Marin Alpine Trail E2 Review
- Price: $6,299
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: Fox Performance Elite Float 38
- Wheels: 27.5”/29” Aluminum
- Drivetrain: 1×12
What we like about it: Excellent XT, SLX components for premium riding enjoyment.
What we don’t like about it: The motor consumes very little power and noise, but may not be able to fully perform in very extreme terrain.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Marin Alpine Trail E2 is the second installment of the Marin Alpine Trail series.
It continues the pioneering spirit of series one and uses better quality XT, SLX components to better meet the rider’s needs for efficient riding in different terrains.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
I was attracted to the Marin Alpine Trail E2 from the first moment I saw it.
The smooth bodywork and aggressive geometry angles were just what I needed for a violent ride.
After I unboxed the Marin Alpine Trail E2, I headed to Yoho National Park in the Rocky Mountains for an exciting ride.
Not only are there spectacular views to enjoy, but there are also mountain bike trails of varying difficulty to satisfy the rider’s quest for excitement. So let’s get started!
Climbing
I think the Marin Alpine Trail E2 is a full-suspension enduro e-bike that does everything I need it to do.
In order to test whether his climbing performance was excellent, I went to an uphill slope of about 30°.
Obviously, the Marin Alpine Trail E2 didn’t disappoint me.
With a Shimano 250W 85Nm mid-drive motor that has good launch capability and a BT-8036, Internal 630Wh battery storage capacity, my climbing experience was very easy and enjoyable.
In addition, the 1×12 Shimano drivetrain had 12 different speeds to meet my climbing needs.
Then I came to a steeper grade, at which point I put on a higher gear. At this point, the aggressive geometry again helped me achieve faster speeds and higher pedaling frequency.
Decline
If the Marin Alpine Trail E2 is likened to a fierce uphill machine, it’s a geek of brakes on the downhill.
The TRP DH-R Evo, 4-Piston, 203mm Rotor hydraulic disc and TRP DH-R Evo brake lever provided a timely and efficient response on the downhill sections, making my braking experience very smooth.
The Marin Alpine Trail E2 is equipped with a dropper seat post that has a good amount of travel, and I took the opportunity to lower the seat tube height to get a stable chassis and keep my body balanced as I descended.
Thankfully, it wasn’t just the dropper post that kept me balanced, but the combination of the Marin Alpine Trail E2’s 29×2.5-inch front wheel and 27.5×2.8-inch rear wheel allowed me to gain good speed and maintain a good sense of balance.
It was a great ride and I have to admire the design of the Marin Alpine Trail E2.
If you want to do a cycling trip too, I highly recommend you to book your flight and hotel on Skyscanner. It’s very convenient!
Specification
The Marin Alpine Trail E2 is a full-suspension enduro electric bike in Gloss Grey / Black body color.
It uses high-end XT, SLX, Shimano components, including Shimano XT, 38t discs and SunRace 12-speed, 11-51 flywheel to form a 1×12 drivetrain, which has good performance in climbing.
Shimano TRP DH-R Evo hydraulic discs and brake levers make the brakes timely and sensitive.
In addition, the 160mm front travel of the Fox Performance Elite Float 38 fork and the 150mm rear travel of the Fox DHX2, Performance Elite rear shock both provide powerful cushioning.
In terms of tires, the Marin Alpine Trail E2 has a combination configuration of 29×2.5-inch front wheels and 27.5×2.8-inch rear wheels, which provides great stability and grip without too much friction resulting in unduly rolling resistance.
The non-compatible inner tube reduces the weight of the tire and comes with a self-repairing fluid inside. The large grains of friction on the surface of the outer tire provide more possibilities for riding on complex or even extreme surfaces.
The Marin Alpine Trail E2 applies a BT-8036, Internal 630Wh battery, giving it superb climbing power and range.
At the same time, the Shimano Steps EP801 Drive Unit, 250W, 85Nm motor consumes less power, is quieter and produces lower maintenance costs.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Excellent Motor and Battery: Shimano 250W 85Nm mid-drive motor has a good launch capability, and its BT-8036, Internal 630Wh battery storage capacity is also very impressive.
