Restoring a Marin Mount Vision c.1997
Discussion
Hi All!
Guess who else decided lockdown was a chance to fish out anything resembling a mountain bike from the garage and get back in the saddle!
Anyway, to the bike... it's a Marin Mount Vision which is from around '97 or so (I think).
It was used as a commuter bike by my step-dad up until around the early 2000's where it then proceeded to not turn a wheel for the next decade and a bit. I then dusted it off a couple of years ago to basically wheel down to the pub and back, and that's about it! Sadly, my step-dad passed away last year and I've become reluctant to part with it, having had to sell some of his other stuff, including lovely green Series III Landie already.
Then we hit lockdown and I started to take it out again to make full use of the emptier roads and tracks. My girlfriend at the start of lockdown had an absolutely pants Raleigh from when she was about 15 that I nicknamed 'the iron horse' on account of it's weight, so that had to be replaced. She's now got herself a nice beginner hardtail; a Cube WS.
Well, she now LOVES cycling and we go out for some fairly decent rides (c20 mile on bridleways). I'm using the Marin for these rides and it's been coping relatively well but it does struggle a little since it's not in fine fettle, having not really been looked at by a bike mechanic in probably 20 years. It is really fun to ride and looks so retro cool now.
It's all original so i'm wondering whether it's salvageable or if it needs to be sadly broken for parts to fund something new.
In terms of how it rides; the gears and associated mechanisms are smooth most of the time but obviously needs servicing as they're clunky when shifting under pressure, the rear shock is toast and provides no support (does the bouncy thing Y frames do), the front forks aren't suppressing any bumps but do move up and down, brakes are fine, rims probably need replacing as do the tyres, the pedals need to go because they're clip ins and the bars could be wider.
As a cycling noobie and mechanical simpleton, I'm wondering whether it's worth putting some decent money (rough costs would be appreciated) into this bike with upgraded / new parts, or if it'll be too difficult to source parts that will fit.
Appreciate some guidance!
Guess who else decided lockdown was a chance to fish out anything resembling a mountain bike from the garage and get back in the saddle!
Anyway, to the bike... it's a Marin Mount Vision which is from around '97 or so (I think).
It was used as a commuter bike by my step-dad up until around the early 2000's where it then proceeded to not turn a wheel for the next decade and a bit. I then dusted it off a couple of years ago to basically wheel down to the pub and back, and that's about it! Sadly, my step-dad passed away last year and I've become reluctant to part with it, having had to sell some of his other stuff, including lovely green Series III Landie already.
Then we hit lockdown and I started to take it out again to make full use of the emptier roads and tracks. My girlfriend at the start of lockdown had an absolutely pants Raleigh from when she was about 15 that I nicknamed 'the iron horse' on account of it's weight, so that had to be replaced. She's now got herself a nice beginner hardtail; a Cube WS.
Well, she now LOVES cycling and we go out for some fairly decent rides (c20 mile on bridleways). I'm using the Marin for these rides and it's been coping relatively well but it does struggle a little since it's not in fine fettle, having not really been looked at by a bike mechanic in probably 20 years. It is really fun to ride and looks so retro cool now.
It's all original so i'm wondering whether it's salvageable or if it needs to be sadly broken for parts to fund something new.
In terms of how it rides; the gears and associated mechanisms are smooth most of the time but obviously needs servicing as they're clunky when shifting under pressure, the rear shock is toast and provides no support (does the bouncy thing Y frames do), the front forks aren't suppressing any bumps but do move up and down, brakes are fine, rims probably need replacing as do the tyres, the pedals need to go because they're clip ins and the bars could be wider.
As a cycling noobie and mechanical simpleton, I'm wondering whether it's worth putting some decent money (rough costs would be appreciated) into this bike with upgraded / new parts, or if it'll be too difficult to source parts that will fit.
Appreciate some guidance!
