Are mountain bikes now luxury goods? If you look through the catalogues of some bike manufacturers, the question seems quite justified. After all, prices at new car level, above the €10,000 mark, are no longer an exception in 2023. The number of affordable MTB models with good functionality, on the other hand, continues to decrease. Our tests also show this: Reasonable, Good full-suspension mountain bikes that are not too heavyyou only get from 3000 euros. However, great riding fun costs significantly more with many bike manufacturers. Not so with Marin, as the Californian cult brand caps the price range for the brand new Marin Rift Zone aluminium trail bike at 3499 euros. Our test shows whether this budget is enough for a lot of trail fun.
The basis for the low price point of the Marin Rift Zone XR: a solid aluminium frame
The aluminium frame on our test bike is mounted on 29-inch wheels and offers 134 millimetres of travel at the rear. The head tube houses a 140 mm suspension fork from Marzocchi. In order to attract as many customers as possible to the Marin Rift Zone, the three model variants are also available with 27.5-inch wheels from € 1999. But that's not all: Marin is going one step further and optimising the frame platform for 24 and 26-inch wheels. The Marin Rift Zone Jr models are designed to offer young mountain bikers an attractive entry into the trail bike segment. So much for the key data of the MTB innovation for 2023.
Our BIKE lab test reveals another special feature: the geometry
With a steering angle of a super-slack 64.2 degrees, our test candidate plays in the same league as full-blown enduro bikes. The 482 reach in size L is also atypically long for this suspension travel class. Coupled with the steep seat angle, the new Rift Zone clearly identifies itself with the aggressive type of trail bike. In practice, the dimensions of the frame construction result in a very upright riding position. Due to the slack steering angle, the steering tilts slightly when riding slowly. A longer stem would improve the climbing characteristics.
The Marin Rift Zone takes you comfortably uphill
But that's not so bad. Because at 15.4 kilos in frame size L (without pedals), the Rift Zone XR climbs rather comfortably anyway. The lively rear end also keeps the forward momentum uphill within limits. On longer climbs, the easily accessible shock platform is therefore a must. But praise is due for the sensitive response behaviour. The rear generates a lot of traction and offers comfort. On steep terrain, however, there is a lack of mid-stroke support, which takes pressure off the front wheel and makes it difficult to control in key technical sections.
Downhill, the Marin trail bike is more at home in the enduro class
Once you've finally reached the top, Marin's latest addition finally shows its best side. For those who remember: the geometry of the Rift Zone promises the downhill talent of an enduro bike rather than the climbing skills of a classic trail bike. The first few metres on the rugged trails around Lake Garda confirm this. A slack head angle, low bottom bracket and a high front end - the bike can handle a lot of speed. However, the candidate does not appear unwieldy. The compact riding position and the rear end with very short chainstays cut an equally good figure on winding trails. Manuals are also easy to handle. For downhill enthusiasts, the Rift Zone embodies the perfect blend of composure and manoeuvrability. The suspension harmonises well and reliably absorbs both hard landings and fine impacts. The only point of criticism: when pushing through berms or pushing off jumps, a lot of energy is lost at the rear. Here, we also missed support in the mid-travel on downhills.
Good price-performance ratio for the Marin Rift Zone
There is still some room for improvement in the choice of components. The brakes in particular could be more powerful and the dropper post could be of a higher quality. However, considering the price, the equipment is perfectly acceptable. In any case, Marin doesn't want to offer a luxury item with the Rift Zone, but great riding fun at a low price. And that's exactly what the developers have achieved - especially downhill.
Test summary of the Marin Rift Zone XR by Max Fuchs
The Marin Rift Zone is not a trail bike in the classic sense. If you are looking for a sporty all-rounder, this is not the bike for you. However, if downhill fun and price are your top priorities, the new Rift Zone will hit the mark. With its special geometry, the frame also offers a great basis for customised builds.
Technical data and notes Marin Rift Zone XR
Manufacturer information
- Price: 3499 Euro
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M /L / XL(tested size L, 42 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.38 kg
- Frame weight: 3253 g
- Weight of wheels: 5455 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 4155 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 44 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Marin; Shimano HB-MT410 hub
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.50
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Grip
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Front/rear suspension travel: 138/134 mm
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT 420 / 203/180 mm
- Gear system: Shimano XT 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Tele-St. / stroke / Ø: TranzX / 170 mm / 30.9 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 25.5 from 30
- Chassis efficiency: 13 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 11.25 out of 15
- Weight: 2 of 20
- Inertia impellers: 4 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 5 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 30 from 30
- Front suspension: 12 out of 15
- Rear suspension: 15 out of 20
- Retractability: Saddle 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 10.5 out of 15
- Tyre grip :12.75 out of 15
- Driving stability: 3 out of 10
TOTAL UPHILL 60.75 FROM 105
TOTAL DOWNHILL 93.25 FROM 115
- Other: 15.75 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: medium
Bike test rating*: good 169.8 out of 250
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
Max Fuchs
Editor
