This bike is really impressing me. To date, this is the lightest frame I've had on the channel. It's even lighter than my carbon spot rocker. If i can get a metal frame for the same weight as carbon, I'll pick metal every time.
Did you put this on your geo jig? Where chainstay exact 425? If you happen to still have this you should try 32x18 SS on this bike. Is the magic gear for 425 chainstay.
I know you're a metal fan but the Cannondale Scalpel HT has very similar geo to this Marin. Would love to see it reviewed too. These bikes have me very intrigued about "cross country" bikes again!
I like seeing more XC-style hardtails on the channel. I would love to see how this compares to a 10-year old XC hardtail as well as a longer/slacker hardtail. I think it will be very educational for your followers.
If there's something i learned from your channel, that's exactly this. You always say, that The most important thing, when choosing a bike, is not just look at someone who rides it and reviews it, because of different type of terrain the reviewer rides. I will likely never ride on 80% of the tricky stuff you are riding normally. I ride longer, XC-ish type of terrain and, and that's why, when I was choosing a bike i was looking for something modern, extra long and slack and I am so happy, that I clicked on your channel and started to ged a little bit nerdy about it. I chose this Team Marin 2 and for me, It rides exactly, how the geo looks. Zippy, fun, it always wants to wheelie. One thing i changed was stem, I am between XL and L and chose L, so the I am on the limit with reach, and effective top tube. If i would choose the XL, the seat tube is too long, so ... 1 thing I would change, ist maybe shorter the seat tube, or make it 1cm longer. Except that, the bike feels great. :) Thank you for your reviews, you opens people's eyes, if they listen carefully :)
So awesome to see. I've been eyeing this bike as the perfect durable all-rounder for the rolling hills of Ontario, Canada, but there is so little content out about this bike. This is why this channel rocks!
If I was building an xc bike from scratch this is almost exactly what I would have done. Looks excellent. Definitely the best iteration of that type of bike I've seen. I think every xc bike should have a dropper, but it is amazingly rare. The improvement on descents is worth any amount of added weight.
Haha, breaking light bikes in the 90's. My first high end MTB was a Marin Indian Fire Trail that cost $1300 in 1993 and weighed in at 22lbs. In lean "race" weight I'm 195-200lbs so within 2 months I destroyed both wheels, bent the seat rails and bent the seat post. On the other hand that bike had the sweetest 7005 frame and fork ever, both of which are still going strong as a commuter for the third owner.
Got this one for my wife, she did about 300 km on it, very happy. I tried it too, felt in love with it, 1500 km already including 2 XC marathons. Its a rocket.
Thanks so much, it's been a long journey. I always smile when a company reaches out to me now instead of me having to reach out to them. I appreciate Marin sending this bike in, especially when I've been so critical of some of their other models.
With so many different geo options it’d be sweet to have a chart to something visual to look at based on all your experience with different bikes. Marin is OG. Glad they are still in the game.
Awesome bike! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the specs, and can't wait to hear how it rides for you. I bought my Team Marin 2 in November and couldn't be happier with it. Love your channel!
This is interesting bike. Had Team Marin late ’90s, really nice steel frame. Have a soft spot for this model even when these bikes share only the name. Looking forward your review dude!
I just purchased this exact bike and the San Quentin 2 as Xmas gifts! I am also impressed... they look awesome! I have a background in xc racing since the late 80s. And have only riden the S/Q2. Felt extremely different and took some getting used to but by the end of my trail ride I was blazing. Rear is pretty compliant like some of my steel SS's. Crazy confidence especially off drop offs. I washed out a few times trying to acclimate to the slack head tube required different body English on the bike going into turns but I adjusted well. I am pumped and ready to ride the Marin Team 2 this weekend!!!
@OB ONE Finally got in a few rides for fitment and adjustments. Definitely two different animals and I will say the Marin team2 rides closer to my carbon GiantXTc29. It's deceiving, the 67° head angle looks slack but doesn't feel too much different, it turns and handles tight twisties in the same manner. There is a bigger difference going back to the 65° on the 27.5 SQ2. The team2 does accelerate well especially up climbs and holds speed as 29rs do. It does not feel as nimble though but I still need to test n tune some more especially the fork. Probably not a fair comparison but it has a little more chatter on the rear but could be due to being a lighter bike plus stiffer 29r flow mk3's and narrower tires. (FYI SQ2 upgraded...lighter wheels, cassette and 2.6 tires) Plus I'm still running tubes in the team2 which I need to convert. I really was afraid I was going to favor the team2 over the SQ2 since it seems to be the best of both worlds and bang for your buck. Also haven't thrown the team2 around or hit any jumps or drops to feel how stable it is. This is where the SQ2 shines and makes it so much fun! Also I honestly do not feel the weight penalty of the SQ2 while riding fast through xc single track. I ride with a couple of guys on fully E-bikes and on most days have no issues keeping up!
This review was great. I pick up this bike this week and can’t wait. I swapped out the tires with an all black schwable tire as I like the all black look. Your review made the decision very easy. So thank you!
Although I might not admit it to my riding buddies, I could probably ride most of our usual trails on a XC bike. My first MTB was horrifically underbiked for anything but the mildest trails here (2014 or so specialized rockhopper with a 71!!! degree head angle and a super noodly fork). I've NEVER wanted to go back. A modern bike with good geometry would probably ease all of my fears though... I'd prefer real brake standards though and a longer dropper, maybe slightly more slack headangle (depending on how it "feels" on the trail).
I've been eyeing this one along with the Specialized Chisel and Cannondale Scalpel HT to replace an old 3x7 26" Trek 3700. Any one of them would definitely be an upgrade
Wow, I actually expected it to weigh more considering the price and how much bikes with any trail focus tend to weigh these days. I'm quite impressed so far, and I hope it's enjoyable to ride. I just wish it had a more interesting/colorful paint job especially knowing how Marin is one of the more interesting brands when it comes to that.
It actually seems like a really good bike for Cuyuna and Tioga up here in Minnesota. There is a lot of flow singletrack where you have to climb to earn your descent.
