Interbike 2008 - Marin Quake 7.9

Oct 4, 2008

The Quake 7.9 is Marin's big travel freeride bike that is versatile enough to pedal to the goods if you need to. With it's unique Quad Link 2.0 suspension and a full Saint parts kit the 7.9 deserves a closer look!

Watch the HD Video inside and get to know the Quake 7.9!
Marin Quake 7.9

Marin's long travel machine strikes an imposing stance when you first lay eyes on it. With a super solid and burly looking swingarm, a 1.5" headtube, and finished in dark gray anodizing, the 7.9 looks like it's traveled back from the future to kick some ass and take some names. Earlier we looked at Marin's Wolf Trail 6.8, now it's time took have a gander at it's long travel brother.


Marin Quake 7.9



The Quake 7.9 is a deep bike, get to know it better by watching the video!


At the heart of the Quake is its Quad Link 2.0 suspension. A 4-bar linkage system originally designed by a former F1 genius, Quad Link is used throughout Marin's full suspension line-up and can be manipulated to work with shorter travel rigs like the 4" Alchemist, up to the 6.7" Quake that we're checking out here. Using two short links lets Marin keep the rear end stiff while enabling them to tune both the shock rate and wheel path.


Early into the Quake's travel the bike has a rearward wheel path which helps it keep its momentum up over nasty terrain

Just how competent is the Quad Link design? Shaums March took his first World Master's Championship win aboard the 6.7" Quake, and repeated the win in '07 aboard a prototype DH sled that also used the Quad Link system. He recently returned home from the '08 edition with a silver medal, good work Shaums!



At the opposite end of the swingarm sits Marin's Modular Rear Dropout System.


This just makes too much sense. Replaceable dropout's on both sides of the swingarm let you choose between a 12/150 mm rear MAXLE if you are want the best in strength, or the 135 mm QR version let's you run a lighter and faster wheelset.




Marin used a 1.5" headtube to finish the Quake's strapping front end

And if you have a 1.5" headtube you may as well run a Totem...


RockShox's Totem Coil is ready for action and just happens to look sick in all white



The Specs!

Frame sizeSmall, Medium and Large with 6.7" of travel
Rear ShockFox DHX Air 5.0
ForkRockShox Totem Coil
HeadsetFSA Orbit DL Pro 1.5" Alloy
CrankarmsShimano Saint
Bottom BracketShimano Saint
PedalsSyncros Meat Hook
ChainShimano HG73
CassetteShimano XT 11-34
Rear DerailleurShimano Saint Shadow
Shifter Cable/HousingStock
Shifter PodShimano Saint
HandlebarSyncros FR, 20 mm rise
StemSyncros FR
BrakesShimano Saint w/ 8" front rotor, 7" rear rotor
WheelsetMavic EX-325 laced to Shimano Saint hubs
TiresKenda Nevegal 2.5, Stick-E
SaddleWTB Pure V Race
SeatpostSyncros Derived 31.6




With the Quake's capable suspension and robust frame Marin chose wisely and spec'd the 7.9 to the tit's with a full Saint groupo. The new Saint Shadow derailleur is a sight to behold and looks like it would survive a nuclear attack. Complete with CenterLock rotor's and Saint Servo Wave brakes the build kit really tells you what the bike is meant for.


New lighter Saint cranks and finished with Syncro's new Meat Hook pedals




Matching graphics on the Syncros bar, stem, and post work great with the Quake's anodized silver finish. It's all in the details...



Check out the Quake 7.9, it's little bro the 7.8, and the rest of the Marin lineup at Marinbikes.com

