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Framed Bikes Marquette

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Framed Marquette Alloy X7 Mountain Bike

The SRAM brakes and drivetrain use strength and precision to bring the bike up to speed, as well as to an abrupt stop. 120mm of travel via the SR Suntour Raidon air suspension fork provide the capability of riding over anything that may be obstructing a trail.

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Framed Marquette Mountain Bike

The Framed Marquette is an excellent quality and reasonably priced hardtail mountain bike perfect for trail riding and all-around mountain biking. This buying guide will provide detailed information on the Marquette’s features, sizing, where to buy, maintenance, customization, materials, pricing, assembly, accessories, durability, models, repairs, suspension adjustment, warranty, and cleaning to help you make the best decision when purchasing this versatile bike.

Key Features of the Framed Marquette Bike

Some of the standout features that make the Framed Marquette a top choice for a hardtail mountain bike include:

Hardtail frame – the Marquette features a lightweight yet durable aluminum alloy hardtail frame, making it efficient on climbs and stable at high speeds. The frame geometry provides excellent handling on singletrack trails.
27.5 or 29 inch wheels – Available in both wheel sizes to accommodate different rider heights and preferences. The 29er rolls over obstacles better while the 27.5 is more nimble.
Smooth-riding steel fork – The Marquette is equipped with a quality steel fork that soaks up bumps and vibrations better than an aluminum fork. The 60-100mm of travel improves control and comfort.
Wide gear range – With a 3×8 or 2×10 speed Shimano drivetrain and 11-36T or 11-42T cassette, you get plenty of gears for climbing and descending all sorts of terrain.
Hydraulic disc brakes – Tektro hydraulic disc brakes deliver all-weather stopping power and fine modulation to control your speed on steep descents.
Multiple mounting points – The Marquette frame has mounts for a water bottle cage, front/rear racks, and fenders for hauling gear and riding in any conditions.
Knobby tires – Wide 2.25-2.4 inch tires with an aggressive tread pattern provide plenty of traction and stability on loose or technical singletrack.
Color options – The Marquette is available in several attractive color choices including black, white, gray, dark green, navy blue, and more.

Choosing the Right Framed Marquette Size

The Framed Marquette comes in 5 frame sizes (15″, 17″, 19″, 21″, 23″) to fit riders from 5’3″ to 6’5″ tall. Here are some tips on selecting the proper frame size:

Check the size chart on Framed’s website which lists a rider height range for each frame size. Compare to your height.
Think about your riding style – more aggressive riders may prefer a smaller frame for quicker handling while less aggressive riders can size up for a more comfortable fit.
Factor in bike standover height – there should be 2-4 inches of clearance between the top tube and your inner leg when straddling the frame.
Consider your ** torso, arm, and leg length** – those with long torsos or limbs do better with a larger frame for enough reach and leg room.
Take your measurements (inseam, arm length, torso, etc) and compare to bike frame geometries.
Test ride the bike if possible before buying to check comfort and handling.
Don’t choose a frame only based on height – arm/leg/torso length is just as important for determining good bike fit.

If you fall between frame sizes, consider sizing down if you’ll ride more aggressively and size up for a more relaxed fit. Expert bike fit guidance can help dial in the perfect Marquette frame size if you are uncertain.

Where to Buy the Framed Marquette Bike

The Framed Marquette is sold through authorized Framed Bicycle dealers – it is not available through major online retailers. Here are some options for buying a new Marquette:

Local bike shops – visit Framed dealers in your area to check out Marquette models in person, get professional sizing guidance, and purchase directly from the shop.
Framed website – find a list of authorized dealers on Framed’s website and reach out to shops about availability, pricing, and service options. Many will ship bikes.
Fanatik Bike Co – This Portland shop is a major Framed dealer with a full selection of Marquette models, expert staff, and national/international shipping.
eBay – lightly used Marquette bikes can sometimes be found on eBay, often at lower prices than new models. Check seller reviews.
Pinkbike BuySell – check the classifieds on this popular mountain biking site for Marquette bikes for sale by owner.
Craigslist – occasionally you can find the Marquette bikes for sale locally through Craigslist listings in your area.
Facebook Marketplace – search this classifieds section on Facebook for Marquette listings near you. Arrange to test ride before buying.