@@hardtailparty Yeah, I was going to try to make it to Sedona for the festival but it will cost me way too much to go there right now. I will get there sometime soon though. I think I am going to hit Bentonville instead. Much shorter drive and cheaper lodging for a couple of weeks. If you are ever coming up here, let me know in advance and we can plan some dope rides.
Just bought this bike here in the UK. With terrain being wet and muddy mostly. What would be a good choice of tyres, i was thinking the Maxxis Rekon Evo Max Terra?
Since the only change is the added brace on the seatstays, the review should be exactly the same. Ride feel MAY have changed a little, but I doubt Marin will send me another one just for that change.
yup your Right! little to no noticeable difference, they beef-up the seatstay and added brace..... got my warranty frame almost a month ago, and tested it on Greens and some Blues
I have a Giant Fantom and I do a lot of city trail riding and crossing raw desert areas. And it works great for that. But the frame is a little dated. I'm going to have to put this one in my top five four test riding.
@@hardtailparty Hehe well without your experience maybe I could argue they traded poppyness for other traits? I belive the longer chainstay and the specific attachment of the seatstays to the top tube for increased comfort, it might also provide a more stable climb and decent? I belive the GT Avalanche is sold in US, with the same type of seatstay design, however its a lower level bike than the Zaskar. Maybe worth a try still, maybe you appreciate other things or can steer people towards it who could favor its traits over a short chainstay even if it is not to your personal taste.
I had the same Columbus Cyber steel Marin Team Marin beautiful riding bike from back in the day. The only problem I didn't like about it was the under the bottom bracket shifter cables exposed to dirt and damage. Nice riding bike though
Seems to be a great bike for me. May I ask you for a little advice? I’m just in between sizes L and XL with my 182,5 cm height (85,5 inseam lenght) and I have no idea which to choose! I prefer comfort in the saddle, stability and long, long distances… What do you think?
Loving the channel. One hardtail that I'd love to see you review is the Giant Phantom 2. The specs all seem really good, but there aren't any really in depth reviews online.
@@hardtailparty Wanna borrow mine? I ended up getting one. :) It's a M frame. You can always just come to Florida and borrow it while you ride at Alafia or Santos. :)
This bike has a really solid spec and should be a great bike for a lot of people. If I were to get this bike, I’d probably put a regular rekon on the front and call it good. Maybe on the back too as those race tires won’t last in the sharp rocky trails where I typically ride.
This is funny. In 2018 Marin presented refreshed version of TRAIL hardtail - Nail Trail. In 2021 almost the same bike with almost the same geo Marin called XC Bike (Team Marin). In three years trail became xc 😁
Yoooo Steve should you see this: I started off on hardtails, built several and moved to a all mountain fully when I started hitting the Alps and bikeparks. Now I'm missing my hardtail, am kinda into gravel as well and love riding easy singletrack on those type of rigs. My dream bike would be a lightweight adventure bike with aggressive Geo and tons of mounts - which I could use a second wheelset to swap between road tours and light singletrack. Does it exist?? Love your channel man, happy seeing you succeed
So happy to see this bike here! I've strongly considered buying it and it's even available at the LBS, but I'm having some second thoughts because of my size. For reference, I'm 6'6'' and Marin specifies on their size that the height max is around 6ft3 or so... My LBS suggested putting a longer stem on it (100mm or so) to compensate for this, but I'm afraid it will totally ruin the ride feel and geometry, which is exactly the reason i was looking at this bike... Do you think a 100mm stem will significantly alter this bikes handling?
Alternatively I'm considering a Grand Canyon 9, which is 700 euro's cheaper, but has a Fox Rhythm 34 with Grip damper in stead of this very nice Stepcast.. I know it'll fit me though because I've had a lower spec model before and the geometry of the higher end models is very similar
Hi Simon. In sizes XL they have effectively the same reach, Canyon is a smidge taller/relaxed. I’m 6ft4 and ride Marin 2 w/70mm stem. If the Canyon worked out for you I’d say the Marin is worth a test ride, just don’t cut the steerer short. Best
It maybe fun to take the bike in some chunk going down and up . I understand it's not as capable but it's got a dropper and a 67 HTA is capable . Maybe a different tire on the front like a DHF minion . That tire changed my budget hardtail to a completely different bike from the tires it came with . 2.3 is my sweet spot . I think this bike can be very trail worthy with the right tire . That short reach would be interesting for me as my bikes are all longer . Great for pedaling all day but may get a bit sketchy in the steep
I've been all over this bike! Any idea when the ride review will be up? Have a buyer for my current ride and would love to hear your take before I sell and pull the trigger on this!! Cheers!!
Looks awesome and great value. That is a low bb, I wonder how many pedal strikes it will get on technical sections. The high end bling dérailler always annoys me, but that’s just me. I might be getting transferred to the flat lands of Souther Ontario, Canada. This bike would rock there. I am eagerly awaiting the ride video.
I've talked to a few product managers about this, asking why they don't spec a better shifter than derailleur. A few have told me "in the UK, if a bike doesn't have an xt rear mech, it won't sell." Hopefully we can educate those people through this channel.
@@hardtailparty I can't talk about the modern stuff but 15 20 years ago yes, at least over here, quite a lot longer actually. It rarely snows so we ride all year and average rainfall is 50 to 55 inches per annum. Hills get a lot more.... Being as we don't get much heat either water hangs around.
@@hardtailparty I live in the UK and the quality of mech doesn't really matter. Had a sram NX lasted 2 years of solid abuse Did have to adjust it a little now and again. After it broke (7mile walk home😂) Did upgrade a to Sram GX but SLX is good enough standard for xc in the UK. Alot of it is just snobbery and showing off I guess.
I'd just come back from a trip to San Fran and Marin County, and got me a Marin 29" hardtail. I sooo wanted to love that bike. I sold it after 6 months. Heavy, slow and clunky to move; felt like the Titanic. Granted, it cost me a fraction of this fine thing.
