Today is the world premiere of the new Alpine Trail from Marin Bikes. The manufacturer boasts that it is not a warmed-over version but a completely new design that has all the latest solutions and is a big step forward compared to the previous generation. Even before its world release, I had the opportunity for a test ride of the new enduro bike from Marin, and at the end you will find some first riding impressions. So what do we have new here?
We’ve launched the boldest and most capable lineup of Alpine Trail models ever. These are not just warmed-over versions of the previous models but all-new bikes built upon our most advanced, most adjustable frames to date, creating some of the best enduro mountain bikes on the market.
Marin Bikes, California
New Marin Alpine Trail – Highlights:
- All-new Series 4 Aluminium frame (no Carbon version)
- MultiTrac 2 LT Suspension system with 160 mm of trevel, with Horst Link
- Adjustable geometry: head tube angle, chainstay lenght and bottom bracket height
- Mixed wheels: 27,5” R and 29″ F, with optional 2x 29”
- „Bear Box” downtube storage
- 170mm travel forks , 4 pistons brakes with 200 mm rotors
- Three models & one frame kit
New Marin Alpine Trail – Frame and Suspension
The heart of the new Alpine Trail is a frame made of Series 4 Aluminum. The new version has an increased rear wheel travel to 160 mm, compared to 150 mm in the previous version. This time, the suspension system is MultiTrac 2 LT (“Long Travel”), which is based on the “Horst link”. The new Alpine Trail has now a four bar suspension design and the makers boast of a significant improvement in key parameters. Changing the location of the pivot point also made it possible to add additional geometry adjustments in the form of “Flip chips”. Thanks to this, you can easily adjust the length of the chainstay and the height of the bottom bracket to your preferences and the terrain in which you plan to ride. Marin have not forgotten about the durability and stiffness of the entire structure, which is designed to withstand all the ideas that will come to your mind. After all, Marin’s main motto is “Made for Fun”!
New Marin Alpine Trail – Geometry settings
Designers praise the new Alpine Trail model as the most versatile bike. This is made possible by a number of adjustments. The first is the already mentioned adjustable chainstay length and bottom bracket height. Next is possibility of adjusting the size of the rear wheel. The new Alpine Trail as a complete setup will only be available as a mixed wheel bike, but if we dream of 2×29″, it can be done without changing the geometry. The next geometry adjustment is located in the headset. Special headset from FSA allows for 3 different fork angle settings. Standard is 63 degrees, while thanks to the special upper headset cup, we can change this value by +0.75 degrees or -0.75 degrees. All available adjustments do not require specialized tools, so if you are aiming for enduro/dh competitions, you can quite easily “flatten” the bike and lower it. If you later want to have fun on some jump lines, you can change the nature of the bike to a slightly more lively one. For digital geeks, Marin has prepared a “magical” chart on the model’s website that will show you the geometry in every possible setting.
New Marin Alpine Trail – Bear Box
Many people laugh at this patent, but I really appreciate it in my personal bike. It’s nice that Marin also decided to place the storage compartment in the lower frame tube. The set includes a nice cover to prevent everything from banging around and making strange noises. The frame is not very thick, but we can easily put some extra stuff in there.
New Marin Alpine Trail – Details, guards, UDH, T-Type ready
The new Marin Alpine Trail is equipped with quite solid covers as standard. The chainstay is protected from chain on their entire length. The seatstay, on the inside, also has a rubber cover to eliminate chain banging and guarantee complete silence. The downtube of frame is protected by another thick plastic cover, from rocks flying of the front wheel. The lower pivot point and its bearings, which are exposed to constantly flying dust and mud straight from the rear wheel, are covered with a small rubber fender. The cable routing ports have also been improved, and now they seal the whole thing better and hold the cables more precisely. Thanks to all these details and improvements, the bike shuold be very quiet when out on the trail. Such details show the refinement of the new design. The new Marin Alpine Trail have a place for UDH hanger or a T-Type derailleur, and all the most up-to-date standards.
New Marin Alpine Trail – Bikes and Frame kit
The Alpine Trail bike family consists of 3 models. Each of them is based on the same aluminum frame with all adjustments, storage compartments, etc. The cheapest is the basic model named Alpine Trail 1. It costs 3499 EUR and is equipped with shock absorption from Fox, 4-piston brakes from TRP and a 12s drive from Shimano. Next in line is Alpine Trail XR, which costs 5059 EUR and has suspension from Rock Shox in the Ultimate version, including a rear spring shock. Here, Sram is responsible for braking and drive. DB8 brakes and GX 12s drive. The top model is the one in the crazy “Miami Vice” colourway, additionally marked with the AXS symbol. It differs from the regular XR with the Sram GX AXS wireless derailleur in the T-Type system and Sram Code brakes. Its price is 5945 EUR. A Frame Kit will also be available, as a set of frame, headset and Rock Shox Deluxe Coil Ultimate damper for 1899 EUR. Marin has got us used to rather budget designs. Looking at the prices of the equipment (of course, we are talking about the official ones, not the reduced ones), the new Alpine Trail is unlikely to be the cheapest option on the market, but on the other hand, the specifications seem to be well thought out, and the equipment is technically advanced and highly refined compared to its predecessor. Price vs what we get seems to be an attractive option.
New Marin Alpine Trail XR AXS – First thoughts
I have already dealt with the previous version of the Alpine Trail in the past. It was a very simple and robust design. Despite this, the previous generation gained many fans and users who appreciated the simple but durable construction with good progresive geometry. The new model came with a significant upgrade of the design. The suspension system was changed, new regulations were added, a storage compartment in the frame, etc. The bike in real life looks very good. You can see that a lot of attention was paid to the details. Marin still does not aspire to be a “self-proclaimed premium brand”, but it introduces all patents in its own way, which have been very well received by the competition. The bear box compartment closing system and the additional mudguard above the bearings remind me very much of the solutions of the company with a big S in the logo. In my opinion, this is not a flaw, but good to see disign that actually works. Additionally, everything is packaged in a style that strongly distinguishes Marin Bikes from other brands. The new Alpine Trail in the XR AXS version and its crazy paint job is definitely a bike that catches the eye.
New Marin Alpine Trail XR AXS – First ride
I had the opportunity to participate in a full-day photo session with the new Marin Alpine Trail XR AXS, which took place at Telegraf in Kielce. Riding for photos may not be the best bike test, but short rides gave me the opportunity to test it both on jumps, in berms, but also by landing on rocks or traversing roots. Before we took it to the forest, I slightly changed the geometry to a short chainstay version and a slightly higher bottom bracket. The first test was a climb and a short warm-up. The position on the climb is comfortable, the suspension gently works to the rhythm of pedaling, but it does not deviate too much from other platforms. The only thing you can feel while pedaling up a hill is the weight of the bike, which, is not small. After the ride we put it on the scale and the new Alpine Trail XR AXS in 100% stock specification, with inner tubes and Marin platform pedals, weighs 18,16 kg.
Fortunately, as soon as I start descending, all this weight stops being felt so much. The bike in the Mullet configuration and additionally set to the Short option is very agile. Despite the small amount of time to get fell into the bike, I had no problem with riding tight berms. In longer curves or traverses it was also easy to maintain the previously chosen line. The side stiffness of the bike is at a good level, although if someone attaches importance to this parameter, it would be worth considering better, or at least better laced, wheels. All kinds of jumps and transfers are definitely great area for Alpine Trail. You can have as much fun as you want on the jump lines. Landing even of large heights is pleasantly damped and this is probably where I noticed the biggest difference compared to the previous model. The end of suspension travel and the area around the so-called Bottom Out, although didn’t set perfectly to me, provided solid support and do not cause any harsh impacts. Few times I used the full 160 mm of travel and it happened without any major problems. Also, when landing the drop straight onto the rock section, it was more pleasant than I expected and the bike stayed well in the middle of suspension travel. What is also important, is the complete silence that accompanied the ride. The number and arrangement of rubber covers are doing good. Additionally, the Sram GX AXS derailleur, in the T-Type mounting system, does a great job.
Overall, although you can sometimes feel the heavy weight of the bike (especially when taking it for the 25th time up for a photo), the New Alpine Trail made a very good first impression on me. In my opinion, there is a lot of progress compared to its predecessor and we are talking not only about new geometry regulations, storage compartments, etc., but primarily in terms of the suspension system. The fact that you can set bike to your preferences or adapt it to a specific trip or competitions is also an interesting advantage here. I would love to test it by mounting 2x 29″ wheels and take it to a more hard enduro trails, where I could check the suspension work more closely. If you are interested in testing the new Alpine Trail in terrain, You can come for example to the Joy Ride festival in Kluszkowce (Poland). Additionally, you will also be able to see the new bike at the Enduro World Cup races this year. The new Alpine Trail will be ridden by Marin Bikes rider, Brady Stone.
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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