For the best experience, we recommend purchasing the Marquette at your local bike shop if possible. Expert assembly and tuning plus professional fit guidance and service perks make it worthwhile to buy locally.

Is the Marquette Good for Beginners?

With its quality components, durable frame, smooth ride, and approachable price, the Framed Marquette is an excellent hardtail mountain bike for beginners. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

Welcoming geometry – the Marquette has a balanced, middle-of-the-road geometry that provides predictable handling and stability that builds confidence in new riders.
High quality frame – the lightweight Marquette frame is forgiving enough for new riders to make mistakes without getting tossed or losing control easily.
Upright position – the Marquette has a comfortable, fairly upright riding position better suited for recreational use rather than aggressive racing.
Smooth steel fork – the suspension fork smoothes out bumps and increases traction for new riders to build skills without getting bucked around on rough trails.
Quality drivetrain – Components from Shimano, Tektro and other top brands mean everything works reliably together right out of the box.
Strong brakes – Hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent power and modulation for new riders to control their speed.
Versatile fit – With 5 frame sizes and adjustable components, it’s easy to dial in a fit that feels natural for all different body types.
Great for upgrades – The solid Marquette frame leaves room to upgrade components over time as skills progress.

While it’s still capable for intermediate riders, the Marquette hits the sweet spot between budget price and features that make it one of the best mountain bikes for beginners hitting the trails and getting into the sport.

Ideal Terrain for the Framed Marquette

The Framed Marquette is optimized for riding moderate singletrack trails, small hits, roots and rocks with its quality components and trail-oriented geometry. Here are the types of terrain where the Marquette truly shines:

Cross-country trails – With its lightweight hardtail frame and shorter travel fork, the Marquette is right at home on flowing XC singletrack trail networks.
Technical switchbacks – The Marquette’s geometry allows tight, nimble handling for tackling sharp switchback turns on steeper trails.
Groomed dirt jumps – The balanced frame geometry and steel fork make the Marquette well-suited for hitting dirt jumps, feeling stable in the air.
Gradual climbs – The gear range combined with the efficient pedaling hardtail platform lets you grind uphill at speed when the trail tilts upward.
Varied root/rock gardens – The tire tread helps maintain traction and the fork smooths out roots and embedded rocks all over the trail.
Rim trails – The 27.5 or 29 inch wheels can handle ledges, occasional drops and other technical rim trail features.
Bike park hardtails – You can take the Marquette to lift-accessed bike parks confidently as long as you stick to hardtail-friendly trails and features.

While capable as an all-around mountain bike, the Marquette excels best on cross country terrain with a mix of climbs and descents on singletrack with roots, switchbacks and smaller hits along the way.

Maintaining the Framed Marquette Bike

Like any mountain bike, the Framed Marquette requires regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it running smoothly for years. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Clean the bike after every wet/muddy ride using warm soapy water and a rag, rinsing with a hose or pressure washer. Avoid aiming high pressure water at sealed bearing parts.
Periodically check tire tread depth – rear tires tend to wear faster. Replace tires once the knobs are worn down halfway. Keep tires inflated to the pressure listed on the sidewall.
Add chain lube and wipe down the chain after wet rides. Frequently reapply lube to keep the chain and drivetrain shifting smoothly.
Check suspension fork function before each ride. Perform occasional damper fluid changes per manufacturer recommendation.
Inspect brake pads for wear – if nearing the cut they should be replaced. Also check brake rotors and alignment.
Check spoke tension and wheel trueness occasionally. Have a shop true the wheels if they become warped or multiple spokes are very loose.
Inspect the frame and fork for any cracks or damage, especially after crashes. Touch up paint chips to prevent corrosion.
Replace cables and housing if shifting/braking becomes sloppy. Slick cables cause poor performance.
Bring to a bike shop annually for a tune-up – they’ll inspect everything and replace what’s needed so you can ride worry-free.

