Orange Evo 8 OR Marin Eldridge Grade?

James Latham

I have the option of either of theser in 19" form from various classifieds - both unused. The Evo8 is a 2009 @ £650 and the Marin Eldridge @ £750 which is a late 2008

I've been looking at the Orange for some time but never considered a Marin. The bonus to the Marin is that its quite a bit lighter (26vs29lb) from what I understand, it also looks pretty cool as well!

I do a fair bit of XC but also trail centres every couple of weeks, coed y brennin, llandegla etc so I need something that can cope with both

Just interested to hear peoples opinions as I believe both these bikes are quite highly rated??

James Latham

specs are here

Orange: http://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.p ... gory_id=81

Marin: www.cyclehouse.net/products.php?plid=m1b1s2p851&rs=gb

supersonic

Ideally you would get sized up and test them first. The marin seems a lot 2nd hand when some stores were doing at 750 new last year.

James Latham

really? The 2009 version seems just to have different cranks to the Truvative ones on the 2008 one I've seen and they are going for £1100

possibly going to test the marin tonight

James Latham

has anyone else got any views or own either of these?

Mr Wu

I can whole heartedly give you praise for the Evo8. (Check my sig for photos)

Awesome bike, its very quick too, responsive, fills me with confidence whilst riding it..

That said, I have replaced a few bits. Namely.

Brakes - From Avid Juicy 3's to Code's, mainly cause im a big heavy old oaf and imo the 3's just didnt stop me as quick as id like. This i think is down to personal preference.

Chain, snapped mine very quick, replaced with a SRAM pc991, again, i think this is cause im a bit of a pedal mosher

Front Mech - Replaced with a XT (rather than LX) as snapped chain just about pulled it from the frame.

Pedals, Shimano M647's - Again I wanted a strong stable pedal with would take some hammer.

Stem - Raceface evolve 110mm

Bars - Raceface evolve Xc LR

Grips - DMR locdd. - Depending on how much you ride your bike the orange grips wear down very quickly, but i was riding every single day....so its to be expected, the DMR grips are ace and still going strong.

Tyres - Again used so much they wore out, replaced with some specialized ones at the mo that i got from rutland cycles.

I would defo recommend one, mines just set up the way that i wanted it.

Also if you want anymore photos of the bike let me know and ill email you some.

timnoyce

I have an Eldridge Grade 06 which I got last year for £699. I absolutely love it. It came in the silver chrome so it looks pretty bling, the spec was pretty hot for the price and it is really light. I've never ridden the Evo8 so can't compare, but I'd recommend the Eldridge grade in any case!

Here is a pic of mine from when I first got it. I've since put on SPD's, lowered the bar height, changed the front mech to a top hanger as the original one got nailed but otherwise it is stock.