Thoughts on tube build quality of Marin MTB.
04-25-23, 04:37 PM
#1
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Thoughts on tube build quality of Marin MTB.
Would like some thoughts on the tube build quality of this Marin Bobcat Trail MTB. The frame is labeled Tange Custom Triple Butted chro-mo built for Marin made in Taiwan with serial number C85DS0661 on the underside of the BB, the fork is labeled special chr-mo Rockstar. Really nice welds and nicely done rear drops and braze on's with 27.0 seat post size fairly light about 25lbs for the whole bike. I'm interested mainly on thoughts on the frame set since I'm considering upgrading the components and keeping the bike considering how nice the frame set is I'm surprised that it didn't come with nicer components.
04-25-23, 04:58 PM
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Marin have, in my opinion, always punched above their weight and speced really good frames. I agree the welds look very nice. Made by Giant? Others would probably know by the serial number. I'd think the components should operate fine, but if they are on their last legs, yes, get some fresh Deore and fit it up. Deore XT can be had pretty cheap I think .XTR seems still to draw a premium for the stuff that's not all wrung out. I think a lot of mid-high got XT and were not really used much. people with XTR used it.
(its also a handsome bike- has a those classic good looks)
(its also a handsome bike- has a those classic good looks)
Last edited by jetboy; 04-25-23 at 05:05 PM.
04-25-23, 05:05 PM
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Not saying it's made of the same stuff, but my 90s mtb is made with Tange Ultimate Superlight mtb tubing and it also takes a 27.0mm post. 0.8mm/0.5mm butting profile.
04-28-23, 04:38 PM
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As a follow up I completed the build and got everything working and looking real nice and pretty much vintage correct for only a couple of dollars out of pocket for some nail polish touch up paint. Rides pretty good and curbs just under 25lbs so I will be keeping it and get a season or so of riding out of it for only a couple of bucks.
I really like the clean simple lines with just a touch of color on this one.
I really like the clean simple lines with just a touch of color on this one.
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04-28-23, 06:45 PM
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Whatever it is, it is far better than my bike.
Reminds of those nice small, clean weld beads I used to see on all those mid-school bmx bikes I grew up drooling over in the bike stores.
A lot of times, manufacturers would use component groups to differentiate tiers of models than the frame, and for several mid-tier to upper-tier (but not the top), use the top-of-the-line frame but with downgraded components. Many such examples.
Reminds of those nice small, clean weld beads I used to see on all those mid-school bmx bikes I grew up drooling over in the bike stores.
A lot of times, manufacturers would use component groups to differentiate tiers of models than the frame, and for several mid-tier to upper-tier (but not the top), use the top-of-the-line frame but with downgraded components. Many such examples.
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04-28-23, 07:11 PM
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As a bike I pretty much chose this one as a salvage bike to build up based on how nice the welds and brazing were done both are couple steps above what you would expect from this level MTB.
04-29-23, 03:10 AM
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It is very good and durable frame which will outlast many modern carbon MTB frames, you can always upgrade it with higher quality components. A triple butted tange frame set is something of very good quality.
04-29-23, 05:39 AM
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Just FYI those Alivio cranks are under recall notice for failure https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/infor...12-cranks.html If you plan to keep this, you should find a replacement.
04-29-23, 08:38 AM
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Just FYI those Alivio cranks are under recall notice for failure https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/infor...12-cranks.html If you plan to keep this, you should find a replacement.
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04-29-23, 04:48 PM
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Just FYI those Alivio cranks are under recall notice for failure https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/infor...12-cranks.html If you plan to keep this, you should find a replacement.
If you go to a trusted shop, they can call a warranty in and have the crank shipped without sending your current one back (cross shipped). I would say that they would need to really trust you, because failure to return the warrantied crank in a timely fashion gets them charged for the warranty kit.
