Marin Rift Zone 29″ 2 Review
- Price: $2,399
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2
- Wheels: 29” Aluminum
- Drivetrain: 1×12
What we like about it: The hydraulic disc configuration delivers flexible and efficient braking.
What we don’t like about it: There is only one colorway option, which is not friendly to some riders who prefer other colors.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 is a mid- to-high-end full-suspension trail bike that meets the diverse needs of its riders.
Its clean, bright colors and smooth, straight geometry make it a pleasure to ride; the high quality components make the bike even stronger and more efficient.
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 29” 2 is one of the better looking bikes in the Marin Rift Zone family, and I couldn’t get enough of its clean and simple color scheme.
To test its performance, I went to Windrock Park, Tennessee, which not only had plenty of hills to satisfy my needs, but also over 300 miles of trails to test the bike’s braking performance.
If you’re looking for an off-road ride, I recommend booking a local hotel with IHG Hotels & Resorts. Follow my lead and get started!
Climbing
The most intuitive feeling I got from the Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 was that its climbing performance was really cool.
The two things I looked for most – climbing power and stability – are all met.
The Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, consisting of a 32T cassette and SunRace 12-speed, 11-51T flywheel, had good climbing power on the uphill, especially when I climbed steep grades where I could hang on to the highest gear to make my ideas happen.
The long wheelbase ensured a stable chassis as I climbed, keeping me from falling off.
At the same time, the 29×2.35-inch wheelset did a good job of keeping my momentum on the climb by rolling more distance and faster in the same amount of time due to its longer outer circumference.
I came to the top, and then it was time to descend.
Decline
In order to maintain good balance while descending, I adjusted the seat tube height down to get a more stable chassis.
I found the Marin Rift Zone 29” 2-dropper seatpost to be very convenient, allowing me to adjust the seat height in a flash without getting out of the bike.
Then, when I went through some winding trails or long descents, I was able to have fast, timely and silky-smooth brake response thanks to the Marin Rift Zone 29” 2’s good Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and Tektro HDM-535 brake levers.
Finally, I have to admit that the Marin Rift Zone 29” 2’s straight handlebar design gave me agile and easy handling, especially when I was riding on trails, and it helped me attain the quicker steering ability.
Technically, I think the Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 is a high-quality full-suspension trail bike and a worthy purchase.
Specification
The Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 is a mid- to high-end full-suspension trail bike with Deore, FSA components.
The Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, consisting of a 32T cassette and SunRace 12-speed, 11-51T flywheel, enjoys good climbing power on the uphill; the Shimano hydraulic discs and Tektro HDM-535 brake levers make the brakes much more efficient.
In terms of looks and geometry, the Gloss Grey / Red gradient color scheme looks very smooth, and the 77° head tube angle makes for an aggressive geometry design that allows the rider to have faster speeds and higher pedaling frequency.
Although the speed is increased, the safety of the ride is also ensured.
Also, the long wheelbase gives the bike a more stable chassis, which keeps it stable and less likely to slip during the ride.
29×2.35-inch large wheel diameter has less rolling resistance, making it faster to ride and easier to get over potholes on the road.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Radical Geometry: The 77° head tube angle allows for a more radical geometry design, allowing the rider to have faster speeds and higher pedaling frequency.
- Good Braking System: Shimano’s hydraulic discs and brake levers allow for shorter braking distances and greatly enhanced efficiency.
- Climbing-Powerful Drivetrain: Shimano 1×12’s drivetrain delivers amazing climbing power on complex terrain.
- Dropper Seatpost: It effectively facilitates the rider to adjust the seatpost height, so that climbing and descending can be ridden in a perfect position.
- Less Rolling Resistance: The large 29×2.35-inch wheel diameter has less rolling resistance and rides faster.
What don’t we like about it?
- There is only one color scheme to choose from, which is not friendly to some riders who prefer other colors.
FAQ
- Who is this bike for?
People who seek exciting riding feeling; people who demand performance and convenience; forest road bike lovers; people who like simple appearance; people who have certain quality requirements.
- What sizes are available for this bike?
It is available in four sizes, so riders can choose according to their actual situation.
| SIZE | Rider height |
| SM | 5’2″ – 5’7″ |
| MD | 5’5″ – 5’11” |
| LG | 5’9″ – 6’2″ |
| XL | 6’0″ – 6’4″ |
- What other versions of the Marin Rift Zone 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.
The Table
| BIKE | PRICE | FRAME | FORK | TRAVEL | BRAKES | DRIVETRAIN |
| Marin Rift Zone JR 24” | $1,799 | Aluminum | X-Fusion | 130mm front130mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
| Marin Rift Zone 29” 1 | $1,799 | Aluminum | X-Fusion | 140mm front130mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
| Marin Rift Zone 27.5” 1 | $1,799 | Aluminum | X-Fusion | 140mm front130mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
| Marin Rift Zone 26” | $1,799 | Aluminum | X-Fusion | 130mm front130mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
| Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 | $2,399 | Aluminum | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 | 140mm front130mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Marin Rift Zone 27.5” 2 | $2,399 | Aluminum | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 | 140mm front130mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Marin Rift Zone 29” XR | $3,499 | Aluminum | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 | 140mm front130mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Marin Rift Zone 27.5” XR | $3,499 | Aluminum | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 | 140mm front130mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Marin Rift Zone 29” Carbon 1 | $3,799 | Carbon | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 | 130mm front125mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Marin Rift Zone 29” Carbon 2 | $4,379 | Carbon | Fox Performance Float 34 | 130mm front125mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Marin Rift Zone 29” Carbon XR | $4,859 | Carbon | Fox Performance Elite Float 36 | 140mm front125mm rear | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
Note: The model improves the travel amount from the 2022 model to give it a stronger shock absorption effect.
