Marin Four Corners Review
- Price: $1199
- Frame: Steel
- Tire: Vee Tire Co. GPVee, 700/650×40
- Gear: 3×9
What we like about it: It offers two size options of wheel to accommodate a wider range of riders and allows for switching to the most suitable tires based on the terrain.
What we don’t like about it: The color doesn’t stand out for some riders with high demands.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The wilderness is always challenging and ever-changing. Riders often look for bikes that can handle a variety of terrains for long-distance rides, and one common and demanding terrain is gravel roads. That’s where I discovered the Marin Four Corners, a remarkable gravel bike that I’m excited to put to the test.
In the following analysis of the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and comparisons to other models, we delve into the Marin Four Corners. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
To better test this gravel bike, I booked a flight and a hotel through IHG and arrived at Big White Mountain.
I chose the Dark Roast trail at Big White Mountain. It’s a downhill route with a descent of approximately 417 feet. The trail consists of gravel and dirt surfaces, and it was quite wet, which put the bike’s tires to the test. The trail also featured sharp turns, making the ride challenging.
Riding in the Outskirts
I rode the Marin Four Corners downhill from the top, sprinting on the gravel road with significant bumps. However, the Vee Tire Co. GPVee tires rolled over them effortlessly.
The Series 1 Utilitour Double Butted CrMo steel frame provided excellent durability, allowing me to leap over the rocky terrain without worrying about damaging the bike.
During uphill sections, I adjusted the Shimano Sora 9-Speed rear derailleur and Shimano Sora front derailleur to the lowest gear ratio, trading less effort for greater power, and making the climbs easy.
The jumps were where my balancing skills were truly put to the test. In the air, I adjusted my posture and prepared for impact. It was an exhilarating feeling that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Approaching the corners, the Vee Tire Co. GPVee tires provided excellent traction. I didn’t have to worry about sliding out in the turns.
With my experience, I handled each corner with precision, continuously controlling the Marin Butted Alloy handlebar and swiftly changing directions as I flew through the bends.
Is that all?
The Marin Four Corners is equipped with a supportive Marin Alloy seatpost. Additionally, the Marin MTB saddle has a soft fabric that provided great comfort for my sit bones without any extra pressure.
Furthermore, the Marin Comfort Bar Tape allowed me to grip the Marin Butted Alloy handlebar firmly, preventing any accidental slips for added safety.
Moreover, the bike features Trekking Platform pedals, making it convenient for riders to use their preferred pedals. The mechanical disc brakes offer excellent performance and are lightweight, making maintenance hassle-free.
Specification
The Marin Four Corners is an outstanding gravel bike. It features a Series 1 Utilitour Double Butted CrMo steel frame, which is highly durable. It is equipped with a Shimano Sora 9-Speed rear derailleur and Shimano Sora front derailleur, providing smooth shifting.
Additionally, the Marin Four Corners comes with Vee Tire Co. GPVee tires that have excellent tread patterns, offering impressive braking and traction capabilities.
The Marin MTB saddle is made from a soft material, providing a comfortable seating experience for riders. It also offers excellent support, allowing riders to assume any riding position on the Marin MTB saddle.
What do we like about it?
- Offers two size options of wheel to accommodate a wider range of riders.
- Comes with three bottle cage mounts for convenient hydration.
- The steel frame provides great strength.
- Includes pedals, making it convenient for riders to purchase.
What don’t we like about it?
- The color options are not outstanding and may not meet the preferences of some riders.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- How many water bottle mounts does this bike have?
It has three bottle cage mounts.
- What is the braking system of this bike?
The braking system is Shimano w/ Integrated Shifters Mechanical Disc.
- How to choose the right size?
