Came here not expecting to learn why there was so much play in my rear wheel on my last ride but this video was super helpful. Looks like I’m going to have to replace my hub. Awesome video by the way. Exactly the type of video i’ve been looking for!
You may have to. Check and see if you can adjust the cup and cone on the hubs. My wheel didn’t have play but the freehub body did, meaning the cassette had play. Anyway thanks for the compliments on the video!
Great video. I have this same bike and your videos have helped me with deciding what to upgrade. I changed the brakes to deore 4 pistol. I replaced all of the sram sx with gx. I replaced the rear wheel to DT Swiss (fixed the rear hub issue) and swapped out to maxis tires. Thank you for the insight and info. It’s an amazing ride.
Nice! All good choices you made there. Glad you’re enjoying it. It’s really is such a versatile bike. It ate up some legit mountain riding I recently did. Climbed like a champ and descended just as well. Only thing was maybe the brakes not being powerful enough for some steep sections but mine are still stock.
Thanks. Yep got a 34 Rhythm on it now and I’m liking it. Grip damper which I thought was better but I don’t really know. Anyway it rides good and had a pretty significant weight savings too.
I put a Rock Shox Yari on my Timberjack - still pretty easy to adjust and overall pretty basic but the 35mm stancions make for a pretty stout fork for the budget friendly price.
Nice! I feel like Rockshox overcomplicates things with their forks and naming and so on. So many and it’s hard to know their hierarchy. Is the Yari better than a “35 Gold”? Fox makes it easy... stanchion size and then one of 3 quality levels of it.
100% agree on the brakes - I have my levers set up the same way, inboard of the shifter. Also have adjusted the reach, and always keep them well bled. I did upgrade the rotors to 203 on the front, then moved the 180 to the rear (Silverback Slade Trail (well, kind of)). They feel good enough for long downhills and one finger braking feels just fine.
I’ve never bled mine but I’m sure it would be beneficial. Also never thought about going to 203 on the front. Any recommendation on which rotor to look at?
@@downtoridemtb I haven't needed to do a full bleed, just put the pot on the brake and tap the lines until all the air bubbles are out, then fill as much as possible, does make a difference. Rotor I used was Shimano SLX SM-RT66 Disc Rotor 203mm 6-BOLT which I think is metal and organic compatible. Also used a Shimano adapter for the caliper. See the end of this long article hindesite.wordpress.com/2019/09/06/some-comments-on-a-midfat-mtb/
i own the 2021 model, first things which i have changed: the brakes for Deore 6120 ( 4 piston) and the slow tyres for schwalbe hans dampf, the fsa bottom bracket is a pain in the bum because if you want to change the chainwheel its getting expensive ( only fsa and cannondale direct mount fits) ,the fork will be changed soon for a 35 RL or Pike, the shock it is ok for me even without a lockout, all together for this price point a reallly good trail bike
Nice! I still haven’t felt the need to swap the brakes but we don’t really have any long downhills around here. I didn’t realize that about the bottom bracket. Probably still better than what came on the 2020 models though.
Great video, I just got a used 2020 RF3, and I can agree with the hub/transmission issue. I wish I had researched this a bit more I would have probably just saved up for a different bike because between the hubs and tires, a lot of changes. It does have better brakes and a Shimano drivetrain.
I thought I’d need to change those tires bit I decided that the cheaper and better way to go would be to just get stronger. My leg muscles are killing me but if That’s the way to get fit and Save some money I’m all for it.
To be honest Im a relatively fit and a stronger runner with good endurance but these stock tyres are just TOO sluggishand i find myself putting more effort pedalling than everyone else and still getting smoked 😄 eventually i decided to just upgrade my wheelset and tyres to Stans Flow mk3 with i9 1/1 hubs and Rekon 2.4 rear and DhF 2.5 front and holy cow the difference is night and day. Strava PRs all over, if you have the extra $$$ first thing to change on this bike are the tyres 😎 have fun dude!
I've got the exact same bike! I changed my bars and grips for PNW, the fork for a Pike, and the brakes for TRP. I'm in the middle of changing to Maxxis Rekon rear/Dissector front but I'm having an issue with the tubeless valve not seating all the way into the rear rim (front was fine with the same Stan's valve). And I just started having shifting issues! Will have to check that rear hub. I was a bit suspicious of the Marin branded parts from the beginning. This is a good summary though, taken as a whole, it's a very fun bike to ride!
