Review: Marin Rift Zone Carbon 2 - Modern Geometry for Maximum Fun
It might be small on travel, but it’s big on character, and now Marin’s Rift Zone is available with a carbon frame. Like its more affordable alloy sibling, the Rift Zone Carbon rolls on 29” wheels and packs 125mm of rear wheel travel mated to a 130mm travel fork, with modern geometry and a build kit that leans towards the burly end of the spectrum.
The intentions of the Rift Zone are clear to see, from the geometry to the equipment specification. The numbers and angles are the clearest indications though; a 65.6-degree head tube angle, 76-degree seat tube angle and a 480mm reach on the size large pictured here are all on the money for a progressive trail bike.
The intentions of the Rift Zone are clear to see, from the geometry to the equipment specification. The numbers and angles are the clearest indications though; a 65.6-degree head tube angle, 76-degree seat tube angle and a 480mm reach on the size large pictured here are all on the money for a progressive trail bike.
Marin Rift Zone Carbon 2
Travel: 125mm (r) / 130mm (f)
Wheel size: 29"
Frame construction: Carbon front triangle, aluminum swingarm
Head angle: 65.6-degree
Seat angle: 76-degree
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Weight: L w/o pedals 31.4 lb (14.2kg)
Price: $4,399 USD
More info: www.marinbikes.com
Travel: 125mm (r) / 130mm (f)
Wheel size: 29"
Frame construction: Carbon front triangle, aluminum swingarm
Head angle: 65.6-degree
Seat angle: 76-degree
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Weight: L w/o pedals 31.4 lb (14.2kg)
Price: $4,399 USD
More info: www.marinbikes.com
There are two carbon Rift Zone models, starting at $3,499 and rising to the $4,399 USD model here with Shimano SLX/XT 12-speed transmission and brakes, Maxxis Minion tires, Deity Skyline handlebar and Fox Performance suspension.
 | Despite being short on travel the Rift Zone Carbon 2 is hugely entertaining with bags of speed and agility thanks to the geometry which is on point for an all-round trail bike that excels everywhere, but is happiest when gravity is on your side. It’s also relatively easy on the wallet and smartly specced. |
Construction and Features
The new bike follows the same design principle as the previous Rift Zone, but with the front triangle now made from carbon fiber. It’s a good looking frame, all smooth and flowing curves with generous standover clearance, internal cable routing and space for the all-important water bottle cage.
A short seat tube allows a long dropper post to be installed and other sensible details of note include a threaded bottom bracket with ISCG 05 tabs and a rubber bash guard on the down tube. I’ll also add that there were no rattles from the internal cable routing during riding.
While it’s carbon up front, the rear triangle is made from aluminum, a rear end that has essentially been ported over from the bigger Alpine Trail. The short linkage driving the rear shock is aluminum also, and there’s Boost axle spacing and post mount disc brakes.
To my eyes it’s a good looking bike, and I like the pop of yellow for the down tube logo. You may feel differently, but that’s what the comment section is for.
The new bike follows the same design principle as the previous Rift Zone, but with the front triangle now made from carbon fiber. It’s a good looking frame, all smooth and flowing curves with generous standover clearance, internal cable routing and space for the all-important water bottle cage.
A short seat tube allows a long dropper post to be installed and other sensible details of note include a threaded bottom bracket with ISCG 05 tabs and a rubber bash guard on the down tube. I’ll also add that there were no rattles from the internal cable routing during riding.
While it’s carbon up front, the rear triangle is made from aluminum, a rear end that has essentially been ported over from the bigger Alpine Trail. The short linkage driving the rear shock is aluminum also, and there’s Boost axle spacing and post mount disc brakes.
To my eyes it’s a good looking bike, and I like the pop of yellow for the down tube logo. You may feel differently, but that’s what the comment section is for.
Geometry & Sizing
Modern is the word here, with the Rift Zone Carbon sitting at the “progressive” end of the geometry sliding scale. There are four sizes from S to XL, with the size large tested here gifted with the sort of numbers you might expect on a bigger travel bike.
The reach measures in at 480mm, the head angle is appropriately slack at 65.5-degrees combined with a 44mm offset fork, and there's a 76-degree seat tube angle. The chainstays are nipped in at 425mm and the bottom bracket height is 344mm.
Those are numbers that put in the same ballpark as the Norco Optic, Hope HB130 and Transition Smuggler, and longer and slacker than anything with similar travel amounts from Specialized, Canyon or Trek.
