Carnage (My Marin) went in for it's free first service today. This means I should have had enough time to form an opinion of it.

I have noticed a few differences between my new Marin and my Specialized.

1) The Marin is slower to turn. Tight trails like the Labyrinth are taken slower due to my inability to throw the Marin through corners like a BMX.

2) The Marin likes to climb. I can get up hills that would have defeated me on the Hardrock. Dunno if this and the previous difference is due to the Hardrock probably being a size smaller than I should have got.

3)The ride is smoother. Obvious really as I'm comparing a FS bike with a hardtail

4) I have less confidence tackling any declines on the Marin. This is mostly due to the clipless pedals, I have a horrible feeling that I'll fall off and I'll still be attached to the bike. Plus I care a lot about this bike and so don't want to damage it by crashing.

4a) THOSE CLIPLESS PEDALS! Coming to a stop is interesting to say the least. I was with a friend and was there was a highly embarrassing moment during one braking and dismount maneuver when.... erm... anyway the end result was I ended up rolling on the floor in pain for a few minutes.

So I'm not gelling with my new bike as much as I hoped. It's like trading up from a old mini to a new sports car and being too afraid to throw round like before. Or maybe my Marin isn't suitable for trails and is more XC...