Yeah see if you can wiggle the cassette around. If so, new hub time. So I’ve got two questions for you… how do you like the PNW bars? I was just looking at them in the shop last week. Also let me know how you like the Dissector up front. I just put one on the rear. Dual compound. Also stay tuned, I have a video coming out in the next say or two with some upgrades on the Rift Zone…
@@downtoridemtb Sure, I should get the first ride on it this weekend, unless it rains. The PNW bars are good, I have no complaints, but functionally at least, they aren't too different from the Marin bars. I think they might be lighter?
Forgot to mention, I do find the PNW bar a bit more comfortable. But it's not a lot different from the Marin. However, my Marin bar also had some kind of sticker on it that made me think it wasn't for rough off road use. Not sure about that.
I actually don’t wash my bike nearly as much as I should and when I do I honestly don’t do a thorough job. So I’m definitely not the person to make a video on washing a bike.
@@omeriluz9800 this is a good one EXCEPT for the WD-40 part. I’d never spray that stuff so close to my brake rotors. th-cam.com/video/xjjkCbyKE5c/w-d-xo.html
Yeah the Rift Zone 3 does but it’s considerably more $. Check out the Polygon T7. Slightly better spec than the Rift Zone 2 and actually maybe a bit cheaper I think. Has the lockout (firm) setting on the shock.
Thanks for the video! Super helpful content. Out of curiosity - what's your height and inseam? I see you're riding an L; I was between M and L and just went with an M. I'm 5'11, 32in.
Im 5’9” .. 31” inseam and went for a Med.. came from a SM GT avalanche 29. The Med RZ2 is more than an Inch longer on the front end and longer wheelbase but still remained “compact” for my type of riding style.. but would swap from 35mm length to maybe 40/45mm if the time comes.. personally I go lower size if I’m in between just because of my style.. front end is easier to lift on the trails.. downhill stability is not compromised.. way better than my SM avalanche.. but cant say on even longer bikes..
Hello DTR MTB.. being bother by punctures, Is the marin RZ rims taped for tubeless? Like I only need valves and sealant? Or do I need to re-tape the rims? Thanks!!!
If I could get riding more, I'd get to enjoy my rz2 more lol! But 1st 3 upgrades I did were magura brakes, vee rubber crown rear tire, and i9 hubs with double butted spokes with aluminum nipples in stock rims. Ohhh and had to get me a shorter dropper post, so 4 upgrades...
Feel you on the hub !! Broke mine in a heart beat! And the headache of trying to figure what marin did with those funky specs . what size hub did you run ? Did you stick with 141mm or did you go to 148 and did a thru axel ?
Really crazy how bad they are. Not sure if it was Marin spec’ing crap or the hub manufacturer that made crap unknowingly to Marin. Mine was 148 stock. I’m assuming you have the RZ1. What did you go with?
@@downtoridemtb I am waiting for a wheel I purchased online nuke proof hz v2. 148x12. But from my understanding have to by the correct thru axel 174mmx1.5 pitch. Or can do replaceable conversion end caps to conform to the 9mm axel rz1 comes with. Does the rfz2 come stock with a 12mm thru axel ?
Oh that’s awesome I looked at those wheels after I had mine relaced. Crazy quick engagement. Yes the RZ2 is 12x148 stock. I recommend you do what is needed to run your whee that way especially if that is how your hub will be. Let me know how you like it.
Enjoy your videos! You mentioned that you changed the crank set/arms on your RZ2. Just curious, did you stay with the 175mm length. I have an RZ3 and have been experiencing some knee pain. I raised my seat as high as it could go. I think my knee bend is too deep causing the pain. I was thinking of changing the crank arms to a 170mm length. Your thoughts? Dave in Saratoga CA
I actually did switch to 170mm but only because that is what the bike shop could find in stock (covid). I didn’t really notice much difference aside from having to raise my seat a little to get the proper leg extension. You may want to consider 165mm for a more noticeable difference.
How many miles have you put in on that Advent X with 11 speed chain? Did you need to adjust this drivetrain more often than the SX (when the hub was in good shape)? Would you still recommend this drivetrain? Thanks!
I’ve probably got about 400 miles on it. I don’t have to adjust it much but it is just kind of noisy in a few gears for no real reason. You do need to be careful downshifting into the two largest cogs under load since they are aluminum. I’ve already bent one of them. But overall I am still happy with it and would take it over the SX any day.
