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2022 Marin El Roy - Hardcore Steel Hardtail Bicycle $2494 + $29 Shipping @ Bicyclesonline

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2022 Marin El Roy - Hardcore Steel Hardtail Bicycle $2494 + $29 Shipping @ Bicyclesonline
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TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 15:06 bicyclesonline.com.au (1328 clicks)
Last edited 12/08/2021 - 20:17 by 1 other user

Really great price for a well reviewed chromoly steel 'Hardcore Hardtail.' If you're looking for a fun trail bike without the complication of lots of pivot bearings and shock tuning, or a bike to start out with, you can't go wrong.

Decent mid-range components like a Marzhocci Bomber Z1 Fork, Shimano Deore 6100 groupset, and Shimano MT420 4-piston brakes, it's definitely trail ready. At under 3000 it's definitely comparable to bikes like the Norco Torrent S2, with the added benefit of, you know… Being available.

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle Hardtail Marin Bikes

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  • Seven8Nine on 09/08/2021 - 15:09

    What's the good one from bicycle online for the road/gravel ? Above will not suit?

    PS: FIRSTBIKE50, try this code if works for the small discount

  • ChickenDinner123 on 09/08/2021 - 15:12

    How does this compare to the $400 Aldi bike?

    • CyberGenesys on 09/08/2021 - 15:15
      +12

      This Marin cost $2492 more than the Aldi bike and everything is better.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 15:16
      +2

      😂😂

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 15:16
      +10

      Well, they both have wheels and cranks in a chain-driven propulsion configuration, a seat and handlebars to sit on and steer with. So I'd say they're comparable in those aspects.

      As for the differences, I'd say the big one is the aldi is much better at falling apart when jumping off a curb, definitely better at bottoming out the forks with slight pedalling, and 100% more irreparable when it comes time to replace parts.

      Go with the Aldi.

      • ets27 on 09/08/2021 - 15:22
        +5

        plus I believe that the Aldi comes with pedals

      • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 15:28
        +6

        That being said, if you're talking about the aldi 29er, that's a decently capable machine, but more comparable to brand names entry level bikes like the Trek Marlin, compared to which the Aldi bike is good value. But also on a completly different level to the El Roy. For starters the geometry like most bikes in that price range is definitely XC style, with a long stem and shorter fork travel, designed for more of an all-rounder with an emphasis on light trails rather than heavy stuff. The drive train is a 1x10, pretty excellent for the price but not as good as the 1x12 on the El Roy, ditto on the brakes which are frankly pants when compared to the Shimano m420, which aren't considered a high end model. 70 degree head tube angle is actually pretty bad for trail riding, I wouldn't go any higher than 68, and the El Roy in comparison has a 63.5 degree hta.

        As a beginner bike, the Aldi isn't terrible, and if I had to compare it to something like the Trek Marlin, I'd say it's pretty great for the price. But there's no comparison to the El Roy. If you're considering the Aldi odds are good the El Roy is too much bike for your needs, and if you're considering the El Roy the Aldi is definitely not enough bike for your needs.

        • ChickenDinner123 on 09/08/2021 - 15:51
          +1

          Thanks for the comprehensive info mate. I would only be taking it on dirt trails and not really downhill or anything. I'll stick with my Aldi bike for now lol.

          • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 15:52
            +4

            @ChickenDinner123: Honestly, the aldi bike is excellent value, and you could probably make it even better with a new fork. Apparently they were actually made by Polygon which is pretty rad. Ride and enjoy it!

          • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2021 - 15:58

            @ChickenDinner123: Aldi 29er is a decent bike for the price. I am quite sure you cannot buy anything of that sorts for that price.

        • eatwell365 on 10/08/2021 - 00:27

          Thank you for your write up, Learn a bit more on MTB. Found a related article after your mention on the 29ers. here interestingly the after sale service is supported by bicyclesonline as well.

          • TheRealCJ on 10/08/2021 - 00:48

            @eatwell365: Yeah, Bicyclesonline is the official Polygon distributor in Australia, as far as I'm aware.

      • Dotherightthing on 09/08/2021 - 15:28
        +5

        buy 7 Aldi's bike so if you break it you got spare

        • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 15:29
          +4

          Get some rods and weld them together side-by-side and then you'll have an amazing 12-foot-wide 14 wheeler!