Edited by drophead on Thursday 11th June 17:44
Its not a case of upgrading to make it better, as everything has moved on a lot further than you know sadly. But, its a great bike and knew many who owned them and rode them hard for years . Wasnt for me , even after bike swopping on rides. Personally , it just needs a little work to get it better. Potentially a fork service, which is elastomers in those days, so very easy, cables replacing for gears and brakes. Maybe hub service and check bottom bracket, chain, cassette , brake pads etc. These are all easily replaced if worn.
Keep it going , it will serve you well and if the bug continues to bite , then look to find another new bike .
Keep it going , it will serve you well and if the bug continues to bite , then look to find another new bike .
Justin S said:
Its not a case of upgrading to make it better, as everything has moved on a lot further than you know sadly. But, its a great bike and knew many who owned them and rode them hard for years . Wasnt for me , even after bike swopping on rides. Personally , it just needs a little work to get it better. Potentially a fork service, which is elastomers in those days, so very easy, cables replacing for gears and brakes. Maybe hub service and check bottom bracket, chain, cassette , brake pads etc. These are all easily replaced if worn.
Keep it going , it will serve you well and if the bug continues to bite , then look to find another new bike .
Cheers for the advice. Will get it a good going over with service items and then go from there. Hopefully I can coax the forks and shock back to life!Keep it going , it will serve you well and if the bug continues to bite , then look to find another new bike .
You might have an issue finding new elastomers, apparently the originals eventually perish and start to crumble and new ones just aren't available. Maybe look out for a period rockshock Sid or marzocchi bomber or early Fox Float that used a coil or air spring?
Cool bike though, our local bike shop used to do Marin and I loved the design of those frames.
Cool bike though, our local bike shop used to do Marin and I loved the design of those frames.
I had a friend who raced downhill back in the day on a B17 of that era, I believe he did one race on it before declaring it a great big flexy wallowing piece of s
t. Fortunately it was stolen soon after and bought a Klein with the pay out. That single tiny pivot....
It makes you realise how far full sus bikes in particular have come, mind you DH courses aren’t the same either,...
t. Fortunately it was stolen soon after and bought a Klein with the pay out. That single tiny pivot....It makes you realise how far full sus bikes in particular have come, mind you DH courses aren’t the same either,...
lufbramatt said:
You might have an issue finding new elastomers, apparently the originals eventually perish and start to crumble and new ones just aren't available. Maybe look out for a period rockshock Sid or marzocchi bomber or early Fox Float that used a coil or air spring?
Cool bike though, our local bike shop used to do Marin and I loved the design of those frames.
Ok, would it be worth just fitting newer forks instead? Cool bike though, our local bike shop used to do Marin and I loved the design of those frames.
Fluffsri said:
Looks great! I had the same design albeit an East Peak. Bloody loved it, forks were crap from the start, I upgraded them and it transformed the bike. Spend some cash on it so its nice again, bet it creaks though 
Hahaha it is a bit of creaker 
Is a laugh caning it downhill though. Barchettaman said:
Yeah, I would spend a bit of money on that and get it looking and working nicely (to be fair it looks pretty cool just as it is)
For the intended use (bridleways and bumbling around?) it´s ideal.
Cool bike.
Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, i'm not going to go nuts on it and not planning on doing huge jumps. Might take it to High Lodge in Thetford for a run during the drier months though. For the intended use (bridleways and bumbling around?) it´s ideal.
Cool bike.
pablo said:
I had a friend who raced downhill back in the day on a B17 of that era, I believe he did one race on it before declaring it a great big flexy wallowing piece of st. Fortunately it was stolen soon after and bought a Klein with the pay out. That single tiny pivot....
It makes you realise how far full sus bikes in particular have come, mind you DH courses aren’t the same either,...
Yes, even as a layman it's clear to see that the technology has moved on massively; from forks and frames to brakes and tyres. t. Fortunately it was stolen soon after and bought a Klein with the pay out. That single tiny pivot....It makes you realise how far full sus bikes in particular have come, mind you DH courses aren’t the same either,...
