This looks like a solid option for the weekend warriors that are more concerned about exploring trails than the fastest time. The previous colors were cool but I really enjoy the fade - reminds me of the 90's bikes. Installing a set of generic tires make sense to me - that is one of the first thing owners swap on a new bike. Looking forward to hearing more about the rest of the Bobcat Trail line.
Thanks for the comment and glad you like the 90s fade! They went from 90s blue and magenta to a fade! Bobcat 4 (and soon 5) coming soon, thanks for watching!
No! Sorry to hear that but at the same time you got the sweet blue color. Most people won't notice the slight geometry difference. The main difference for you would just be the drivetrain but you could always upgrade that down the road (and maybe even a better setup). Enjoy the bike
135 mm dropouts and that straight steerer are a major miss. Inexpensive changes that really limit the platform. But the changes in geo are very VERY apreciated. Hated those water bosses on the seattube.
yeah, it would have been nice to see thru axles but at least from what I’ve seen, haven’t seen any bikes that aren’t on clearance in that price point that do have thru axles (at least in rear). Same goes with straight steerer I guess. Glad you like the geo and also hated the water bosses on the seat tube! Thanks for sharing and take care
sounds like a great bike to learn the sport. If you are buying the bike to begin off road trail riding, is it worth upgrading to the 4 for the tires or what tires might you upgrade the bobcat 3 to and what might that cost?
thanks for the comment. Well, if you want to get tires right off the bat, they could be anywhere from $60-80 on the low end for a set (better tires than what come on the 4 though). Delium Tire has a Fast MTB tire they call it that could be good. Not that expensive. I want to buy some to try out soon and possibly sell at the shop
I've always liked the looks of the bobcat, I think they do a great job with paint and styling. Don't agree with the addition of the kick stand mount and I'm not sure why the little bear on the head tube looks so angry, when the sticker says it's for fun.
Haha your comment cracked me up about the angry head tube bear! I had to go take a second look just now.. The last one also looked angry, but the new one may have even more anger! I guess the bikes are made for fun but watch out for the angry bear hiding in the woods who wants to attack you! I'll let Marin know and see if they soften their bear image in the future. Thanks for the comment and for watching! Take care
@@BikingRoots maybe I did something wrong couldn’t get the smallest cog to drop into the grooves after an hour of trying then couldn’t find a sram 1x11 Groupset so bought it all separately 😩
@@ondrejmanych5688 I'll have to check those out and see if they still do them. I get it on some of the lower end models from Marin (like Bolinas) but on the Bobcat I'd never recommend one to most people who intend on using it as a mountain bike but I guess if it doesn't weigh much to put the mount and doesn't cost more to manufacturer, then I guess options are fine
@@ondrejmanych5688 Right?! That’s what I was thinking! I don’t know, all the pictures I saw on their website showed people riding them off road without kickstands of course… oh well… Maybe they’ll start adding them to the full suspension Rift Zones next! Ha
hi, it looks great. do you have a medium size 27.5, just for reference. what do you suggest, im choosing between bobcat trail 27.5 and Haro Double Peak Sport 27.5? thanks in advance.
Thanks for the question. I just received a 27.5 in that will be my personal bike for a series of videos (coming soon). Should be a bit lower standover, shorter wheelbase compared to 29. I'm not too familiar with the double peak sport but from a quick search, it appears it has a steeper/older geometry. Drivetrain doesn't seem bad. If it does have those Radius brand hydraulic brakes, I would avoid or have them replaced asap. We've had a ton of those fail and people need to replace them (I think they're all defective honestly). The tektro brakes on the bobcat have been much more reliable and trustworthy. Just a thought in case it has them
@@BikingRoots thanks for info sir, i'll stay away from Haro Double Peak then🙂. i keep on watching your videos for my reference and guide, eg. bobcat and norco fluid ht2, sadly the local bike shop here at our place said that Norco will stop producing Fluid HT anymore. now he suggested the Merida Bigtrail 200 as an option. i will wait for your video on a Marin Bobcat Trail 3 medium size 27.5. More power to you, and have a good day.
@@sitogaduang6768 thanks for the reply. Yes Fluid HT2 is gone but Norco does have some new beginner models that are intriguing that will be released I think in a few months (not sure the exact dates yet). Depending how long you want to wait though! Take care
Yeah, it would have been nice to see them go to tapered, but with that they’d have to then go to a thru axle fork (boost 110mm most likely) since that is what almost all thru axle tapered forks use now. The fork would add cost, then they’d have to go to a thru axle wheel (which also cost more). I get your point though and it is possible for them to do it probably at the $1100 price point (similar to the Norco Fluid HT2) which had tapered frame, boost front and rear thru axles.
@@MarinMatt95 Thanks, yes that is true and we’ve done some external/tapered fork conversions on bobcats over the years… just have to get a new wheel. Yep, at least it is possible with some additional parts and know how if that’s what someone desires. Good luck with yours, hope you like it!