  • Telios on 09/08/2021 - 15:30
    +1

    Am I crazy or do they only mention a BOOST rear spacing but it's got 110x15mm front hub which is also BOOST spacing??

    Pretty great value for that drivetrain + fork.
    Doubt you'll find a Z1 for <$1100 these days.

    Wish they'd put a bit more travel on it though, geometry looks like it could handle 150/160mm pretty easy with that head angle.

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 15:38
      +2

      I think they're talking about the frame rather than the fork, but yes I believe they're both boost (15x110 front 1x148 rear)

      Yeah, definitely an excellent fork for sub 3000. Most bikes in that category for a similar price range tend to go for the RS 35 Gold, although keep in mind the normal price for the El Roy is 3600, which for that kind of money you can get a Torrent S1 which comes with a Lyrik, m520 brakes and an XT groupset. I honestly wouldn't recommend this bike at full price, but at this price it's punching well above its weight.

    • zeomega on 09/08/2021 - 16:31

      29er hardtail with 160mm fork? You must have really strong legs riding extremely agressive trails.

      • Telios on 09/08/2021 - 17:04

        Haha my mates Commencal hardtail is running a 170mm!!

  • dandosr on 09/08/2021 - 15:42

    Just out of curiosity, I do love mountain bike riding but could never justify dropping 3k on a bike when that is around about how much I have bought my previous dirt bikes for. What makes these bikes so expensive?

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 15:46

      Chromoly frames tend to attract a price premium, and the quality of components.for instance the forks alone are worth $1100+

      • doperst on 09/08/2021 - 16:33

        I remember 20 years ago bikes with chromoly frames were cheap and heavy. And now they are considered premium?

        • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 16:39

          Partly why they attract a price premium now. Steel fell out of common use, so the people who still wanted a steel frame had to turn to bespoke manufacturers to get exactly what they wanted, which naturally lead to prices on steel frames going up.

    • Coley on 09/08/2021 - 16:31
      +4

      Ah the old "but my dirt bike has a motor so should not be cheaper then a push bike" argument.

      Other than an extremely causal rider, 3k would be considered entry level for most mountain bikes. Average price for a capable dual suspension bike is around 5k and top tier bikes can get over 10k pretty easily.

      In saying that, this particular bike is getting into the higher price range for hardtails, although the price is decent in the current market for the components spec'ed. It is however suited to a very particular use case (steep enduro/downhill riders who want a hardtail). That's why they call it a 'hardcore' hardtail, as it has a slack headtube angle for steep terrain. This is not really what you would want as the average punter in this price range. Most people would enjoy a steeper head tube angle with shorter reach, for general trail riding.

      • dandosr on 09/08/2021 - 17:17

        "but my dirt bike has a motor so should not be cheaper then a push bike" hahaha my thoughts exactly!

    • tromboc on 09/08/2021 - 16:33
      -5

      Suckers gonna suck. Every hobby has its whales.

  • Ok computer on 09/08/2021 - 15:44

    Comes with Fusion Manic dropper 150 or 170mm. Has good reviews

    I bought one of these droppers last week for $263, be interesting to see the value of the other componentry versus built bike.

    Good deal if you need a trail bike

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 15:51

      The Z1 Air goes for around 1100-1200 dollars, the shimano deore 6100 groupset about 700.

      A comparable bike at a comparable price is the Norco Torrent S2, which is rrp 3100, or ~2800 with a 99bikes gold membership. For that price I'd pick the Marin for the forks alone. The Z1 is definitely better than the Rockshox 35 Gold.

      That being said, if I was to pay retail price for this, I'd say its not great value, when the S1 Torrent is actually cheaper (again with 99 bikes gold membership) but comes with a Lyrik and better groupset.

      • Coley on 09/08/2021 - 16:47

        What sort of terrain are you riding? Have you considered a dual suspension for only a little more or do you specifically want a HT? Something like a Norco Fluid FS 1 or a Polygon Siskiu T8?

        • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 16:50
          +1

          I have, but I'm also a heavier rider and duel suspensions don't suit my weight at all.

          And, frankly, I enjoy riding hardtails, I've always liked the feel of them. I rode a 2004 sasquatch for close to 15 years.

