I'm planning to do a bunch of the things you mentioned so Im glad to get that affirmation. Installing a 203mm rt64 w/ metallic pads up front, an XT shifter, and a 2.4" Dissector out back to reduce unsprung weight and rolling resistance. Ill eventually do the Charger 2.1 damper and new brake levers but keep the 4 pot calipers. Thanks for the helpful insight into this bike.

My friend found one of these used recently. And we all said the same thing, great simple Enduro/ free ride bike. It's nothing special but he was on budget and never really rode anything better before so he loves it. And yes it's very true It's a total knar plow. I own a Slayer and they are very similar in weight, and I have 10mm more travel! It's a good intermediate bike, great for people who want to push limits but not there budget. Simple, solid, reputable parts easily upgradeable. But if your use to high bike already then obviously you will be disappointed cause you already rode the best. But honest review and I like how you pointed out its more of a downhill Enduro...cause it really is. I think it's a great budget option

Much lighter than those over-marketed e-bikes. And the range is much greater than any e-bike. Would like to see a Alpine Trail model with suntour Triair and Auron fork, 11 speed components. I prefer(and can afford) Suntour. Most people infatuated with KZfaq MTB reviews don't like any product below a grand$. To realistic riders, a grand, is a-lot of money for a bicycle.

I agree. Get another Trek or a Kona Process. The new and used bike market is crazy.

Great video bro ! I really got all info i wanted.

Back to the good ol slash, best bike ever

Thanks for the video very interesting👍🏻👍🏻 I bought this bike for my first mtb haha

GReat overview Jared - I think upgrading the shifter to an XT one will make a huge difference, besides that I'd stick with the bike as it is! That being said, I understand wanting to find something a bit more playful - I'd encourage you to try a little bit less travel and see what you think!

marin really is a good bike .confidence

Thanks again for another great video!

I currently have the marin rift zone, but need somthing with longer travel, so I have been looking at getting the alpine trail XR but after this video I think that I am going to go with the more affordable, upgradable 7

I've got the Carbon option in Medium size, and our bike shop has a large fleet of 7's as rental. The carbon frame Iis noticeably lighter and a touch stiffer torsionally. I think the geo is optimized for the S & M sizes. Maybe L is ok. Bigger sizes IMO can feel a bit un-balanced. A better shock and wheels can most certainly make the bike more lively, but it's not a super spritely climber. Coil feels spectacular, but the stock Deluxe is a touch choppy. I think it jumps really well though, and arguably the best bike for wheelies i've ever tried.

Nice job brother. I really like that bike

you need shorter reach OR shorter handlebar OR longer chainstay (or combination of these) if you feel like you are struggling to get to the front of the bike but it will not change the suspension platform for you, so yeah, take notes and move onto next bike

Problem is Marin have bought a bike to the market at a good price. The downside is that some of the components are cheap/ functional, but ultimately heavy. I reckon a lighter wheelset with lighter tyres + tubeless in combination with a wolftooth geoshift so you can play with steepening the head angle should help with that playfulness you are seeking. I certainly wouldn't give up on the bike, work to it's strengths and upgrade surrounding components.

I’ve said this before, bikes are at a point where they are to long low and slack and are loosing their playfulness. I usually ride a large at 5’11” but i think for my next bike i might get a medium.

Get another slash 🤘🏻

Great review!

get a canyon spectral its playfull and it also works for enduro

As someone who is looking to get into mtb and have never done it. Im torn between going cheaper on the 7 or spending extra to get the xr. I live close to 2 mtb ski parks so ill definitely be getting an enduro.

Sounds like you need a Capra. Mini DH bike that pedals.

Had you ever tried a santa cruz hightower? They are exellent trail bikes.

Thanks for your review! How tall are you? I am 186cm and trying to decide between L and XL frame sizes.

how compare to the slash? i mean slash is more playful even with more travel?

What size are the handlebars? 31.8 or 35 mm clamp?

I found with the bike that it is soo slack and that bikes are getting slacker you actually need a longer stem like a 50mm to weight the front better, since putting a 50mm stem. The bike rides way better.

Should I go with the 2021 kona process 153 29 or marin alpine trail 7 2023. Both bikes are for sale for 1500 which one would you take.

Jared did you totally regret buying this bike?...maybe you think that another option of your previous video would it be a better option?

I woulda got this bike if the color way wasn’t Dookie… 💩. So I spend the extra couple hundred dollars to get the alpine trail C1. Carbon frame and assegai tires. Nicer color. 😂😂

Price tag?

Why don't you just put some tokens in the shock and some different tyres. Then it will pop

Budget bike that costs nearly $4000..au.