Modern is the word here, with the Rift Zone Carbon sitting at the “progressive” end of the geometry sliding scale. There are four sizes from S to XL, with the size large tested here gifted with the sort of numbers you might expect on a bigger travel bike.
The reach measures in at 480mm, the head angle is appropriately slack at 65.5-degrees combined with a 44mm offset fork, and there's a 76-degree seat tube angle. The chainstays are nipped in at 425mm and the bottom bracket height is 344mm.
Those are numbers that put in the same ballpark as the Norco Optic, Hope HB130 and Transition Smuggler, and longer and slacker than anything with similar travel amounts from Specialized, Canyon or Trek.
Suspension Design
The Rift Zone Carbon utilises the same MultiTrack suspension design as the regular aluminum Rift Zone. It’s a single-pivot set up with a small rocker linkage rolling on oversized bearings driving the vertically orientated shock, with a locking collet main pivot just above the bottom bracket. It has been designed to provide good small bump sensitivity, mid-stroke support for hard cornering and plenty of end stroke control to resist bottoming out.
Travel has increased from the 120mm on the 2018 Rift Zone to 125mm on the new model. With this increased in travel, Marin has also revised the leverage ratio and optimized the anti-squat for the 1x-specific frame design, changes intended to give better small bump sensitivity and pedalling efficiency. On this range-topper model, suspension duties are carried out by a Fox DPX2 Performance piggyback shock, with a three-way compression adjuster. A 0.2 cubic inch air volume spacer is fitted as standard to the shock because Marin says it wanted a "more linear feel in the mid-stroke" out of the box with the option of fitting a larger 0.4" spacer for more aggressive riders.
The Rift Zone Carbon utilises the same MultiTrack suspension design as the regular aluminum Rift Zone. It’s a single-pivot set up with a small rocker linkage rolling on oversized bearings driving the vertically orientated shock, with a locking collet main pivot just above the bottom bracket. It has been designed to provide good small bump sensitivity, mid-stroke support for hard cornering and plenty of end stroke control to resist bottoming out.
Travel has increased from the 120mm on the 2018 Rift Zone to 125mm on the new model. With this increased in travel, Marin has also revised the leverage ratio and optimized the anti-squat for the 1x-specific frame design, changes intended to give better small bump sensitivity and pedalling efficiency. On this range-topper model, suspension duties are carried out by a Fox DPX2 Performance piggyback shock, with a three-way compression adjuster. A 0.2 cubic inch air volume spacer is fitted as standard to the shock because Marin says it wanted a "more linear feel in the mid-stroke" out of the box with the option of fitting a larger 0.4" spacer for more aggressive riders.
Specifications
| Specifications | ||
| Release Date | 2019 | |
| Price | $4399 | |
| Travel | 125mm | |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float DPX2, Performance Series | |
| Fork | Fox Performance 34 Float | |
| Headset | FSA No 57E | |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100 Cassette, 12-Speed, 10-51T | |
| Crankarms | FSA Gradient, Modular 1x, 32T | |
| Bottom Bracket | BB392 EVO, 73mm BSA Threaded | |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT 12-Speed, SGS | |
| Chain | KMC X-12 Silver & Black | |
| Shifter Pods | Shimano SLX 12-Speed | |
| Handlebar | Deity Skyline Bar, 787mm Width, 25mm Rise | |
| Stem | Marin 3D Forged Alloy, 35mm | |
| Grips | Marin Single Clamp Locking | |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc | |
| Hubs | Shimano, Microspline 148x12mm, Centerlock Disc, 32H | |
| Spokes | 14g Black Stainless Steel | |
| Rim | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 29mm Inner | |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29x2.4WT, 3C Maxx Terra, EXO+ | |
| Seat | Marin Trail Speed Concept Pro | |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic with PNW Loam Lever | |
Test Bike Setup
It took me a few rides to get a good setup on the rear suspension. After a few rides with the smaller volume spacer in the shock and the recommended 150psi for my 67kg weight, I found the bike was blowing through the travel too easily, resulting in a noticeable thunk bottom out. I added the bigger spacer and upped the pressure to 175psi and found it more resistant to bottom out with a more progressive nature through the mid-range.
The fork was easier to dial in, with the Fox recommended settings getting me close to ideal; I eventually added an extra 10psi just to keep the fork up a little more in steep terrain. Tire pressures were set to 21psi front and 23psi rear. No parts were changed during the test period, even the saddle was a comfortable thing to sit on for long rides.
Testing took place in the Forest of Dean and South Wales through the hardest period of winter, so lots of mud, slimy roots and perilous rocks to contend with, all ideal for testing the durability of the bike and components.