Edited by drophead on Thursday 11th June 21:40
Trouble with newer forks is not many (certainly nothing decent) available in 26" with quick release dropouts, 1 1/8th steerer and v brake mounts, also you really need one with a similar amount of travel (probably 80-100mm) as a longer fork will affect the geometry of the frame. Even forks from 10 years ago didn't come with v brake bosses.
You could stick a disc on the front but it's all extra cash (need a new wheel too) and you can't put one on the back.
You could stick a disc on the front but it's all extra cash (need a new wheel too) and you can't put one on the back.
Drohead, its a fun bike. I rode mine around Morzine and Les Gets for week in the pissing rain. I rode the same area last year, some 18 years later on a more modern bike and remebered the shear terror of 3inches of travel down some of those mountains lol. I sold mine to my mate who still rides it, hes a bit gingerly on it though as it has a tiny crack on rear triangle so its a good job its just Dad and Daughter bimbles.
lufbramatt said:
Trouble with newer forks is not many (certainly nothing decent) available in 26" with quick release dropouts, 1 1/8th steerer and v brake mounts, also you really need one with a similar amount of travel (probably 80-100mm) as a longer fork will affect the geometry of the frame. Even forks from 10 years ago didn't come with v brake bosses.
You could stick a disc on the front but it's all extra cash (need a new wheel too) and you can't put one on the back.
Yes, sounds like this could be the sticking point. If I can't get the suspension working again or replaced (something like this: https://www.tredz.co.uk/.RockShox-Recon-Silver-TK-...??) then the investment in the bike will just amount to a good service of the key areas. I'm not knowledgable enough to create a good frankenstein bike with new parts. A pity, but the bike will be fine for what it'll be used for.You could stick a disc on the front but it's all extra cash (need a new wheel too) and you can't put one on the back.
Edited by drophead on Thursday 11th June 22:37
That’s lovely.
Chuck some new cables on it and a chain.
Go from there.
I’ve still got a 2003 Marin rift zone, had since new and rode it regularly until 2018 until my new magic carpet arrived. The only thing I’m struggling to fully service are the forks due to lack of spares, keeping an eye out on the ‘bAy.
Chuck some new cables on it and a chain.
Go from there.
I’ve still got a 2003 Marin rift zone, had since new and rode it regularly until 2018 until my new magic carpet arrived. The only thing I’m struggling to fully service are the forks due to lack of spares, keeping an eye out on the ‘bAy.
That's a great looking bike and definitely worth saving. Strip it down first and see what work needs doing. I agree with what has been said regarding the elastomers. Google will be your friend and also http://www.retrobike.co.uk/ Maybe some 2nd hand replacement forks might be the best option?
My first MTB was a Marin Bear Valley SE (replaced by a Pace RC200 F6) and I loved it. I put some Manitou Elastomer forks on that and they were next to useless but then suspension on MTB's was relatively new back then. I did a restoration/refurb on the Marin a few years ago. Then about 3 years ago it went into storage at a friend's farm. He's told me it's 'disappeared'
No sign of a break-in which makes me quite suspicious 
Keep us posted.
NB It looks like the bike is on Panracer Darts/Smokes. You can still buy those
If it's on Velociraptors, they're available but more difficult to source 
My first MTB was a Marin Bear Valley SE (replaced by a Pace RC200 F6) and I loved it. I put some Manitou Elastomer forks on that and they were next to useless but then suspension on MTB's was relatively new back then. I did a restoration/refurb on the Marin a few years ago. Then about 3 years ago it went into storage at a friend's farm. He's told me it's 'disappeared'
No sign of a break-in which makes me quite suspicious Keep us posted.
NB It looks like the bike is on Panracer Darts/Smokes. You can still buy those
If it's on Velociraptors, they're available but more difficult to source Edited by CharlieAlphaMike on Friday 12th June 09:16
I hope you’ve seen the videos of GMBN on YouTube of Blake Samson jumping one of these?
Search GMBN retro bike challenge.
I’ve just got back into mountain biking and my lad (5yo) who learned to ride last year, but hadn’t really been fussed, now absolutely loves going for bike rides in the woods/ on family friendly trails.
