Marin Sausalito E1 Review
- Price: $2,399
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: Steel
- Wheels: 650b Aluminum
- Battery: Shimano 418Wh
What we like about it: The 418Wh Shimano battery provides ample assurance of longevity.
What we don’t like about it: The 250W motor may be a bit unfriendly to riders seeking high climbing power.
Rating: (4.6/5)
Do you struggle with a short enough daily commute? Do you strain yourself by pushing too hard on your rides? I sometimes think so too.
But now I don’t have to worry about that anymore because I got a handy e-bike Marin Sausalito E1. I’m fascinated by its powerful range and time-saving commute.
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
Commuting
My ride to work on the Marin Sausalito E1 was a very relaxed and enjoyable one.
First of all, its geometry design didn’t require me to bend down to ride with power, I just needed to maintain a more relaxed upright position to launch this bike.
Secondly, it boasts Shimano BT6010, a 418Wh battery, which is faster and I could ride with less effort, which greatly shortened my commute time.
I have to mention that the 1×10 Shimano shifting drivetrain gave me extra acceleration and the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes were timely and flexible to prevent me from spinning or hitting other people because of excessive speed.
Not only that, the 418Wh Shimano battery provided ample guarantee of battery life, so even if I didn’t charge it for a long time, I wouldn’t worry about not being able to ride it.
Cruising around the city
After a long week at work, I’ve always wanted to take a ride around the city.
Marin Sausalito E1’s aluminum frame and steel fork brought good stiffness, which provided the bottom line for my weekend cruising.
Thanks to the Shimano Steps E5000 Drive Unit, the 250W motor met the climbing and launching power I needed for my daily rides, and the low noise level was friendly to the sound-sensitive me.
Once I encountered a gravel road at the beginning of my ride, but fortunately, the 650Bx47mm wheelset has a strong grip, providing me with good shock absorption on complex roads.
Not only that, the longer wheelbase provided me with a lower center of gravity and a stable undercarriage while I was riding, which greatly enhanced the safety while riding.
Besides, the 1×10 Shimano drivetrain reduced the weight of the discs when I was going uphill on several different grades, and with different speeds to match the different grades, I was able to go uphill at the perfect speed in any situation.
Still, I remember when I was driving down a long downhill, to prevent the Marin Sausalito E1 from slamming downward out of control, I applied the Shimano Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, which I found to be particularly good for long drop-offs, even on very steep and long descents.
As a result, If you guys want to take Marin Sausalito E1 on a cruise to another city, I recommend you to use Skyscanner to order your hotel and flight, it’s very convenient.
Specification
The Marin Sausalito E1 is an electric bike that uses mid- to high- end components.
It is painted in Gloss Tan / Brown / orange, which gives it a hardcore look and feel.
The smooth, straight design allows for an upright, comfortable riding position.
1×10 Shimano shifting drivetrain is not only light in mass, but also excellent in climbing power.
250W 40Nm mid-drive Shimano motor can fully satisfy daily riding needs, and Shimano’s superb 418Wh range can help you ride more conveniently.
In addition, the 650Bx47mm wheelset meets the needs of daily riding for grip, so you can easily manage it on any road.
Of course, its Shimano Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are excellent on any road surface, especially on long downhill roads.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Outstanding disc brakes: Shimano Tektro hydraulic disc brakes work to great advantage on any terrain.
- Hardcore appearance: Gloss Tan / Brown/ orange paint body gives it a hardcore look.
- Excellent geometric design: The upright riding position effectively protects the rider’s lumbar muscles and lumbar spine.
- Great range: Shimano’s 418Wh battery has great capacity and range.
- Excellent drivetrain: 1×10 Shimano drivetrain can bring perfect speed experience in different road conditions.
What don’t we like about it?
- The 250W motor may be a bit unfriendly to riders seeking high climbing power.
FAQs
- Who is Marin Sausalito E1 for?
People who pursue speed and labor-saving; people who like the appearance of hard-core bicycles; people who have requirements for the wide range of electric bicycles; people who often ride on complicated roads.
- What sizes are available for the Marin Sausalito E1?
The Marin Sausalito E1 is available in four sizes for people of different heights.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| SM | 157cm-169cm |
| MD | 166cm-179cm |
| LG | 176cm-189cm |
| XL | 187cm-193cm |
- What other versions of the Marin Sausalito E1 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 | BRAKES | DRIVETRAIN |
| Marin Sausalito E1 | $2,399 | Aluminum | Steel | Hydraulic Disc | 1 x 10 |
| Marin Sausalito ST E1 | $2,399 | Aluminum | Steel | Hydraulic Disc | 1 x 10 |
| Marin Sausalito ST E2 | $3,249 | Aluminum | Suntour | Hydraulic Disc | 1 x 11 |
| Marin Sausalito E2 | $3,249 | Aluminum | Suntour | Hydraulic Disc | 1 x 11 |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Series 3 Butted and Formed 6061 Aluminum, 650B Wheel, Forged Motor Mount, Hydroformed Downtube Battery Mount, Integrated Wiring, Internal Housing. Kickstand, Rack, and Fender Mounts Color: Gloss Tan / Brown/orange |
| Fork | Steel, Moto Blade, Disc Specific, Fender and Rack Eyelets |
| Bottom Bracket | – |
| Headset | FSA No. 57E |
| Stem | Marin Alloy |
| Handlebar | Marin MiniRiser Alloy |
| Saddle | Marin City Plush |
| Seatpost | Marin Alloy, 30.9mm |
| Pedals | Nylon Platform |
| Grips | Marin County |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore 10-Speed |
| Front Derailleur | – |
| Crank | Shimano, Aluminum w/ 44T Steel Chairing |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore 10-Speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore 10-Speed 11-46T |
| Chain | KMC X10E |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Tektro Hydraulic |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific |
| Front Hub | Forged Alloy, Disc Specific, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Alloy, Disc Specific, 32H |
| Tires | WTB Horizon, 650Bx47, Wire Bead |
Electric Components
| Motor | Shimano Steps E5000 Drive Unit, 250W, 40Nm, Class 1 |
| Battery | Shimano BT6010, 418Wh |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Tires | Battery | Frame | Components |
| Electric Bike Company Model E | Click View | 26” Aluminum | 576Wh | Aluminum | Shimano |
| Cannondale Compact Neo | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 250Wh | Aluminum | microSHIFT |
| UrtopiaCarbon E-Bike | Click View | 700c Aluminum | 352Wh | Carbon | Urtopia Branded |
Marin Sausalito E1 vs Electric Bike Company Model E
The main differences between the two bikes are the handlebar, saddle and geometry.