@@downtoridemtb - Thank you. I really want to change my GX Eagle to this 10 speed. I'm getting tired of constantly messing around with the adjustment almost every month or more especially when after I do rock gardens. I was hoping the Advent X is the solution but it doesn't sound like it. Anyway, I already bought the set so I will try it out and see...
Oh yeah I don’t think it would be any better than GX eagle. Plus if you have the GX cassette then you’ll have an XD driver hub which is different than the HG style that Microshift uses.
Hey I am looking for a cheaper good full suspension mountin bike for biking club because my old one is too small would this be a good fit do you think I’m sort of new to biking but know a little bit about it is this a good one? We also do do a lot of climbing but there is downhill as well
That’s hard to say really. This bike is kind of in the realm between an XC bike and a trail bike. It’s definitely not the fastest climber, and especially not on the stock tires. But it also doesn’t have the travel intended to tackle harsh downhills. For the type of riding I do, I think it is great. Sounds like you might be looking for something a little more XC oriented though.
Yes I was thinking of upgrading the tires but the fork doesn’t reallly matter to me if I were to do that do you think this would be a good all around bike or should I look for something different Also what is am Xc. Bike?
I have Marin rift zone 2 2021 with all that deore stuff. Works great, IT would be awesome if they could put something like rockshox gold 35 rl in the future on it. Overall I love the bike and I got a killer deal on it. Btw I love your videos
Yeah I’ve heard only good things about that Deore 12 speed. And I hear you on the fork. Even a Sektor or Judy would have been nice. Anyway thanks for watching and for the kind words!
@@downtoridemtb I can't believe it would cost Marin that much more in production costs, etc to mildy upgrade the fork unless they just have too much stock of the Recon in their warehouses.
@Shift4g it’s definitely a deliberate decision from Marin. At the old $1950 price point I’d say they get a pass but with the higher price now it seems like they really need to step it up.
I have the 2021 Hawk Hill 2 as well and love it. Have you swapped out the Flow Snap tires yet? They are the only thing on the bike that I dont care for. I think I will pop a set of Maxxis Rekons on my Hawk Hill 2.
I actually did a video on it. Just be aware that your lockout may not work after. Plus I’d suggest replacing the lower crush washers when doing it: th-cam.com/video/oy2YUDm1wBo/w-d-xo.html
@@downtoridemtb Thanks! But as you’ve said, you did not notice much on the performance part? I guess because it’s only 10mm difference.. I did a 100 to 120mm on my previous bike and that did some confidence inspiring and trail taming difference.. I’ll try the 130-140 increase in maybe after a year together with some fork maintenance and we’ll see.. Thanks!!!
No prob! I actually put a 130mm Fox 34 and I did notice a difference going back. Mostly in just the riding position, fell more bent over an more weight on my hands. I think I will increase this one to 140 at some point.
@@downtoridemtb nice.. maybe 10mm did alter the handlebar roll/sweep a little bit and a few degrees of angles.. BTW.. Is the travel spacer hard plastic? Thinking of cutting it in a table saw for crafts which can make fine cuts.. but for sure you can’t put them back together once cut.. or I might go 150mm instead.. SRAM website does have the RECON in 100-150 config..
@@downtoridemtb yeah.. saw your video in the fox suspension upgrade.. seems like the spec in the RZ3.. which I thought of getting.. but got the 2021 RZ 2 with more shimano parts and especially the deore Hub.. not fair though is that the 27.5 RZ 3 is better specced than the 29 RZ 3 for the 2021 model year..
It’s an Origin8 MT3200. I didn’t really put much research into it. My local shop which I trust recommended it and it was in my budget so I just went with it.
I put a Shimano SLX hub on mine as I also put on an SLX 12-speed cassette. It was a good price with good engagement (7 degrees) and almost silent (though apparently mine is an anomaly as others make noise).
I remember you commenting about the stock hub being bad on one of my previous videos. I thought it was just bad luck with yours and with my first one, but they are indeed awful!
@@downtoridemtb i dont rode the stock bike 😁 unboxed the bike and Sold erverything, just Headset is the original one. You can read the Thread on the german mtb-news forum.
Came here not expecting to learn why there was so much play in my rear wheel on my last ride but this video was super helpful. Looks like I’m going to have to replace my hub.
Awesome video by the way. Exactly the type of video i’ve been looking for!
You may have to. Check and see if you can adjust the cup and cone on the hubs. My wheel didn’t have play but the freehub body did, meaning the cassette had play. Anyway thanks for the compliments on the video!
