Marin Rift Zone 26 Review
- Price: $1,799
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 26 inches
- Gear: 1×11
What we like about it: Rugged and durable frame with good geometry plus the right components make for a reliable full-suspension trail bike.
What we didn’t like about it: The lack of dropper design and the inability to adjust the center of gravity quickly on climbing and descending rides.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Marin Rift Zone 26 is for the ambitious beginner or youth, with a sturdy frame plus the right components to make it a reliable full-suspension trail bike.
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
The Marin Rift Zone 26 has a relaxed geometry with carefully selected components.
It has 120mm of damping travel front and rear. This makes it more cost-effective among bikes of its type.
For this I took Marin Rift Zone 26 to Wayne National Forest (Ohio) and booked a hotel nearby via IHG in advance.
It’s mostly off-road riding trails in good shape, including some winding trails and rocky, exposed tree root descents. This is a perfect route for this bike.
Climbing
The well-tuned suspension design of the Marin Rift Zone 26 provided good support on uphill climbs as I climbed upwards, allowing my pedaling to feel less deflated. The final climbing efficiency was further enhanced.
When I encountered steeper grades, the Marin Rift Zone 26 was equipped with a Shimano Deore, 11 Speed drivetrain with a 32T cassette and 11-51T flywheel, which is widely available.
By simply adjusting the rear derailleur to the larger flywheel, the pedaling felt instantly lighter underfoot and allowed me to go over the steep uphill section with minimal effort.
Finally, the Marin Rift Zone 26 uses the Vee Tire Co, Flow Snap 26×2.4″ large grain outer tire, which has a reliable grip and made my pedaling more efficient with better feedback.
Decline
The Marin Rift Zone 26 still deserves recognition for its ability on the descent.
The expansive geometry, coupled with the X-Fusion Velvet RLC damping fork and the X-Fusion O2 Pro R rear shock, provided 120mm of damping travel front and rear to absorb most of the shock impact.
This made for a smoother ride on this rocky descent, while also brought me much confidence to ride faster.
In addition, I like the Marin Rift Zone 26’s ability on the trails. 26-inch wheelsets with wide 2.4-inch outer tires had nimble handling and excellent road grip, giving me faster shuttle speeds on these winding trails while still ensuring safe handling.
Finally, the hydraulic brakes of the Shimano BL-MT201, together with the front 180mm and rear 160mm discs, exerted a reliable braking ability that fully satisfied my thoughts whenever I wanted to slow down.
The braking performance with this brake force helped me to lower the speed during the riding process.
All in all, the Marin Rift Zone 26 is a bike that will perform as well as any youth rider want without exceeding the intensity of use for which it was designed.
Specification
The Marin Rift Zone 26 uses an aluminum frame with internal cable routing, giving it tidier appearance and making it easier to clean the bike on a daily basis.
The silent cable tube design reduces the noise from the cable tube slapping the inner wall of the tube during intense riding.
The tapered head tube design, coupled with the 26-inch wheelset and 2.4-inch large grain outer tire combination, allows for excellent front-end control, excellent grip and agile descending on winding trails.
The chain protection patch on the rear lower fork reduces the noise generated by the chain slapping against the frame during intense downward riding. The mounting holes at the downtube support the installation of water bottles.
Finally, the loose geometry shows a more stable performance during descent riding and also ensures the safety of descent riding.
Video
Other Versions
The Marin Rift Zone 26 is an all-round excellent full-suspension trail bike that is worth buying for the novice or youth rider getting started in trail riding.
For this reason we offer another full-suspension bike from the same series under the same brand, but with a larger wheelset size to suit taller youths and novice riders, and both bikes are similarly priced.
Marin Rift Zone 27.5″ 1
Both the Marin Rift Zone 27.5″ 1 and the Marin Rift Zone 26 feature an aluminum frame with internal cable routing for rugged and reliable performance.
The Marin Rift Zone 27.5″ 1 uses the X-Fusion shock fork and rear shock to provide a front 140mm and rear 130mm of shock travel. This allows it to cope with more complex riding routes.
The Shimano Deore, 11 Speed drivetrain can meet most of the riding conditions with its smooth and dense shifting feel. It is a very cost-effective and reliable drivetrain kit.
In the choice of brakes, the same Tektro HDM-280 has a reliable performance with hydraulic disc brakes that are responsive under all conditions.
Below, we will list the specific parameters of the Marin Rift Zone 26 in detail along with some other brands of similarly priced full-suspension trail bikes for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- Shimano Deore, 11 Speed drivetrain components, with smooth shifting and good drivetrain efficiency.
- The bike adopts the design of internal cable routing. This makes the appearance look more clean and tidy, and the daily cleaning more convenient.
- Modern geometry with a more relaxed head angle, longer reach, and a more stable descent ability.
- Hydraulic disc brakes are responsive under all conditions and have reliable performance.
- Excellent support from the suspension gives the Marin Rift Zone 26 great climbing ability and a comfortable ride.
- Silent wire tube design reduces noise generation during intense riding.
What don’t we like about it?
- No dropper design for quick center of gravity adjustment on climbing and descending rides.
FAQs
- What kind of wheelset does this bike use?
Front wheelset: Forged Alloy, 100x15mm, 32H.
Rear wheelset: Forged Alloy, 135mm, Quad Sealed Bearings, 32H.
- What are the specifications of the rear shock absorber?
