Californian manufacturer Marin is revitalising a classic with the new Quake. After a 14-year break, the gravity bike returns in a completely redesigned form and positions itself as a dedicated downhill, park and freeride model in the Marin range. The Quake has not been developed in secret - professional rider Matt Jones has been testing the prototype in public for over a year, including at the Hardline events.
Frame and suspension
The new Marin Quake has 180 mm rear suspension travel, just like its 26-inch predecessor. However, Marin has now opted for a Horst link suspension system instead of the characteristic quad link design, which was more reminiscent of military equipment. The frame is made of aluminium and uses the MultiTrac 2 LT suspension platform, which is already used on the new Alpine Trail models. According to Marin, the shifting of the pivot points from the seat stays to the chain stays enables improved suspension behaviour with suspension travel over 150 mm. Specifically, this should lead to reduced anti-rise behaviour, which should enable better control when braking, more support in the mid-travel range and an improved feel when bottoming out.
Customisable geometry
A key feature of the Quake is its customisable geometry. Integrated flip chips allow you to quickly switch between different configurations. The chainstay length and bottom bracket height can be set to low bottom bracket/long chainstays (353 mm/440 mm) or high bottom bracket/short chainstays (361 mm/430 mm). The steering angle is 62.3 degrees in the slack setting and 62.9 degrees in the steep position. Both chainstay lengths are rather short for a gravity bike, which indicates the focus as a playful park bike.
Wheel sizes and compatibility
The Quake is designed for mixed wheel sizes (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear), but can also be set up with two 29-inch wheels or two 27.5-inch wheels. Marin recommends a 10-15 mm high external lower headset for the use of 27.5 inch front wheels. The head tube in the ZS56 standard (56 mm diameter, zero stack) also allows the use of reach-adjust headsets to fine-tune the geometry.
Equipment and variants
Marin offers the Quake as a complete bike and as a frameset. The complete bike is equipped with a 200 mm Rockshox Boxxer suspension fork and a Rockshox Super Deluxe DH Select+ shock. The drivetrain comes from SRAM and includes a 7-speed GX DH drivetrain with an 11-25 tooth cassette. Deceleration is provided by SRAM Maven Bronze 4-piston brakes with 200 mm HS2 brake discs. The tyres are Maxxis Assegai 2.5 inch tyres with DH carcass and 3C MaxxGrip rubber compound.
Protection and details
Marin has placed great emphasis on protection and durability with the Quake. The chain and seat stays are fitted with robust rubber protectors to minimise noise and protect the paintwork. A mud flap above the lower suspension pivot point is designed to keep splash water and dirt away from the bearings. The down tube has integrated protection against stone chips, while a protective pad on the upper part of the down tube is designed to protect the frame during transport. Newly designed cable ports with rubber membranes are intended to seal the inside of the frame.
Prices and availability
The Marin Quake complete bike costs 5,299 euros. The frameset (frame + shock) is available for 2,099 euros.
Technical specifications
Frame
- Material: Series 4 aluminium
- Suspension travel: 180 mm
- Suspension system: MultiTrac 2 LT (Horst-Link)
- Head tube: ZS56 (56 mm diameter, zero stack)
- Rear standard: 148 mm thru axle
- Derailleur hanger: Universal Derailleur Hanger
Geometry
- Steering angle: 62.3° (flat) / 62.9° (steep)
- Chainstay length: 440 mm (long) / 430 mm (short)
- Bottom bracket height: 353 mm (low) / 361 mm (high)
- Reach: 418 mm (S), 438 mm (M), 478 mm (L)
Complete bike equipment
- Fork: Rockshox Boxxer, 200 mm travel
- Shock: Rockshox Super Deluxe DH Select+
- Gear system: SRAM GX DH, 7-speed
- Cassette: 11-25 teeth
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Bronze, 4-piston, 200 mm discs
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 2.5", DH carcass, 3C MaxxGrip
Prices
- Complete bike: 5,299 euros
- Frameset: 2,099 euros
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Dimitri Lehner
Editor