-Mike "kakah" Levy

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55 Comments

  • + 7 props
flag RaleighKing (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:11) (Below Threshold) show comment
Very nice bike, looks like it can take one hell of a beating.
[Reply]
  • + 12 props
flag commandojohn (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:15) (Below Threshold) show comment
i never liked marins set up but the parts like the saint cranks and rockshock forks n synchros bar are lush
  • + 3 props
flag gibson243 (Oct 4, 2008 at 13:30) (Below Threshold) show comment
Very true. The only thing I dont agree on would be that they put a fox dhx air in back so why not put a totem solo air in front? It would definitly complete the bike.
  • + 1 props
flag asteezc1 (Oct 4, 2008 at 16:31) (Below Threshold) show comment
in the video the guy said that it had a solo air, so the written spec sheet must be wrong
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  • + 2 props
flag teamrocket (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:15) (Below Threshold) show comment
marin needs to put some money into aesthetic r&d, their bikes look bulky... heavy and ugly is a bad combination
  • + 8 props
flag viatch (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:37) (Below Threshold) show comment
have you ridden one? dont think so. looks are decieving.
  • + 6 props
flag NorCalNomad (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:37) (Below Threshold) show comment
they aren't heavy buddy...I've ridden a lot of marins, from their trail bikes to the proto DH quad link (omg how he do that ) and it feels soooo nice.
  • + 2 props
flag diroc (Oct 4, 2008 at 15:33) (Below Threshold) show comment
You are all missing the point...
AESTHETIC r&d.... they LOOK bulky. The problem is that Marin's looks ARE deceiving.
  • + 4 props
flag teamrocket (Oct 4, 2008 at 15:59) (Below Threshold) show comment
why not flare the top of the down tube instead of all those silly weld patterns webbing the top tube to the down? it seems a bit asinine
  • + 0 props
flag konabass123 (Oct 4, 2008 at 16:25) (Below Threshold) show comment
i have 1 there sick
  • + 1 props
flag samjackson10 (Jun 13, 2009 at 3:48) (Below Threshold) show comment
Im thinking of getting a 2008 7.3. What are they like as a pure freeride bike with some DH occationally?
  • + 1 props
flag NorCalNomad (Jun 13, 2009 at 10:29) (Below Threshold) show comment
I do both FR and DH with my 7.3 with a 05 66 (slackens up the head angle) and it feels GREAT on everything. Just plows over stuff and feels great in the air, but still super maneuverable
  • + 1 props
flag samjackson10 (Jun 14, 2009 at 1:27) (Below Threshold) show comment
Sweet man! sounds great! Whats that 00 66 thing tho?
  • + 1 props
flag NorCalNomad (Jun 14, 2009 at 12:21) (Below Threshold) show comment
I was saying a have a 2005 Marzocchi 66 on it. which has a high axel to crown and also sticks the front tire farther out. So it slackens the head angle up a bit
  • + 1 props
flag samjackson10 (Jun 14, 2009 at 12:51) (Below Threshold) show comment
O ok, sorry
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  • + 0 props
flag freeriderniek (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:19) (Below Threshold) show comment
how heavy is it???
  • + 0 props
flag david-bike (Oct 5, 2008 at 4:40) (Below Threshold) show comment
mines 37lbs and its not a very good spec 1 so id imagine theyd get lighter
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  • + 6 props
flag viatch (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:36) (Below Threshold) show comment
wow that dude has to be the most truthfull no BS PM there is in the bike industry. i like his honesty and strightforward talk unlike most other bike companies all they worry about is trying to sell bikes(specialized)
  • + 3 props
flag GnarlyX (Oct 4, 2008 at 14:17) (Below Threshold) show comment
No bike company should try to sell bikes ;-)
[Reply]
  • + 2 props
flag halfdermath (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:37) (Below Threshold) show comment
nothing but talking about how important a light bike is and he never gives a weight..
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  • + 3 props
flag DHrider007 (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:39) (Below Threshold) show comment
the swingarms of marin bikes are insane!
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  • - 3 props
flag veisix (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:41) (Below Threshold) show comment
hmm I think that the frame is very ugly...
[Reply]
  • + 3 props
flag Brooklynuk85 (Oct 4, 2008 at 12:54) (Below Threshold) show comment
Am i the only person who really likes the look of it?
and the sus works so well when you get on one
  • + 2 props
flag ReganDrift (Oct 4, 2008 at 13:18) (Below Threshold) show comment
i love the way it looks too
  • + 2 props
flag clockworked (Oct 4, 2008 at 16:13) (Below Threshold) show comment
seconded
  • + 3 props
flag 3lfd3wd (Oct 5, 2008 at 4:55) (Below Threshold) show comment
thirded
  • + 0 props
flag BedgeburyBiker (Jan 14, 2009 at 9:14) (Below Threshold) show comment
fourth-ded?
[Reply]
  • + 2 props
flag Fender978 (Oct 4, 2008 at 13:07) (Below Threshold) show comment
i want that bike!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1 props
flag churchy (Oct 4, 2008 at 13:10) (Below Threshold) show comment
Very nice , not my type tho
[Reply]
  • + 0 props
flag will432 (Oct 4, 2008 at 13:13) (Below Threshold) show comment
Nope i love the look of them too mate.

Looks like its a crossbow or something
[Reply]
  • + 0 props
flag zekedoobie (Oct 4, 2008 at 14:17) (Below Threshold) show comment
i will agree they dont look the greatest...but when you're riding one they do feel pretty good.
[Reply]
  • + 4 props
flag nightmareterror (Oct 4, 2008 at 14:42) (Below Threshold) show comment
I'm sure they wouldn't market a bike that was very poor in construction, it looks like it can take some heavy abuse. I'd ride that. I'd ride the hell out of it.
[Reply]
  • + 0 props
flag p2fever (Oct 4, 2008 at 15:22) (Below Threshold) show comment
the rear suspension is so confusing!!!!
  • + 0 props
flag Shoe2190 (Oct 6, 2008 at 6:25) (Below Threshold) show comment
Hmm you better never look at a 303 then. joke
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  • - 1 props
flag HarrisonBn (Oct 4, 2008 at 15:25) (Below Threshold) show comment
man that guy in the video seems like a dumbass.