- Excellent Components: The Marin Alpine Trail E2 uses better quality XT, SLX components to better meet the rider’s needs for efficient riding in different terrains.
- Configuration of the Dropper Seatpost: The design of the dropper seatpost greatly facilitates the adjustment of the seat tube height.
- Radical geometry: The radical geometry makes the ride feel more jumpy, acceleration and pedaling more powerful.
- Good Braking System: Shimano’s hydraulic discs and brake levers have a flexible and timely responsiveness, making the braking distance shorter and the efficiency greatly enhanced.
- Excellent Travel: The 160mm front travel of the Fox Performance Elite Float 38 fork and the 150mm rear travel of the Fox DHX2, Performance Elite rear shock provide great cushioning.
What don’t we like about it?
- The motor consumes very little power and noise, but may not be able to fully perform in very extreme terrain.
FAQs
- Who is this bike for?
People who pursue speed and violent riding; people who demand performance and convenience; people who demand high shock effect; people who pursue high quality components.
- What sizes are available for this bike?
It is available in four sizes, so riders can choose according to their actual needs.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| SM | 5’2″ – 5’7″ |
| MD | 5’5″ – 5’11” |
| LG | 5’9″ – 6’3″ |
| XL | 6’1″ – 6’4″ |
- What other versions of the Marin Alpine Trail E Series are available?
Here we provide you with a comparison of other versions. You do not necessarily have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable model is to test ride.
| BIKE | PRICE | FRAME | FORK | TRAVEL | BRAKES | DRIVETRAIN |
| Marin Alpine Trail E1 | $4,899 | Aluminum | RockShox 35 Gold RL | 160mm front 150mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 10 |
| Marin Alpine Trail E2 | $6,299 | Aluminum | Fox Performance Elite Float 38 | 160mm front 150mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 4 Alloy Frame, 150mm MultiTrac Suspension, Integrated Battery/Charging Port, 148mm Rear Thru-Axle, Built-in Rear Speed Sensor BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Gloss Grey / Black |
| Fork | Fox 38 Performance Elite, 160mm travel, 29″, 110x15mm Boost Kabolt Thru-Axle, 44mm Offset, Integrated Fox Fender |
| Rear Shock | Fox DHX2, Performance Elite, Low Speed Compression and Rebound Adjustment, 205x65mm, Trunnion Upper Mount, 25mmxM8 Lower Mount, S/M Spring Rate = 350lb , L/XL Spring Rate = 450lb |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 73mm, threaded |
| Headset | FSA No 57, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8″ x 1 1/2″ |
| Stem | Marin CNC, 35mm Length, 35mm Bar Bore |
| Handlebar | Marin Trail Bar, 35mm Clamp, 7000 Alloy Bar, 800mm Length, 20mm Rise, 5 Degree Up, 8 Degree Back |
| Saddle | Marin eMTB Saddle |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 1x Composite Remote, Size S 125mm Travel, Size M and L 150mm Travel, Size XL 170mm Travel, 30.9mm |
| Pedals | Marin MTB Plastic |
| Grips | Marin Grizzly Lock On |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT 12-Speed, SGS |
| Crank | Shimano XT M8150, 160mm Length, 38t Chainring |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX 12-Speed, I-Spec EV |
| Cassette | SunRace 12-speed, 11-51 |
| Chain | KMC E12S, eMTB-Specific Chain |
| Brakes | TRP DH-R Evo, 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc, Metallic Pads, 203mm Rotor |
| Brake Levers | TRP DH-R Evo |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 29″ Diameter, 32mm Inner Rim Width, Sleeved Joint, Disc Specific, Tubeless Compatible; Rear: Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 27.5″ Diameter, 38mm Inner Rim Width, Sleeved Joint, Disc Specific, Tubeless Compatible Wall, 27.5″ Diameter, 38mm Inner Rim Width, Sleeved Joint, Disc Specific, Tubeless Compatible |
| Spokes | 14g Black Stainless Steel |
| Front Hub | Forged Aluminum, 148x12mm, Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Aluminum, 148x12mm, Disc, 32H |
| Tires | Front: Vee Tire Co. Attack HPL, 29×2.5″, Top 40 Tubeless Compatible, Rear: Vee Tire Co. Crown Gem, 27.5×2.8″, TACKEE Compound, Tubeless Compatible |
Electric Components
| Motor | Shimano Steps EP801 Drive Unit, 250W, 85Nm |
| Battery | BT-8036, Internal 630Wh |
| Remote | Shimano SC-E600 |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Components |
| Trek Rail 7 | Click View | 29” Aluminum | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | XT, SLX, Shimano |
| Specialized Turbo Kenevo Comp | Click View | 27.5” Aluminum | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | GX Eagle, Praxis, SRAM |
| Orbea WILD M20 20mph | Click View | 29” Aluminum | 1× 12 | Carbon | XT, Deore, Shimano |
| YT Industries Decoy CORE 4 MX | Click View | 27.5”/29” Aluminum | 1 × 12 | Carbon | XT, Shimano |
Marin Alpine Trail E2 vs Trek Rail 7
These two electric bikes have a lot in common. They both have aluminum frames, which makes them lighter in mass and easier to carry.
