Marin Kentfield 2 Review
- Price: $679
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: Steel
- Wheels: 700c Aluminum
- Drivetrain: 1×10
What we like about it: The user-friendly geometric design allows the rider to maintain an upright riding position.
What we don’t like about it: The mechanical disc configuration may not be friendly to some people who are looking for top-notch brake performance.
Rating: (4.7/5)
If you want a good performance bike at a wallet-friendly price, I highly recommend the Marin Kentfield 2. With two colors to choose from and different climbing speeds to experience, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Marin Kentfield’s versatility.
Below, we analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Marin Kentfield 2 as well as other versions. And at the end of the REVIEW, we also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about the bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
I got the Marin Kentfield 2 a while ago, and to test its performance, I booked a flight and hotel in Spain on Skyscanner to the Arc de Triomphe in Barcelona. I would be riding the Marin Kentfield 2 from here through Av. Diagonal and finally to Sant Cugat. Read on.
Long distance cruising
The three locations were long distances, which took me all morning to finish, yet I felt happy. Before my ride, I found the Marin Kentfield 2’s excellent geometry to keep me in an upright and relaxed riding position, giving me confidence for the longer rides. When I started riding, the 700Cx40mm wheelset consisting of a large bore and wide tires gave me faster speeds and a fantastic grip. I was most pleased with its 1×10 microSHIFT Advent X drivetrain, as the Marin Kentfield 2’s 10-Speed, 11-48T flywheel gave me excellent and varied climbing feel on the uphill trails. I have to say, Marin Kentfield 2 has surprised me so much, both in how it looked out of the box and in the overall skills it showed on the Barcelona ride, that I’m already a big fan of it!
Commuting
The Marin Kentfield 2 is a very versatile bike, and I use it for touring and everyday use. What I value most in a bike is speed and agility, and it’s got it all. The flexible straight handlebar fits my daily habits, so I’m comfortable with it. 700Cx40mm wheelset is a unique advantage in terms of speed, and the giant diameter rims allow me to ride longer distances in the same amount of time, which saves me much time on my commute. In addition, the microSHIFT Advent X has mechanical disc brakes and aluminum brake levers to meet my commuting needs. I am delighted to get a fitness bike that is so cost-effective.
If you are thinking of riding in Barcelona, the only thing worth noting is that it’s best not to play with your phone or wear headphones while riding to prevent being pulled over by the police. Of course, the scenery is beautiful, and it’s a great place to take your favorite bike for a ride, and I think the Marin Kentfield 2 would be a great riding companion.
Specification
The Marin Kentfield 2 is an easy-to-handle fitness bike available in Silver / Black; Satin Tan / Black. Regarding materials, the Marin Kentfield 2 has an aluminum frame and a carbon fork, giving it a relatively suitable weight. In terms of geometry, the excellent wheelbase brings a more stable chassis, and the perfect stack ratio gives the rider a comfortable and upright riding position. Not only that, it has a straight handlebar design, which significantly enhances flexibility.
The Marin Kentfield 2 uses a giant 700Cx40mm diameter wheelset, which is an advantage in the pursuit of speed; Flat Protection, Mixed Terrain Ready makes the tires more wear resistant. It uses microSHIFT Advent X components, including microSHIFT’s 1×10 drivetrain for climbing power and microSHIFT Advent X’s mechanical discs and brake levers for an excellent braking effect.
What do we like about it?
- Multiple color options: It is available in Silver / Black; Satin Tan / Black.
- Excellent geometry design: The excellent wheelbase brings a more stable chassis, and the perfect stacking ratio gives the rider a very comfortable and upright riding position.
- Flexible front end: The straight handlebar configuration enhances operational flexibility.
- Climbing Powerful Drivetrain: Shimano 1×10’s drivetrain delivers amazing climbing power on complex terrain.
- Speed-friendly wheelset: 700cx40mm combination enhances riding speed and distance.