It took me a few rides to get a good setup on the rear suspension. After a few rides with the smaller volume spacer in the shock and the recommended 150psi for my 67kg weight, I found the bike was blowing through the travel too easily, resulting in a noticeable thunk bottom out. I added the bigger spacer and upped the pressure to 175psi and found it more resistant to bottom out with a more progressive nature through the mid-range.
The fork was easier to dial in, with the Fox recommended settings getting me close to ideal; I eventually added an extra 10psi just to keep the fork up a little more in steep terrain. Tire pressures were set to 21psi front and 23psi rear. No parts were changed during the test period, even the saddle was a comfortable thing to sit on for long rides.
Testing took place in the Forest of Dean and South Wales through the hardest period of winter, so lots of mud, slimy roots and perilous rocks to contend with, all ideal for testing the durability of the bike and components.
David Arthur // Technical Editor
Age: 39
Location: Gloucestershire, UK
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 150 lbs
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @davidjarthur
Age: 39
Location: Gloucestershire, UK
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 150 lbs
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @davidjarthur
Climbing
A good all-round short travel trail bike needs to display its talents on all sorts of trails, especially here in the UK where we’re not gifted with massive mountains and chairlifts. The Rift Zone Carbon proved to be the ideal bike for long days in the woods clocking big elevation gain, to shorter play rides in the woods sessioning downhill tracks.
The Rift Zone's 76-degree seat angle does gives a nice comfortable position for generating power, and while some might say it needs to be even steeper I found it worked well for me. Despite its length and slackness, the Marin is highly maneuverable at slower speeds and easy to shake about on tight and twisting singletrack. It makes even the boring tame connecting trails good fun, and while the weight is a little on the high side for my personal tastes, it never felt like it was being unduly held back by an invisible anchor.
Love or hate them, I found myself using the compression lever on the rear shock to firm up the suspension on longer climbs. In open mode, it does move about a bit, and while it’s not a problem on technical climbs where the traction the Rift Zone delivers helps you to get up nearly impossible ascents, on smoother fire roads it does move a bit excessively. It’s no problem to reach down and flick the little blue lever into the middle setting and open it back up on the descents; it's certainly not something I'll lose any sleep over.
The balance feels good and the geometry didn't feel unmanageable through twisty trails. The short chainstays help it turn sharply through the corners, the wide bars and stubby stem give plenty of leverage and overall it's agile and easy to move about. Occasionally I found I had to pull myself onto the nose of the saddle to keep the front wheel down on very steep climbs, but most of the time it was a competent ascender. The wide range Shimano cassette gives you all the range you need on the climbs too, and the Maxxis tires behave well in a wide range of situations.
A good all-round short travel trail bike needs to display its talents on all sorts of trails, especially here in the UK where we’re not gifted with massive mountains and chairlifts. The Rift Zone Carbon proved to be the ideal bike for long days in the woods clocking big elevation gain, to shorter play rides in the woods sessioning downhill tracks.
The Rift Zone's 76-degree seat angle does gives a nice comfortable position for generating power, and while some might say it needs to be even steeper I found it worked well for me. Despite its length and slackness, the Marin is highly maneuverable at slower speeds and easy to shake about on tight and twisting singletrack. It makes even the boring tame connecting trails good fun, and while the weight is a little on the high side for my personal tastes, it never felt like it was being unduly held back by an invisible anchor.
Love or hate them, I found myself using the compression lever on the rear shock to firm up the suspension on longer climbs. In open mode, it does move about a bit, and while it’s not a problem on technical climbs where the traction the Rift Zone delivers helps you to get up nearly impossible ascents, on smoother fire roads it does move a bit excessively. It’s no problem to reach down and flick the little blue lever into the middle setting and open it back up on the descents; it's certainly not something I'll lose any sleep over.
The balance feels good and the geometry didn't feel unmanageable through twisty trails. The short chainstays help it turn sharply through the corners, the wide bars and stubby stem give plenty of leverage and overall it's agile and easy to move about. Occasionally I found I had to pull myself onto the nose of the saddle to keep the front wheel down on very steep climbs, but most of the time it was a competent ascender. The wide range Shimano cassette gives you all the range you need on the climbs too, and the Maxxis tires behave well in a wide range of situations.
Descending
On paper, there is a lot going for the Marin Rift Zone Carbon, and when you get it onto your favourite trail for the first time, you’ll be blown away by just how strongly able it is. It shows just how important geometry is, more than the amount of suspension travel you’re packing. Backing up the numbers is the burly build kit that ensures it’s all a recipe for shredding any trail as fast and joyously as you like. As it reminds you on the stem, this bike is “made for fun”. It’s no bullshit PR either, the Rift Zone lives up to that claim.
The handling is fast and nimble - there’s certainly no sense the big wheels are taking away from the fun factor at all. It’s easy to flick the bike about and it rotates around corners with precision. Pop is plentiful with this Marin. It gets airborne easily off the smallest lip, the front wheel a breeze to loft over ruts. It’s a bike that properly leaves you grinning all the way to the bottom. It's a blast in the corners too - it feels solid though high-speed berms with the short chainstays enabling you to really push the back tire into the ground for maximum traction and carry the speed past the apex.
I found the balance good with Rift Zone Carbon. I felt nicely felt centred and was able to shift my weight about as needed. It’s pretty stable for the most part, but perhaps not the most rock-solid planted at higher speeds in big terrain - longer chainstay would certainly increase the stability at higher speeds, but the Rift Zone instead trades that outright planted feel for a more lively presence on the trail. For trail riders looking for a bike that ramps up the grin factor for everything from trail centers to bike parks and don't want a big travel enduro beast, the Rift Zone Carbon impresses.
The Rift Zone Carbon doesn’t let up when the obstacles come at you big and fast. The Fox suspension, Maxxis tires, and Shimano four-pot brakes all cope with just about everything very well. It also surprises with its ability to tackle the sort of terrain that would naturally suit a longer travel bike. It doesn’t possess the bottomless feel of some short travel suspension setups, but it can soak up a wide range of impacts from square-edge rocks to slippery roots. Line choice is still critical, but thankfully the Rift Zone changes direction like a dart. Maybe it would benefit from a beefier fork with a bit more travel? Hmm… Regardless, it’s a fun bike that will leave you smiling.
On paper, there is a lot going for the Marin Rift Zone Carbon, and when you get it onto your favourite trail for the first time, you’ll be blown away by just how strongly able it is. It shows just how important geometry is, more than the amount of suspension travel you’re packing. Backing up the numbers is the burly build kit that ensures it’s all a recipe for shredding any trail as fast and joyously as you like. As it reminds you on the stem, this bike is “made for fun”. It’s no bullshit PR either, the Rift Zone lives up to that claim.
The handling is fast and nimble - there’s certainly no sense the big wheels are taking away from the fun factor at all. It’s easy to flick the bike about and it rotates around corners with precision. Pop is plentiful with this Marin. It gets airborne easily off the smallest lip, the front wheel a breeze to loft over ruts. It’s a bike that properly leaves you grinning all the way to the bottom. It's a blast in the corners too - it feels solid though high-speed berms with the short chainstays enabling you to really push the back tire into the ground for maximum traction and carry the speed past the apex.
I found the balance good with Rift Zone Carbon. I felt nicely felt centred and was able to shift my weight about as needed. It’s pretty stable for the most part, but perhaps not the most rock-solid planted at higher speeds in big terrain - longer chainstay would certainly increase the stability at higher speeds, but the Rift Zone instead trades that outright planted feel for a more lively presence on the trail. For trail riders looking for a bike that ramps up the grin factor for everything from trail centers to bike parks and don't want a big travel enduro beast, the Rift Zone Carbon impresses.
The Rift Zone Carbon doesn’t let up when the obstacles come at you big and fast. The Fox suspension, Maxxis tires, and Shimano four-pot brakes all cope with just about everything very well. It also surprises with its ability to tackle the sort of terrain that would naturally suit a longer travel bike. It doesn’t possess the bottomless feel of some short travel suspension setups, but it can soak up a wide range of impacts from square-edge rocks to slippery roots. Line choice is still critical, but thankfully the Rift Zone changes direction like a dart. Maybe it would benefit from a beefier fork with a bit more travel? Hmm… Regardless, it’s a fun bike that will leave you smiling.
Hope HB.130
Norco Optic
How does it compare?
There are a growing number of short travel bikes with modern geometry that the Rift Zone Carbon could be compared with, and probably top of the list is the Norco Optic that impressed the two Mikes in the recent Field Test. Sadly I’ve not yet ridden that bike but you can read their thoughts and draw your conclusions.