Great video. I have this same bike and your videos have helped me with deciding what to upgrade. I changed the brakes to deore 4 pistol. I replaced all of the sram sx with gx. I replaced the rear wheel to DT Swiss (fixed the rear hub issue) and swapped out to maxis tires. Thank you for the insight and info. It’s an amazing ride.
Nice! All good choices you made there. Glad you’re enjoying it. It’s really is such a versatile bike. It ate up some legit mountain riding I recently did. Climbed like a champ and descended just as well. Only thing was maybe the brakes not being powerful enough for some steep sections but mine are still stock.
Couldn't agree more, Fox 34 with the FIT 4 damper for real support and small bump compliance. Great review BTW.
Thanks. Yep got a 34 Rhythm on it now and I’m liking it. Grip damper which I thought was better but I don’t really know. Anyway it rides good and had a pretty significant weight savings too.
I put a Rock Shox Yari on my Timberjack - still pretty easy to adjust and overall pretty basic but the 35mm stancions make for a pretty stout fork for the budget friendly price.
Nice! I feel like Rockshox overcomplicates things with their forks and naming and so on. So many and it’s hard to know their hierarchy. Is the Yari better than a “35 Gold”? Fox makes it easy... stanchion size and then one of 3 quality levels of it.
Pretty detailed, nice
Thanks!
Can't wait for the suspension video upgrades !!!
Me either! I just have to find the time to do it. Filming it makes the whole process take like twice as long.
Bro cracked my frame in half just riding normal. Trying to figure out a way to send you pic
@@danielj8690 holy crap, I’ve heard of a few frame cracking by the seat support. There is an email address in my about section.
100% agree on the brakes - I have my levers set up the same way, inboard of the shifter. Also have adjusted the reach, and always keep them well bled. I did upgrade the rotors to 203 on the front, then moved the 180 to the rear (Silverback Slade Trail (well, kind of)). They feel good enough for long downhills and one finger braking feels just fine.
I’ve never bled mine but I’m sure it would be beneficial. Also never thought about going to 203 on the front. Any recommendation on which rotor to look at?
@@downtoridemtb I haven't needed to do a full bleed, just put the pot on the brake and tap the lines until all the air bubbles are out, then fill as much as possible, does make a difference. Rotor I used was Shimano SLX SM-RT66 Disc Rotor 203mm 6-BOLT which I think is metal and organic compatible. Also used a Shimano adapter for the caliper. See the end of this long article hindesite.wordpress.com/2019/09/06/some-comments-on-a-midfat-mtb/
Cool thanks! I’ll start with a quick bleed and see how it goes.
Marin all in all is geat. Trying your brake tip hack..thanks! Happy trails and stay safe.
Hope it gives you a bit more stopping power!
Have the Rift Zone 1 and love it man. You're upgrades look great keep at it!
Thanks! New suspension going on very soon!
can you convert the boost 141 to boost 148 ?
You can put a 148 hub/whee back there. I think you might have to remove spacers or something. I’m not sure the details but it is possible.
@@downtoridemtb k thank you
i own the 2021 model, first things which i have changed: the brakes for Deore 6120 ( 4 piston) and the slow tyres for schwalbe hans dampf,
the fsa bottom bracket is a pain in the bum because if you want to change the chainwheel its getting expensive ( only fsa and cannondale direct mount fits) ,the fork will be changed soon for a 35 RL or Pike,
the shock it is ok for me even without a lockout, all together for this price point a reallly good trail bike
Nice! I still haven’t felt the need to swap the brakes but we don’t really have any long downhills around here. I didn’t realize that about the bottom bracket. Probably still better than what came on the 2020 models though.
Great video, I just got a used 2020 RF3, and I can agree with the hub/transmission issue. I wish I had researched this a bit more I would have probably just saved up for a different bike because between the hubs and tires, a lot of changes. It does have better brakes and a Shimano drivetrain.
I wound up replacing my rear wheel entirely with a Nukeproof Horizon v2 which so far has been great
@@downtoridemtb My bike shop mentioned replacing the hub/wheel/cassette. I may just trade the whole bike in for a Spark, debating it.
I thought I’d need to change those tires bit I decided that the cheaper and better way to go would be to just get stronger. My leg muscles are killing me but if That’s the way to get fit and Save some money I’m all for it.
This is a very good way to look at it. But I’m too lazy to do it!
