Looking for a new MTB

[MarkC]

Around May I think I'll buy a new mountain bike, spending between $600-$700.
I've narrowed down what I like to these two.
http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=14&itemid=274
$649

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/marlin-disc
I think $699

Interested in comments on each.
I've owned high-end DB before and like them, but I'm a little interested in this Fisher, never owned one, though I have ridden a couple.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

Are the disk brakes worth $100 to you?

 

[MarkC]

Possibly, it gets wet around here.

 

[moribundman]

May I suggest a kayak?

 

[MarkC]

Not as long as I remember how to swim.

 

[huffmuds9320]

With those 2 choices I say the Diamondback. My 2001 Outlook is about 7 years old and after all that rough trail riding still works great.

I saw a few Jamis bikes and really like them. Looks very well built and price should be within your range. I like the Jamis Durango series, you might check it out.

 

[Pablo]

Gee thanks. Now I want one bad, need front suspension, disc brakes....my other one has no suspension and....oh never mind.

I like DB, but don't know Fisher. So I guess we are in the same kayak. So to speak.

 

[wavinwayne]

Having owned & ridden one, I suggest the Fisher.

 

[MarkC]

I appreciate that. Being contrary, I'll probably get the DB!
Actually, I'm going to go check out both in person first.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

You might also take a look at the Specialized offerings. HardRock & RockHopper, although apparently, they are only 8 speed instead of 9.

 

[MarkC]

Yeah, I did that, and although they're very good, I prefer the DB or Fisher.

 

[wantin150]

The Fisher Marlin proved darn near bulletproof many years ago. A buddy of mine had one and he abused the heckout fof it and it never let him down. Just my .02.

 

[MarkC]

You're right, I had a girlfriend some few years ago who bought herself a Marlin and it served her well.
I do like it, which is why it's on my short list.
But I really liked my '99 DB Zetech Comp-wish I still had it, and I do like Diamondback bikes, at least the mid to more expensive ones.
This Response Comp has what I think are better derailleurs (SRAM vs. Deore), I like the fork better than what's on the Fish, and it's wheelbase is shorter. That may or may not be a good thing.
And I like the frame. Maybe Wayne will comment about wheelbase on mountain bikes. I know my 19" Moab was pretty short-coupled and it was very quick and agile, though I did feel like my face was pretty close to the front tire sometimes. The Zetech was longer and felt less squirrely, but not as quick.
But I still like the Marlin, good thing I have a couple of months to decide.

 

[bubbalong]

Marin. You are on the door step in pricing at 700(800 would be better) to get a really nice bike. Buy the best frame and fork you can when looking at bikes. Nine speed would be great but Riding a eight speed versus shopping is better. Buying a better rear Derailluers, shifters and cassete does not have to break the bank after a year or two of riding.

 

[MarkC]

$650 is the max I'm going to spend. I've had more expensive bikes in the past, this time I'm not going higher than $650.

 

[dlafoy]

gary fisher would be the better bike out of the two choices.

I have a gary fisher Sugar 1 dual suspension and love it.

 

[MarkC]

Not for this price.
I've now looked at and ridden both the Response Comp and the Marlin, and I'll be getting the Response Comp.