What don’t we like about it?
- The mechanical disc configuration may not be friendly to some people who are looking for top-notch brake performance.
FAQs
- Who is Marin Kentfield 2 for?
People who pursue cost performance; people who have requirements for the appearance of bicycles; people who ride bicycles for daily commuting; people who like drivetrains with good climbing power; people who like to ride bicycles for fitness; beginner novices.
- What sizes are available for Marin Kentfield 2?
The Marin Kentfield 2 is available in four sizes, so riders can choose according to their actual situation.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| SM | 157cm-169cm |
| MD | 166cm-179cm |
| LG | 176cm-188cm |
| XL | 185cm-193cm |
- What other versions of the Marin Kentfield collection are available?
Here we provide you with a version of the comparison, which does not necessarily have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable model is to test ride.
| BIKE | PRICE | FRAME | FORK | BRAKES | DRIVETRAIN |
| Marin Kentfield ST 1 | $499 | Aluminum | Steel | Mechanical Disc | 1 × 7 |
| Marin Kentfield 1 | $499 | Aluminum | Steel | Mechanical Disc | 1 × 7 |
| Marin Kentfield 2 | $679 | Aluminum | Steel | Mechanical Disc | 1 x 10 |
| Marin Kentfield ST 2 | $679 | Aluminum | Steel | Mechanical Disc | 1 x 10 |
Video
Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 1 6061 Aluminum, 700C Wheels, Disc Specific, Kickstand Mount, Fender and Rack MountsColors: Silver / Black; Satin Tan / Black |
| Fork | Steel, Moto Blade, Disc Specific, Fender and Rack Eyelets |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Square Taper |
| Headset | FSA 888 Threadless |
| Stem | Marin Aluminum, 31.8mm Clamp |
| Handlebar | Marin Alloy, 30mm Rise, 12˚ Backsweep |
| Saddle | Marin Adventure Plush |
| Seatpost | Marin Alloy, 27.2mm |
| Pedals | Commute Platform |
| Grips | Marin County |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SmicroSHIFT Advent X 10-Speed Wide Range |
| Front Derailleur | – |
| Crank | Forged Alloy Crank, Steel Narrow Wide 38T Chainring |
| Shifters | microSHIFT Advent X 10-Speed |
| Cassette | microSHIFT 10-Speed, 11-48T |
| Chain | KMC X10 |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc |
| Brake Levers | Aluminum Lever |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific |
| Front Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Aluminum Alloy, 32H |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co. GPVee, 700Cx40mm, Wire Bead, Flat Protection, Mixed Terrain Ready |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click to view | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Components |
| Specialized Sirrus 1.0 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 2 × 7 | Aluminum | Altus, Tourney, Shimano |
| Cannondale Quick Women’s 1 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 2 × 11 | Aluminum | 105, FSA, Shimano |
| Felt Verza Speed 20 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 2× 10 | Aluminum | Tiagra, FSA, Shimano |
| Jamis ALLEGRO A3 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 3 × 7 | Aluminum | Tourney, Shimano |
Marin Kentfield 2 vs Specialized Sirrus 1.0
The two vehicles differ mainly in the drive train and geometric design.
Regarding the drivetrain, the Specialized Sirrus 1.0 Altus Tourney 2×7 has a wide range of speeds, giving it a speed advantage, and is suitable for flat and accelerated riding surfaces. In contrast, the Marin Kentfield 2 microSHIFT Advent X 1×10 drivetrain has a 10-Speed. The Marin Kentfield 2’s microSHIFT Advent X 1×10 drivetrain has a 10-Speed, 11-48T cassette for good climbing performance.
In terms of geometry, the Marin Kentfield 2 has a 1.61 stack ratio and a longer wheelbase, allowing the rider to ride in an upright position and stabilize the center of gravity while riding. The Specialized Sirrus 1.0 has a 1.49 stack ratio and a slightly more aggressive riding position but is still more comfortable with a shorter wheelbase. The Marin Kentfield 2 has a more jumpy performance compared to the Marin Kentfield 2 for riders seeking speed and excitement.
