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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Marin El Roy. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
17 reasons to buy
- Radically long, low and slack modern geometry enables the hardtail El Roy to ride enduro trails usually restricted to full-suspension bikes.
- Th El Roy’s steel frame is high-end, using double-butted ‘Series 3’ 4130 chromoly tubing with investment cast dropouts.
- On fast descents, the El Roy shreds and corners well, with considered geometry and grippy tires.
- The El Roy is furnished with a super-wide-range 12-speed 10-51t Shimano Deore cassette.
- Reviewers like the action and adjustability of the El Roy’s Marzocchi Z1 140mm air suspension fork.
- With a steep 78° seat angle, testers said the El Roy climbs steep and technical ascents with aplomb.
- Reviewers find the El Roy’s 12-Speed Shimano Deore drivetrain shifts well under load.
- A Shimano Deore series 4-piston hydraulic brakeset stops the El Roy powerfully.
- Electrophoretic deposition protects the El Roy’s chromoly tubing from corrosion.
- Well-thought-out componentry proves fit for the El Roy’s intended purpose.
- A stubby 35mm stem and wide 780mm bars give El Roy riders agile handling and control.
- Marin keeps the El Roy’s cockpit modern, with an integrated drop-in FSA headset.
- An X-Fusion Manic 150 to 170mm dropper seatpost comes fitted to the El Roy.
- The El Roy is shod with 29” x 2.5” Maxxis Assegai tubeless-compatible tires. The rear features hefty ‘double-down’ casing.
- Extra bosses beneath the El Roy’s top-tube can be used to attach a tool bag, cargo bag or additional bottle cage.
- Sticky-compound Maxxis Assegai tires are grippy on technical stretches, including climbs.
- The El Roy’s frame accommodates 148mm rear hub spacing.
7 reasons not to buy
- On climbs, the weight of the El Roy’s steel frame can be felt.
- Due to the El Roy’s long geometry, it takes extra effort to keep the bike’s front end planted on flat stretches.
- Testers say the El Roy can lag on long, non-technical climbs.
- One expert was underwhelmed with Shimano hubs being specced at this price point.
- A reviewer felt the El Roy’s 175mm cranks were too long, making him feel as though he was “chopping wood”.
- One reviewer complained that the El Roy is slowed down by the double-down compound used on the Maxxis Assegai rear tire.
- The El Roy is only available in two fairly similar sizes.
Bottom line
The El Roy is Marin’s steel enduro hardtail. As an experiment in radically progressive geometry, the El Roy is capable of bombing down enduro trails usually restricted to full-suspension rigs. This is thanks to a very long reach, incredibly slack 63° headtube angle, stumpy stem and wide bars. A super-steep 78° seat-tube angle keeps the El Roy climbable. A 140mm Marzocchi Z1 suspension fork handles the bumps up-front. Braking duties are performed by the Shimano Deore 4-piston brakeset that uses a 203mm rotor upfront and 180mm in the rear. The two sizes on offer (‘regular’ and ‘grande’) are relatively close together, but one is 30mm longer in reach and has a 170mm vs 150mm dropper seatpost. The El Roy delivers carvy, shreddy handling and great cornering, but can be too challenging for some riders on smooth climbs and long flat sections (which is not the type of riding that the El Roy is aimed at).Expert Reviews
85/100 based on 4 rated expert reviewsMarin El Roy Review
2021 Marin El Roy Review | The Steel Hardtail Made for Enduro Trails!
Marin El Roy Steel Hardtail Review
This Will Make You Want A MTB! 29″ Hardtail Trail Bike ❤️
Is It Better? The ExperiMENTAL Marin El Roy Review With Shorter Cranks + Longer Stem + a Faster Tire
2021 Marin El Roy
The Fastest Hardtail? Marin El Roy Review [Spanish]
TEST: Marin El Roy – Made For Fun [German]
Marin El Roy in Review: Hardtail Enduro [German]
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