For the first time, this year we’re using Marin bikes. Bobcat Trail 5’s will make up our adult hire fleet. We’ll show you the bikes in greater detail in this short ‘bike check’ blog.
Marin are distributed in the UK by Bristol based company Paligap, who sponsored the maintenance of Bristols man made trails for the first five years of their life. In many ways then it ties in beautifully that we’re riding these awesome bikes for 2018. Founded in Marin County, California in 1986, Marin are well established and have always been amongst the biggest players in mountain biking.
The Bobcat is aimed at recreational riders that want the cutting edge geometry of a bike that’s twice the price. There are three versions of the Bobcat with the 5 being the highest spec’d model, finished in striking Marin branded blue.
As well as a light weight aluminium frame, the Bobcat 5 benefits from a growing wheel size strategy, meaning that sizes XS to M are equipped with 27.5″ wheels and sizes L to XXL get 29″ wheels. This allows for a better fit and feel, regardless of what size frame you’re riding.
Up front there’s a RockShox Recon suspension fork with 100mm of travel with preload adjustment and lockout. 180mm disc rotors at the front and 160mm rear, coupled with the powerful Shimano hydraulic brake system makes for controlled stopping.
Wide, knobbly Schwalbe Tough Tom tyres give lots of bite out on the trail. Something that will help the confidence of those new to mountain biking. We tend to run slightly lower tyre pressures too – around 30 psi which allows the tyre to spread and shape to the ground, further aiding grip.
Shimano transmission is easy to use and has a sure feel to it’s shift. A single chainring up front makes things simple for the rider with just the wide 10 gear range at the back to command. This is operated by thumb shifters at the handlebar. Thin, wide flat pedals promise sure footed riding too.
This year we’ve fitted ‘lock on’ grips to all of our bikes. As it sounds, these grips are secured to the handlebars so that even in the worst weather conditions, the grips will never come loose and spin, keeping you in maximum control.
These may just be the best hire bikes we’ve had yet. If you are yet to experience them, give us a call on 0117 973 1298 and get yourself booked in for a hire session. Click here to find out more about our hire service, including price and where to ride.