Haha that's okay
To be honest Im a relatively fit and a stronger runner with good endurance but these stock tyres are just TOO sluggishand i find myself putting more effort pedalling than everyone else and still getting smoked 😄 eventually i decided to just upgrade my wheelset and tyres to Stans Flow mk3 with i9 1/1 hubs and Rekon 2.4 rear and DhF 2.5 front and holy cow the difference is night and day. Strava PRs all over, if you have the extra $$$ first thing to change on this bike are the tyres 😎 have fun dude!
I've got the exact same bike! I changed my bars and grips for PNW, the fork for a Pike, and the brakes for TRP. I'm in the middle of changing to Maxxis Rekon rear/Dissector front but I'm having an issue with the tubeless valve not seating all the way into the rear rim (front was fine with the same Stan's valve). And I just started having shifting issues! Will have to check that rear hub. I was a bit suspicious of the Marin branded parts from the beginning. This is a good summary though, taken as a whole, it's a very fun bike to ride!
Yeah see if you can wiggle the cassette around. If so, new hub time. So I’ve got two questions for you… how do you like the PNW bars? I was just looking at them in the shop last week. Also let me know how you like the Dissector up front. I just put one on the rear. Dual compound. Also stay tuned, I have a video coming out in the next say or two with some upgrades on the Rift Zone…
@@downtoridemtb Sure, I should get the first ride on it this weekend, unless it rains. The PNW bars are good, I have no complaints, but functionally at least, they aren't too different from the Marin bars. I think they might be lighter?
Forgot to mention, I do find the PNW bar a bit more comfortable. But it's not a lot different from the Marin. However, my Marin bar also had some kind of sticker on it that made me think it wasn't for rough off road use. Not sure about that.
Hmm yeah my bars didn’t have that sticker. I’ll probably just stick with the stock ones.
The last cm of travel is an emergency travel e.g uncontrol landing you can test it by hitting front wheel on ground being on bike.
Good point!
Can you do a video on how you wash your bike after a ride? I would really appreciate it
I actually don’t wash my bike nearly as much as I should and when I do I honestly don’t do a thorough job. So I’m definitely not the person to make a video on washing a bike.
@@downtoridemtbOk you have a video you recommend on washing a bike?
@@omeriluz9800 this is a good one EXCEPT for the WD-40 part. I’d never spray that stuff so close to my brake rotors.
th-cam.com/video/xjjkCbyKE5c/w-d-xo.html
@@downtoridemtb Excellent Channel
Thanks for the information bro hopefully I can get the wife to say yes to buying use
Good luck!
What would be the next level bike with a rear suspension I can lock? Still something affordable, but I'd really like a lockable rear suspension.
Yeah the Rift Zone 3 does but it’s considerably more $. Check out the Polygon T7. Slightly better spec than the Rift Zone 2 and actually maybe a bit cheaper I think. Has the lockout (firm) setting on the shock.
@@downtoridemtb thanks, will do!
I have the same bike. Can I run a 2.5 on the rear without modifying anything?
Not all 2.5 tires are the same but I would say yes. I have had plenty of room with 3 different 2.4s
Thanks for the video! Super helpful content. Out of curiosity - what's your height and inseam? I see you're riding an L; I was between M and L and just went with an M. I'm 5'11, 32in.
I’m 6ft but I actually don’t know my inseam. Hopefully the medium fits you well. I probably would have still gone large at 1” shorter
Im 5’9” .. 31” inseam and went for a Med.. came from a SM GT avalanche 29. The Med RZ2 is more than an Inch longer on the front end and longer wheelbase but still remained “compact” for my type of riding style.. but would swap from 35mm length to maybe 40/45mm if the time comes.. personally I go lower size if I’m in between just because of my style.. front end is easier to lift on the trails.. downhill stability is not compromised.. way better than my SM avalanche.. but cant say on even longer bikes..
@@markpalma8354 Thanks for the info!
Hello DTR MTB.. being bother by punctures, Is the marin RZ rims taped for tubeless? Like I only need valves and sealant? Or do I need to re-tape the rims? Thanks!!!
The RZ2 and RZ3 definitely are taped and ready. I think the RZ1 is too.
@@downtoridemtb thanks! My wife got the RZ1 27.5 in XS . I got the RZ2.. ill compare how the tape looks like..
Nice! So cool that your wife rides too!
