New 29er MTB Hardtail purchase

[tails1976]

Hi All

New to the biking scene and found a bike I am interested in purchasing

The Bike I am looking at is the Marin Bobcat Trail 3 Sport Hardtail 29"

Will be used for general purpose bashing around the traps in Launceston Tasmania, I am fortunate to have a couple of tracks near to where I live and also general riding with my daughter.
We have a view good bike shops here in Launceston but the above bike is possible purchase at a decent price.

Any one had any experience with this bike or brand?

All help greatly appreciated.

[trailgumby]

"silky smooth SR Suntour travel" is an oxymoron, but it looks OK for the money apart from that.

[tails1976]

HAHA so the forks are crap lol.

[Mububban]

HAHA so the forks are crap lol.

Suntour are not very well regarded for serious riding but it's what available in the budget end of things.
Online reviews for that model reckons it's a bit heavy, but again, it's what you get for a modest budget.

How gnarly is the terrain you'll be on? I've just got into MTB riding and am rocking a 26 inch Avanti Montari from 2003 with spring Rock Shox Judy forks, cheap stock rims, rim brakes and Shimano Acera gearing And on the weekend I was riding down local blue trails, and I and my bike are still alive So realistically, even an entry level modern 29er will probably be vey capable.

Personally, I'm looking at second hand dual sus bikes, many of which go for about $1500 and will be a big step up from what I'm currently riding.

[tails1976]

Mainly road travel and couple local MTB tracks I am fortunate to live near. I compared most the gear on this back to your Trek Marlin 6 and the Giant in similar range, and for its current price it seems to be running pretty much the same or better. This will be an intro bike for me that will allow me to bash around a bit. Thanks for the info as well.

[bychosis]

It's an entry level bike for sure, but if you are doing entry level riding it'll be fine. Don't expect much from the forks, but the rest should cope with whatever you throw at it until upgraditis kicks in.