Taking good care of your Marquette through regular cleaning, lubricating and parts replacement when required will ensure it lasts for many seasons on the trails.

Weight of the Framed Marquette Bike

The complete bike weight of the Framed Marquette varies depending on the model and size, but most builds come in around 27-32 pounds.

Here are some specifications on Marquette bike weights:

Frame Only Weight –
- 15″ frame – Approx. 4.8 pounds
- 21″ frame – Approx 5.5 pounds
Complete Bike Weight:
- Marquette 27.5 Sport – approx 28 pounds
- Marquette 29 Pro – approx 29 pounds
- Marquette 27.5 Expert – approx 27 pounds

The lightweight aluminum alloy frame plus quality component specs keep the Marquette at a reasonably lightweight setup for a hardtail in its class. The Sport build is the most budget-friendly while the Expert model uses lighter components to keep the weight impressively low for the price.

Riders looking to drop more weight can upgrade to carbon handlebars, seatpost, and wheelsets which make a noticeable reduction. However the stock Marquette is light enough for most recreational trail riding needs without breaking the bank. Paying attention to proper maintenance and cleaning also helps keep unnecessary weight off.

Customizing Your Framed Marquette

One of the best things about the Framed Marquette is that it provides a solid platform to customize and upgrade components over time to match your riding needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common ways to customize the Marquette:

Upgrade the fork to a higher end air fork with adjustable damping, longer travel, and improved performance and handling.
Swap the stock wheelset for a lighter and stronger set of carbon fiber or alloy wheels. Go tubeless for extra traction and pinch flat resistance.
Change the tires to match local terrain and conditions. Go wider or stickier for aggressive trails or fast-rolling if you ride lots of XC.
Upgrade the drivetrain to higher level components like 10/11-speed Shimano XT or SRAM GX for better shifting performance under load.
Install new handlebars, stem, seatpost or saddle to dial in fit. Carbon parts save weight.
Improve braking power with hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, SRAM or TRP. Use metallic brake pads for wet conditions.
Add useful accessories like bottle cages, racks, fenders, chain guides, bags and luggage, lights, GPS, etc.
Upgrade wheel hubs to quality sealed bearing hubs for smoother rolling and reliability.

Thanks to standardized component mounting, there are almost endless possibilities for modifying your Marquette over time to match evolving riding needs and keep things fresh.

Frame Materials on the Framed Marquette

The Framed Marquette bike uses quality aluminum alloy and steel frame materials hand-selected to create a durable and responsive ride. Here are some details:

6061 Aluminum frame – The Marquette frame is constructed from lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy tubing. This aluminum grade offers a great strength-to-weight ratio.
Internal cable routing – Cables are routed internally through the frame for clean aesthetics and to protect from damage.
Replaceable rear derailleur hanger – The alloy dropout hanger is designed to bend on impact to protect the frame from damage. It can easily be replaced if bent or broken.
Steel fork – The Marquette fork uses quality straight-gauge chro-moly steel for a more compliant ride than alloy forks. The legs are tapered from 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches.
Fork bumpers – Soft rubber bumpers on the fork legs prevent damage if the bike is leaned against a wall or vehicle.
ED Coating – An electro-deposited coating protects the aluminum frame from scratches and corrosion.
Water bottle mounts – The frame has mounts for standard water bottle cages on the seat tube and under the downtube.
3D forged dropouts – The rear dropouts are forged and machined for wheel stability and precise disc brake alignment.

This strategic mix of aluminum and steel creates a Marquette frame that balances weight, trail responsiveness, durability, and affordable cost from materials perfect for mountain biking.

