My bike is a work-in-progress. It’s a Gary Fisher Marlin, bought in 2006. I rode it a bit that summer on fire roads in Lynn Woods, skipped 2007 by riding my road bike, so this summer is probably the first summer I rode it regularly, and on a fair bit of single track.

Over all, I like riding a hard tail, and plan on sticking with it. I recently put 2.35 tires on it (Kenda Nevegal), and it’s quite an improvement, but the rear tire doesn’t really fit, as the outer row of nubs hits the frame on the chain side with it flexes. I’ve “fixed” this by trimming the nubs with scissors.

I’ve also switched to clipless pedals (shimano SPD). So far I’m still on the fence WRT platforms vs. clipless. It boils down to platforms being more care-free, less hassle, and allowing me to take more risks, vs. clipless improving efficiency and power, making riding faster and more fun. Perhaps when I get more comfortable clipping-out, it will decide things.

I’m viewing this as a project to determine the bike I really want. So far, I think my GF has a few gaps:

- Quality/Durability – The marlin has been a good introduction, but I’d like something a bit more durable and higher quality.

- Must fit 2.35 tires – I’m still over 200 lbs, so I need them.

- Disk Brakes.

- 1×8 or 1×9 drive. – I’d really like to loose the front changer and extra rings.

I’m not sure where this leads for manufactured bikes. I’m sort of in an odd category.