1997 Marin Rocky Ridge

[matthewbmiceli]

Re: logo

I wouldn't have it any other way. I have had Gil make me decals for my Trek, and I believe he could do this one too.
I have just been evaluating the repair, the bike is so otherwise clean I'm going to do it. I have a GT I can raid for parts for my Trek.
Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[Maxipedia]

I am here with you, brother!

I think I will do some work on my Marins next week. Meaning:

1. Cleaning and rebuilding the 1997 Eldridge Grade, which isn't minty, but I love underrated things anyway, so... It will look the same like the original, only parts will get a slight improvement. The Mag 21 needs to go and I think I will put a white '97 Judy in its place, even though I associate those Marin years with Manitou. It has a ”Rock Shox Racing” sticker on the seat tube, though... Then the shitty DiaTech headset will go, as I don't need that drama, and another silver one will assume the position, most likely an FSA with sealed bearings. Stem, handlebar, bar ends, seatpost and seat will stay in place, as does the BB, the XT V-brakes, the rear XT derailleur and the front LX one, but some XT combo levers will dominate the handlebar from now on and some fresh grips are due. Wheels will be XT M739 hubs with DT spokes and silver Mavic rims, a 217 in front and a Ceramic M231 in the rear. Yes, a silver ceramic rim! Tires are some older Bontrager which roll nice and I think I will also switch to some XT M739 cranks. New cables and housing and it'll be good to go.

2. Start putting parts on the 1997 Indian Fire Trail.

3. Deciding on a theme for the 1995 Eldridge Grade and see if the rear brake mount can be used.

If you want to hear details on 2. and 3., tell me.

Cheers,
Mx

 

[matthewbmiceli]

Re: Marin projects

I absolutely do want to hear! I've just located a 1992 Pine Mountain in fair, but complete and original condition. Going to look at it Saturday.

 

[Maxipedia]

The 1997 Indian Fire Trail just popped up last year. Or was it two years ago? Hm! Anyway, you must realize that the 1997 Marin catalog was the first proper bike catalog that I have ever had and man did I dream of those bikes! As it happens, in August 1997 I traveled abroad and saw a few of those bikes in the flesh in a bike shop that was selling Marin as their main brand. I still recall how I liked the red on the Pine Mountain...

Anyhow, I got this frame and didn't know what to do with it, but being silver polished I figured I'd do something like that. Normally, I'd put a Manitou on it, for reasons explained above. But I can only imagine a '97 SX/FS Ti or a normal SX/FS on that bike and I only have two Manitou 3's and a 1996 Pro XC, that is not quite right. So I decided I'l give this bike a Sunn ObSys fork, full black with carbon legs, to have some contrast with the shiny frame. On the other hand, that fork is pure racing and the Indian Fire Trail is the underrated race bike of that year, being the top dog alu bike, but in a context where all the ”cool” Marins were the steel and titanium ones. So let's do an oddball Marin! Other bits? Silver Race Face Turbine LP cranks, OG silver seatpost, a lightish FRM stem, maybe a Magura Wonderbar, a Ritchey Vector WCS saddle, XT M730 shifters, brakes and levers plus an XTR M950 rear derailleur. Wheels? Maybe Mavic 217 to XT hubs, maybe XT hubs to Ritchey rims. Or maybe a first generation CrossMax wheelset? Hm! We'll see!

Mx

 

[matthewbmiceli]

Somewhat baffled as to what to do with my Marin and it's cracked neck, I decided to call the Marin factory.
They had me bring it to my local bike shop, Sun Cycles, Tavares, FL for a review.
It seems that Marin has a warehouse of old frames, and is honoring the lifetime warranty. They are even providing me with a same color frame at that. It arrives Monday.
I am happy beyond my wildest expectations.

 

[k-rod]

the squeaking wheel gets the grease - a worthwhile effort that paid off well!

 

[matthewbmiceli]

Re: 97 Marin

Yes, all it took was a phone call, I was looking for repair suggestions, Marin's warranty department offered this solution.
I was more than surprised, and quite exited about their policy.

 

[Maxipedia]

What???