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Today’s DealsEl Roy Frame Kit
A 29″ steel frame trail frameset.
Manufacturer Price
$1,099| Frame | Steel |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 29″ |
5'5" – 5'11"
5'9" – 6'6"
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Summary
The Marin El Roy is a trail bike that excels in aggressive, downhill-oriented riding, offering a blend of stability, capability, and value. Its geometry and suspension setup make it particularly adept at handling steep descents and technical climbs, though it may feel cumbersome on smoother trails or tight corners. While praised for its performance and style, some reviews note drawbacks like weight, limited size options, and component choices that may not suit all riders.
Excellent downhill-oriented geometry
Very capable descender, especially for a hardtail
Good value
Surprisingly good on technical climbs
Ready run over things
Heavy for a hardtail
Too much bike for most hardtail riders
Tough to navigate tight switchbacks or corners
Only two size options
Complete bike price is high for the spec
The El Roy is an aggressive enduro hardtail.
Drop your heels, grab the rear brake, tip the bike in and spray loam everywhere.
The Marin El Roy is one of those freakishly long, slack, steel hardtails and the ride on this limo is considerably more entertaining than any MTB April Fools attempt.
On trails I normally rode with full suspension, I didn't feel like I was hindered by this hardtail, and I didn't change up lines to tender-foot my way down.
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Feb 2023 · Dario DiGiulio
If you’re in the market for a DH-oriented hardtail that can truly hold its own, there are few options as well sorted as the Marin El Roy.
Excellent downhill-oriented geometry
Great value
Fast and capable
Short dropper posts
Very steep seat angle
Awkward rear brake mount
Oct 2022 · Jeff Barber
The Marin El Roy is a steel hardtail that's designed for rough enduro-style trail riding, with the geo and build kit to back it up.
Very capable descender, especially for a hardtail
Stylish frame and build kit
Good value
Heavy for a hardtail
Rims are too narrow
Slow pedaling

Apr 2021 · sspomer SBF117
Not fooling. An incredibly fun (and weird) steel hardtail.
Ready run over things
Very stable at speed
Marzocchi Z1 performance
Eat-up-anything tires
Surprisingly good on technical climbs
Good looking bike
Frame-only option for a custom build
Too much bike for most hardtail riders
Tough to navigate tight switchbacks or corners
Only two size options
Complete bike price is high for the spec, especially after the Covid-related bump

Aug 2020 · Tom Marvin
The El Roy is as happy as any hardtail I've ridden when the going gets tough
As competent as a hardtail can be on steep descents, with smart component choices and geometry that gives no excuses
Climbs steep and loose tech surprisingly well for a ‘big’ bike
A bit of a drag on smooth, mellow climbs and traverses
| Frame | Series 3 Double Butted and Formed CrMo tubing, Integrated Drop-In Headset, External Rear Derailleur and Brake Housing, Internal Dropper Post Routing, 148x12mm Boost Rear Spacing, PM Brake Mounts Color: Gloss Blue / Red |
|---|---|
| Headset | FSA Orbit 40 No.42 ACB |
First added June 8
Last updated April 19
Not listed for 395 days