GT Marathon - opinions please?

[bradjackson]

I am considering buying a GT Marathon Expert 2009 (carbon).

 

I can get it for a good price.

 

 

 

I would like to hear from other Hubbers who have experience with this bike.

 

 

 

Are you happy with it?

 

What sort of riding do you find it best suited to?

 

Any other advice?

 

 

 

I will be doing a fair mix of Cross Country & Marathon riding.

 

I took it for a short test ride on a fairly technical trail the other day and it felt pretty good.

 

 

 

 

 

bradjackson2009-11-24 05:15:19

[wynandvdmerwe]

Nice bike. Had a look at the gt's as well a while ago, but I bought a 96 Merida, just like the looks of the Merida better. Recon not my favourite! How much can you get the gt for? wynandvdmerwe2009-11-24 05:18:57

[Terminator]

I had a GT Marathon 1. It gave a great ride and I think the I-drive system is very good, but, 1. I do feel there are just too many links down in the dirt. 2. The "Dog-bone" strap is a weak point, and I would advise you to carry a spare. 3. Bottle cages are an issue.

 

I upgraded to a carbon Merida 96.

[TNOSE_E]

Linkage spares are also pricey.

[EZRider]

I have the alu marathon 1.0 and I love it.

The iDrive actually works very well and I haven't had any maintenance issues yet.

The dog bone does break if you jump the bike hard, the theory is that it protects the back shock by being designed to fail. I don't know about that but it is cheap and easy to replace and you can ride home if it breaks. I have changed mine once in a year.

These bikes just feel great and ride really well. There are a lot of happy Marathon riders out there.

 

[tomic]

I Have ridden my marathon pro since Jan 2007 2 epics 2 sabie x 1 sani2c amoung a bunch of one day events the bike is awesome besides wear and tear only part replaced was 1 dog bone

GT rocks as a great all rounder do not look anywhere else get the GT

[bradjackson]

Thanks for all the responses guys...

 

I think I have made up my mind.

 

 

 

I have been reading up quite a lot about this bike & checked out some Youtube videos about I-Drive in particular.

 

Pretty impressive.

 

 

 

My test ride was on a singletrack, cross country type of course. Tomorrow I intend to take it out for a long marathon-type ride and see how it feels.