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2023 Marin

Rift Zone 26"

A 26″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

$1,799
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130 / 130mm
ForkX-Fusion VELVET
ShockX-Fusion
Wheels26″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetDeore
BrakesTektro Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Rift Zone 26"
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

23 mph

Rift Zone 26"

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Rift Zone model range

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Sizing
One Size

4'6" – 5'3"

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

Summary

The Marin Rift Zone is celebrated for its playful and fun-loving attitude, with a design that punches above its travel bracket, offering a confident and planted feel on descents. Its geometry and suspension setup are frequently praised for providing a supple and smooth ride, though some note it can feel heavy and sluggish, especially on climbs. The bike's aggressive character and solid frame make it a standout for riders looking for a capable trail bike that excels in technical terrain.

Pros
  • Playful and fun-loving attitude

  • Supple and smooth rear suspension

  • Confident and planted feel on descents

  • Solid frame that withstands aggressive riding

  • Good components with no immediate upgrades needed

Cons
  • Heavy for a trail bike

  • Active suspension feel biases towards descending

  • Not the best climber

  • Tyres can rob some speed on the climbs

Key Quotes
The Marin Rift Zone XR 27.5 is claimed to be Marin’s most fun trail bike.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
Indeed it does well to bolster Marin’s reputation for being a brand with its finger on the pulse when it comes to building aggressive bikes for less cash than the competition.
Flow Mountain Bike logoFlow Mountain Bike
the Rift Zone is a bike that exceeds its' numbers when it comes to downhill capability and performance
Pinkbike

Feedback?

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Loam Wolf
First Ride Review: The New Marin Rift Zone EL

Oct 2024 · Robert Johnston

Marin’s Rift Zone EL is a fun bike for sure, perfect for partying in the woods with a little helping hand back up the hill.

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Marin Launches Updated Rift Zone Trail Bike

Aug 2024

Is this the best affordable mountain bike?

Read Review

Singletracks
Marin Rift Zone XR Review

Mar 2024 · Jeff Barber

The Marin Rift Zone XR is an aluminum trail bike with a quality build that includes a SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain.

Highs
  • Great parts spec for the money

  • Frame finish is hotness

  • Tough and dependable frame

Lows
  • Heavy

  • Not very playful

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
MARIN RIFT ZONE 29" 2 REVIEW - AN EARTH SHAKING TRAIL BIKE VALUE? - Mountain Bike Action Magazine

Dec 2023 · Nelson

Those ready to graduate to their first full suspension or young riders who are paying their own way into the passion of the sport should consider the Rift Zone 29” 2.

Read Review

Pinkbike
Value Field Test: Marin Rift Zone

Jul 2023 · Dario DiGiulio

The Marin Rift Zone is the most expensive bike in the Value Field Test, but does it take the top spot?

Highs
  • Punches well above its travel bracket

  • Solid frame that should withstand the fun you're going to have

  • Good components with no immediate upgrades needed

Lows
  • Active suspension feel biases towards descending

  • Dual Assegai tires rob some speed on the climbs

  • Cable routing may prove tricky for at-home mechanics down the line

Read Review

BikeRadar
Marin Rift Zone XR 27.5 review

Jun 2023 · Tom Marvin

A super-fun ride that benefits from sharp reactions and a playful attitude

Highs
  • Well-designed frame with thoughtful features

  • Excellent rear suspension

  • Decent fork

Lows
  • Brakes lack bite

  • Not the best climber

Read Review

Flow Mountain Bike
2023 Marin Rift Zone Review | A heavy-duty trail bike for shredders on a budget

Apr 2023

The Marin Rift Zone combines killer geometry with a burly build kit at a low price. How does it ride? Read on for our Marin Rift Zone review.

Highs
  • Fantastic geometry

  • Playful and fun-loving attitude

  • High traction rubber

  • Supportive suspension

  • Practical and well-featured frame

Lows
  • Heavy for a trail bike

  • Sticky tyres are very draggy

  • Bigger riders will want to upgrade the brakes

Read Review

Bikerumor
All-new Marin Rift Zone trail bike gets shreddy-er, from 29er to kid's models

Nov 2022 · Tyler Benedict

The new Marin "Rifty" gets a sweet new alloy frame, more travel, and a consistent spec and geometry across all wheel sizes to fit any rider.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

All New Series 3 6061 Aluminum Frame, 26" Wheels, 130mm Travel, MultiTrac Suspension Platform, 141 Boost Spacing (upgradable to 148x12), 73mm Threaded BB

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

ColorTeal / Black

Fork

X-Fusion Velvet RLC 26", 130mm Travel, Compression and Rebound Adjustment, 100x15mm Thru-Axle

Travel130mm

Shock

X-Fusion O2 Pro R, 190x51mm, Custom Tune, M8x22.2mm Hardware

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

External Sealed Cartridge Bearings

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, 15mm Rise, 720mm Width, 4º Up, 9º Back

Saddle

Marin Speed Concept

Seatpost

Marin Alloy, 30.9mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

-

Grips

Marin Dual Density

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Deore, 11-Speed, SGS

Front Derailleur

-

Crank

Marin Forged Alloy, Integrated Steel 32T Narrow Wide Chainring, Boost Spacing, 170mm Length

Shifters

Shimano Deore, 11-Speed, SL-5100R

Cassette

SunRace, 11-Speed, 11-51T, ED Black

Chain

KMC X-11 Silver and Black

Brakes

Tektro HDM-280 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotor

TypeTektro Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Tektro HDM-280

Wheels
Rims

Marin, Double Wall Alloy, 27mm Inner, Pinned Joint, Disc Specific

Front Hub

Forged Alloy, 100x15mm, Centerlock Disc, 32H

Rear Hub

Forged Alloy, 135mm, Quad Sealed Bearings, Centerlock Disc, 32H

Tires

Vee Tire Co. Flow Snap 26x2.4", Tackee Compound, Wire Bead

Rider Notes
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First added November 14

Last updated August 4

Not listed for 1,019 days