Using the Marquette for Bike Racing

While the Framed Marquette is better optimized for trail riding, it can work for some forms of mountain bike racing with a few modifications. Here’s how to set up the Marquette for racing:

Hardtail XC racing – The Marquette geometry and design actually works quite well for cross country racing right out of the box, especially with smooth-rolling 29er wheels.
Downcountry upgrades – Swap in a 100-120mm fork, 1x drivetrain, tubeless wheelset and faster XC tires to lighten it up and add versatility for downcountry racing.
Marathon upgrades – Focus on comfort and reliability with a adjustable stem, wider tires, 36t+ cassette, and bags/storage for marathon/endurance races.
Nimble wheels – Switch to tubeless 27.5 wheels and 2.25-2.4 tires for quick acceleration and tight handling necessary for short track racing.
Fork damper tuning – Send the fork in to get revalved and tuned specifically for your weight and riding style to get the best performance possible.
** geometry limits** – The Marquette has a more relaxed geometry than dedicated XC race hardtails, making it better suited to recreational, endurance and some types of off-road racing only.

While XC racers may want a lighter weight carbon race hardtail, the Marquette provides an affordable starting point to try out different types of mountain bike racing on a quality frame before upgrading.

Pricing for the Framed Marquette Models

The Framed Marquette is available in a range of builds and two wheel sizes to fit different budgets. Here is an overview of Marquette pricing:

Marquette Sport 27.5 – $799 MSRP
- Solid recreational hardtail with 27.5″ wheels
Marquette Comp 27.5 – $1299 MSRP
- Boosts to an air fork and dropper post
Marquette Expert Carbon 27.5 – $1899 MSRP
- Top model gets a carbon frame and wheels
Marquette Sport 29 – $799 MSRP
- 29er wheel version of the Sport model
Marquette Pro 29 – $1599 MSRP
- Upgraded components and excellent value
Marquette Expert Carbon 29 – $1899 MSRP
- Carbon front triangle with 29er wheels

Note that street prices at dealers are often below MSRP. Sales can bring the Marquette Comp or Pro models into a very affordable price range. The Sport also offers great value and quality for budget-minded riders or beginners entering the sport.

Assembling the Framed Marquette

The Framed Marquette ships direct to consumers and retailers in a partially assembled state that requires some DIY assembly. Here are the basic steps to safely assemble and adjust your new Marquette:

Attach front wheel to fork and secure with skewer
Attach handlebars to stem and stem to steerer tube, adjusting height
Insert seatpost and saddle and tighten to desired height
Install pedals onto crank arms securely
Attach front brake hoses and rear derailleur
Ensure shifting/brakes are properly tuned and tightened
Inflate tires to pressure listed on sidewalls
Check tightness on all bolts, fasteners, skewers
Test ride near home before hitting trails and tune as needed
Consider having a bike shop fully assemble and tune if unfamiliar with bike mechanics

Take care not to overtighten delicate parts like stem bolts and follow the torque specs provided with the bike. Quality tools, lubrication, and proper assembly technique will result in a smooth running bike ready for the trails. Consider paying a bike shop for full professional assembly and tuning if you are not experienced with bicycle mechanics.

Must-Have Accessories for the Framed Marquette

Outfit your new Framed Marquette with these must-have accessories to enhance your ride:

Spare tubes, tire levers, mini pump/CO2 inflator kit – Have the essentials for roadside flat tire repairs.
Bottle cage – Keep hydrated on long rides with a quality alloy or composite bottle cage.
Suspension fork pump – Allows tuning suspension pressure/rebound from the trail.
Bash guard – Protects chainring from rock strikes and damage. Easy bolt-on install.
Bike packing bags/racks – Useful for carrying gear on bike camping trips and long distance riding.
Dropper seatpost – Provides extra maneuverability on steep terrain by lowering saddle at the push of a button.
Phone mount – A handlebar or stem mount lets you see navigation and track rides.
Bike stand – Makes cleaning, maintenance and repairs easier at home.
Fenders – For riding in wet, muddy conditions to keep debris off and stay drier.
Lights – Ensure visibility riding at night or in low light conditions.
Helmet/gloves/shoes – Protect yourself with proper safety gear every ride.

Outfitting your Marquette with tailored accessories enhances the wide ranging capabilities – making it at home both on local trails and bikepacking adventures.

