Marin Bikes company is always very proud of its origin and long mountain bike history. Now they showed us redesigned and updated version of their popular All mountain/Trail full suspension bike the Rift Zone. New construction is a classic short travel bike with modern geometry, well balanced pricing and according to motto of a the company it has to give the rider as much fun as they can get, Check out below what is changed and what are our thoughts about it.
Marin Rift Zone 2023
Rift Zone is a model well known in the Marin bikes offer Marin. The short travel full suspension bike, as before, will be offered in many versions, so everyone can find the right model for themselves. So there will be bikes on 27.5″ or on 29″ wheels available in 3 different levels of equipment. There are also JR versions with 24″ or 26″ wheels. The Rift Zone collection is complemented by the carbon version introduced last year, available in another 3 equipment levels. The new aluminum Rift Zone models introduce a series of changes that will make the bike even more refined and ready for even bigger challenges.
Marin Rift Zone 2023 – Completely new frame
The heart of the new versions of Marin Rift Zone bikes is a completely new aluminum frame. Redesigned, it guarantees increased strength and lateral stiffness while keeping the weight low. In keeping with the fun nature of the bike, the top tube has been lowered and the seat tubes have been shortened accordingly to give riders more space to work with their body. The frame uses all up to date standard mounts so that it will be easy to modify the equipment in the future. A significant change is also the use of the universal Sram UDH derailleur hanger.
Marin Rift Zone 2023 – more travel, more possibilities
The suspension in the new Rift Zone 2023 is based on the Multitrac system well known from the previous version of bikes and the bigger brother, Alpine Trail model. This time, the travel of the rear suspension has been increased a little to 130 mm. It is designed to work with forks with a travel of 140 mm in the “adult” versions and 130 in the JR versions. At the same time, the kinematics has been refined to handle the rough stuff.
Marin Rift Zone 2023 – Updated geometry
Marin attaches great importance to the geometry that determines the feel of the bike on trails. The new Rift Zone model has been updated with the “Made for Fun” philosophy in mind. The head angle remained at 65.5 °. The seat tube angle increased to 77 °. The “Reach” parameter has increased in each version by about 5mm and currently it ranges from 415mm for the XS size to 515mm for the XL. The wheelbase figures also increased in a similar way. The chainstay length on both the 27.5 “and 29” models is a 430 mm.
Marin Rift Zone 2023 – Refined details
When designing the new Rift Zone 2023 frame, the details were carefully taken care of. The cable routing system was completely rebuilt. They are still hidden in the front triangle of the frame, but there is one larger cable outlet. So on the one hand, it will be much easier to change the wires, and on the other, a special screw cap will keep them all fixed in one place, to eliminate any sounds while riding. Moving on to the rear of the bike, there are also suitable grommets to keep the cables securely in place. Elements such as a water bottle attachment or specially prepared new chain covers were also not forgotten.
Marin Rift Zone 2023 – JR, 1, 2 and XR
The range of models based on the new Rift Zone frame is opened by the JR model available in one version at 24 “or 26” wheels. The adult models are the 1, 2 and XR trim levels, which are available on 27.5 “or 29” wheels. The basic version 1 is a bicycle made up of basic components, which thanks to its affordable price can be a good proposition for the first full suspension bike. It is available in two color versions and in the future it can also be a good base to build up the specs. The next model is marked with the number 2. It already offers equipment on which we can move into rough mountian terrain without much fear. Compared to the model from previous years, there is a damper with a lockout also at this version. The top model based on the new aluminum version is the XR version (eXtra Rad), which replaces version 3. Here, the suspension is based on a Marzocchi Z1 fork and Fox Float X damper. The equipment is completed by a SLX / XT group drive and Shimano MT420 4-piston brakes.
Marin Rift Zone 23 – Our thoughts
The Marin Rift Zone is quite a popular model on the market, so I suspect that the new version will also be well received, especially as the changes seem to make good sense. It is interesting that the offer still includes such a large selection of wheel sizes, where, apart from amazing junior full suspension suspenion bikes, we can decide whether we want more agile, maneuverable and jump friendly 27.5 ” wheels, or we want to go deeper into the terrain on a larger 29″ wheel. I had the opportunity to ride in Szczyrk on the previous generation Rift Zone and as for the very basic equipment of version 2, it allowed me to have a good fun even on a tougher trails. With a bit more suspension travel, it can be a really good proposition for people who want to have a universal bike for riding “around the house”, for trips to the flow trails, and the occasional ride in heavier terrain.
Marek Chabros
About Marin Bikes
At Marin, we believe life is better with a bicycle. Our brand was born in the mountainbiking mecca, we ride the same paths and routes as the bikes of other top brands in the world. After more than 30 years, we continue with the same childhood fantasy and fascination that once pushed us into the world of bicycles. Our mission is to get you on your bike and we want to make sure you have fun. That’s why we give you a large selection of bikes – from exotic fully suspended machines to urban mileage eaters. Whether you’re a hardcore downhill rider or just commuting, you’re just like us, so we want to take a ride with you.
Website: marinbikes.com
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