Marino SS

goobags

Likes Dirt
After much searching for a frame to replace my Niner ROS 9 as it was a bit short, I decided to get a frame made through Marino. I test rode a few bikes, but in the end they either weren't SS native (Norco Torrent) or required too many part changes, i.e. boost or seat post shims (Specialised Fuse) so the decision in the end was pretty straight forward. I have attached a pic of the geometry, I cannot really remember how I got to the final geometry, but I ride a large Spitfire as well so that was definitely a guide. Parts were moved over from my Niner except for the stem, tyres and the chain as somehow I ended up with longer chain stays.

Some noteworthy features, Reynolds 725 tubing, no derailleur hanger, no cables bosses to run a derailleur cable and external cable routing except for the last bit of the dropper. I wanted it to be a very minimalistic build and not exactly eye catching, although it does get a lot of comments. I was very nervous when I first rode it as I didn't;t know if I had completely stuffed up the geometry but it fits me perfectly. I try and ride this everywhere as a bit of a do it all bike, its heaps of fun showing people you don't need some fancy frame and 12 gears to go everywhere or to keep up. Ended up on bits of the DH track at Ourimbah and that was definitely my limit.

Overall the build quality is good, the process albeit very long was worth it, about 4 months in total from first contact, would have been faster if I could make up my mind.

366471


366465


366472


366473


366474


Frame - Marino custom
Fork - Fox 34 factory 140mm
Handlebars - Enve SWP flat
Stem - Spank
Headset - Marino
Grips - Lizard Skins Peaty lock on
Saddle - Fizik
Seatpost - Bikeyoke Revive 160mm
Brakes - Magura MT trail sport with 180mm rotors
Cranks - M8000 with oval 32t brand no longer visible
Chain - KMC 10 speed
Pedals - M520
Cog - Surly 19t
Hubs - Hope Pro 4
Rims - Carbonfan 29mm internal asymmetric
Spokes/nipples - DT Swiss
Tyres - Assegai/Agressor 2.5" WT
Total weight - 12.5kg
 

nzhumpy

Googlemeister who likes bikes and scandal
That be a great lookin' bike, the wait was well and truly worth it.
 

wkkie

It's Not Easy Being Green
Very nice! Just keep an eye on the rust under the clear.

And 4 months wait?! That's express at the moment! At least in my experience anyway.

When did you start the process and pay the deposit?
 

Isaakk

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Looks fantastic, very clean! Bet it's fun to ride.

And 4 months wait?! That's express at the moment! At least in my experience anyway.
Definitely. I cancelled my order for a 26" DJ frame recently and just bought a Dartmoor, would have loved another Marino but the wait was going to be just too long.
 

wkkie

It's Not Easy Being Green
I'm holding on still... Getting small glimpses of hope every now and then, but it's slow!

Oh and @goobags I'll send you a hanger when the time comes, I've got spares! :p
 

Litenbror

Eats Squid
Anyone know the production time? I've almost finalised the design with them so interested to know how long once that's done.
 

wkkie

It's Not Easy Being Green
My deposit was paid on the 4th of February of that gives you any indication...

But covid and they shut the workshop for a while, then they came back with only 1 builder, then they moved workshops, then back to ask builders, then building hardtails, and now apparently they're onto the full suspension
 

Litenbror

Eats Squid
My deposit was paid on the 4th of February of that gives you any indication...

But covid and they shut the workshop for a while, then they came back with only 1 builder, then they moved workshops, then back to ask builders, then building hardtails, and now apparently they're onto the full suspension
Yeah ok from the message on their site they have cleared the backlog and are now taking new orders, that's why I put mine in 2 weeks ago. Got contacted a couple of days ago with the first design which seemed promising. Not sure how long it will be to finish the design and pay the deposit, hopefully they will give me an indication.

Also hopefully they don't get shut down with COVID again.
 

ausdb

Being who he is
But covid and they shut the workshop for a while, then they came back with only 1 builder, then they moved workshops, then back to ask builders, then building hardtails, and now apparently they're onto the full suspension
I've been looking at their pages lately for inspiration on a future project and it's a really interesting to see how rudimentary and basic a lot of their jigs and fixtures are.
Contrast that with what you see in the Framebuilder section section of Velocipede Salon and what most micro builders in North America use and it is even more amazing.
 

goobags

Likes Dirt
First contact in October, deposit paid in November and delivered February sometime.

Won’t be needing a derailleur hanger anytime soon, there will always be a SS in the stable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

goobags

Likes Dirt
I've been looking at their pages lately for inspiration on a future project and it's a really interesting to see how rudimentary and basic a lot of their jigs and fixtures are.
Contrast that with what you see in the Framebuilder section section of Velocipede Salon and what most micro builders in North America use and it is even more amazing.
I bet some of those builds come with a fairly hefty price tag to go along with the fancy jigs. I have heard stories of some questionable alignment back in the day. Mine however is fairly straight, the non drive side sliding dropout was a bit off requiring a few shims to get the brake caliper centred.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Ben-e

Captain Critter!
Beautiful frame and build. You weren't temped to go belt drive?

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
 

goobags

Likes Dirt
Beautiful frame and build. You weren't temped to go belt drive?

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Cost and availability of different ratios/belts turned me off. As much as this isn’t exactly a budget build, you have to draw the line somewhere.

Also I think it adds complexity to the frame, either a split triangle or silly chain stays. I wanted to keep this as “practical” as a single speed can get. Decent tyres, good fork, long dropper, external cable routing and a chain that if I snap I can go to any bike shop and get another one or quick link it on the trail.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Ben-e

Captain Critter!
Cost and availability of different ratios/belts turned me off. As much as this isn’t exactly a budget build, you have to draw the line somewhere.

Also I think it adds complexity to the frame, either a split triangle or silly chain stays. I wanted to keep this as “practical” as a single speed can get. Decent tyres, good fork, long dropper, external cable routing and a chain that if I snap I can go to any bike shop and get another one or quick link it on the trail.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Fair enough, and yeah a poorly designed belt drive frame is a nightmare. I will say though, having ridden a gates system, it's bloody efficient.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
 

goobags

Likes Dirt
Fair enough, and yeah a poorly designed belt drive frame is a nightmare. I will say though, having ridden a gates system, it's bloody efficient.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Never ridden one but I need to work on my fitness before realising any small gain in chain vs belt


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ausdb

Being who he is
I bet some of those builds come with a fairly hefty price tag to go along with the fancy jigs. I have heard stories of some questionable alignment back in the day. Mine however is fairly straight, the non drive side sliding dropout was a bit off requiring a few shims to get the brake caliper centred.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not that I've seen a Marino in the flesh this post on pinkbike Marino any good? suggests he has got better over time.
My comment was more about what can actually be done with basic tooling without spending having to have squillions of dollars worth of high zoot gear. Alignment is as much about fabrication and welding processes as it is the right jigs/fixtures.
Years ago there was a great resource for bicycle frame builders Frame forum that's long gone now and there was always this ongoing debate between two schools of thought, the North Americans on the whole tended to subscribe to the high tech tooling approach and the Europeans the more manual approach. I think with modern through axles and full suspension rear ends the higher tech approach does tend to have its benefits or at least gives you a better chance of getting everything in the right place. :)
 
Top