I have some old Manitou forks that would fit this bike.
They’re coil spring, 100mm travel, 1 1/8” steerer and have V brake bosses.
I’ll get some pictures if you want.
If you’re happy to pay postage I’ll send them over
You may have to measure the steerer length on your bike first
Search GMBN retro bike challenge.
I’ve just got back into mountain biking and my lad (5yo) who learned to ride last year, but hadn’t really been fussed, now absolutely loves going for bike rides in the woods/ on family friendly trails.
I have some old Manitou forks that would fit this bike.
They’re coil spring, 100mm travel, 1 1/8” steerer and have V brake bosses.
I’ll get some pictures if you want.
If you’re happy to pay postage I’ll send them over
You may have to measure the steerer length on your bike first
EddyBee said:
I hope you’ve seen the videos of GMBN on YouTube of Blake Samson jumping one of these?
Search GMBN retro bike challenge.
I’ve just got back into mountain biking and my lad (5yo) who learned to ride last year, but hadn’t really been fussed, now absolutely loves going for bike rides in the woods/ on family friendly trails.
I have some old Manitou forks that would fit this bike.
They’re coil spring, 100mm travel, 1 1/8” steerer and have V brake bosses.
I’ll get some pictures if you want.
If you’re happy to pay postage I’ll send them over
You may have to measure the steerer length on your bike first
Search GMBN retro bike challenge.
I’ve just got back into mountain biking and my lad (5yo) who learned to ride last year, but hadn’t really been fussed, now absolutely loves going for bike rides in the woods/ on family friendly trails.
I have some old Manitou forks that would fit this bike.
They’re coil spring, 100mm travel, 1 1/8” steerer and have V brake bosses.
I’ll get some pictures if you want.
If you’re happy to pay postage I’ll send them over
You may have to measure the steerer length on your bike first
that would be fantastic. I'll measure up the steerer length this weekend. As for YT vids, I haven't but will give that a watch with a beer tonight
Here’s some pictures
There’s a bit of wear on them from where brake hose has rubbed.
Admittedly they’re not an expensive fork but they work perfectly fine. The lock out & rebound adjusters are working too.
Steerer is 178mm so it’s a little short but looks like you could remove a few spacers under the stem
There’s a bit of wear on them from where brake hose has rubbed.
Admittedly they’re not an expensive fork but they work perfectly fine. The lock out & rebound adjusters are working too.
Steerer is 178mm so it’s a little short but looks like you could remove a few spacers under the stem
As some have said, worth persevering even if modern bikes have improved greatly.
drophead said:
In terms of how it rides; the gears and associated mechanisms are smooth most of the time but obviously needs servicing as they're clunky when shifting under pressure
Just wanted to pick up on this as nobody seems to have, as far as I'm concerned you should should be lifting off/lightening the pressure on the pedals when changing gears; unless I've misunderstood the issue you're having. Some may disagree but it's how I've always ridden on my older bikes. Not sure if modern drivetrains have changed that?Gompo said:
As some have said, worth persevering even if modern bikes have improved greatly.
No you're right, I do tend to lighten the load I'm putting through whilst changing gears. I should add to this that they've become clunkier even whilst being considerate.drophead said:
In terms of how it rides; the gears and associated mechanisms are smooth most of the time but obviously needs servicing as they're clunky when shifting under pressure
Just wanted to pick up on this as nobody seems to have, as far as I'm concerned you should should be lifting off/lightening the pressure on the pedals when changing gears; unless I've misunderstood the issue you're having. Some may disagree but it's how I've always ridden on my older bikes. Not sure if modern drivetrains have changed that?Personally, I've yet to ride a bike (Best bike i've ridden has been your average hardtail mtb Cube) with a chain set etc that doesn't clunk if you have to change gear whilst putting load through the pedals.
Regarding gears I wished the manufacturers looked at this and took it seriously
https://youtu.be/iUak9sqJmnM
https://youtu.be/iUak9sqJmnM
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