The Electric Bike Company Model E has a curved handlebar design, which has the advantage of reducing air resistance and allowing for faster speeds when riding the bike; however, the disadvantage is that it can be a bit heavy and not very friendly to those who prefer a lighter front end.
On the other hand, the Electric Bike Company Model E saddle is very wide and thick. The wide saddle is soft and supportive, making it more comfortable for the rider when riding.
Of course, its geometry design is also a point that is noteworthy. The frame eschews traditional linear geometry in favor of a smooth and silky curved geometry, especially the integration of the top tube and downtube, which not only presents a perfect visual effect, but also facilitates the rider’s straddling.
The Marin Sausalito E1 has a straight handlebar design, which is lighter and less strenuous for the rider to grip.
The Marin Sausalito E1 uses a thinner saddle, which inherits the traditional saddle design.
The reason for the thinner saddle is to prevent the body from sinking into the saddle, but this is not a problem for e-bikes, instead the thicker saddle is better because of the higher comfort level.
Finally, I have to talk about the geometry of the Marin Sausalito E1. The straight frame brings good support to the seat tube, but it may be a bit boring for some people who are looking for a novel feeling.
If you like curved handlebars, wide saddles and curved frames, the Electric Bike Company Model E may be the perfect match for you.
Suppose you want straight handlebars, a flat saddle for power and a more supportive, straight geometry, then the Marin Sausalito E1 will surprise you.
Marin Sausalito E1 vs Cannondale Compact Neo
The biggest advantage of the Cannondale Compact Neo is its compact body, which can fold slightly for easy transport and storage.
For some people who like to use space efficiently, this bike will certainly create surprises.
The universal frame size makes the bike easier to use for multiple people, and the seat and bar height are easily adjustable, making for a more comfortable ride and a better riding experience.
Not only that, but the Tektro hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors brakes very quickly and naturally, allowing me to avoid potholes or stop in time for an obstacle, which gives me a good sense of security.
The downside is that the 1×8 microSHIFT drivetrain is limited in terms of the speed it can provide, so it’s not as good as the Marin Sausalito E1 1×10 drivetrain on complex roads, and the 250Wh battery may not have as much range as the other bike.
Also, its wheelset may be disadvantageous when crossing some larger obstacles.
The Marin Sausalito E1’s body looks a little bigger, and while it may be inconvenient to store or transport, it is more visible and easier to display in some important situations.
Its 650c wheelset has a longer riding distance in the same conditions than the Cannondale Compact Neo, and for some larger potholes, the 650c wheelset is able to cross better than the 20” tires due to its longer diameter.
The 1×10 Shimano drivetrain is capable of handling more road conditions, and the Shimano 418Wh battery has a much better range, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power even after a long ride.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Adventure Neo 3 EQ a Good Bike? [Cannondale Adventure Neo 3 EQ Review]
Marin Sausalito E1 vs Urtopia Carbon E-Bike
The Urtopia Carbon E-Bike is a very good electric bike.
From the outside, the geometry is eye-catching, like a bolt of lightning.
The carbon frame and fork make it very light, making it easy for speedsters to experience violent riding.
700c wheelsets are larger in diameter, allowing for faster and longer rides.
In addition, the Urtopia Carbon E-Bike uses Urtopia branded hydraulic disc brakes, the original hydraulic disc configuration is safer and can effectively avoid damage to people and property due to safety accidents.
250W 35Nm geared hub motor is compact and quiet, and with the bottom bracket torque sensor, its performance is above average.
However, high performance often means it doesn’t come cheap.
The Marin Sausalito E1 is a good e-bike for the money.
Although its aluminum frame and steel fork are not as light as the Urtopia Carbon E-Bike’s carbon frame and fork, for an e-bike rather than a traditional bike, the slightly heavier body does not have a significant impact on speed, and it’s the battery and motor that should be of most interest.
Surprisingly, the Marin Sausalito E1’s Shimano 250W 40Nm mid-drive motor can effectively meet daily high-performance climbing and starting needs, and the Shimano 418Wh has an extremely high range, even better than that of the Urtopia Carbon E-Bike.
So if you like higher performance without skimping on price, go for the Urtopia Carbon E-Bike.
When you prefer something more cost effective and with a decent range, the Marin Sausalito E1 is very welcome.
Summary
These are our tests of the Marin Sausalito E1, an electric bike with quality and attitude. Hardcore looks paired with good performance will make you jump for joy.
In our opinion, the Marin Sausalito E1 is a bike worth buying. That’s why we give it a high score of 4.6.
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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