Riding the Marquette on Trails

With its quality trail-ready components and dialed frame geometry, the Framed Marquette truly excels on flowing singletrack trails. Here are some of its best attributes for trail riding:

Short chainstays and balanced handling make it easy to maneuver around tight trail features
Wide tires provide plenty of traction and stability when cornering on loose over hardpacked surfaces
The steel fork helps smooth out smaller roots, rocks and other trail obstacles
Upright riding position provides a comfortable, natural feel on uneven terrain
Gripping tires allow climbing steep, techy sections of trail efficiently without spinning out
Hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful speed control when descending technical trails
The 1x or 2x drivetrains provide a wide gear range for varied terrain
Boost spacing and thru-axles improve wheel stiffness and handling on demanding trails
Durable frame and fork handles trail abuse from rock gardens, jumps and drops

From cross country flow trails to aggressive singletrack, the Marquette has the geometry, handling capabilities and component spec to be ridden hard and have fun on an incredibly wide variety of trails.

How Durable is the Framed Marquette?

Framed bikes are designed for hardcore trail riding and built to last. Here are some reasons why the Framed Marquette rates highly for durability:

The aluminum frame and steel fork are engineered for aggressive trail abuse without cracking or failing
The replaceable rear derailleur hanger protects the frame in crash impacts
Internal cable routing protects shifting/braking cables from damage on rough terrain
Parts like the wheelset, cranks, and bars use dependable alloy materials to stand up to hard riding
High quality name-brand components are proven to perform consistently over years of use
The 60mm travel fork provides just enough cushion for hard hits while remaining durable
Sealed cartridge bearings in wheel hubs, headset and bottom bracket resist contamination
ED coating helps protect the frame from scratching, staining and corrosion
Most components use standardized mounting, meaning parts can easily be replaced as needed
Lifetime warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for original owners

While any mountain bike needs regular maintenance and care, the Marquette is one of the most rugged in its price range – certain to withstand aggressive trail riding from intermediate and advanced riders season after season.

Popular Models in the Framed Marquette Lineup

The Framed Marquette comes in a range of builds to match both wheel sizes and budgets. Here are some of the most popular models:

Marquette Sport 27.5 – The best-selling model provides an incredible value hardtail with 27.5″ wheels. Perfect for beginners to experienced riders.
Marquette Pro 29 – This top-selling 29er comes fully loaded for aggressive trail riding at a reasonable price. The expert’s choice.
Marquette Comp 27.5 – Offering upgraded components over the Sport, it combines value and improved performance in a 27.5″ package.
Marquette Expert Carbon 29 – The flagship carbon fiber Marquette with premium spec components and stiff, lightweight 29er carbon wheels.
Marquette Sport 29 – An affordable entry point into big 29er wheels, ideal for tall riders or rolling fast on XC trails.
Marquette Expert Carbon 27.5 – Experienced riders who prefer the snappy handling of 27.5″ get carbon benefits at an approachable price with this model.

With the varied lineup, riders can select the ideal Marquette model based on wheel size preference, budget, and component needs. Every model provides Framed’s renowned quality and performance.

Repairing a Framed Marquette

Like any mountain bike, the Framed Marquette may need occasional repairs from substantial trail damage or heavy use over time. Here are some tips for repairs:

Derailleur Hanger – The rear derailleur hanger is designed to bend on impact to save the frame from damage. Straighten if slightly bent or replace if warped.
Cable/Housing – Frayed or damaged cables and housing can cause poor shifting and braking. Swapping cables and housing restores performance.
Brake pads – If brake pads become contaminated or worn too thin, they will need to be replaced, along with checking rotor alignment.
Tires – Cuts, tears or holes in tires will require tire replacement. Swapping tread tires can also help adapt to conditions.
Bearings – Pitted, creaky or seized bearings in wheel hubs, bottom bracket or headset should be replaced to restore smooth rolling.
Spokes – Broken spokes require replacement. Multiple loose spokes suggest the wheel needs to be re-tensioned and trued for longevity.
Crash damage – Serious frame or fork damage may require professional welding/repainting or even complete replacement depending on severity.
Chain/Cassette – As drivetrain components wear over thousands of miles, the chain may need replacement and cassette might also be replaced if very worn.

