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2023 Marin

Rift Zone 29" XR

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

$3,499
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130 / 140mm
ForkMarzocchi Bomber Z1
ShockFox Float X Performance
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXT, SLX
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Rift Zone 29" XR
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)

25 mph

Rift Zone 29" XR

26 mph

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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
SM

5'2" – 5'7"

MD

5'5" – 5'11"

LG

5'9" – 6'2"

XL

6'0" – 6'4"

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, 29” Wheels, 130mm Travel, MultiTrac Suspension Platform, 148x12mm Boost Thru-Axle, 73mm Threaded BB w/ ISCG05 Tabs

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

ColorGreen / Black/silver

Fork

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 29", Rail Damper with Sweep Adjustment, 140mm Travel, Kabolt Bolt-On Axle, 44mm Offset

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Float X, Performance Series, EVOL Air Spring, Climb Switch, Rebound Adjustment, Custom Tune, 210x55mm, M8x25mm Top, M8x25mm Bottom

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

MegaExo 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

TranzX, YSP23JL, 1x Remote, Size S 150mm Travel, Size M and L 170mm Travel, Size XL 200mm Travel, 30.9mm

TypeDropper

Pedals

-

Grips

Marin Grizzly Lock On

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT, 12-Speed, SGS

Front Derailleur

-

Crank

FSA Grid, Modular 1x, 32T Direct Mount Chainring, MegaTooth Technology, MegaExo Spindle, Boost Spacing

Shifters

Shimano SLX, 12-Speed, SL-7100R

Cassette

SunRace, 12-Speed, 11-51T, ED Black

Chain

KMC X-12 Silver and Black

Brakes

Shimano MT420, 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc, Metallic Pads, 203mm Rotor

TypeShimano Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano MT4100

Wheels
Rims

Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 29mm Inner, Sleeved Joint, Disc Specific, Tubeless Compatible

Front Hub

Forged Alloy, 110x15mm, Disc, 32H

Rear Hub

Forged Alloy, 148x12mm, Disc, 32H, HG Freehub Body

Tires

Maxxis Assegai, 29x2.5", MAXX TERRA, EXO, Tubeless Compatible

Rider Notes
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First added November 14

Last updated June 1

Not listed for 390 days