I have a 2017 Marshall and can confirm that the tire swap to Magic Mary 2.8s is a significant upgrade. I've made some other small changes to the bike over the years, but the tires were the most significant. I converted the Pike from 120mm to 130mm, added a lower headset cup extender (from Pivot), and swapped out the shock to a Cane Creek DB Air IL (with a slightly longer stroke). Gained a little extra travel and ground clearance and slackened things out slightly. Mine was running a RF Aeffect wheelset, which I ended up replacing the rear hub with a Hope Pro4 after a couple freehub failures. It would certainly benefit from a longer dropper and lower gear. I would be able to fit a 150mm dropper without the frame mod. I'm running a 30t oval right now but will probably switch to a 28T and or a 11-46 cassette next time I replace the drivetrain. I have recently picked up a used long travel 29" bike that is lots of fun once you get it up to speed, but I have no plans on selling the Marshall as I still enjoy riding it.
May 16, 2022, 7:24 a.m. - DaveMac
I have a 2017 Marshall and can confirm that the tire swap to Magic Mary 2.8s is a significant upgrade. I've made some other small changes to the bike over the years, but the tires were the most significant. I converted the Pike from 120mm to 130mm, added a lower headset cup extender (from Pivot), and swapped out the shock to a Cane Creek DB Air IL (with a slightly longer stroke). Gained a little extra travel and ground clearance and slackened things out slightly. Mine was running a RF Aeffect wheelset, which I ended up replacing the rear hub with a Hope Pro4 after a couple freehub failures. It would certainly benefit from a longer dropper and lower gear. I would be able to fit a 150mm dropper without the frame mod. I'm running a 30t oval right now but will probably switch to a 28T and or a 11-46 cassette next time I replace the drivetrain. I have recently picked up a used long travel 29" bike that is lots of fun once you get it up to speed, but I have no plans on selling the Marshall as I still enjoy riding it.