Marin Rift Zone E2 on test: Short stroke, big grin - a special E-MTB

A simple aluminium frame with classic tube shapes, Shimano motor, conventional battery removal: the Marin Rift Zone E2 is conspicuously inconspicuous. Just how special this bike is only becomes clear on closer inspection. The Americans combine a short 140 millimetre travel with a very progressive trail orientation. The geometry and equipment are fully focussed on downhill fun, despite the shortest travel in our comparison test.

The Rift Zone E2 also stands out in terms of equipment. The Fox suspension elements from the Performance Elite series feature the top Grip2 damping technology - that's all you need. And at the lowest official retail price in the field. Marin has permanently reduced the bike from 6799 euros to 5499 euros. Even the soft Maxxgrip tyres and the standard Puncture protection inserts from Cushcore are anything but ordinary. One keyword fits all these measures: trail performance!

Only the weight of the aluminium bike is no reason to cheer. Almost 25 kilos with a rather small Shimano battery. Especially the Impellers are heavy, even if you subtract a good 600 grams for the Cushcore inserts. This robs you of liveliness. Why the bike was still absolutely convincing on the trail, you can read further down in this article.

The facts about the Marin Rift Zone E2

• EngineShimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery630 Wh (removable)
• Frame materialAluminium
• Spring travel140 / 140 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizesS, M, L, XL
• Price6799 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Weight24.7 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight138 kg (manufacturer's specification)

The e-bike drive

The lightweight and compact Shimano EP801 makes the chassis with short rear possible. The Engine offers very powerful support with robust torque, but is somewhat sluggish when the rider pedals faster or accelerates. On technical climbs, it is slowed down somewhat by its power hole, which occurs at very high pedalling frequencies. Especially when accelerating in front of obstacles, you have to be aware of this peculiarity.

The 630 Shimano battery can be easily folded forwards out of the down tube, requiring only an Allen key. However, the lightweight battery delivers comparatively low range values. Caution: When mounting the battery, it is essential to ensure that the battery is correctly adjusted and firmly seated. In our test bike, the Battery was not secure in the bike on delivery and crashed out of the down tube on the trail. A no-go and a safety risk!

The geometry

These are cutting-edge trail bike dimensions! With very short chainstays and a long reach, Marin wants to breathe downhill fun into the Rift Zone. The very steep seat angle and short seat tube also reflect the spirit of the times. This gives freedom in the choice of size and positions the rider in the centre of the bike.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 420 mm
• Wheelbase: 1250 mm
• Reach: 480 mm
• Stack: 627 mm
• Steering angle: 65 degrees
• Seat angle: 77.5 degrees
• Chainstay length: 439 mm

The features of the Marin Rift Zone E2

• Fork / damper: Fox 36 Perf. Elite / Float X Per. Elite
• Circuit: Shimano XT 12-speed, 38; 10-50 teeth
• Brakes: Shimano SLX 7120, 203/203 mm
• Impellers: Shimano MT400 hubs, Marin aluminium rims
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5''
• Special features: Cushcore puncture protection inserts, telescopic support with 170 mm stroke

Practical test: How the Marin Rift Zone E2 rides

The special character of the Rift Zone also quickly becomes clear in the saddle. Thanks to the very steep seat angle, you sit far forward and, despite the long reach, the bike is surprisingly compact. It feels small when seated. Uphill, the position is ideal, because despite the short chainstays, you retain full control of the front wheel. With extremely good traction and a central position, technical climbs become a playground.

Only the lack of draught of the EP801 (here in the test) at very high cadences is a bit of a hindrance on nasty climbs. Too bad: The large 38 mm chainring pushes the bike to its limits unnecessarily early on steep climbs. Especially if you like to climb the mountains in Eco mode to save energy.

The modern character also imposes itself downhill. The Rift Zone invites you to play with roots and shoot radically round bends. Here, too, the ingenious traction stands out. Three factors ensure that the bike literally sticks to the ground: the supple suspension, the super grippy tyres with soft Maxxgrip rubber compound and the Cushcore puncture protection inserts. The latter allow a particularly low air pressure without increasing the risk of punctures or the tyre coming off the rim when cornering. This makes for a really safe ride and encourages you to brake later and later. Experienced trail bikers will have a lot of fun here and can confidently play with the terrain. The bike's cornering behaviour is also excellent.

But you don't have to be a trail wizard who rides his bike more in the air than on the ground to feel comfortable on the Rift Zone E2. Even at a moderate pace, the bike impresses with its balanced and intuitive handling and also cuts a strong figure on rough and steep trails. Logical: After all, good traction gives you a lot of confidence here too. But on big hits, the Marin can't quite hide its shorter suspension travel. If you want to go fast on rough terrain, you simply have to hold the handlebars a little tighter than behind the cockpit of longer travel bikes. Top: We have rarely ridden such a quiet bike with a Shimano motor, the classic motor rattling is surprisingly discreet on this bike.

EMTB rating of the Marin Rift Zone E2

Strengths

• Top equipment at a fair price
• Fun and balanced trail handling
• Plenty of traction provides a lot of safety off-road

Weaknesses

• Engine rattles discreetly
• Moderate range
• Chainring too big

The EMTB conclusion

A bike with character! The Marin Rift Zone E2 impressed all testers with its great handling, massive traction and downhill strength - despite its short suspension travel. Riding fun is a top priority here. Top equipment at a fair price. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine