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Today’s Deals2020 Marin
Rift Zone Carbon 2
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
$3,999| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 125 / 130mm |
| Fork | Fox Performance Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | XT, SLX |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX 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?
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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
Jan 2021 · Sspomer
Reviews, ratings, specifications, weight, price and more for the 2020 Marin Rift Zone 2 Bike
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
Mar 2020
The Marin Rift Zone 2 is a 125mm full suspension trail bike that will please riders and wallets. While it’s heavy for a short-travel mountain bike, and the tyres don't suit its all-rounder intentions, the Rift Zone is a great proposition that's just begging for some choice upgrades. Giant Trance 29 3 review Ragley Blue Pig Race 2020 review Best mountain bikes for under £3,000 - capable trail bikes that won't break the bank Updated for 2020 with revised geometry, 125mm of rear travel (up five millimetres from the previous bike) and the same big 29er wheels, the Rift Zone 2 is bang on trend.
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
Feb 2020 · McCoy
A trail bike with a lively attitude
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
| Frame | All New Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Front Triangle, Series 4 Alloy Rear End, 29” Wheels, 125mm Travel, MultiTrac Suspension Platform, 148x12mm Boost Thru-Axle, 73mm Threaded BB w/ ISCG05 Tabs BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Performance 34 Float, 130mm Travel, 3 Position Micro Adjust Compression Adjustment, Rebound Adjustment, 110x15mm Kabolt Axle, 44mm Offset Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2, Performance Series, EVOL Air Spring, 3 Position Compression Adjustment, Rebound Adjustment, Custom Tune, 210x50mm, 30mm x M8 Top, 25mm x M8 Bottom Travel: 125mm |
| Bottom Bracket | BB392 EVO, 73mm BSA Threaded |
| Headset | FSA No 42/47, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8" x 1 1/2” |
| Stem | Marin 3D Forged Alloy, 35mm |
| Handlebar | Deity Skyline Bar, 787mm Width, 25mm Rise |
| Saddle | Marin Trail Speed Concept Pro |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic with PNW Loam Lever, I-Spec EV, Size S 125mm Travel, Size M & L 150mm Travel, Size XL 175mm Travel Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Not Included. |
| Grips | Marin Single Clamp Locking |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT 12-Speed, SGS |
|---|---|
| Crank | FSA Gradient, Modular 1x, 32T Direct Mount Chainring, MegaTooth Technology, Mego EXO Spindle, Boost Spacing |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX 12-Speed, I-Spec EV |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100 Cassette, 12-Speed, 10-51T |
| Chain | KMC X-12 Silver & Black |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc, 203mm rotor Type: Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano SLX Hydraulic, I-Spec EV |
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 29mm Inner, Welded Joint, Disc Specific, Tubeless Compatible |
|---|---|
| Spokes | 14g Black Stainless Steel |
| Front Hub | Shimano, 110x15mm, Centerlock Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Shimano, Microspline 148x12mm, Centerlock Disc, 32H |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5WT, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, Tubeless Compatible Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 29x2.4WT, 3C Maxx Terra, EXO+, Tubeless Compatible |
First added December 2
Last updated September 11
Not listed for 2,076 days