In addition, the Rail 7’s RockShox Domain fork and the Alpine Trail E2’s Fox Performance Elite Float 38 fork are both excellent in terms of performance and both have 160mm of fork travel available for shock absorption.
In terms of drivetrain, the two bikes use Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, which has a strong climbing power. Also, the price of the two bikes are comparable.
The Trek Rail 7 comes in Mercury / Dnister Black; Dark Aquatic / Trek Black for a brighter and more active look, while the Marin Alpine Trail E2 comes in Gloss Grey / Black for a more low-key and clean look. Different colors may suit different people.
Learn More: Is Trek Rail 7 Worth Buying? [Trek Rail 7 Review]
Marin Alpine Trail E2 vs Specialized Turbo Kenevo Comp
The advantage of the Specialized Turbo Kenevo Comp is its longer travel.
180mm of travel on the Specialized Turbo Kenevo Comp’s Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork and 180mm of travel on the Fox Float X Performance Series rear shock provide a more powerful cushioning.
The Marin Alpine Trail E2’s BT-8036, Internal 630Wh battery has a larger capacity and longer battery life than the Specialized Turbo Kenevo Comp’s Specialized M2-500.
The BT-8036, internal 630Wh battery of the Marin Alpine Trail E2 is more advantageous than the Specialized M2-500, integrated battery w/rock guard, 500Wh battery of the Specialized Turbo Kenevo Comp.
I personally like the Marin Alpine Trail E2 because its battery is really excellent and I can ride it at a faster speed; of course, if you want excellent shocks, the Specialized Turbo Kenevo Comp looks good too.
Marin Alpine Trail E2 vs Orbea WILD M20 20mph
The Orbea WILD M20 20mph is a full-suspension enduro electric bike with excellent body material.
It uses a carbon fiber frame, which on one hand can bring a lighter body for the rider to carry and push, and on the other hand, carbon fiber has good performance in shock absorption.
Comparatively, the Marin Alpine Trail E2 has even better quality components.
It uses high-end XT, SLX, Shimano components which are more convincing in quality than the XT, Deore, Shimano components of the Orbea WILD M20 20mph.
Among them, Shimano XT’s 1×12 drivetrain is capable of delivering excellent climbing results. Not only that, its Fox Performance Elite Float 38 fork quality is relatively better.
Marin Alpine Trail E2 VS YT Industries Decoy CORE 4 MX
The Marin Alpine Trail E2 is an e-bike with a more aggressive geometry design, perfect for riders looking for speed and violent riding.
It’s also a good value for the money, with nicely equipped XT, SLX components for a wallet-friendly price, making it well worth considering.
The geometry of the YT Industries Decoy CORE 4 MX is a bit softer in comparison, which helps the rider maintain a more comfortable ride.
At the same time, the YT Industries Decoy CORE 4 MX is a very lightweight, full-suspension enduro electric bike that uses a lighter carbon fiber frame, making it more portable than the aluminum frame of the Marin Alpine Trail E2.
Summary
This is our test of the Marin Alpine Trail E2. The Marin Alpine Trail E2 is a full-suspension enduro electric bike with more performance than you can imagine to suit your every need.
In our opinion, the Marin Alpine Trail E2 is an electric bike worth buying. All together we give it a high score of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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