Probably the closest in terms of travel and geometry that I’ve ridden is the Hope HB.130, which packs 130/140mm travel on a carbon main frame with 29” wheel. The Hope, due to the little extra travel, longer chainstays and the more progressive rear suspension, feels more at home at faster and chunkier trails. The Hope is getting on for twice the price though, which can’t be overlooked but you’re getting a Fox 36 fork with Kashima and generally higher spec parts.
The price pushes the Rift Zone into territory occupied by some tantalising rivals. The Ibis Ripley, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Whyte S120, Norco Optic, and some rivals that might offer a full carbon frame or more brand kudos. The Rift Zone Carbon is smartly specced though, from the wide-range Shimano SLX drivetrain to the reliable Shimano hubs, and the little details like the upgrade PNW Loam lever to operate the X-Fusion dropper post, or the Deity handlebar and top-quality Maxxis Minion tires with the new EXO Plus casing.
I had great fun riding the Marin Rift Zone. It’s everything I want in a short travel trail bike - nimble, playful, fast, competent in every situation. It’s a great looking bike too, with smart details and the specification shows a keen eye for the things that matter on a bike. It’s up against some very tough competition, and while I don’t think the Rift Zone Carbon trumps them all, it’s worth consideration.
Technical Report
Shimano SLX/XT 12-speed: Shimano’s more affordable SLX and XT 12-speed transmission works very well, with a wide range and slick-shifting across the gears. There was occasional grinding noise in the lowest gears after several hours of mud riding, so it does seem a little sensitive to conditions.
Shimano SLX brakes: Marin put its money into smart choices such as the four-pot disc brakes with a 203mm rotor up front for extra stopping power when that geometry gets you in too deep. Unfortunately, the wandering bite point that afflicted mostly the rear brake took the shine off the otherwise impressive performance, with an unpredictable lever feel when you need it to be consistent. The tool-free lever reach is a nice feature though.
Maxxis Minion EXO Plus tires: Tires maketh the bike, or at least ensure you’ve got consistent grip, and it’s jolly nice to see a full set of Maxxis Minion tires with an EXO Plus casing. The beefed-up tires offer better durability and puncture resistance over regular EXO for the smallest of weight penalties without having to resort to Double Down version. It’s a spec choice I’m glad Marin made. These are dependable tires that are good in nearly all situations.
PNW Loam remote lever: A nice attention to detail is the upgrade from the regular X-Fusion remote lever for the dropper post to this Loam lever. The big paddle is easier to hit in a hurry and the rubber inserts ensure it’s nice and tactile with or without gloves.
Shimano SLX/XT 12-speed: Shimano’s more affordable SLX and XT 12-speed transmission works very well, with a wide range and slick-shifting across the gears. There was occasional grinding noise in the lowest gears after several hours of mud riding, so it does seem a little sensitive to conditions.
Shimano SLX brakes: Marin put its money into smart choices such as the four-pot disc brakes with a 203mm rotor up front for extra stopping power when that geometry gets you in too deep. Unfortunately, the wandering bite point that afflicted mostly the rear brake took the shine off the otherwise impressive performance, with an unpredictable lever feel when you need it to be consistent. The tool-free lever reach is a nice feature though.
Maxxis Minion EXO Plus tires: Tires maketh the bike, or at least ensure you’ve got consistent grip, and it’s jolly nice to see a full set of Maxxis Minion tires with an EXO Plus casing. The beefed-up tires offer better durability and puncture resistance over regular EXO for the smallest of weight penalties without having to resort to Double Down version. It’s a spec choice I’m glad Marin made. These are dependable tires that are good in nearly all situations.
PNW Loam remote lever: A nice attention to detail is the upgrade from the regular X-Fusion remote lever for the dropper post to this Loam lever. The big paddle is easier to hit in a hurry and the rubber inserts ensure it’s nice and tactile with or without gloves.
Pros
+ Great handling
+ Modern geometry
+ Solid build kit with nice attention to the details
Cons
- Rear shock needs setup time
- Vague Shimano brake bite point
- Bit heavy for a short travel bike
Pinkbike's Take
| Short travel meets big bike geometry is an emerging trend, and the new Marin Rift Zone Carbon is an exciting addition to a growing list of choices with a sorted specification for the money. |
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170 Comments
The quality you're after is the one made for winter conditions or northern europe. I'm not talking about the LHM+ that works in all conditions, I'm talking about the regular or old school LHM made for lower temperatures. It doesn't void warranty and it does a hell of a job in cold weather.
Don't thank me but thank the DS/SM/Traction restore shop I spent so much time at when I was a teenager
FYI, Shimano didn't dial its mineral oil for cold weather, but for positive temperatures. And they do quite well when it's 37°C (100°F) and above …
The Maguras have been flawless.
