It's one of those things with category designations. There is no international consensus. This is why a touring fully like the new Mount Vision is described as an enduro bike in the Marin catalogue. In our eyes, it is a flawless all-mountain: 140 millimetres of suspension travel, low weight, high-quality chassis and robust, functional equipment with lightweight carbon wheels (3.6 kilos). The carbon fibre frame is a completely new development. At 2.5 kilos (2.9 kilos with shock) and excellent stiffness (84 Nm/degree), it passed our laboratory measurements with flying colours.
Isotrac is the name of the suspension system; when the shock is open, the rear end rocks noticeably uphill, the effective platform gradation of the Fox shock counteracts this with a click. Trail and Climb modes on the shock live up to their names. The handling of the bike can be summarised in a few words: agile, playful, nimble. Downhill, the responsive character is pleasing and the suspension is plush. The low weight is not only noticeable on the climbs - the slim 32 mm Fox fork reinforces the playful riding characteristics, it is at least 200 grams lighter than the 34 mm Fox fork. For 6799 euros you have to find top equipment, and that includes a telescopic seatpost with hidden cable routing. On our test ride on Lake Garda, the single transmission with eleven gears was sufficient.
Conclusion The Mount Vision is a versatile touring bike and the best Marin Fully in recent years. Thumbs up for riding fun!
PLUS Lightweight wheels, stiff chassis, responsive handling. High-quality equipment to match the high price.
MINUS 160 mm rear brake disc, damper rebound difficult to reach
The alternative
The Marin Mount Vision XM 7 has everything you need for difficult terrain, including a telescopic seat post. The frame is made of aluminium, but the bike also costs 3200 euros less.