If I could get riding more, I'd get to enjoy my rz2 more lol! But 1st 3 upgrades I did were magura brakes, vee rubber crown rear tire, and i9 hubs with double butted spokes with aluminum nipples in stock rims. Ohhh and had to get me a shorter dropper post, so 4 upgrades...
Good stuff, I bet those hubs are nice! Good luck getting some rides in. It’s not easy for me either. I was up at 6am to ride over the weekend.
Feel you on the hub !! Broke mine in a heart beat! And the headache of trying to figure what marin did with those funky specs . what size hub did you run ? Did you stick with 141mm or did you go to 148 and did a thru axel ?
Really crazy how bad they are. Not sure if it was Marin spec’ing crap or the hub manufacturer that made crap unknowingly to Marin. Mine was 148 stock. I’m assuming you have the RZ1. What did you go with?
@@downtoridemtb I am waiting for a wheel I purchased online nuke proof hz v2. 148x12. But from my understanding have to by the correct thru axel 174mmx1.5 pitch. Or can do replaceable conversion end caps to conform to the 9mm axel rz1 comes with. Does the rfz2 come stock with a 12mm thru axel ?
Oh that’s awesome I looked at those wheels after I had mine relaced. Crazy quick engagement. Yes the RZ2 is 12x148 stock. I recommend you do what is needed to run your whee that way especially if that is how your hub will be. Let me know how you like it.
Big fan brø 😍
Thanks
Enjoy your videos! You mentioned that you changed the crank set/arms on your RZ2. Just curious, did you stay with the 175mm length. I have an RZ3 and have been experiencing some knee pain. I raised my seat as high as it could go. I think my knee bend is too deep causing the pain. I was thinking of changing the crank arms to a 170mm length. Your thoughts? Dave in Saratoga CA
One of the first thinks I did with my RZ3 was switch to 170mm cranks.
@@doncrescas Thanks for your reply! Why did you switch to 170mm cranks?
@@annmariebarsanti1906 I have shorter legs plus pedal strikes.
@@doncrescas Any performance different other than reducing pedal strikes?
I actually did switch to 170mm but only because that is what the bike shop could find in stock (covid). I didn’t really notice much difference aside from having to raise my seat a little to get the proper leg extension. You may want to consider 165mm for a more noticeable difference.
How many miles have you put in on that Advent X with 11 speed chain? Did you need to adjust this drivetrain more often than the SX (when the hub was in good shape)? Would you still recommend this drivetrain? Thanks!
I’ve probably got about 400 miles on it. I don’t have to adjust it much but it is just kind of noisy in a few gears for no real reason. You do need to be careful downshifting into the two largest cogs under load since they are aluminum. I’ve already bent one of them. But overall I am still happy with it and would take it over the SX any day.
@@downtoridemtb - Thank you. I really want to change my GX Eagle to this 10 speed. I'm getting tired of constantly messing around with the adjustment almost every month or more especially when after I do rock gardens. I was hoping the Advent X is the solution but it doesn't sound like it. Anyway, I already bought the set so I will try it out and see...
Oh yeah I don’t think it would be any better than GX eagle. Plus if you have the GX cassette then you’ll have an XD driver hub which is different than the HG style that Microshift uses.
@@downtoridemtb- Yes, I understand that and also already bought the HG drive. 👍
Hey I am looking for a cheaper good full suspension mountin bike for biking club because my old one is too small would this be a good fit do you think I’m sort of new to biking but know a little bit about it is this a good one? We also do do a lot of climbing but there is downhill as well
That’s hard to say really. This bike is kind of in the realm between an XC bike and a trail bike. It’s definitely not the fastest climber, and especially not on the stock tires. But it also doesn’t have the travel intended to tackle harsh downhills. For the type of riding I do, I think it is great. Sounds like you might be looking for something a little more XC oriented though.
Yes I was thinking of upgrading the tires but the fork doesn’t reallly matter to me if I were to do that do you think this would be a good all around bike or should I look for something different
Also what is am Xc. Bike?
I have Marin rift zone 2 2021 with all that deore stuff. Works great, IT would be awesome if they could put something like rockshox gold 35 rl in the future on it.
Overall I love the bike and I got a killer deal on it. Btw I love your videos
Yeah I’ve heard only good things about that Deore 12 speed. And I hear you on the fork. Even a Sektor or Judy would have been nice. Anyway thanks for watching and for the kind words!
@@downtoridemtb I can't believe it would cost Marin that much more in production costs, etc to mildy upgrade the fork unless they just have too much stock of the Recon in their warehouses.