@@hardtailparty Can't remember, man. It was under a grand AUD. I've always ridden my bikes to death or given them away. I just hated this one. I LOVED Marin County however, beautiful!
In general, I’ve been disinterested in XCish bikes. Lately though, I’m realizing that like most, I’m overbiked for a whole lot of my riding. Even my ragley big al built up fairly light felt a little sluggish for how I used it. Just sold it, may be in the market for something in this realm. Can’t wait for more feedback from you Steve! Thanks as always
So, this looks pretty neat but do you have any idea why they would use flatmount instead of postmount? Do they want to introduce that standard to MTBs? Or maybe make it drop bar compatible from the getgo? I don't really get it.
Most frame companies don't have anything to gain by introducing a standard just for the sake of introducing a standard. I'm guessing it saves someone money somewhere. I've had a framebuilder or two tell me flat mount is preferable for them because it gives them more clearance for tubing. I also have a hunch it makes the frames weigh less since you don't weigh a brake mount. Personally I'm not a fan because it means i need another adapter. And flat mount rear brakes just mean your rear brake can't be used on the front, and that's not great.
It's an easy and somewhat lazy hack for frame builders to fit a disc calliper between the chainstay and seatstay. Positives are that it makes calliper easier to mount and adjust (especially getting a tool in there) with limited space. Negatives are it's a smaller braking pad/surface, no 4 piston, not common part with front
@@hardtailparty Yeah, I agree. At least it's adaptable at all. The other way round it wouldn't be. I guess the small advantage with that would be that you can use either flat or postmount calipers if you want an upgrade. Although, the choice of flatmount calipers which are suited for MTB use is rather limited since it's a road standard. I guess, if you have one of those hope 4 piston ones in the flatmount version lying around by chance...? Yeah, probably not.
Can I ask why you chose the medium over the small? I'm the same as you, 5'6 with a longer torso. I'm new to MTB as I was a pure roadie... Will the medium allow you to stretch out more like a road bike? Thanks!
Looks great, but 27 lbs for an XC bike caught me off guard. I won't argue that I'm still stuck in the past, but would you consider riding a sub-20 lbs 26" bike to remember how it used to be? Or was it really that bad? :)
Ordered one last week in the UK. They've been like gold dust! I've read some reports of cracked frames online. Cracked seat stays. Did you hear anything on this?
That spec is really impressive. By the way, all Shimano 12 speed shifters have RapidFire Plus now so you get multiple clicks in one movement all the way down to Deore level shifters.
It will be interesting to see how the Team Marin 2 rides compared to the recently reviewed TREK Roscoe 9. There are lots of similarities, including price.
I ride a 2020 san Quentin 2 with a lot of upgrades ,could you do a review on a san Quentin? Also I think It would be very informative to do a review on different carbon bars for flex and comfort. I ride Carbon cromag bars and I did feel the flex in the bars .thanks great channel
Curious to see your ride thoughts. I've been struggling with my next bike choice. Always ridden HT but considered a FS the last couple years. Suprisingly, this thing is more slack than my current ride... 2013 Kona Honzo. Liking the numbers, lower weight, and build spec. Can get a little discount on Marin to boot.
I used 99spokes to compare this bike with the 2020 chameleon and the geo is almost exactly the same, that's why even though I have a San Quentin and a Chromag Wideangle am considering getting this beauty
The chameleon is a fair bit more versatile with room for big tires slding dropouts, and room for a longer dropper. Plus the sizing is a bit longer on the chameleon. Theres a fair bit of overlap here though. I'm excited to share my ride experience
I intentionally didn't mention them. My bike came with Stan's flow mk3 wheels. However, stans ran out of these halfway through the year and Marin had to switch to their house brand wheels on this spec. So some will have flows while others will have Marin wheels.
I really love your reviews! What you think about the Team Marin 1? I'ts the same frame and suit better my budget. Did you think the ride will be good too despite the cheaper fork? Thank you
If I would live anywhere naar you, I'd probably let you ride mine. But I live on the other side of the world from you... This Marin looks pretty similar to the Twostroke: same head angle (with 20 mm more travel though), slightly slacker seat tube angle, similar sloping top tube (so a short seat tube), but with a shorter reach (445 mm in size M for the Twostroke)...
I know you've done the El Roy in the past, but you've mentioned the San Quentin a few times. I know its a 27.5 aggressive HT and I'd be curious to see what your thought of it, and maybe do a video on it.
@@hardtailparty That would be amazing! And I think I remember you saying it's not your favorite, but a lot of the specs on it are very similar to other bikes that you've reviewed and I was curious to your opinion on it.
This bike piqued my interest as I’ve been looking for a hardtail for training, mixed terrain rides, XC, and as a backup to my full suspension trail bike. My biggest concern in this catagory is sizing, I’m 6’3 and most XC bikes feel really cramped to me. Shops in my area are starting to get trail bikes back in inventory but not XC bikes so its hard to even do a parking lot test, but I have seen that this particular bike is available in some areas-looking forward to the review.
This is literally my Chameleon 7 with Marin written on the side loll So glad I picked mine up back in the good ole days of available stock (ur responsible for my purchase btw haha). I would say the Chameleon 7 is a bit porky for XC but I'm gonna get some 1600g wheels soon so hopefully that achieves the spritely feel I want. Planned on ordering crest MK4 laced to Hope hubs with CX Rays. Any alternatives you'd recommed around the 700 buck/600 gbp mark?
Similar. The chameleon has a 130mm fork and sliding dropouts and the seat angle feels a little slacker. Both are great bikes with similar but different personalities.
Like I told customers when I used to work at a motorcycle dealer: It's easy to make a helmet light and inexpensive. All you do is remove things. Most people did not say anything after that. Weight will always be a compromise no matter what you're creating, and with bicycles it's the same old story with the weight weenies that somehow most of the time weigh their bike(s) without pedals even to this day lol.
FYI, and if anyone still interested in knowing. I went to a 36 tooth FSA direct drive chainring with room to spare. I believe it is the largest fsa chainring made for this crank. Still has plenty of room for at least a 38T.
Every state has rocks and roots, but some areas are flowier than others. While i haven't ridden in PA and NY, I've ridden in VA, NC, TN, NWA, and a few other states back east and compared to Moab and the southwest, on average, there's less elevation and less general chunk. In fact, 83% of New York's trails are green or blue trails. I've ridden 24 different states and it's amazing how different the terrain is across our country. Many of my patrons in NY and PA send me videos from their local areas to showcase the trail they'll be riding on. Many of the trails out there are flow trails without much elevation and without much chunk.
I keep waiting for some bike manufacturer to throw caution to the wind and build an XC bike with truly progressive geo with something like a 76* STA and 64* HTA. However, the Marin Team is not that bike. I would be flying over the handlebars in no time on this bike. And, with those nearly treadless Gravelbike like tires this bike would be an absolute handful. However, with more progressive geo and grippier rubber (2.4 Maxxis Dissectors or 2.6 Maxxis Rekons), a Downcountry Hardtail would be a bike I would want to own.
Riding the tallboy opened my eyes to what a short travel FS bike can do with a 65 degree head angle. I like your thinking here, irrespective of whether it works or not.
@@davidh7414 A long travel bike like the Orbea Rallon has a 77* STA and 64* HTA and this bike performs well. There's no reason that a short travel bike wouldn't also perform well with the same geo. Progressive geo works well no matter the travel.
Hello, greetings from Germany. I watch your videos with interest. Thank you for your meaningful explanations. Could you tell me if the Marin Team2 frame size L fits me? I am 1.78 meters tall and have an inseam of 85 cm. My arm length is 60 cm. Thank you for your effort and keep it up 👍 Greetings from Germany from Jürgen.
So if you put through axles, and a nice spec on a Marin Bobcat trail, what would it look like? 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻 Awsome. I’ve been waiting for your comments on this bike.
@@hardtailparty Agreed. It would be right there competing whit the Fuse and Giant Fathom. But the choice seems to be to keep as budget as possible... Such a waste. With the right upgrades, it still rides great though. Is a little longer than the Team Marin, both in reach and CS, but that just makes more trail ready in my opinion.
Great statement about a great riding bike with crap components being 100x better than a poor riding bike with the top components. Really hammers home how important ridability of a bike is, like 90%... hmm makes justifying spending more on a great frame even if you have to use scavenged parts really easy 🤔
@@endianAphones The bike he just review it is not made for competition. I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I used to have a $1500 Hardtail now I have $5400 full suspension and I still have about the same amount as fun on either bike
This bike is really impressing me. To date, this is the lightest frame I've had on the channel. It's even lighter than my carbon spot rocker. If i can get a metal frame for the same weight as carbon, I'll pick metal every time.
Can't wait to see the ride review and wether you think it'd ride better with a negative angle headset.
Did you put this on your geo jig? Where chainstay exact 425? If you happen to still have this you should try 32x18 SS on this bike. Is the magic gear for 425 chainstay.
@@chriss8375 i actually filmed this before i built the geo jig, sorry.
I know you're a metal fan but the Cannondale Scalpel HT has very similar geo to this Marin. Would love to see it reviewed too. These bikes have me very intrigued about "cross country" bikes again!
My XL Team Marin 2 weighs 27.2 lbs, no pedals, tubeless :)
I like seeing more XC-style hardtails on the channel. I would love to see how this compares to a 10-year old XC hardtail as well as a longer/slacker hardtail. I think it will be very educational for your followers.
If there's something i learned from your channel, that's exactly this. You always say, that The most important thing, when choosing a bike, is not just look at someone who rides it and reviews it, because of different type of terrain the reviewer rides. I will likely never ride on 80% of the tricky stuff you are riding normally. I ride longer, XC-ish type of terrain and, and that's why, when I was choosing a bike i was looking for something modern, extra long and slack and I am so happy, that I clicked on your channel and started to ged a little bit nerdy about it. I chose this Team Marin 2 and for me, It rides exactly, how the geo looks. Zippy, fun, it always wants to wheelie. One thing i changed was stem, I am between XL and L and chose L, so the I am on the limit with reach, and effective top tube. If i would choose the XL, the seat tube is too long, so ... 1 thing I would change, ist maybe shorter the seat tube, or make it 1cm longer. Except that, the bike feels great. :) Thank you for your reviews, you opens people's eyes, if they listen carefully :)
So awesome to see. I've been eyeing this bike as the perfect durable all-rounder for the rolling hills of Ontario, Canada, but there is so little content out about this bike. This is why this channel rocks!
Mine just came in I ordered it in July so if you want one you should get it the wait times are crazy.
Did you end up getting one? I’m still considering one myself for my local Ontario trails!
If I was building an xc bike from scratch this is almost exactly what I would have done. Looks excellent. Definitely the best iteration of that type of bike I've seen. I think every xc bike should have a dropper, but it is amazingly rare. The improvement on descents is worth any amount of added weight.
Looking forward to seeing how this XC bike performs!
Haha, breaking light bikes in the 90's. My first high end MTB was a Marin Indian Fire Trail that cost $1300 in 1993 and weighed in at 22lbs. In lean "race" weight I'm 195-200lbs so within 2 months I destroyed both wheels, bent the seat rails and bent the seat post. On the other hand that bike had the sweetest 7005 frame and fork ever, both of which are still going strong as a commuter for the third owner.
Got this one for my wife, she did about 300 km on it, very happy. I tried it too, felt in love with it, 1500 km already including 2 XC marathons. Its a rocket.
Just bought this it came in yesterday picking it up tomorrow.
Cool to see a XC bike unveil... I've always had a soft spot for Marin bikes! Looking forward to watching the performance review... Cheers!
It's great to see how the channel has grown and how more of the big brands are acknowledging it and sending you their hardtails for review! 🤘🤙
Thanks so much, it's been a long journey. I always smile when a company reaches out to me now instead of me having to reach out to them. I appreciate Marin sending this bike in, especially when I've been so critical of some of their other models.
@@hardtailparty that's sick! 💪 you've totally earned it!
With so many different geo options it’d be sweet to have a chart to something visual to look at based on all your experience with different bikes. Marin is OG. Glad they are still in the game.
Looks like a great bike. Good job on Marin for putting a good fork on it. Looking forward to the ride review. Thanks HP!
Awesome bike! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the specs, and can't wait to hear how it rides for you. I bought my Team Marin 2 in November and couldn't be happier with it. Love your channel!
This is interesting bike. Had Team Marin late ’90s, really nice steel frame. Have a soft spot for this model even when these bikes share only the name. Looking forward your review dude!
can you also test the bmc twostroke AL? that bike has almost the same geometry features like this
I just purchased this exact bike and the San Quentin 2 as Xmas gifts! I am also impressed... they look awesome! I have a background in xc racing since the late 80s. And have only riden the S/Q2. Felt extremely different and took some getting used to but by the end of my trail ride I was blazing. Rear is pretty compliant like some of my steel SS's. Crazy confidence especially off drop offs. I washed out a few times trying to acclimate to the slack head tube required different body English on the bike going into turns but I adjusted well. I am pumped and ready to ride the Marin Team 2 this weekend!!!
@OB ONE Finally got in a few rides for fitment and adjustments. Definitely two different animals and I will say the Marin team2 rides closer to my carbon GiantXTc29. It's deceiving, the 67° head angle looks slack but doesn't feel too much different, it turns and handles tight twisties in the same manner. There is a bigger difference going back to the 65° on the 27.5 SQ2. The team2 does accelerate well especially up climbs and holds speed as 29rs do. It does not feel as nimble though but I still need to test n tune some more especially the fork. Probably not a fair comparison but it has a little more chatter on the rear but could be due to being a lighter bike plus stiffer 29r flow mk3's and narrower tires. (FYI SQ2 upgraded...lighter wheels, cassette and 2.6 tires) Plus I'm still running tubes in the team2 which I need to convert. I really was afraid I was going to favor the team2 over the SQ2 since it seems to be the best of both worlds and bang for your buck. Also haven't thrown the team2 around or hit any jumps or drops to feel how stable it is. This is where the SQ2 shines and makes it so much fun! Also I honestly do not feel the weight penalty of the SQ2 while riding fast through xc single track. I ride with a couple of guys on fully E-bikes and on most days have no issues keeping up!
That's beautiful. The only thing I'll change is XT shifter, 165mm cranks, and a Rekon/Rekon Race. Reminds me of my Ibis Ripley AF
That's a great looking bike and seems to offer good bang for the buck. Excited to see the ride report/review from you down the road a bit.
This review was great. I pick up this bike this week and can’t wait. I swapped out the tires with an all black schwable tire as I like the all black look. Your review made the decision very easy. So thank you!
That is a slick looking bike! Can't wait for the review👍😎
Looking forward to your review! I have a Team Marin 1 on order for adventure racing.
Although I might not admit it to my riding buddies, I could probably ride most of our usual trails on a XC bike. My first MTB was horrifically underbiked for anything but the mildest trails here (2014 or so specialized rockhopper with a 71!!! degree head angle and a super noodly fork). I've NEVER wanted to go back. A modern bike with good geometry would probably ease all of my fears though... I'd prefer real brake standards though and a longer dropper, maybe slightly more slack headangle (depending on how it "feels" on the trail).
I've been eyeing this one along with the Specialized Chisel and Cannondale Scalpel HT to replace an old 3x7 26" Trek 3700. Any one of them would definitely be an upgrade
Love the old style logo!! 🤩
Wow, I actually expected it to weigh more considering the price and how much bikes with any trail focus tend to weigh these days. I'm quite impressed so far, and I hope it's enjoyable to ride. I just wish it had a more interesting/colorful paint job especially knowing how Marin is one of the more interesting brands when it comes to that.
Pumped for the ride review
It actually seems like a really good bike for Cuyuna and Tioga up here in Minnesota. There is a lot of flow singletrack where you have to climb to earn your descent.
I'd love to take this bike to Minnesota.
@@hardtailparty Yeah, I was going to try to make it to Sedona for the festival but it will cost me way too much to go there right now. I will get there sometime soon though. I think I am going to hit Bentonville instead. Much shorter drive and cheaper lodging for a couple of weeks.
If you are ever coming up here, let me know in advance and we can plan some dope rides.
Just bought this bike here in the UK. With terrain being wet and muddy mostly. What would be a good choice of tyres, i was thinking the Maxxis Rekon Evo Max Terra?
waiting for the review of the updated team marin 2 frame 🙏🏼
Since the only change is the added brace on the seatstays, the review should be exactly the same. Ride feel MAY have changed a little, but I doubt Marin will send me another one just for that change.
yup your Right! little to no noticeable difference, they beef-up the seatstay and added brace..... got my warranty frame almost a month ago, and tested it on Greens and some Blues
So excited to see xc bikes on this channel!
I'm happy to review xc bikes that are good. They're surprisingly harder to get ahold of
I have a Giant Fantom and I do a lot of city trail riding and crossing raw desert areas. And it works great for that. But the frame is a little dated. I'm going to have to put this one in my top five four test riding.
excellent video!
As I understand the GT Zaskar was an XC bike before, now its a pretty well geo´d trailbike.
Except for that mile long chainstay
@@hardtailparty Hehe well without your experience maybe I could argue they traded poppyness for other traits? I belive the longer chainstay and the specific attachment of the seatstays to the top tube for increased comfort, it might also provide a more stable climb and decent? I belive the GT Avalanche is sold in US, with the same type of seatstay design, however its a lower level bike than the Zaskar. Maybe worth a try still, maybe you appreciate other things or can steer people towards it who could favor its traits over a short chainstay even if it is not to your personal taste.
I had the same Columbus Cyber steel Marin Team Marin beautiful riding bike from back in the day. The only problem I didn't like about it was the under the bottom bracket shifter cables exposed to dirt and damage. Nice riding bike though
Seems to be a great bike for me. May I ask you for a little advice?