The size chart for Marin Four Corners is as follows:
These sizes are only general guidelines and the true fit may vary from person to person. The easiest way to find your size is best to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’6″ | XS |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | SM |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | MD |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | LG |
| 6’0″ – 6’5″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 1 Utilitour Double Butted CrMo, Size-Specific Wheels (XS, S = 650B, M, L, XL = 700C), Biometric Geometry, Fender and Rack Mounts, Disc Mount Colors: Satin Black / Red; Gloss Green / Tan |
| Fork | CrMo, Fender, Rack, and Bottle Cage Eyelets, IS Disc Mount |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano Hollowtech II |
| Headset | FSA No.8D, Sealed Cartridge Bearings |
| Stem | Marin 3D Forged Alloy |
| Handlebar | Marin Butted Alloy, Compact 12º Flared Drop |
| Saddle | Marin MTB |
| Seatpost | Marin Alloy, 27.2mm |
| Pedals | Trekking Platform |
| Grips | Marin Comfort Bar Tape, Shock Absorbing Gel Pads |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Sora 9-Speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Sora |
| Crank | Shimano Sora Hollowtech II, 50/39/30T |
| Shifters | Shimano Sora 3×9-Speed |
| Cassette | Shimano HG200 9-Speed, 11-34T |
| Chain | KMC X9 |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano w/ Integrated Shifters |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin Aluminum, Double Wall, Disc Specific |
| Front Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, Disc, 32H |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co. GPVee, 700/650×40 |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension | Click View | Schwalbe G-One Bite 45mm | 2×11 | Aluminum | Shimano GRX 800,GRX 600 |
| Specialized Women’s Diverge E5 Comp | Click View | Espoir Sport Reflect | 2×11 | Aluminum | Shimano 105,Praxis |
| Bombtrack BEYOND SUS | Click View | WTB VENTURE TCS LIGHT / FAST ROLLING | 1×11 | Steel | SRAM Apex |
| Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO | Click View | Rhombus Pro | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM GX Eagle,Rival |
Marin Four Corners vs Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension
Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension features a lightweight aluminum frame, which reduces resistance during riding. Its RockShox Rudy XPLR fork offers greater flexibility compared to the steel fork of the Marin Four Corners.
The RockShox Rudy XPLR fork is equipped with a Charger Race Day damper, making it extremely lightweight. Additionally, it features a new 30mm upper tube built with SoloAir™ spring, providing powerful shock absorption.
It’s worth mentioning that the Marin Four Corners offers two wheel size options: 700c and 650b. Larger wheels provide better clearance, while smaller wheels offer enhanced agility.
However, the Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, delivering superior braking performance. But it is heavier than the Mechanical Disc brakes of the Marin Four Corners and less convenient for maintenance.
In summary, if you prioritize stronger suspension performance, the Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension would be more suitable for you. If you value more wheel size options, the Marin Four Corners can better meet your needs.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Worth Buying? [Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Review]
Marin Four Corners vs Specialized Women’s Diverge E5 Comp
The Specialized Women’s Diverge E5 Comp features a 2×11 drivetrain. Compared to the Marin Four Corners’ 3×9 drivetrain, the 2×11 drivetrain offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting.
Additionally, the Specialized Women’s Diverge E5 Comp is a hardtail suspension bike with 20mm front travel, providing better shock absorption than the Marin Four Corners’ rigid suspension.
Furthermore, the Marin Four Corners offers two sizes of wheel, providing more options for riders. However, its steel frame and fork are heavier. The Specialized Women’s Diverge E5 Comp features a lightweight aluminum frame and a carbon fork, offering better flexibility.
Therefore, if you prioritize smoother shifting and a wider gear range, I would recommend the Specialized Women’s Diverge E5 Comp. If you value more wheel size options, the Specialized Women’s Diverge E5 Comp would be a better choice for you.
Marin Four Corners vs Bombtrack BEYOND SUS
The Bombtrack BEYOND SUS features a 1×11 drivetrain. Compared to the Marin Four Corners’ 3×9 drivetrain, the 1×11 drivetrain offers a larger gear range and smoother shifting.
Additionally, the 1x derailleur effectively prevents chain drops. The Bombtrack BEYOND SUS is a hardtail suspension bike with 40mm front travel, providing good shock absorption.
Furthermore, the Marin Four Corners can reach speeds of up to 37mph, while the Bombtrack BEYOND SUS can only reach speeds of up to 28mph.
In summary, if you prioritize faster riding, the Marin Four Corners would be better suited for you. If you value smoother shifting and better suspension performance, the Bombtrack BEYOND SUS would be an excellent choice for you.
Marin Four Corners vs Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO
The Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO features a lighter aluminum frame, while the Marin Four Corners has a sturdy steel frame that offers increased durability and faster riding speeds.
The Marin Four Corners provides two size options for the wheel, offering riders more choices. However, the Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO comes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. Although they are heavier than the mechanical disc brakes on the Marin Four Corners and may have slightly reduced repairability, they provide stronger braking performance.
Furthermore, the Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO is a hardtail suspension bike with 20mm front travel. It also has a smoother-shifting 1×12 drivetrain. Additionally, it is equipped with a dropper seatpost, which allows for lowering the seat height during standing acceleration to avoid contact with the seatpost by the legs.
Therefore, if you prioritize having a dropper seatpost, the Specialized Diverge Expert E5 EVO is the better choice for you. If you want to ride faster, the Marin Four Corners is more suitable.
Summary
Above is our full review of the Marin Four Corners. This exceptional gravel bike offers a comfortable riding experience.
Based on our assessment, we give it a high rating of 4.7. If you would like to learn more about bicycles, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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