Ah, nice work Brian. Looking forward to hear your ride impressions. We feel that the Bobcat Trails, while great out of the box, are upgrade worthy. Enjoy!
Thanks for this. I have the Trail 5 and have been wondering how to upgrade the fork to a modern tapered design. For me, this video is gold and you've earned a sub.
@@downtoridemtb Finally gone and done it. RS 35 Gold 140mm with a Cane Creek EC44/40 lower cup. My mechanic had to shave 3mm off the cup flange to seat it right. Also went with 2.4in tubeless and it feels like a brand new better bike. Still shopping for a dropper. Thanks again for the inspiration and know-how.
@@downtoridemtb New Continental Kryptotal 2.4in in trail spec casing. Not as fast rolling as the stock ones but very stable and grippy, perfect for fall & winter riding. The 2.4 juuust clears the chainstays.
Hi, how did you deal with the frame cap at the bottom bracket insert? I'm asking because I'm curious if it could be done without disconnecting the first cable housing. It may have been shown in the video, but I didn't notice it.
@@downtoridemtb Thanks! I have two Bobcats 4 to upgrade 29 and 27,5 - actually, we prefer to choose forks that does not require any further modifications to the bikes. Apparently, Suntour Epixon-9 would be good. May I ask what travel of the fork to choose, please? For 29-inch bike I am 184 cm/100 kg and for the 27,5 size my son is 165 cm/60 kg - does it really matters how tall and how heavy the rider is? Thank you for your help (Yet another advised fork was X-Fusion RC32) As for the PNW Ridge, is that model ok for both of us, considering the difference in bike size and me and my son height? We appreciate very much your help and advice :) Thank you
Fork travel: I like to stay within 10mm of stock although it is generally acceptable to go +-20mm. Your size and weight has nothing to do with it because setting up the air sprung fork will allow proper sag and travel. Seatpost: that one is good but so are a lot of others. More money usually means lighter or more seatpost travel. The more travel the better as long as it will insert in the frame far enough and give you the right height when extended. PNW has a lot of options at various travel lengths and prices.
I didn’t actually run it through that rubber piece. Just left it wide open. I think if I was able to keep the bike, I probably would have cut a slot through one end of the rubber piece to try to jam it back in there.
What fork offset should I choose for the Bobcat Trail 4? I bought it with 27.5 wheels. Rockshox is sold in different offsets, there are 42mm (27.5), 42mm (29), 46mm (27.5), 46mm (29).
Good question but I have no idea the answer. I mean obviously the ones that say 29 are out. Maybe see if you can find out what the stock fork offset is. Then do some quick research on how different offsets affect the ride and steering.
30.9 for the dropper. I updated the link in the main description for the fork too. Looks like a Judy Gold is about the only thing available in 120mm with QR dropouts
As long as the steerer tube is long enough then you should be fine. You’ll probably run into the same issue with the tapered steerer tube and boost thru axles though.
I have this bike. Did changing the forks with the new headset alter the ride position, I love the geometry. Even for road it's super comfortable, I want to change the forks as they're rather heavy and dull but I don't want to alter my ride position
Or raised the front end a little because of the height of the headset and the Rekon fork has 10mm more travel. I think it was an improvement though especially with those stock bars that are nearly flat.
Very helpful, well made video. I bought a Rockshox Recon that was advertised as 15x100 thru axle (i have the wildcat tr 5). However it actually has a boost through axle. If I want to use the stock wheel, would it be more sensible to just change the front hub, or use an adapter kit? 15x100 thru axle forks are a rare find anyway, so I wouldn't mind keeping. This bike is such a great deal.
Changing the front hub would be the way to go if you’re able to do the labor. Otherwise a new wheel (or used) would probably be cheaper than paying to have a hub swapped. Good luck!
Thanks. I’m not sure what you mean specifically by stiff but any air fork will allow you to set the pressure how you want. Rockshox Judy or Recon. SR Suntour Raidon or Epixon. Or if you want to spend more look at the entry level Marzocchi Bomber. Or look at the used market, I got a nice Fox 34 Rhythm that way but I also see a lot of Recons for sale there too.
@@downtoridemtb I mean of course alu rigid fork to replace heavy SR Suntour XCM HLO-DS - with good alu fork I will reduce the weight by. 2 kilos .Unfortunately I can not find an interesting replacement- maybe have U any recommendations?