I’m just in between sizes L and XL with my 182,5 cm height (85,5 inseam lenght) and I have no idea which to choose!
I prefer comfort in the saddle, stability and long, long distances… What do you think?
can it fit 29X2.6 inch tire in the rear ?
Loving the channel. One hardtail that I'd love to see you review is the Giant Phantom 2. The specs all seem really good, but there aren't any really in depth reviews online.
I've tried to get one for years now. No luck.
@@hardtailparty Wanna borrow mine? I ended up getting one. :) It's a M frame. You can always just come to Florida and borrow it while you ride at Alafia or Santos. :)
Looks like a solid bike. I’m tempted to order one and strip it down over the winter, paint the frame & upgrade some parts
Paint the frame? Just curious, why?
This bike has a really solid spec and should be a great bike for a lot of people. If I were to get this bike, I’d probably put a regular rekon on the front and call it good. Maybe on the back too as those race tires won’t last in the sharp rocky trails where I typically ride.
Really smart bike! I'd love to hear about its' performance with that Enve rigid fork of Yours in the experi'mental part. Cheers.
This is funny. In 2018 Marin presented refreshed version of TRAIL hardtail - Nail Trail. In 2021 almost the same bike with almost the same geo Marin called XC Bike (Team Marin). In three years trail became xc 😁
All good things. People are starting to realize that 70* head angles are sketchy
Great looking bike. Paint, decals, and tan sidewalls all work.
Yoooo Steve should you see this: I started off on hardtails, built several and moved to a all mountain fully when I started hitting the Alps and bikeparks. Now I'm missing my hardtail, am kinda into gravel as well and love riding easy singletrack on those type of rigs. My dream bike would be a lightweight adventure bike with aggressive Geo and tons of mounts - which I could use a second wheelset to swap between road tours and light singletrack. Does it exist?? Love your channel man, happy seeing you succeed
you should join his patreon. He does bike consultation there.
So happy to see this bike here! I've strongly considered buying it and it's even available at the LBS, but I'm having some second thoughts because of my size. For reference, I'm 6'6'' and Marin specifies on their size that the height max is around 6ft3 or so... My LBS suggested putting a longer stem on it (100mm or so) to compensate for this, but I'm afraid it will totally ruin the ride feel and geometry, which is exactly the reason i was looking at this bike... Do you think a 100mm stem will significantly alter this bikes handling?
Alternatively I'm considering a Grand Canyon 9, which is 700 euro's cheaper, but has a Fox Rhythm 34 with Grip damper in stead of this very nice Stepcast.. I know it'll fit me though because I've had a lower spec model before and the geometry of the higher end models is very similar
It sounds like you'd benefit from my bike consultation service.
Hi Simon. In sizes XL they have effectively the same reach, Canyon is a smidge taller/relaxed. I’m 6ft4 and ride Marin 2 w/70mm stem. If the Canyon worked out for you I’d say the Marin is worth a test ride, just don’t cut the steerer short. Best
That’s a really good build list.
Agreed. They knocked it out of the park.
It maybe fun to take the bike in some chunk going down and up . I understand it's not as capable but it's got a dropper and a 67 HTA is capable . Maybe a different tire on the front like a DHF minion . That tire changed my budget hardtail to a completely different bike from the tires it came with . 2.3 is my sweet spot . I think this bike can be very trail worthy with the right tire . That short reach would be interesting for me as my bikes are all longer . Great for pedaling all day but may get a bit sketchy in the steep
I've been all over this bike! Any idea when the ride review will be up? Have a buyer for my current ride and would love to hear your take before I sell and pull the trigger on this!! Cheers!!
Looks awesome and great value. That is a low bb, I wonder how many pedal strikes it will get on technical sections. The high end bling dérailler always annoys me, but that’s just me. I might be getting transferred to the flat lands of Souther Ontario, Canada. This bike would rock there. I am eagerly awaiting the ride video.
I've talked to a few product managers about this, asking why they don't spec a better shifter than derailleur. A few have told me "in the UK, if a bike doesn't have an xt rear mech, it won't sell." Hopefully we can educate those people through this channel.
@@hardtailparty There's a reason for that. In the UK for half the year we ride in slop. The mech gets covered in grinding paste. The shifter does not.
@@jeremyatkinson4976 but does an XT mech last longer than an slx? Genuine question
@@hardtailparty I can't talk about the modern stuff but 15 20 years ago yes, at least over here, quite a lot longer actually. It rarely snows so we ride all year and average rainfall is 50 to 55 inches per annum. Hills get a lot more.... Being as we don't get much heat either water hangs around.
@@hardtailparty I live in the UK and the quality of mech doesn't really matter. Had a sram NX lasted 2 years of solid abuse Did have to adjust it a little now and again. After it broke (7mile walk home😂) Did upgrade a to Sram GX but SLX is good enough standard for xc in the UK. Alot of it is just snobbery and showing off I guess.
I heard the seat stay brakes. Did Marin fix this problem?
Yes🙌🏻
5 years ago, this geo is being sold as a trail geo
100% agree. Bikes have come a LONG way in 5 years.
I'd just come back from a trip to San Fran and Marin County, and got me a Marin 29" hardtail. I sooo wanted to love that bike. I sold it after 6 months. Heavy, slow and clunky to move; felt like the Titanic. Granted, it cost me a fraction of this fine thing.
Which model did you get?
@@hardtailparty Can't remember, man. It was under a grand AUD. I've always ridden my bikes to death or given them away. I just hated this one. I LOVED Marin County however, beautiful!
In general, I’ve been disinterested in XCish bikes. Lately though, I’m realizing that like most, I’m overbiked for a whole lot of my riding. Even my ragley big al built up fairly light felt a little sluggish for how I used it. Just sold it, may be in the market for something in this realm. Can’t wait for more feedback from you Steve! Thanks as always
It takes a lot of humility to admit that. Zippy bikes are fun!
