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Today’s Deals2020 Marin
Rift Zone 3
A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
$2,599| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 125 / 130mm |
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | SLX |
| Brakes | Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'7"
5'5" – 5'11"
5'9" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'4"
Summary
The Marin Rift Zone is praised for its modern geometry, which provides confident and agile handling on descents and in technical terrain. Its suspension setup offers good small-bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support, though some reviews note limitations in climbing efficiency and component quality. Overall, it delivers excellent value as a capable trail bike that excels in downhill performance.
Modern geometry for confident handling
Good suspension performance with small-bump sensitivity
Excellent value for money
Agile and playful ride characteristics
Solid build kit with upgrade potential
Heavy weight for a short-travel bike
Stock tires can be sluggish on climbs
Brakes lack power and precision
Rear suspension setup can be tricky to dial in
Climbing efficiency is not a strong point
What you get on the Marin Rift Zone for $2,050 is hard to believe.
BetaIts geometry and suspension give it a real descending bias, and for that reason I loved it, just keep some money aside to change out the tyres and add a dropper.
BikeRadarIt’s also got a really short rear end for a 29er. Very few bikes can boast a 424mm chainstay length, or brag about the agility it affords.
MBRDespite 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.Pinkbike
Marin has cracked the modern trail code with its newest Rift Zone.
Vital MTBFeedback?
View all reviews
Feb 2021 · Travis Engel
This short-travel shredder takes a modern trend and brings it to the entry level. The Marin Rift Zone 2 does (almost) everything.
Unbeatable value
Smart spec
Forgiving but familiar geometry
Supportive suspension
Oddly shaped brake levers
Shimano chain and crank would have been nice
Sep 2020 · Alan Muldoon
Geometry and sizing is consistent across the Marin Rift Zone range, so the fit is going to be identical, right down to the stubby 35mm stem.
Good angles and attitude
Spec at odds with travel
Jul 2020 · McCoy
Built for style and speed
Mar 2020 · Jeremy Benson
Marin is better known for their budget-oriented bikes, but that is likely to change with quality offerings like the Rift Zone Carbon 2. This shorter-travel...
Nice build
Modern geometry
Plush suspension
Quick/maneuverable
Hard charging downhill performance
Linear rear suspension feel
A little heavy for carbon
Not the sportiest climber
Feb 2020 · David Arthur
Marin's Rift Zone Carbon is another addition to the growing field of short travel bikes with aggressive geometry.
Great handling
Modern geometry
Solid build kit with nice attention to the details
Rear shock needs setup time
Vague Shimano brake bite point
Bit heavy for a short travel bike
Nov 2019 · Matt Phillips
The new carbon front-triangle is a premium upgrade to Marin's Rift Zone 29er
Great build
Dialed geometry
Less refined suspension than its competition
Nov 2019
We're always a little cautious about carbon bikes that hover around the $4,000 mark. They often kinda seem like they're just an invitation to spend more
Jun 2019 · Sspomer
The Rift Zone 3 is ready for fast, fun singletrack and may double as a slalom bike for those going through a mid-life crisis.
Price
Confidence in its identity
The right geometry for the task
Reliable drivetrain
Capable suspension despite lack of bells and whistles
Predictable tires
Crank bolt came loose often and uses 10mm hex nut which isn’t common on most bike tools
Brakes may be under-powered for larger riders or steep descents
Lagging rear hub engagement
| Frame | Series 3 6061 Aluminum Frame, 29” Wheels, 125mm Travel, MultiTrac Suspension Platform, 148x12mm Boost Thru-Axle, 73mm Threaded BB w/ ISCG05 Tabs BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 29", Rail Damper with Sweep Adjustment, 130mm Travel, Kabolt Bolt On Axle, 44mm Offset Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS, Performance Series, EVOL Air Spring, 3 Position Compression Adjustment, Rebound Adjustment, Custom Tune, 210x50mm, 25mm x M8 Hardware Top and Bottom Travel: 125mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Mego EXO 73mm BSA |
| Headset | FSA No 57E, Semi-Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8" x 1 1/2” |
| Stem | Marin 3D Forged Alloy, 35mm |
| Handlebar | Marin Mini-Riser, 6061 Double Butted Aluminum, 780mm Width, 28mm rise, 5º Up, 9º Back |
| Saddle | Marin Speed Concept |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 1x Composite Remote, Size S 125mm Travel, Size M & L 150mm Travel, Size XL 175mm Travel, 30.9mm Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Not Included. |
| Grips | Marin Single Clamp Locking |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX SGS, Direct Attachment, 12-Speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | FSA GRID, Modular 1x, 32T Direct Mount Chainring, MegaTooth Technology, Mego EXO Spindle, Boost Spacing |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX, 12 Speed, SL-7100R |
| Cassette | SunRace, 12 Speed, 11-50T, ED Black |
| Chain | KMC X-12 Silver & Black |
| Brakes | Shimano MT420, 4 Piston Hydraulic Disc Brake, 203mm Rotor Type: Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano MT401 Hydraulic Lever |
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 29mm Inner, Sleeved Joint, Disc Specific, Tubeless Compatible |
|---|---|
| Spokes | 14g Black Stainless Steel |
| Front Hub | Forged Alloy, 110x15mm, Centerlock Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Alloy, 148x12mm, Quad Sealed Bearings, Centerlock Disc, 32H, Standard Freehub Body |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co, Flow Snap, 29x2.35, Tackee Compound, 72 TPI, Tubeless Compatible |
First added September 3
Last updated September 11
Not listed for 2,076 days