@@BikingRoots I got a used San Quentin 1 that has a tapered steerer and came with a straight steerer fork. They just had to fit a different bottom bearing in the headset and they could still keep whatever straight steerer fork makes economic sense.
@@UnPolacoLoco yes the older san quentins did have that but they did come with a boost thru axle wheel. It was pretty heavy though. So yeah, it is possible for them to do it with the Bobcat for similar price (at least for maybe the Bobcat 5)
with the travel at 120mm it is considered a beginner trail/xc bike (100-140mm usually). When you get to like 160mm of travel, that is considered enduro, more than that downhill.
@@joseemmanuelchavarocervant4985 Good question. XC bikes typically only have 100mm of travel (these days sometimes 120mm). The head angles are steeper (the marlin is steeper at 69 degrees). Trail bikes are slacker head angles meaning they will feel better going down steep declines. In summary XC bikes in the past are usually more flat riding bikes and not so great descenders. These days they are getting more aggressive which is good because I think they will ride better. Differences between the Marlin. Marlin gen 2 is it looks like maybe $100 cheaper right now, but the Bobcat is a better value since it already comes with a 1x9 drivetrain w/ a clutch and no front derailleur. Also the geometry is more modern and aggressive than the Marlin, so its a better all arounder. And also has 120mm of travel vs 100. I’ll do a video soon on the Marlin
What do you think of the new Marin Bobcat? What trim/Color would you choose and why?
@@BikingRoots black and purple
@@RonBernard-ou8ye yeah, it looks pretty sweet (from pictures anyways)
This looks like a solid option for the weekend warriors that are more concerned about exploring trails than the fastest time. The previous colors were cool but I really enjoy the fade - reminds me of the 90's bikes. Installing a set of generic tires make sense to me - that is one of the first thing owners swap on a new bike. Looking forward to hearing more about the rest of the Bobcat Trail line.
Thanks for the comment and glad you like the 90s fade! They went from 90s blue and magenta to a fade! Bobcat 4 (and soon 5) coming soon, thanks for watching!
Bobcat is definitely looking good these days! I always recommend them to people getting started. New Bobcat 4 purple and black looking 🔥
Thanks, yeah I do like the new model and colors. The purple does look fly and can't wait to see one in person!
Dam , bought the blue bobcat 3 a week ago , wish I waited now
No! Sorry to hear that but at the same time you got the sweet blue color. Most people won't notice the slight geometry difference. The main difference for you would just be the drivetrain but you could always upgrade that down the road (and maybe even a better setup). Enjoy the bike
135 mm dropouts and that straight steerer are a major miss. Inexpensive changes that really limit the platform. But the changes in geo are very VERY apreciated.
Hated those water bosses on the seattube.
yeah, it would have been nice to see thru axles but at least from what I’ve seen, haven’t seen any bikes that aren’t on clearance in that price point that do have thru axles (at least in rear). Same goes with straight steerer I guess. Glad you like the geo and also hated the water bosses on the seat tube! Thanks for sharing and take care
sounds like a great bike to learn the sport. If you are buying the bike to begin off road trail riding, is it worth upgrading to the 4 for the tires or what tires might you upgrade the bobcat 3 to and what might that cost?
thanks for the comment. Well, if you want to get tires right off the bat, they could be anywhere from $60-80 on the low end for a set (better tires than what come on the 4 though). Delium Tire has a Fast MTB tire they call it that could be good. Not that expensive. I want to buy some to try out soon and possibly sell at the shop
I've always liked the looks of the bobcat, I think they do a great job with paint and styling. Don't agree with the addition of the kick stand mount and I'm not sure why the little bear on the head tube looks so angry, when the sticker says it's for fun.
Haha your comment cracked me up about the angry head tube bear! I had to go take a second look just now.. The last one also looked angry, but the new one may have even more anger! I guess the bikes are made for fun but watch out for the angry bear hiding in the woods who wants to attack you! I'll let Marin know and see if they soften their bear image in the future. Thanks for the comment and for watching! Take care
Yep already ordered a Judy gold a sram 1x11 because 1x12 doesn’t fit and a fox dropper post
oh right on, congrats! 1x12 didn't fit? We've done an eagle drivetrain in the past on the bobcat
@@BikingRoots maybe I did something wrong couldn’t get the smallest cog to drop into the grooves after an hour of trying then couldn’t find a sram 1x11 Groupset so bought it all separately 😩
@@RonBernard-ou8ye ah bummer, sorry about that… it happens sometimes. You’ll like the 11 speed setup. Good luck!
Kickstands are making a comeback!
I guess they are! Who would have thunk?!
because trek and specialized puts them on their entry level mtbs, people demand it.
@@ondrejmanych5688 I'll have to check those out and see if they still do them. I get it on some of the lower end models from Marin (like Bolinas) but on the Bobcat I'd never recommend one to most people who intend on using it as a mountain bike but I guess if it doesn't weigh much to put the mount and doesn't cost more to manufacturer, then I guess options are fine
@@BikingRoots this new version of the bobcat looks even more trail worthy, so it kinda doesnt make sense to add a kickstand now haha.
@@ondrejmanych5688 Right?! That’s what I was thinking! I don’t know, all the pictures I saw on their website showed people riding them off road without kickstands of course… oh well… Maybe they’ll start adding them to the full suspension Rift Zones next! Ha
I'm intrigued! And I like the colors. Just need an excuse to buy one 🤔
Glad they intrigue you! Buy one, do it
@@BikingRoots let me check if jenson has them on sale 🤣🤣
@@briangonzalez6469 ouch! well, they probably do... everything is always on sale with them!
hi, it looks great.
do you have a medium size 27.5, just for reference.
what do you suggest, im choosing between bobcat trail 27.5 and Haro Double Peak Sport 27.5?
thanks in advance.
Thanks for the question. I just received a 27.5 in that will be my personal bike for a series of videos (coming soon). Should be a bit lower standover, shorter wheelbase compared to 29. I'm not too familiar with the double peak sport but from a quick search, it appears it has a steeper/older geometry. Drivetrain doesn't seem bad. If it does have those Radius brand hydraulic brakes, I would avoid or have them replaced asap. We've had a ton of those fail and people need to replace them (I think they're all defective honestly). The tektro brakes on the bobcat have been much more reliable and trustworthy. Just a thought in case it has them
@@BikingRoots
thanks for info sir, i'll stay away from Haro Double Peak then🙂.
i keep on watching your videos for my reference and guide, eg. bobcat and norco fluid ht2, sadly the local bike shop here at our place said that Norco will stop producing Fluid HT anymore.
now he suggested the Merida Bigtrail 200 as an option.
i will wait for your video on a Marin Bobcat Trail 3 medium size 27.5.
More power to you, and have a good day.
@@sitogaduang6768 thanks for the reply. Yes Fluid HT2 is gone but Norco does have some new beginner models that are intriguing that will be released I think in a few months (not sure the exact dates yet). Depending how long you want to wait though! Take care
@@BikingRoots
thanks for the info regarding with the new model.
more power to your team.
@@sitogaduang6768 Thank you!, no problem
The straight steerer still holding the bobcat back… shame.
The bobcat can accept an external bottom headset cup to use tapered forks. I have a Fox 34 on mine.
Yeah, it would have been nice to see them go to tapered, but with that they’d have to then go to a thru axle fork (boost 110mm most likely) since that is what almost all thru axle tapered forks use now. The fork would add cost, then they’d have to go to a thru axle wheel (which also cost more). I get your point though and it is possible for them to do it probably at the $1100 price point (similar to the Norco Fluid HT2) which had tapered frame, boost front and rear thru axles.
@@MarinMatt95 Thanks, yes that is true and we’ve done some external/tapered fork conversions on bobcats over the years… just have to get a new wheel. Yep, at least it is possible with some additional parts and know how if that’s what someone desires. Good luck with yours, hope you like it!
@@BikingRoots I got a used San Quentin 1 that has a tapered steerer and came with a straight steerer fork. They just had to fit a different bottom bearing in the headset and they could still keep whatever straight steerer fork makes economic sense.
@@UnPolacoLoco yes the older san quentins did have that but they did come with a boost thru axle wheel. It was pretty heavy though. So yeah, it is possible for them to do it with the Bobcat for similar price (at least for maybe the Bobcat 5)
What tipe of mtb is this bike?
with the travel at 120mm it is considered a beginner trail/xc bike (100-140mm usually). When you get to like 160mm of travel, that is considered enduro, more than that downhill.
What is the difference of XC and Trail?
Excuse me but i don't decide if buy a trek marlin 5 gen 2 or this bike
What is the best option?
@@joseemmanuelchavarocervant4985 Good question. XC bikes typically only have 100mm of travel (these days sometimes 120mm). The head angles are steeper (the marlin is steeper at 69 degrees). Trail bikes are slacker head angles meaning they will feel better going down steep declines. In summary XC bikes in the past are usually more flat riding bikes and not so great descenders. These days they are getting more aggressive which is good because I think they will ride better. Differences between the Marlin. Marlin gen 2 is it looks like maybe $100 cheaper right now, but the Bobcat is a better value since it already comes with a 1x9 drivetrain w/ a clutch and no front derailleur. Also the geometry is more modern and aggressive than the Marlin, so its a better all arounder. And also has 120mm of travel vs 100. I’ll do a video soon on the Marlin
How much is it
well was $699 when it was launched, but now up to $759