          • zeomega on 09/08/2021 - 16:59
            +1

            @TheRealCJ: How heavy are you to make a claim that FS don't suit your weight? People with 120kg still ride full squish. You just need to know how to set it up.

            • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 17:01
              +3

              @zeomega: Closer to 200,if you insist on knowing.

              Frankly, I don't know why you're so desperately trying to push an fs on me. I'm allowed to prefer hardtails.

              • Telios on 09/08/2021 - 17:25
                +2

                @TheRealCJ: It's not even about weight in my opinion.

                The simplicity and stiffness of a hardtail is reason enough to prefer them.

                I've ridden half a dozen different FS but the most fun I've had recently was riding my friends mid-tier hardtail on blues.

              • Coley on 09/08/2021 - 18:45
                +1

                @TheRealCJ: Steady on, no one pushing you towards FS if you really want a HT! It just seemed like you were still tossing up what bike to get, so wanted to throw some options around. If you like the feel of a HT go for it, they are great. Just don't feel like that's your only option because FS is not available for heavier riders, cause that is not necessarily the case.

                You may have already seen it but check out the MTBR forums, specifically the Clydesdales subforum. Alot of good info hidden in there for tall and heavier riders, for both HT and FS :P

            • Ok computer on 09/08/2021 - 17:11
              +1

              @zeomega: @ zeomega,,, how do you set it up? Apart from maxing out the pressure
              , or buying higher speck components?
              ( Or gastric banding)

              I am 1.94m and not on the skinny side.
              Found that DS benefit is limited (Scott Spark). My Cannondale Trail is a hoot, and will pump once dropper is in.

              • zeomega on 10/08/2021 - 09:40

                @Ok computer: Suspension compoenents play a very imporant part.

                Air spring spacers, pressure really are the 2 main ways.

            • zeomega on 10/08/2021 - 09:38

              @zeomega: Cool. Don't get me wrong, I have a few HTs including one as agressive as the bike listed here with highly specced components XX1, guide ults, carbon wheels.

              Was just curious around that statement.

        • Martyroz on 09/08/2021 - 19:39

          Siskiu T8, T7, D7. Syncline C2. There's probably half a dozen mountain bikes from Polygon that I'd consider buying but what's ideal for me? I'm not interested in getting an inch of air; I just want to ride around, some hills, some dirt, sometimes fast.

  • Ok computer on 09/08/2021 - 16:05

    Yeh, my first thought at 3.7 for a hardtail was nah. At 2.9 certainly would be interested if in the market for a new mtb

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 16:10

      I've actually got a Torrent S2 waiting for me to test ride it as soon as I'm out of quarantine, I'm seriously considering cancelling it and going for this, but I'm a little iffy on the geo on this, 510mm reach on the larger size. That's a freaking limousine. Especially as someone who's last hardtail was a mid-2000s Shore-style bike, which only had a reach in the most basic sense of the word. I fear over 500mm would be too long, even for 6 foot tall me.

      • callumbolch on 09/08/2021 - 16:45
        +2

        if you want a decent overview/impressions of the Torrent and the El Roy i can recommend checking out Hardtail Party on youtube - reviews and rides a lot of hardtails.

        My TLDR was that he wasnt a fan of the El Roy and thought the Torrent was pretty lit.

        • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 17:04
          +1

          Yeah, I've seen both of those videos. Definitely not an easy choice,especially since basically neither is ridable before you put money down on them

  • dreamstation on 09/08/2021 - 16:09

    Long reach

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 16:16

      Yea, definitely a bit of a limo. Although from user comments it seems like the ling reach is mitigated somewhat by the super slack head angle and 35mm stem.

  • arcticmonkey on 09/08/2021 - 16:28

    So glad we are over 2021!

  • inamberclad on 09/08/2021 - 16:35
    +1

    63 hta.. is this a dh beast but with single crown 140mm forks?

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 16:44

      More like an Enduro bike you can still climb with. Hardtails aren't common anymore, but they still have a loyal following from those who want a more involved experience or who don't want to deal with a lot of moving parts.

  • Pluto88 on 09/08/2021 - 17:32

    be aware this is a very long and slack bike and its sized up. if you're used regular bikes it might not be for you I rekon you need to be at least 175cm to enjoy this bike going from some of the reviews

  • Musiclover on 09/08/2021 - 17:56
    +2

    OMG, Deore level components on a 3K bike, and it's supposed to be a good deal?.. Bicycle market has really gone up more than real estate during Covid.