X-Fusion O2 Pro R, 190x51mm, Custom Tune, M8x22.2mm Hardware.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’6″ – 5’3″ | One Size |
Marin Rift Zone 26 Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 3 6061 Aluminum Frame, 26″ Wheels, 120mm Travel, MultiTrac Suspension Platform, 135mm Open Dropout (Upgradeable to 142x12mm Thru-Axle), 73mm Threaded BB BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Gloss Cyan / Black |
| Fork | X-Fusion Velvet RLC 26″, 120mm Travel, Compression and Rebound Adjustment, 100x15mm Thru-Axle |
| Bottom Bracket | External Sealed Cartridge Bearings |
| Headset | FSA No 57E, Semi-Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8″ x 1 1/2″ |
| Stem | Marin 3D Forged Alloy, 35mm |
| Handlebar | Marin Mini-Riser, 6061 Double Butted Aluminum, 15mm Rise, 720mm Width, 4º Up, 9º Back |
| Saddle | Marin Speed Concept |
| Seatpost | Marin Alloy, 30.9mm |
| Pedals | Marin Dual Density |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore, 11 Speed, SGS |
| Front Derailleur | – |
| Crank | Marin Forged Alloy, Integrated Steel 32T Narrow Wide Chainring, Boost Spacing, 170mm Length |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore, 11-Speed, SL-5100R |
| Cassette | SunRace, 11-Speed, 11-51T, ED Black |
| Chain | KMC X-11 Silver and Black |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano BL-MT201 Hydraulic |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin, Double Wall Alloy, 27mm Inner, Pinned Joint, Disc Specific, Tubeless Compatible |
| Front Hub | Forged Alloy, 100x15mm, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Alloy, 135mm, Quad Sealed Bearings, 32H |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co, Flow Snap 26×2.4″, Tackee Compound, Wire Bead |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Wheelset | Frame | Brake | Drivetrain |
| ROCKRIDER MOUNTAIN BIKE FULL SUSPENSION AM 50 SRAM SX | Click View | 27.5″ Aluminum | Aluminum | SRAM Level | 1 × 12 |
| Trek Top Fuel 5 | Click View | 29″ Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano MT200 | 1 × 12 |
| Liv Embolden 2 | Click View | 27.5″ / 29″ Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano BL-MT201 | 1 × 10 |
| Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy | Click View | 29″ Aluminum | Aluminum | Tektro Gemini Comp | 1 × 12 |
Marin Rift Zone 26 VS ROCKRIDER MOUNTAIN BIKE FULL SUSPENSION AM 50 SRAM SX
Marin Rift Zone 26 VS ROCKRIDER MOUNTAIN BIKE FULL SUSPENSION AM 50 SRAM SX, both are aluminum frame full-suspension trail bikes.
In terms of damping, the former has 120mm of front and rear damping travel, plus excellent suspension design, which will be more advantageous on climbing rides, but the latter with a longer damping travel will be more powerful on descents.
The former Shimano Deore has a smoother, denser shifting feel on the drivetrain components. The SRAM SX drivetrain components of the latter have a stiffer, crisper shifting feel.
Finally, the two bikes both have reliable riding performance and are well suited as a beginner’s introduction or a teenager’s ride.
Marin Rift Zone 26 vs Trek Top Fuel 5
The Marin Rift Zone 26 and Trek Top Fuel 5 are both excellent full-suspension trail bikes in comparison. The appearance of the paint job is also distinctive for each.
In terms of damping, the X-Fusion Velvet RLC fork of the former and the RockShox Recon Silver RL fork of the latter both have 120mm of damping travel and both showcase reliable damping support and vibration filtration.
Speaking of drivetrain components, both bikes are equipped with high-quality Shimano components. But the Trek Top Fuel 5 has a higher speed, and will have an advantage in dealing with steeper routes.
As a result, equally they are excellent, but the latter does cost a bit more, which makes me recommend the Marin Rift Zone 26.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 8 A Good Bike? [2022 Trek Top Fuel 8 Review]
Marin Rift Zone 26 vs Liv Embolden 2
The Marin Rift Zone 26 and Liv Embolden 2 are two mountain bikes that are very similar with equally excellent geometry and are suitable for novice riders and youth.
In terms of drivetrain components, both full-suspension bikes use Shimano drivetrain components, but the former enjoys a higher speed, allowing for more speed options when riding.
When it comes to braking components, both carry Shimano BL-MT201 hydraulic disc brakes to provide reliable braking performance.
However, the Liv Embolden 2 carries a dropper design that allows for a stable center of gravity between climbing and descending.
In the end, between these two mountain bikes, I think that whichever one you choose is a good choice.
Learn More: Is Liv Embolden 2 worth buying? [Liv Embolden 2 Review]
Marin Rift Zone 26 vs Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy
The Marin Rift Zone 26 and Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy are both excellent mountain bikes, and both have sturdy aluminum frames.
In terms of damping, the X-Fusion Velvet RLC damping fork of the former and the RockShox 35 Silver damping fork of the latter are both worthy and reliable, but the latter will have better initial sensitivity.
On the drivetrain components, Marin Rift Zone 26’s Shimano Deore components shifting feel will be more smooth, whereas the latter’s Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy’s SRAM SX shifting components are more dry and crisp.
Finally, when it comes to braking components, the hydraulic disc brakes on both bikes are trustworthy.
Overall, between these two bikes, the Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy is the better choice if your budget is sufficient, and the Marin Rift Zone 26 is the way to go if you don’t want to spend too much money.
Summary
Above is my ride review of the Marin Rift Zone 26. In our opinion, it’s a great all-round bike in its class at a solid price point and it’s a good choice for novice riders and teens. That’s why we gave it a 4.8 rating.
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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