Love the oil slick logo/decals
So, this looks pretty neat but do you have any idea why they would use flatmount instead of postmount? Do they want to introduce that standard to MTBs? Or maybe make it drop bar compatible from the getgo? I don't really get it.
Most frame companies don't have anything to gain by introducing a standard just for the sake of introducing a standard.
I'm guessing it saves someone money somewhere. I've had a framebuilder or two tell me flat mount is preferable for them because it gives them more clearance for tubing. I also have a hunch it makes the frames weigh less since you don't weigh a brake mount.
Personally I'm not a fan because it means i need another adapter. And flat mount rear brakes just mean your rear brake can't be used on the front, and that's not great.
It's an easy and somewhat lazy hack for frame builders to fit a disc calliper between the chainstay and seatstay. Positives are that it makes calliper easier to mount and adjust (especially getting a tool in there) with limited space. Negatives are it's a smaller braking pad/surface, no 4 piston, not common part with front
@@hardtailparty Yeah, I agree. At least it's adaptable at all. The other way round it wouldn't be. I guess the small advantage with that would be that you can use either flat or postmount calipers if you want an upgrade. Although, the choice of flatmount calipers which are suited for MTB use is rather limited since it's a road standard. I guess, if you have one of those hope 4 piston ones in the flatmount version lying around by chance...? Yeah, probably not.
Cool vid. I've been thinking of getting either the Marin 2 or a 21' Fuse Expert. Both bikes are about the same price so it's a tough decision.
We recommend the Marin ;)
@@marin_bikes I'm sure you do lol
@@norcalchrismeister We are slightly biased.
Can I ask why you chose the medium over the small? I'm the same as you, 5'6 with a longer torso. I'm new to MTB as I was a pure roadie... Will the medium allow you to stretch out more like a road bike? Thanks!
It's more a handling aspect. Most roadies prefer shorter reach bikes for MTBs.
Looks great, but 27 lbs for an XC bike caught me off guard. I won't argue that I'm still stuck in the past, but would you consider riding a sub-20 lbs 26" bike to remember how it used to be? Or was it really that bad? :)
A sub 20lb bike costs $10k these days
Beautiful! It is a shame I already have three hard-tails and cannot justify one more lol
Every bike in the world is on sale RN except the Team Marin 2 I wonder why!
Ordered one last week in the UK. They've been like gold dust!
I've read some reports of cracked frames online. Cracked seat stays. Did you hear anything on this?
Yes, see some of the comments in this video
@@hardtailparty Sorry Steve I don't understand. I looked through the comments and saw nothing mentioned of cracked frames? Also watched the video..
@@lobyapatty oops, sorry. The comments are on the review video, not the first look. Yes, I've heard of some people cracking theirs.
That spec is really impressive. By the way, all Shimano 12 speed shifters have RapidFire Plus now so you get multiple clicks in one movement all the way down to Deore level shifters.
I mean shifting up
@@hardtailparty aaaah that makes more sense haha.
When are you thinking of doing the Trail Test
I have some more videos to get edited before that one. If you can't wait and you need to pick my brain on the bike, i do that via Patreon.
It will be interesting to see how the Team Marin 2 rides compared to the recently reviewed TREK Roscoe 9. There are lots of similarities, including price.
They ride totally different. More info coming soon
@@hardtailparty Thanks - can't wait for the next video
I ride a 2020 san Quentin 2 with a lot of upgrades ,could you do a review on a san Quentin? Also I think It would be very informative to do a review on different carbon bars for flex and comfort. I ride Carbon cromag bars and I did feel the flex in the bars .thanks great channel
Where did you buy the Team Marin 2? Thanks
Bike manufacturers send me bikes directly, I don't buy them. (I'd go broke with the 70+ bikes I've reviewed)
@@hardtailparty haha thanks. I finally found my size. Heading out to so tomorrow. Thanks again.
Curious to see your ride thoughts. I've been struggling with my next bike choice.
Always ridden HT but considered a FS the last couple years. Suprisingly, this thing is more slack than my current ride... 2013 Kona Honzo. Liking the numbers, lower weight, and build spec.
Can get a little discount on Marin to boot.
I offer bike consultation via Patreon
I used 99spokes to compare this bike with the 2020 chameleon and the geo is almost exactly the same, that's why even though I have a San Quentin and a Chromag Wideangle am considering getting this beauty
That’s a good insight. People love the 2020 chameleon as a sort of do everything type of bike. Yet people want to mark this as XC bike.
The chameleon is a fair bit more versatile with room for big tires slding dropouts, and room for a longer dropper. Plus the sizing is a bit longer on the chameleon. Theres a fair bit of overlap here though. I'm excited to share my ride experience
What wheels did you or will you test ride this bike with? You didn't discuss the Stans wheels- are they carbon? Thanks.
I intentionally didn't mention them. My bike came with Stan's flow mk3 wheels. However, stans ran out of these halfway through the year and Marin had to switch to their house brand wheels on this spec. So some will have flows while others will have Marin wheels.
I really love your reviews! What you think about the Team Marin 1? I'ts the same frame and suit better my budget. Did you think the ride will be good too despite the cheaper fork? Thank you
The cheap fork will feel cheap. The frame is good on a tm1, but lots of the components will need to be upgraded soon
Review the BMC TWOSTROKE !!!
I've contacted them a few times, but I haven't heard back from them.
If I would live anywhere naar you, I'd probably let you ride mine. But I live on the other side of the world from you...
This Marin looks pretty similar to the Twostroke: same head angle (with 20 mm more travel though), slightly slacker seat tube angle, similar sloping top tube (so a short seat tube), but with a shorter reach (445 mm in size M for the Twostroke)...
I know you've done the El Roy in the past, but you've mentioned the San Quentin a few times. I know its a 27.5 aggressive HT and I'd be curious to see what your thought of it, and maybe do a video on it.
It's not my favorite bike, but I'll see if I can get one in.
@@hardtailparty That would be amazing! And I think I remember you saying it's not your favorite, but a lot of the specs on it are very similar to other bikes that you've reviewed and I was curious to your opinion on it.