sweet bike though... I rode last years quake, it was really nice.
[Reply]
  • - 2 props
flag comins333 (Oct 4, 2008 at 15:40) (Below Threshold) show comment
oh yeah,the look OVERKILL.
[Reply]
  • - 1 props
flag tommyguns (Oct 4, 2008 at 15:40) (Below Threshold) show comment
very nice! sick components on it too.
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  • - 1 props
flag jazzboy (Oct 4, 2008 at 16:09) (Below Threshold) show comment
I think only Haro has worse graphics. Unfortunate because both seem to be quality product.
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  • + 4 props
flag scrider (Oct 4, 2008 at 16:54) (Below Threshold) show comment
I have been riding the quake series for the pat 4 years built up as a racing bike and I can asure you that this bike is as capable to handle and tackle any dh race tracks. Keep in mind that it's primary purpose is a^Playbike that is capable of riding up the hill to tackle your favourite dh trail or bike park. The bike g's out super nicely, travels flawlessly through it's travel, its super stable at high speed and nimble in the air so you can throw it around anyway you like. Try it before judging it. It totally outperforms a vast majority of similar purpose bikes. Loo for the DH SLED that will come out soon. IT'S GOING TO BE INSANE !!!
[Reply]
  • + 2 props
flag stills68 (Oct 4, 2008 at 17:49) (Below Threshold) show comment
all you that judge this bike on looks.... grow up. i ride a quake and it climbs anything and will take any dh you throw at it. the only downfall is that it is a little heavy but with the right part choice they can be alot lighter.
so like scrider said, try it be judging it.
[Reply]
  • - 1 props
flag sethius (Oct 4, 2008 at 19:22) (Below Threshold) show comment
luke ya sound like the kinda guy who buys all the latest fluro hype colours but doesnt give a shit about anything else. i think thats called a Posers world. IM glad marin have kept it low key not stupid over the top graphics. Appeals to more mature riders probably who have been the down the weight/all looks lane...

will be chasing one of these myself since the US dollar has dropped for us aussies.
  • + 1 props
flag luke-miller (Oct 8, 2008 at 12:04) (Below Threshold) show comment
i dont ride flouro bikes. i ride a simple matte red hardtail, and i think marin needs to do some work on the look of their full suspensions.
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  • + 2 props
flag john--b (Oct 4, 2008 at 19:36) (Below Threshold) show comment
I also have been riding the Quake for the past race season, I have had no problems what so ever with this bike. So don't judge it on looks before you ride it, it has the most sensitive rear end out of any downhill rig I have felt.
[Reply]
  • - 1 props
flag GiantSTP1994 (Oct 4, 2008 at 19:47) (Below Threshold) show comment
No Chain growth? I thought you needed a single pivot for that.
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  • - 2 props
flag Luseboy (Oct 4, 2008 at 21:05) (Below Threshold) show comment
damn. nice part spec, but terrible bike =(
[Reply]
  • + 1 props
flag wordson4prez (Oct 4, 2008 at 21:38) (Below Threshold) show comment
agreed. that bike looks to busy.
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  • - 1 props
flag casums (Oct 4, 2008 at 23:56) (Below Threshold) show comment
i live in marin
[Reply]
  • - 1 props
flag FreerideStian (Oct 5, 2008 at 3:57) (Below Threshold) show comment
ugly ass hel
[Reply]
  • + 1 props
flag Luseboy (Oct 5, 2008 at 13:51) (Below Threshold) show comment
I acctually demoed a 2008 model. I rode it, hoping I would like it, since I live in marin, but it just didn't have anything goin for it, except the parts. honestly, my 5.5" trail bike is more fun, and feels more like a FR bike too. I do think that a little geometery change would really make that bike shine, but for now, it's just another bike.
[Reply]
  • + 1 props
flag EricBirk (Oct 6, 2008 at 11:22) (Below Threshold) show comment
Man now I am angry. I bought a 7.3 last year with the ugly ass gold paint... AND NOW THEY MAKE IT ANODIZED!!! ugh...
Its a good thing I love the bike so damn much.

*Luseboy* this bike is very hit or miss. When trying to set mine up I was not sure I would like it at all. The air shock was very difficult to find the sweet spot on, and always seemed to be too soft or too firm,
BUT once you get it dialed in the bike is awesome. I absolutely love mine, the only problem I have had is again the paint, and the Totem Solo air (which I still love).
[Reply]
  • - 1 props
flag dirtpusher (Oct 6, 2008 at 15:46) (Below Threshold) show comment
it looks great
[Reply]
  • - 1 props
flag treksession77 (Oct 8, 2008 at 9:08) (Below Threshold) show comment
that would be sick with a vivid
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  • + 0 props
flag herbst (Feb 17, 2009 at 8:04) (Below Threshold) show comment
looks like someone made a frame and decided to throw a bunch of metal onto it, little to bulky and heavy looking
[Reply]
  • + 0 props
flag stubb (Mar 7, 2009 at 13:40) (Below Threshold) show comment
well got to say i like mine and its cool watchin a vid about it with a coffee with mine sat right next to me , black one as well though the white was my first choice, it is a little lardy but ill swap some bits thru the year , still pedals really well though , good bike
[Reply]
  • + 1 props
flag samjackson10 (Jun 13, 2009 at 3:49) (Below Threshold) show comment
Im thinking of getting a 2008 7.3. What are they like as a pure freeride bike with some DH occationally?
[Reply]

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