2023 EMTB Shootout: Marin Rift Zone E2 Review

#mountainbike #mtb
The new Marin Rift Zone E2 a new is a new addition to Marin Bicycle’s eBike range, expanding from the Alpine Trail E that impressed our crew so much in last year’s eMTB Shootout. By electrifying their recently released Rift Zone analogue trail bike with a Shimano EP8 motor, and bumping the travel up to 140mm to suspend the pair of 29” wheels, Marin hoped to create a bike that would be fast and fun both up and down the hill. We were excited to review Marin’s new Rift Zone E2 as part of our 2023 eMTB Shootout. It definitely proved to tick that “fun” box and then some.
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[@ntopfer]

You guys have the Guiness World Record for say "Supple Off the Top"

[@TheLoamWolf]

The phrase is just so supple off the tongue. It’s what we love to say and how we love our bikes to feel.

[@Zetler]

I hear it’s so many times I use this phase in bed now.

[@ryanmichels2981]

Marin does a killer job on bang for buck

[@TheLoamWolf]

They absolutely do, living up to their motto of "Made for Fun"

[@christopheralsup3974]

600 miles on my Alpine Trail E2 best time I've ever had on a bike. Test Rode the Pivot Shuttle LT and it was better but only a tad.

[@robinowens9661]

Love your reviews. Keep ‘em coming.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!

[@andrewbrown8927]

I wanna see a review of the polygon n8e. The most affordable emb spec. The rest of their bikes are pretty good.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you for the review! Looking heavily at this bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Our pleasure!

[@NaZ-rs1dd]

I don't think the tester, Robert, mentioned anything about the price. He simply said that he wasn't sure if the CushCores were really needed on that bike. Straight away, the main guy gets involved and says, "Oh, well, it's 3k less than the other bikes." So what if it's 3k less? What's that got to do with the unnecessary weight of the CushCores?

[@tomasstraka5244]

imagine being Marin trying to be smart and listening to riders (usual gravity rider would use cushcore or some other insert), installing cushcore in the factory, just to see reviewers taking it out immediately :D

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yeah, this was a topic that really split out group! Some testers liked the inserts and applauded Marin’s vision while others thought it confused or detracted from this bike’s intended “category.”

[@tomasstraka5244]

@@TheLoamWolf I meant that as a joke, just a bit of irony I guess :D the test was really good imo!

[@MTB_Corbin]

Have y’all ridden the Marin Alpine Trail E2? I feel like it would fix a lot of the critiques: larger suspension at 160/150, mullet setup, no cushcore… seems like a better option for someone looking for a playful enduro e-bike no?

[@TheLoamWolf]

We tested it 2 years ago and it was definitely one of our favorites. Rides well above it's travel. With this bike being a new release, it only made sense to see how it stacked up.

[@btk5256]

Great review boys 👍🏽 any rattle from battery or motor ??

[@waldowsxxghostxx8577]

I’m very curious if you turn pedal assist off peddling analog will that still burn motor or be rough to The motor?

[@Zetler]

This bike is 20mm from perfection.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Where would the 20mm go?

[@Zetler]

@@TheLoamWolf The fork 🤣

[@cameronwelfare7451]

how does it compares to the Marin Alpine trail E2

[@TheLoamWolf]

Both are very good, this one is just a shorter travel, more trail oriented version.

[@cameronwelfare7451]

Really appreciate the reply. One last question: How does the marin alpine e2 and the rift zone e2 compare to the norco sight vlt? Here in Australian the norco is $1500 cheaper with the 900wh battery. Also can't get enough of the videos.

[@TheLoamWolf]

The Sight would be good as a comfortable all-day epic type bike, especially with that 900wh battery. But it is HEAVY and rides like it as well. Our large sight last year with the 720 weighed in at 55.5 lbs (57 with the 900). Ultimately it comes down to what you want from your bike, if you want a playful and relatively nimble bike with slightly less range, Marin all the way. But if you just want a bike that you can spin all day that won't beat you up and aren't worried about playing on the trail, the Norco is a solid choice.

[@spikebruiser1]

I'm wondering how this stacks up against the Alpine trail E2. I'm an XC/down country rider used to a 120mm bike but considering a Marin E for my "recovery" days. The 140 sounds like it makes sense and may pedal a little better for long rides. But on the flip side it would be nice to have the 150/160mm Alpine Trail so I don't have 2 trail bikes in the garage.

[@TheLoamWolf]

They are both great bikes. The Alpine Trail E is an extremely capable bike yet rides very similar to a trail bike even with a coil shock. In our opinion, there's no reason not to go with a longer travel bike when you've got assistance, having more travel just opens up trails to have more fun on.

[@christopheralsup3974]

60 days and 322 miles on my Alpine Trail E2 and it is amazing here in Florida. No doubt one of the best bikes I've ever ridden.

[@josefarfan4474]

@@TheLoamWolf Hope you read this. Right now i have the Alpine Trail XR and I Love it. I'm planning to buy an ebike, and i was thinking in the Rift Zone E because i want something different, i feel that if I buy the Alpine Trail E I will have a very similar bike than my acoustic bike (am I wrong?).

[@blake_n_mtb]

First comment ! Good Stuff guys!

[@topchoice1621]

You beat me to it

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hah nice work beating @Top Choice!

[@blake_n_mtb]

Thanks 🤙

[@topchoice1621]

@@blake_n_mtb don’t get too excited bro I was walking my dog when this video posted lol 😂

[@blake_n_mtb]

We’ll see who gets the next one…

[@user-ku8ip3yy7q]

I have marin hawkhill speced out to the max along with bafang motor, I feel for less money it's more capable then any other off the shelf!