Maverick ML8 beta

Anybody have any experience riding the Maverick ML8?

I have had a DUC32 for 2 seasons now and aside from 3 rebuilds (thank you to Ethan for the kick ass factory direct support) I friggin love it. I expected the maintenance issues out of the front shock when I bought it.

I've been eying out the ML8 and the thought of increasing rear travel from 5.25" to 6.5" would be sweet.

Primary concerns are durability and the rear shock squating 6.5" when I climb.

I am currently on a 2005 Enduro with the 4"-5.25" adjustable rear travel and a DUC32 on the front......full xtr and stuff

Any input?

I am going to try and test one out in Fruita this weekend

Get whatever floats your boat. Test rides are key when dropping serious $$$. Borrow or demo as many bikes as you can and get the one that makes you happy and want to ride. Or just read Mountain Bike Action and buy a bike based strictly on weight and their super informative "shoot-outs".

there are alot of really nice light trail bikes in that price range.

intense 6.6, turner RFX, ventana el terremoto, specialized enduro SL, and plenty of others... really try to ride them all and see what matches up to your tastes.

and IMO, a properly set shock on a good suspension design with a smooth, efficient peddle stroke will not bob regaurdless of the travel.

^Don't forget the newer Enduros (non SLs) that are a full 6 inches and way burlier than the SL. They didn't replace them with the SLs they simply added the SL to the mix.

i dunno. for my $$$, the maverick is nice, but gucci. to each his own.

FWIW, mav ml8 owners complain about super crappy front derailleur shifts, and slop in the link pivots.

then there's the whole proprietary shock thing. i have a 4 inch travel frame that is over 7 years old (i.e. had sucky shock technology) that rides insanely well now that i have a push'd fox float on it. so for me, anyway, any $$$ frame purchase has to preserve the option to use different types/brands of shock as technology improves.