Learning basic bike maintenance skills helps minimize repairs, but the Marquette’s common components make DIY repairs very approachable. Professional service is recommended for major component or frame/fork damage.

Adjusting the Framed Marquette’s Suspension Fork

The Framed Marquette comes equipped with a quality 60-100mm travel suspension fork that allows tuning to match your riding style and terrain. Here’s how to adjust it:

Use the air valve at the top and a shock pump to adjust internal air pressure to your weight and preference. More air provides a stiffer, more progressive feel under compression.
Turn the external rebound knob to control the speed at which the fork extends after compressing. Faster rebound provides more responsiveness on smaller impacts, while slower rebound increases stability through chunky terrain.
Some higher-end models have a compression damper that can be tuned with an internal knob or on the top of the crown to adjust overall firmness and small bump sensitivity.
Only make small incremental adjustments to any settings and allow some time testing the feel on familiar terrain. Too much rebound can cause bucking, while too much low-speed compression may feel harsh over multiple bumps.
Keep the fork clean and lubricated per manufacturer guidelines. Perform periodic lower leg fluid changes to maintain smooth function.
Seek professional suspension service for any major damper tuning or complete fork overhauls.

Taking the time to learn how your fork works and tuning it for your Marquette model provides a huge improvement in control, comfort and handling on rugged trails.

Warranty from Framed Bikes

Framed Bikes provides a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects and workmanship on the Framed Marquette frame and rigid fork. All other components are covered for one year after original purchase except normal wear items.

Key details on the Framed warranty:

Original owner only – non transferable. Provide proof of purchase.
Covers breakage, cracks, flaws in frame and fork materials/workmanship only – does not cover crash damage, misuse or normal wear.
1 year on components from normal use. Consumables excluded.
Requires no proprietary parts – damaged components can be replaced with any brand.
Provides replacement frame/fork/parts or in-house repair service.
Applicable in US only – contact dealer for support outside US.

Framed stands behind their bikes with one of the more comprehensive warranties relative to other major brands. Contact your authorized dealer for any warranty claims – they can inspect damage and interface with Framed on repairs or replacements.

Cleaning Tips for the Framed Marquette

Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your Framed Marquette running smoothly for years. Here are some tips for cleaning your Marquette:

Rinse bike thoroughly after every muddy ride using a low pressure hose/sprayer. Avoid directly spraying fragile components.
Wipe down the frame, wheels and components with warm soapy water using a soft rag. Rinse and dry everything completely.
Pay extra attention to cleaning the drivetrain – scrub the chainrings, cassette, jockey wheels and derailleurs with degreaser and a brush. Reapply lube after drying.
Use bike-specific degreasers and soaps only. Avoid dish soaps or other caustic cleaners that can damage bike finish and parts.
For deep dirt, let the bike soak for a few minutes before scrubbing to soften. Use brushes and toothpicks to clean in crevices.
Check brake pads and rotors and clean any embedded debris or oil buildup so brakes don’t slip.
Oil the frame periodically with bike polish to prevent corrosion and keep the finish looking new.
Store the bike inside if possible to prevent excessive sun/moisture damage.

With frequent cleaning accompanied by routine maintenance checks, your Marquette will continue tackling trails for many seasons ahead.

Conclusion

With its balanced trail geometry, quality components, smooth and lively ride, and reasonable price points across multiple builds, the Framed Marquette is one of the top values for a hardtail mountain bike today. This in-depth buyer’s guide covers everything from key specs and sizing to real world performance updates for anyone considering purchasing the reliable and hugely capable Marquette. After reviewing this guide, you should feel fully equipped to select the ideal Marquette model, properly fit and set it up for your riding needs, and keep it running optimally for years on the trails ahead. The Marquette delivers a premium trail riding experience at an affordable price – making it easy to see why Framed bikes have become so popular across the mountain biking world.