in the july 2005 issue of Mountain Biking Magazine they reviewed the marin wolf ridge. they mentioned that as the frame's travel is adjustable from 4-6", the compression ratio ranges from 2.0-3.0. a compression ratio of 3.0 is the highest recommended compression ratio for the rp3 it's equipped with and apparently you can tell. in the 6" setting they said the rear shock becomes "...underdampened, and bumps or landings become punctuated by the rear end of the bike popping up into the air sometimes. the ride is more bouncy than it should be." is this a real problem? can this be remedied with a different shock choice? can a coilover shock be used?

anybody? no suspension experts with insight on this? i know it's supposed to go from rising rate in 4" to linear in 5" and falling rate in 6". sounds like the 5" mode would be the best overall to leave it on, but i'd like to see if there is a way to make it run better in 6" mode. would i just need a more progressive shock? is that the idea? i'm under the impression that a shock with more rebound compression would be prefered for the 6" setting but i need help with finding one to compliment the this frame well. any feedback is greatly appreciated. thanks

anybody? no suspension experts with insight on this? i know it's supposed to go from rising rate in 4" to linear in 5" and falling rate in 6". sounds like the 5" mode would be the best overall to leave it on, but i'd like to see if there is a way to make it run better in 6" mode. would i just need a more progressive shock? is that the idea? i'm under the impression that a shock with more rebound compression would be prefered for the 6" setting but i need help with finding one to compliment the this frame well. any feedback is greatly appreciated. thanks

A shock with more range of adjustment on rebound is what you need, whether it is air or coil.

I put a Risse coilover on a 2004 Mount Vision last summer. I like the change-I switched back and forth a few times and have come to the conclusion the extra pound is worth the added plushness. My MV does not have the TARA feature. The Risse has a huge range of adjustment on the compression and rebound damping - it can go from almost no damping to lockout on both rebound and compression on the Jupiter 5 that I use. I have experimented with different settings (usually a little less in winter, and more in summer; less damping on rooty trails and more in smooth, fast trails), but 90% of the time I don't touch the settings. I can imagine that, with the adjustable travel feature, you would play with settings more often. Remember that, unless you get a progressively wound spring, the coilover will be linear. Most coilovers come with a linear spring, including the Risse. BTW, I have a 500 pound spring, and may need a 550; I weigh about 170 lbs and use the largest frame.

Measure carefully to ensure that you have clearance all around, and that your travel does not overcompress and cause parts to hit each other. I went to a 1.75" travel after careful measurement (but there is a bottom-out bumper preventing me from getting full travel). On the MV, if the shock stroke becomes too long - 2 inches - the swing link would hit the seat tube. You may try to remove the shock and see what happens to the pivots and tire/frame when you move the bike up and down (try clamping the seat tube or seat post in your workstand to allow the rear wheel to travel freely).

On the other hand, perhaps the damping oil in your shock has broken down with use. Having it rebuilt with heavier oil may provide just what you need. A rebuild is cheaper than a new shock.

How long have you had your TARA? I thought about and Attack Trail, but went with the Mount Vision for the more responsive feel when pedaling. I quickly realized that I wanted a plusher feel and experimented with coil springs. Many times I wished I had paid more attention when demo-ing the two bikes. My frankenbike is now up to the weight of a TARA, but at least it pedals well.

Hope this info is helpful

anybody? no suspension experts with insight on this? i know it's supposed to go from rising rate in 4" to linear in 5" and falling rate in 6". sounds like the 5" mode would be the best overall to leave it on, but i'd like to see if there is a way to make it run better in 6" mode. would i just need a more progressive shock? is that the idea? i'm under the impression that a shock with more rebound compression would be prefered for the 6" setting but i need help with finding one to compliment the this frame well. any feedback is greatly appreciated. thanks
I called Marin with that question. The guy ansering the phone said that they won't warrantee the frame with a coil. (probably because coil is less progressive in compression spring rate, air ramps up most significantly at the bottom of travel and is nearly impossible to bottom.

However, he told me that he runs a Fox DHX coil on his Tara Quad. And it was a very noticable improvement in bump compliance and damping adjustment. You would need to find the right spring to work best for 6 inch travel without bottoming for your use, and possibly tune damping differently for 5 and 4 inch settings.

The stock air shock should have enough rebound adjustment (if its an adjustable Fox model) for the travel.

I found the Tara Quad was one of the best pedaling 5 AND 6 inch travel bikes I've tested.

- ray