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 18:18

      That's what I thought when I first saw bikes coming out with it, but the 6100 costs nearly 600 bucks retail, and after riding it I'm actually really impressed. It's basically a 2019 XT groupset, only cheaper and with less emphasis on weight weenies.

      Honestly it's hard to find a bike under 3k with an XT group right now.

      • Musiclover on 09/08/2021 - 18:53

        I bought a high modulus carbon bike frame in 2016 or 17 for 3k with Dura Ace all around.

        • Coley on 09/08/2021 - 18:58

          Yea because comparing a 2x/3x road drivetrain from 2016 with a 1x12 MTB drivetrain during a worldwide covid component shortage is reasonable?

          Given this bike has a $1200 front fork on it as well, how much travel did your road fork have?

          • Musiclover on 10/08/2021 - 08:49

            @Coley: The key word is the "worldwide covid shortage". Manufacturers aren't silly to pay for that, the end customer will.

            OK, prior to that I bought a $1900 MTB bike - high modulus carbon, XT all around. Top Manituo fork. It did not have a ridiculous $1200 RRP on the fork though.

        • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 19:22

          Maybe back then, but now a Dura Ace groupset costs like 1200 dollars. Consider too that most mtb has expensive components like suspension forks (the Marzhocci Z1 Air on this bike is 1100 bucks), a dropper post (about 250-300 dollars), and the prices add up.

          If you're talking about the retail price, I agree, 3700 dollars is a bit overpriced for what you get on this bike, and for that I would expect an XT group, but for under 3000 dollars this is actually punching above it's weight, as similarly priced bikes wouldn't run a Z1 Fork, they'd run something cheaper like a Z2 or a Rockshox 35 Gold

          • Musiclover on 10/08/2021 - 08:51

            @TheRealCJ: And this is why when I have a look at modern bike prices I think if I need to buy a new bike now I am stuffed. I would probably get a Chinese carbon frame and assemble it myself instead.

            • zeomega on 10/08/2021 - 10:04

              @Musiclover: Hope your healthcare insurance has replacement teeth coverage.

              • Musiclover on 10/08/2021 - 10:24
                +1

                @zeomega: I am not talking about cheap noname Chinese carbon, I am talking brands like Yoeleo etc. Even with noname carbon catastrophic failure is highly unlikely.

  • DingoBlue on 09/08/2021 - 21:30

    Steel? ELI5?

    • TheRealCJ on 09/08/2021 - 21:35
      +1

      The bike's frame is made of 4130 Chromoly, a variety of steel. It used to be ubiquitous in bike manufacturing until the 1990s when Aluminium took over as the most popular material for frames, apart from BMX which has always used chromoly as its main frame material, and cheap bikes which use cheap high tensile steel primarily.

      Steel as a frame material is starting to see a resurgence in all cycling disciplines, although Aluminium is still the most popular material, followed by Carbon Fibre

  • dreamstation on 12/08/2021 - 20:09

    Even cheaper now.

    $2494

    • TheRealCJ on 12/08/2021 - 20:18
      +1

      Damn, that's a killer price. Thanks for the heads up.

      • dreamstation on 12/08/2021 - 20:18

        Definitely a bargain at that price. If I didn't already have a Nukeproof Scout I'd be all over it.

        • TheRealCJ on 12/08/2021 - 20:21
          +1

          Hell, half of that 2500 is the fork alone.

  • canberrascooter on 19/08/2021 - 13:41

    A steel bike for 2.5K?

  • canberrascooter on 19/08/2021 - 13:51

    after doing some research this seem to be a very awful like.

    Watch this video

    https://youtu.be/ImkJHT9ixvE

    It looked like Marin dropped the ball big time with the el Roy with head scratching parts spec. It's like they didn't think or have non hardtail riders engineer this bike. This review actually got my blood boiling from the dead obvious oversight on this bike. Kona honzo esd is the clear winner here.

    Steve from hardtail party fixed all the issues himself to make the bike even ridable and something was still off about it. The honzo is a super stable bike that rides smaller and more nimble than the geo suggests. The el roy rides even more horrible than the numbers suggest.

    • dreamstation on 20/08/2021 - 20:22

      Where can I get an in stock Kona honzo esd for $2500?

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