Still, totally agree with @jclnv, I'm in a similar headspace re the whole sporty car thing.
As a result, the air gets into the system. And the efficiency of the brake is significantly reduced. In particular, it feels like a wandering bite point.
Bought a Marin road bike to go on the trainer at the start of winter - its not bad but it definitely feels as cheap as it was.
Otherwise they are great bikes
Though the mavic XA wheels are shaped like a pentagon....
Pick up some spank vibrocores, or some of the oneup bars
Watch the suspension compression video and notice how much the rear brake caliper moves around the disc when it compresses. That kind of movement is not good for active suspension during braking (ie. maintaining traction and not locking up the wheel) and will also likely result in a high degree of pedal kickback. Both typical traits of single pivot designs.
Probably flogging a dead horse here though as some people still seem to think bikes like the Orange are the holy grail. each to their own I guess...
Commencal, Forbidden, Evil, and more have inferior susp eh?
Structurally, horst links can fail like PB's RM Slayer break. There's even more structurally sound options like fully triangulated rear swingarms without dropout pivots, like DW-Link, Switch Infinity, etc. also including the NS Bikes Nerd HD, Starling Murmur, and Focus Vice for single pivots.
"Mechanically", isn't it all preference? I prefer 100% brake squat/anti-rise over 50%, which a vast majority of linkage designs are moving towards, even some horst links like the RM Slayer (they could've made it into a faux bar). What difference is there in antisquat (plus related kickback) and leverage curve tuning between faux bar and horst link? I'll grant that if bike design got crazy, horst link would be more flexible for designers, but faux bar is solidly competitive with current conventional design.
Rift Zone vs Optic is a fair comparison that boils down to nitpicking, IMO.
Bicycles Online are onto a good thing with their consumer direct(ish) approach, seems like they've made steady progress in fostering the market for Indonesian built bikes, but like I said - still not as common as would be expected with such competitive pricing (from what I've observed anyway)
Don't need that much beef in them! Especially the rear.
Are you sure about that? I suspect the tires will make a much bigger difference for a bike with proper anti-squat especially when you have a lockout.
Has anyone actually measured this? I'd really like to know how much effect the travel amount has on the pedaling efficiency.
The reason to have 120 instead of 150 with comparable spec, IMO, is to have a more poppy, playful bike or to make tamer trails more fun. That's it.
Short travel bikes are fun, poppy and exciting to ride, even if they aren't necessarily the quickest to the bottom.
I would say that Performance Elite would make me say "good spec" at this level, but the Ripmo reviewed the other day is running similar level suspension on bikes costing almost twice as much.
I was able to buy everything I wanted instead of going with what the Manufacturer speced. Granted I did have to buy some stuff second hand to get the deals. But most of it was take off from new bikes. The only thing I sold off the Marin was the Recon. So I have all the stock parts to put back on it when I sell it. Or at least I have that choice.
Cannot believe how well it rides. I’ve always been a big travel rider but this is the way forward for the riding I’m going to be doing in the UK!!
Swapped out the brakes for my trusty Hope Tech 3s but everything else is sorted out the box. Even impressed with the Vee Rubber tyres.
Unbelievable value, Marin are smashing it at the moment
A horst link bike has the rear wheel attached to the seat stay, not the chain stay.
Little enough suspension, a good seat tube to get around some all day steep single track and hefty gravel roads, and a big fork to bomb the decent.
That’s all any of want to do isn’t it?
@maxyedor:
I'm also not sure why the Marin lists the price at $4400 when it doesn't seem to be possible to buy it for that. Any place that has it lists it for $4200 and doesn't list that as a sale. Maybe there is some spec difference I missed. So, with shipping the Nukeproof is $300 cheaper. I'd say that's a better deal, sure, but it isn't really egregious or what I'm going to base my expectations for other bikes on. If I liked the Marin better, I'd probably just wait and hope it went on sale. I think the Reactor will sell out before it gets there.
So, while I don't think this is a smoking value, it's basically middle of the road to decent for carbon framed bikes these days. I've yet to find any carbon bike at the price range running full XT, which is what the discussion started about in terms of expectations.
Yeah, right.........
Many sell trail bikes that are better price to performance than this...
You don’t say?
(I can do this all day. Or for years it would seem. I have been...)
PB put this headline news.
How long are Marin lending bikes out to one journo for anyway?
I wonder what the optimum time would be between spy shot/first ride/full test articles. Perhaps someone could do some science on it.