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Marin Mount Vision
The 08 version of the 120mm Marin MV loses
weight and gains impact control to create a superb tough
trail all-rounder.
The frame might not look much different from last year's
purposeful curved and multi shaped structure, but there
are significant changes. For a start, blanket 6061 alloy
use changes to a tube specific 6066/6069/6061 alloy mix,
with extra butting in most tubes dropping weight by 200g
on production frames, despite the back end getting sexy
new replaceable modular cold forged dropouts that are
cross compatible with the Maxle dropouts of the 140mm bikes.
Marin's massive mud clearance and lifetime
warrantied bearings are all present and correct too.
Thanks to the massive stays, short linkages and chunky
dropouts, cornering accuracy is inspiring, whether sliding
through a fast, dusty turn or ramming the front wheel into
the belly of a tight switchback. Some bikes are natural
brakers, but the MV is still asking for more pedal strokes
so you can really nail it properly.
While it's not that
light the MV is no slouch on the climbs. The suspension
action bites down for responsive traction and drive,
sucking up the lumps beautifully as long as you stay in
the saddle. |