Marin Kentfield 2 vs Cannondale Quick Women’s 1
The Cannondale Quick Women’s 1 is a fitness bike highlighting performance benefits with women in mind. It uses an aluminum frame and carbon fiber fork, making it lighter and more shock-resistant. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide silky-safe braking for an unbelievably smooth ride. Its size also considers women’s height characteristics, while the 700x32c wheelset brings an excellent rolling speed for a better riding experience.
The Marin Kentfield 2 has a competitive and wallet-friendly price, but its quality is good. microSHIFT Advent X components have good quality and performance, with microSHIFT’s 1×10 drivetrain showing the best in climbing power. The mechanical disc and brake lever of microSHIFT Advent X can bring a good braking effect. In addition, the 700x40mm wheelset is both fast and shock resistant. The Flat Protection, Mixed Terrain Ready technology makes the tires more wear resistant.
Learn More: Is Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Worth Buying? [Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Review]
Marin Kentfield 2 vs Felt Verza Speed 20
The Felt Verza Speed 20 comes in a wide selection of sizes, from XS to XXL, so petite and tall people alike can find their perfect match. On top of that, the Tektro R290’s hydraulic discs give the Marin Kentfield 2 excellent braking, and if you ride a lot of long descents, the hydraulic disc brakes are a much better experience. Of course, its 2×10 Shimano drivetrain is also friendly to riders who ride many flat or downhill trails, and its 2x discs provide faster speeds than the Marin Kentfield 2’s 1x microSHIFT Advent X discs.
The Marin Kentfield 2 has a more comfortable riding position. The 1.59-1.67 stacking ratio makes the geometry more compatible with the most comfortable riding position for the human body, which is helpful for long-distance riding or daily commuting. Secondly, the longer wheelbase does not cause the rider discomfort from jumps and bumps. The 1x microSHIFT Advent X disc eliminates one disc compared to the 2x disc of the Felt Verza Speed 20, making it lighter and more effortless to ride.
The Felt Verza Speed 20 is an excellent choice if you want more size options or better braking performance on long downhill roads; if you want a more comfortable riding position, there is no better bike than the Marin Kentfield 2.
Learn More: Is Felt Verza Speed 50 Worth Buying? – [Felt Verza Speed 50 Review]
Marin Kentfield 2 vs Jamis ALLEGRO A3
The two cars’ performance is similar, but I prefer the look of the Marin Kentfield 2. The Marin Kentfield 2 is available in Silver / Black; Satin Tan / Black. The Silver / Black color scheme looks as simple and clean as snow, while the Satin Tan / Black color is warm and vibrant, like spices from exotic places. In addition, its geometric design is very smooth, giving a very comfortable visual enjoyment. The straight handlebar design does not give the body an abrupt feeling of being top-heavy but blends in perfectly with the whole bike.
The Jamis ALLEGRO A3, blue paint body, looks ordinary but can still perform. With a 3×7 Tourney composed of Shimano 48/38/28T discs and Shimano CS-HG200, 7-speed 12-32T flywheel, the Shimano drivetrain brings vibrant speed and good riding speed; the 700c giant diameter wheelset is very suitable for riders who pursue speed, and also can The large 700c diameter wheelset is ideal for riders looking for speed, while also allowing them to cross over gravel and potholes on the road quickly.
Learn More: Is Jamis ALLEGRO A2 Worth Buying?-[Jamis ALLEGRO A2 Review]
Summary
These are our tests for the Marin Kentfield 2. The Marin Kentfield 2 is a good-performance and value-for-money fitness bike, with a wide range of color options and excellent geometry design as reasons to buy it.
The Marin Kentfield 2 is a bike worth buying. That’s why we give it a high score of 4.7.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other fitness 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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