn't like the sanitised look of the 2012 bike. My old 2005 Mount Vision is fast and sharp on XC stuff but very unforgiving when the bumps get bigger. I've been reading reviews all night and it seems the 120mm is a much loved solution for those of us who can only have one-bike. I suppose I'll have both for a while so I'll find out.
My friend had a 2005 Marin fs (Alpine Trail I think) and he liked it but it never quite seemed up to the job. It worked but just felt a bit wrong, a bit old tech. It put him off full suss a little as he didn't really see the benifit over his ht's but I kept telling him not to judge all fs the same. He then got a great deal on a 2010 (I think) Mount Vision and loves it. It feels much more modern and he now knows what all the fuss is about. Hope that helps and I'd go for it if I were you 😉
*Edit* His current bike is an Attack Trail.
I think Marin dropped the ball with the design of the 2012 bikes, did the licencing agreement run out with Whyte?
I did hear that about the licensing. Also got told that the new set up was cheaper to manufacture and easier/cheaper/lighter to put on a 29er.
@ Dibbs, That could explain why they would suddenly move so far away from such a successful design (I just don't like their 2012 bikes).
@chestrockwell, Thanks, that's exactly what I was hoping I'd hear. I've taken the plunge now and the new one is arriving tomorrow so at the weekend I can A/B them together and see for myself. It should be an interesting test because the old bike is running top end components all from 2010 or 2011 so any differences will be purely down to frame and setup rather than wear and tear.
I was looking at a 2012 Marin FS in the LBS earlier pretty poor mud clearance too, something the older models where good for.