Just starting to get back into riding after not racing motorcycles anymore. I currently have a diamondback v-link 3.0 which was given to me so i cant complain. I am looking to buy the 2004 marin wolf ridge for $1500. I mostly ride xc and a little bit of freeride. Anyone own one or have any thoughts about the bike or a better one?

I have that frame built up with mostly SRAM components and LX cranks and run Pikes with 2.5 up front.
My build is heavier than stock Wolf Ridge, but I have no problem riding xc with it in 6 inch setting.
It does technical climbs very nicely, and capable light freerider, though I haven't gone bigger than 3-4 ft yet.
For $1500 it's pretty durn good deal if it's factory spec and not downgraded components.

Just starting to get back into riding after not racing motorcycles anymore. I currently have a diamondback v-link 3.0 which was given to me so i cant complain. I am looking to buy the 2004 marin wolf ridge for $1500. I mostly ride xc and a little bit of freeride. Anyone own one or have any thoughts about the bike or a better one?
There may be prettier bikes with 6 inch travel and only one noticably lighter (the Yeti 575). None pedal better, and can adjust for various handling better, expecially if you get an adjustable travel fork.

It's an amazing ride, just a little heavy compared to shorter travel bikes or the 575 for long XC climbs.

- ray

thanks for the replies guys. I went ahead and bought the bike. A little more expensive then i had originally thought (1649) but i am happy about it. We'll see how it turn out in 3 to 5 days. thanks guys.

Sweet bike MD. If it feels a little too XCish for you(quick handling), I would recomend upgrading to the Alpine Link they offer aftermarket. I put one on my 05 Wolf Ridge as I wanted a little more of a "trail geometry". The link replaces the forward link on the down tube and features a longer eye-to-eye length, efffectively dropping the BB height and slacking out the head and seattube angles.
The price was around $70 with the four sealed bearings pre-installed from the factory. Only had to remove the two fixing bolts to relace it and I was riding!(if you get one be sure not to over torque a bolt like me:(, had to replace one. 50 in lbs is the magic #).