@@downtoridemtb ok..but 2021 bobcat trail 4 model was 2x9 drivetrain where xtrada 5 has 2x10 drivetrain....which is better if we have to compare between these
1x is better for trail riding. Simpler, lighter and better chain retention. The two bikes are very similar. I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
Can you please send a link to this dropper I am wanting to put it on my bobcat trail 3, But if your not using it anymore you could always send me this one 😉 their website is showing their budget range out of stock for the 30.9 size I need it 125mm I appreciate your videos and all the work you have done to this bike
If it’s out of stock on their site then maybe the used market is worth looking at. I’m about to put mine on a Giant Talon that I’m working on. Thanks for watching the videos!
Thank you for replying back. I was totally kidding about sending me one! But will definitely look on the used market, I am about to install a 1x11 shimano deore 11-51 tooth drivetrain on it. So I want to put a 130mm fork on this bike but it’s a QR hub on the front and can’t really fine then size in the 130
Question: I have a 2019 trail 4 I'm putting a tapered recon on, I purchased the wolf tooth ec44 which did not fit due to the insertion depth of the headtube itself being too shallow for the headset, which when fully inserted left a gap between the cup and the bottom of the headtube. I watched your video and ordered this headset, just curious if you encountered that when deciding on the funn brand headset? Does it have a shallower insertion than other ec44's? Thanks! Great video!
I didn’t have any issues with the insertion depth. Comparing pictures of the Wolf Tooth and Funn headsets, it does look like the inner portion of the Wolf Tooth is longer. So yeah I think you’ll be good to go once you get the Funn headset. Hope it all goes well and you enjoy the results!
Does the bobcat 5 have a straight head tube as well? I bought the frame which doesn't come with a headset but the only information I can find is 1 1/8 to 1.5 tapered but I believe that is a straight to tapered headset size? And the complete bike says fsa no.10-p. the only one I can find is fsa n.10 which says for 1 1/8 straight steerer fork.... I'm so confused. I have a straight steerer fork laying around and would like to use it so im trying to figure out what headset I need to buy. If you could help me it would be much appreciated brother.
@@downtoridemtb yea that's what I was thinking. I'll go for a normal 44 and see what happens haha, also good video and thanks for looking into it for me.
Ah, nice work Brian. Looking forward to hear your ride impressions. We feel that the Bobcat Trails, while great out of the box, are upgrade worthy. Enjoy!
Thanks! I agree, definitely a worthy platform. Trail ride video is in the works, hopefully it will be done in the next week or so.
What type/size bottom bracket would fit this bike?
Great geometry on these entry level hardtails from Marin. I replaced the srsuntour anvil with a markhor on my 2021,Eldridge 1 and it feels great.
Nice! The better fork was instantly noticeable on this bike.
I love this bike, I've been meaning to change the head tube to do exactly what your doing. Thanks for the help!
Glad to share my not really correct but still effective techniques. Good luck!
Thanks for the video, just purchased a bob cat 4 based on your videos and keen to upgrade parts in the future :) legend
Thanks! Hope you’re enjoying it. I wish I still had the one they sent me to test. Maybe I’ll get another one someday.
Thanks for this. I have the Trail 5 and have been wondering how to upgrade the fork to a modern tapered design. For me, this video is gold and you've earned a sub.
Happy to spread the knowledge and glad to have you as a sub! Cheers!
@@downtoridemtb Finally gone and done it. RS 35 Gold 140mm with a Cane Creek EC44/40 lower cup. My mechanic had to shave 3mm off the cup flange to seat it right. Also went with 2.4in tubeless and it feels like a brand new better bike. Still shopping for a dropper. Thanks again for the inspiration and know-how.
Ooooh, 35 Gold is nice! Glad you got it all worked out with the headset. What tires did you go with?
@@downtoridemtb New Continental Kryptotal 2.4in in trail spec casing. Not as fast rolling as the stock ones but very stable and grippy, perfect for fall & winter riding. The 2.4 juuust clears the chainstays.
Cool I have just started hearing about those. They look solid!
Thank you Brian. Well done and very helpful.
Glad you liked it! Are you upgrading a Bobcat Trail?
If you left. Your fork off you can easily pull the cable through with your hand in the head tube
Dude, I don’t know why I didn’t think of that! Awesome tip!
Hi, how did you deal with the frame cap at the bottom bracket insert? I'm asking because I'm curious if it could be done without disconnecting the first cable housing. It may have been shown in the video, but I didn't notice it.
I honestly don’t remember which but I just left one of them off entirely while I had the bike. Possibly the one you are referring to.
8:10 What is this riser brand, or what riser would you advise for this job? A good one, not the most expensive, thanks!
Dimension is the brand. Actually came from a local bike shop like 3 years ago but it wasn’t expensive.
@@downtoridemtb Thanks! I have two Bobcats 4 to upgrade 29 and 27,5 - actually, we prefer to choose forks that does not require any further modifications to the bikes. Apparently, Suntour Epixon-9 would be good.
May I ask what travel of the fork to choose, please? For 29-inch bike I am 184 cm/100 kg and for the 27,5 size my son is 165 cm/60 kg - does it really matters how tall and how heavy the rider is? Thank you for your help (Yet another advised fork was X-Fusion RC32)
As for the PNW Ridge, is that model ok for both of us, considering the difference in bike size and me and my son height?
We appreciate very much your help and advice :) Thank you
Fork travel: I like to stay within 10mm of stock although it is generally acceptable to go +-20mm. Your size and weight has nothing to do with it because setting up the air sprung fork will allow proper sag and travel.
Seatpost: that one is good but so are a lot of others. More money usually means lighter or more seatpost travel. The more travel the better as long as it will insert in the frame far enough and give you the right height when extended. PNW has a lot of options at various travel lengths and prices.
How did you run the cable through the rubber hole covers in the frame? Specifically the lower one with the rear brake cable running through it.
I didn’t actually run it through that rubber piece. Just left it wide open. I think if I was able to keep the bike, I probably would have cut a slot through one end of the rubber piece to try to jam it back in there.
agree with the headset upgrade..
What fork offset should I choose for the Bobcat Trail 4? I bought it with 27.5 wheels. Rockshox is sold in different offsets, there are 42mm (27.5), 42mm (29), 46mm (27.5), 46mm (29).
Good question but I have no idea the answer. I mean obviously the ones that say 29 are out. Maybe see if you can find out what the stock fork offset is. Then do some quick research on how different offsets affect the ride and steering.
Hii...will zs44/28.6 headset adaptor will fit on this Bobcat trail 4
I’m honestly not sure. All I know is what fit in the video.
And do I need a 30.9mm or 31.6 for the dropper?
30.9 for the dropper. I updated the link in the main description for the fork too. Looks like a Judy Gold is about the only thing available in 120mm with QR dropouts
Here is a Suntour Epixon that is 120mm QR and straight steerer tube: amzn.to/3vCpUiq
hi i want to upgrade this bike with a bomber z2 do you think it wil fit
As long as the steerer tube is long enough then you should be fine. You’ll probably run into the same issue with the tapered steerer tube and boost thru axles though.
@@downtoridemtb thanks
What diameter is that steerer tube on that RS Recon 1.5” or 1-1/8”? Tapered
Yes the recon I used was tapered 1 1/8 to 1.5
I have this bike. Did changing the forks with the new headset alter the ride position, I love the geometry. Even for road it's super comfortable, I want to change the forks as they're rather heavy and dull but I don't want to alter my ride position
Or raised the front end a little because of the height of the headset and the Rekon fork has 10mm more travel. I think it was an improvement though especially with those stock bars that are nearly flat.
@@downtoridemtb great to know and I really appreciate the reply. Happy riding!
I'm not sure I got that right, there is a non tampered head tube and you put an external head set on it to make it work with tapered steerer?
Exactly. The EC44 lower headset steps it out wider and allows the tapered steerer tube to fit. It also adds about 13mm to the stack height.
@@downtoridemtb awesome, great for oldies but goodies
Very helpful, well made video. I bought a Rockshox Recon that was advertised as 15x100 thru axle (i have the wildcat tr 5). However it actually has a boost through axle. If I want to use the stock wheel, would it be more sensible to just change the front hub, or use an adapter kit? 15x100 thru axle forks are a rare find anyway, so I wouldn't mind keeping. This bike is such a great deal.
Changing the front hub would be the way to go if you’re able to do the labor. Otherwise a new wheel (or used) would probably be cheaper than paying to have a hub swapped. Good luck!
@@downtoridemtb Thanks!
Welcome!
Good contents
Thanks!
Great upgrades:) Actually I'm lookin for a stiff replecement for this SR Suntour XCM/ Any sugestions on some good models? Thanks
Thanks. I’m not sure what you mean specifically by stiff but any air fork will allow you to set the pressure how you want. Rockshox Judy or Recon. SR Suntour Raidon or Epixon. Or if you want to spend more look at the entry level Marzocchi Bomber. Or look at the used market, I got a nice Fox 34 Rhythm that way but I also see a lot of Recons for sale there too.
@@downtoridemtb I mean of course alu rigid fork to replace heavy SR Suntour XCM HLO-DS - with good alu fork I will reduce the weight by. 2 kilos .Unfortunately I can not find an interesting replacement- maybe have U any recommendations?
Polygon xtrada 5 and bobcat trail 4...which is better trail bike ?
Bobcat Trail 4 just for the fact that it has the 1x drivetrain.
@@downtoridemtb ok..but 2021 bobcat trail 4 model was 2x9 drivetrain where xtrada 5 has 2x10 drivetrain....which is better if we have to compare between these
@@downtoridemtb for trai ride 1x drivetrain is better than 2x ??
1x is better for trail riding. Simpler, lighter and better chain retention. The two bikes are very similar. I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
@@downtoridemtbis 1x10 or 1x11 or 1x12 good in terms of climb and speed ??
Can you please send a link to this dropper I am wanting to put it on my bobcat trail 3,
But if your not using it anymore you could always send me this one 😉 their website is showing their budget range out of stock for the 30.9 size I need it 125mm
I appreciate your videos and all the work you have done to this bike
If it’s out of stock on their site then maybe the used market is worth looking at. I’m about to put mine on a Giant Talon that I’m working on. Thanks for watching the videos!
Thank you for replying back.
I was totally kidding about sending me one! But will definitely look on the used market, I am about to install a 1x11 shimano deore 11-51 tooth drivetrain on it. So I want to put a 130mm fork on this bike but it’s a QR hub on the front and can’t really fine then size in the 130
How many mm of travel does that rockshox have?
130mm
Question: I have a 2019 trail 4 I'm putting a tapered recon on, I purchased the wolf tooth ec44 which did not fit due to the insertion depth of the headtube itself being too shallow for the headset, which when fully inserted left a gap between the cup and the bottom of the headtube. I watched your video and ordered this headset, just curious if you encountered that when deciding on the funn brand headset? Does it have a shallower insertion than other ec44's? Thanks! Great video!
I didn’t have any issues with the insertion depth. Comparing pictures of the Wolf Tooth and Funn headsets, it does look like the inner portion of the Wolf Tooth is longer. So yeah I think you’ll be good to go once you get the Funn headset. Hope it all goes well and you enjoy the results!
Does the bobcat 5 have a straight head tube as well? I bought the frame which doesn't come with a headset but the only information I can find is 1 1/8 to 1.5 tapered but I believe that is a straight to tapered headset size? And the complete bike says fsa no.10-p. the only one I can find is fsa n.10 which says for 1 1/8 straight steerer fork.... I'm so confused. I have a straight steerer fork laying around and would like to use it so im trying to figure out what headset I need to buy. If you could help me it would be much appreciated brother.
Looks straight to me from the photos. So I think any standard 1 1/8 headset will do. Pretty sure that is ZS44.
@@downtoridemtb yea that's what I was thinking. I'll go for a normal 44 and see what happens haha, also good video and thanks for looking into it for me.
Glad to do it. Good luck!
Nice! 👍
Thanks!
130mm o 140mm fork?
130mm. I think 140 would throw off the geo too much
Hi
Hi!
The link for the fork is not showing it as a qr drop out. I don’t want to have to change front wheel or hub. Is the link incorrect?
Oh man, looks like they changed it. I can’t find any Recons that are 120mm and qr. Here is a Judy gold that is 120mm and QR: amzn.to/3vKGxbL