Specs
Build
| Frame | All New Series 3 6061 Aluminum, 29″ Wheels, 130mm Travel, MultiTrac Suspension Platform, 148x12mm Boost Thru-Axle, 73mm Threaded BB w/ ISCG05 Tabs BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Gloss Grey / Red |
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 29″, Rail Damper with Sweep Adjustment, 140mm Travel, Kabolt Bolt-On Axle, 44mm Offset |
| Bottom Bracket | External Sealed Cartridge Bearing |
| 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, 780mm Width, 28mm Rise, 5º Up, 9º Back |
| Saddle | Marin Speed Concept |
| Seatpost | TranzX, YSP18JL, 1x Remote, Size S 150mm Travel, All Other Sizes 170mm Travel, 30.9mm |
| Pedals | – |
| Grips | Marin Grizzly Lock On |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore, 12-Speed, SGS |
| Front Derailleur | – |
| Crank | FSA Comet, Modular 1x, 32T Direct Mount Chainring, MegaTooth Technology, Boost Spacing |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore, 12-Speed, SL-M6100-R |
| Cassette | SunRace 12-speed, 11-51 |
| Chain | KMC X-12 Silver and Black |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Tektro HDM-535 |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin, Double Wall Alloy, 29mm Inner, Pinned Joint, Disc Specific, 32H, Tubeless Compatible |
| Front Hub | Forged Alloy, 110x15mm, Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Aluminum, 148x12mm, Centerlock Disc, 32H |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co. Flow Snap 29×2.35″, Tackee Compound, Tubeless Ready |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Components |
| Giant Stance 29 1 | Click View | 29” Aluminum | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | SX Eagle, SRAM |
| Norco Fluid FS A4 | Click View | 29” Aluminum | 1 × 11 | Aluminum | Deore, FSA, Shimano |
| Diamondback Release 29 2 | Click View | 29” Aluminum | 1× 12 | Aluminum | SLX, Shimano |
| CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 | Click View | 29” Aluminum | 1 × 12 | Carbon | GX Eagle, NX Eagle, SRAM |
Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 vs Giant Stance 29 1
The Giant Stance 29 1 is a higher quality bike in terms of components.
It uses SX Eagle components, where the 30T cassette and SRAM SX Eagle, 11x50T 1×12 drivetrain have better performance and are less prone to damage.
In addition, the Giant Stance 29 1 has a smoother geometry, which helps the rider maintain an upright and comfortable riding position; the shorter wheelbase makes it more active and helps with uphill riding.
The Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 has a better performing fork.
It enjoys a higher quality Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork and carries a longer 140mm fork travel than the Giant Stance 29 1.
Not only that, but thanks to the more aggressive geometry and longer wheelbase, the rider can maintain an aggressive forward leaning position on the one hand, while the more stable chassis won’t over-activate the bike’s performance and lead to loss of control on the other.
These two cars have their own merits, and as for how to choose, the key lies in your own preferences.
Learn More: Is Giant Stance 29 2 Worth Buying? [Review]
Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 VS Norco Fluid FS A4
If you’re a rider who likes a good bike for the money, the Norco Fluid FS A4 might be a good choice.
It has a wallet-friendly price tag without skimping on its performance at all.
The dropper seat post design allows the rider to adjust the seat tube height quickly without having to get off the bike; the 140mm fork travel and 130mm rear shock travel provide good cushioning during descents.
I personally prefer the Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 because it has a higher quality fork and more gears in the drivetrain. The Marin Rift Zone 29 “2’s Marzocchi Bomber Z2 front fork has higher stiffness and quality.
Meanwhile, the Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, consisting of 32T cassette and SunRace 12-speed, 11-51T flywheel, has good climbing power when going uphill, especially when climbing, and it has more gearing options, which is more suitable for people who often ride uphill sections.
Learn More: Is Norco Fluid FS A4 Splendid? – [Norco Fluid FS A4 Review]
Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 vs Diamondback Release 29 2
As two full-suspension trail bikes with separate styles, they are, I think, very different in appearance.
The Diamondback Release 29 2 has a azure paint job and looks very youthful and energetic.
The external cable routing design avoids the noise caused by cables hitting the frame, and makes it easy to remove and maintain the cables when they are damaged.
The Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 comes in a gradient color scheme of Gloss Grey / Red, making it relatively simple and comfortable to look at.
In addition, its internal cable routing design can effectively protect the cable from damage, and visually as the wiring is hidden inside the frame, it does not look messy.
Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 VS CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29
The best thing about the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 is that it uses a carbon fiber frame, which makes it lighter and easier to carry and push.
At the same time, the carbon fiber material also has the quality of absorbing bumps, which further enhances the shock absorption on top of the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29’s 130mm fork travel and 120mm rear shock travel.
The Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 enjoys longer travel compared to the other bike. The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork carries 140mm of front travel and 130mm of rear shock travel for better anti-bumping than the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29.
Summary
Above is our test of the Marin Rift Zone 29” 2. The Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 is a clean and smooth-looking bike.
On top of that, it uses excellent quality parts and adds a lot of settings, which makes it a full-suspension trail bike that can meet diverse needs.
In our opinion, the Marin Rift Zone 29” 2 is a 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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