@Shift4g it’s definitely a deliberate decision from Marin. At the old $1950 price point I’d say they get a pass but with the higher price now it seems like they really need to step it up.
I have the 2021 Hawk Hill 2 as well and love it. Have you swapped out the Flow Snap tires yet? They are the only thing on the bike that I dont care for. I think I will pop a set of Maxxis Rekons on my Hawk Hill 2.
Outpost is great!
Agreed!
Hello DTR MtB.. wondering how did you up your fork travel to 140mm.. been looking for a how to.. thanks!!!
I actually did a video on it. Just be aware that your lockout may not work after. Plus I’d suggest replacing the lower crush washers when doing it:
th-cam.com/video/oy2YUDm1wBo/w-d-xo.html
@@downtoridemtb Thanks! But as you’ve said, you did not notice much on the performance part? I guess because it’s only 10mm difference.. I did a 100 to 120mm on my previous bike and that did some confidence inspiring and trail taming difference.. I’ll try the 130-140 increase in maybe after a year together with some fork maintenance and we’ll see..
Thanks!!!
No prob! I actually put a 130mm Fox 34 and I did notice a difference going back. Mostly in just the riding position, fell more bent over an more weight on my hands. I think I will increase this one to 140 at some point.
@@downtoridemtb nice.. maybe 10mm did alter the handlebar roll/sweep a little bit and a few degrees of angles.. BTW.. Is the travel spacer hard plastic? Thinking of cutting it in a table saw for crafts which can make fine cuts.. but for sure you can’t put them back together once cut.. or I might go 150mm instead.. SRAM website does have the RECON in 100-150 config..
@@downtoridemtb yeah.. saw your video in the fox suspension upgrade.. seems like the spec in the RZ3.. which I thought of getting.. but got the 2021 RZ 2 with more shimano parts and especially the deore Hub.. not fair though is that the 27.5 RZ 3 is better specced than the 29 RZ 3 for the 2021 model year..
Stuck between choosing between the Polygon Siskiu T7 and the Marin Rift Zone 2 anyone know which one is beter ? Thank you
Polygon is better dollar for dollar. It is one I considered at the time of purchase but they were very new to the US market which kind of worried me.
Did you change just the rear hub or did you do both ?
Just the rear hub
@@downtoridemtb what hub did you end up going with
It’s an Origin8 MT3200. I didn’t really put much research into it. My local shop which I trust recommended it and it was in my budget so I just went with it.
I put a Shimano SLX hub on mine as I also put on an SLX 12-speed cassette. It was a good price with good engagement (7 degrees) and almost silent (though apparently mine is an anomaly as others make noise).
I remember you commenting about the stock hub being bad on one of my previous videos. I thought it was just bad luck with yours and with my first one, but they are indeed awful!
what maxiss xc tires front & rear do you recommend for this bike the rift zone 2?
Depends how “XC” you want to go. Maybe a Rekon in the front and Rekon Race or Ikon for the rear.
@@downtoridemtb So, low profile and fast rolling tire in the rear and on the front a more grippy tire?
@@omeriluz9800 yeah I think what I initially suggested is pretty solid then. If you want more grip then Rekon rear with a Dissector front.
@@downtoridemtb O.K thanks for the quick and helpful reply. appreciate it a lot keep it up mate!
Glad to help!
I bought a Rift Zone 1 last year an Upgraded the hole bike.
After all the Upgrades it 2300g lighter.
That’s awesome. What was the number 1 upgrade you did in your opinion? I’m thinking wheels next for mine.
@@downtoridemtb i dont rode the stock bike 😁
unboxed the bike and Sold erverything, just Headset is the original one.
You can read the Thread on the german mtb-news forum.
@@dennys.1050 do you know how much the stock wheelset weighs?
@@bullish4lyfe663 Front 980g
Rear 1270g 🙋🏻
I see what you did there, trying to sneak those pics in there.
Ha! The question is, did you try to pause it and see what those things were?
I did haha
Kinda, I paused it for a sec and saw something flash on the screen. So I went back out see want it was
I know some people say that hanging the bike by the dropper is not bad, but it still hurts me to see it. :(
If it can stand up to my full body weight at various angles and g forces, then the weight of the bike itself is nothing
fox float combo lol
Shhh, it’s a secret 😉
hello new friend'
Me or the bike?!?!
@@downtoridemtb both hehehe