This bike piqued my interest as I’ve been looking for a hardtail for training, mixed terrain rides, XC, and as a backup to my full suspension trail bike. My biggest concern in this catagory is sizing, I’m 6’3 and most XC bikes feel really cramped to me. Shops in my area are starting to get trail bikes back in inventory but not XC bikes so its hard to even do a parking lot test, but I have seen that this particular bike is available in some areas-looking forward to the review.
This is literally my Chameleon 7 with Marin written on the side loll
So glad I picked mine up back in the good ole days of available stock (ur responsible for my purchase btw haha). I would say the Chameleon 7 is a bit porky for XC but I'm gonna get some 1600g wheels soon so hopefully that achieves the spritely feel I want. Planned on ordering crest MK4 laced to Hope hubs with CX Rays. Any alternatives you'd recommed around the 700 buck/600 gbp mark?
Similar. The chameleon has a 130mm fork and sliding dropouts and the seat angle feels a little slacker. Both are great bikes with similar but different personalities.
Like I told customers when I used to work at a motorcycle dealer: It's easy to make a helmet light and inexpensive. All you do is remove things.
Most people did not say anything after that.
Weight will always be a compromise no matter what you're creating, and with bicycles it's the same old story with the weight weenies that somehow most of the time weigh their bike(s) without pedals even to this day lol.
Does anyone know what the chainring clearance is on this one? I tried contacting Marin through their Website, but they didn't reply me.
FYI, and if anyone still interested in knowing. I went to a 36 tooth FSA direct drive chainring with room to spare. I believe it is the largest fsa chainring made for this crank. Still has plenty of room for at least a 38T.
How does this XC compare to Specialized Epic HT?
slacker, shorter chainstay.
That is a very impressive frame weight. *Much* lighter than my Santa Cruz Chameleon (although the Chameleon does have those heavy sliding dropouts).
The light frame, fork and wheels really help with that.
29 or 27.5? sorry I missed it.
Why do you think NY and PA are flowy states? I live in CT, and from what I know about PA and NY, it's typical New England - chunky, rocky and rooty.
Every state has rocks and roots, but some areas are flowier than others. While i haven't ridden in PA and NY, I've ridden in VA, NC, TN, NWA, and a few other states back east and compared to Moab and the southwest, on average, there's less elevation and less general chunk. In fact, 83% of New York's trails are green or blue trails. I've ridden 24 different states and it's amazing how different the terrain is across our country. Many of my patrons in NY and PA send me videos from their local areas to showcase the trail they'll be riding on. Many of the trails out there are flow trails without much elevation and without much chunk.
@@hardtailparty I never knew that about NY. Thanks for the response!
Rothrock state park is that beat-you-to-death rocky but Lake Raystown trails are super flow.
hope you can feature trek xcaliber too.
Xcaliber has QR rear axle with silly 141mm width. It's a toy
Great, now I want one...
Same. At this rate, I’ll never have a modern full suspension bike.
😂@@thenormalberries6767
I keep waiting for some bike manufacturer to throw caution to the wind and build an XC bike with truly progressive geo with something like a 76* STA and 64* HTA. However, the Marin Team is not that bike. I would be flying over the handlebars in no time on this bike. And, with those nearly treadless Gravelbike like tires this bike would be an absolute handful. However, with more progressive geo and grippier rubber (2.4 Maxxis Dissectors or 2.6 Maxxis Rekons), a Downcountry Hardtail would be a bike I would want to own.
Sounds like you don't want an xc race bike, you want a trail bike. Look at my binary Maniak. With an Angleset you'd be there.
Thats not XC Bruv. If youre flying OTB in no time cause its not 64* id look at your riding style aswell.
Riding the tallboy opened my eyes to what a short travel FS bike can do with a 65 degree head angle. I like your thinking here, irrespective of whether it works or not.
@@davidh7414 A long travel bike like the Orbea Rallon has a 77* STA and 64* HTA and this bike performs well. There's no reason that a short travel bike wouldn't also perform well with the same geo. Progressive geo works well no matter the travel.
Hello, greetings from Germany. I watch your videos with interest. Thank you for your meaningful explanations. Could you tell me if the Marin Team2 frame size L fits me? I am 1.78 meters tall and have an inseam of 85 cm. My arm length is 60 cm. Thank you for your effort and keep it up 👍 Greetings from Germany from Jürgen.
This is made in East Java Indonesia right?
Pretty bike!
Awesome!
If they could make a steel version I'd be all over that.
The pine mountain 2 is very close.
So if you put through axles, and a nice spec on a Marin Bobcat trail, what would it look like? 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻
Awsome. I’ve been waiting for your comments on this bike.
The bobcat trail would be a killer bike with thru axles, boost spacong, and a 66* head angle. Hopefully it happens one day.
@@hardtailparty Agreed. It would be right there competing whit the Fuse and Giant Fathom. But the choice seems to be to keep as budget as possible... Such a waste. With the right upgrades, it still rides great though.
Is a little longer than the Team Marin, both in reach and CS, but that just makes more trail ready in my opinion.
Any chances to see a nukeproof on your channel??
hopefully one day. I've been bugging them for years, but no luck getting them to send me one for review.
You said this bike has a modern geometry, but you didn't say anything about the HT angle 🤔
except I did mention the head angle.
@@hardtailparty I'll watch the video again. My mistake 😃 Sorry
Great statement about a great riding bike with crap components being 100x better than a poor riding bike with the top components. Really hammers home how important ridability of a bike is, like 90%...
hmm makes justifying spending more on a great frame even if you have to use scavenged parts really easy 🤔
No reason to spend $4000-5000 on a bike to still have fun
...winning competitions?
@@endianAphones The bike he just review it is not made for competition. I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I used to have a $1500 Hardtail now I have $5400 full suspension and I still have about the same amount as fun on either bike
XT derailleur + SLX shifter... LOL
It's what 95% of the "XT" builds ship with these days from all companies.