Big Value and Highly Capable | Marin Rift Zone 3

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Who's riding the Rift Zone? What are you thoughts and how are you getting along with it?

[@dantribby199]

Trying to find one. Out of stock in large here in Minnesota

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@dantribby199 Bikes are crazy scarce right now. We got lucky and stumbled on this within the hour it was back in stock. Prior to purchase I was told that the 2020 Marin bikes were out of stock and 2021 models would be the next available models. This was told to me by the retailer where I bought it so could have been a previous order that came in. Hoping you are able to snag on as it is a great bike. Thank you for watching!

[@hockeybikepaintball]

Picked mine up on the secondary market last weekend and have put +/-30 miles on it so far. This is my first full suspension and so far I'm in love. The descents are loads of fun and I've found the climbing to be more than adequate for my use. The previous owner had Marin replace the rear cassette so the shifting has been great. He switched it to squirt lube though and I'm not sure how I feel about that yet... any input? Also, I set the sag to 20% but find I'm using the entire rear shock on pretty small features and hardly ever utilizing 3/4 of the front travel. Any suggestions on suspension setup? Thanks!

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@hockeybikepaintball congrats on the new bike. I think you should be running closer to 30% rear sag and around 20-25% up front. For the rear, if using too much travel you should insert volume spacers in rear shock. For the front check your sag, if still issue check to see if there are volume spacer in the fork that you can remove. You should be able to find some helpful videos on both processes. As far as lube, I use goldlink which seems good. Let me know if that is helpful or if you have any further questions.

[@arturonovoachueca6979]

Hi, you changed the sunrace cassette for what cassette. Did you have to cgange the hub

[@reinaldoballestero8864]

Love the fact that you answer most of the comments here!!! I have ordered the 2021, which is exactly the same specs, but is on backorder so I'll have to wait till July... well, that's the situation we are all in now!

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Thanks Reinaldo, I try to keep up on comments as I want to provide as much help as possible. It's a great bike and think you'll enjoy it. Hopefully you receive it soon. Thank you for watching!

[@reinaldoballestero8864]

@@StraightLine_MTB Hey now that you mentioned the cassette, since the freehub is NOT microspline, can I swap the Sunrace Cassette with a SRAM PG-1230 NX Eagle 12-Speed Cassette (compatible with Standard spline) and see an improvement towards the issues you mentioned?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@reinaldoballestero8864 it will swap across as I'm sure the Sunrace is an HG driver. Most likely will need some adjustment but should be good to go.

[@child0fthesun]

Love the mountain bike flip flops. Good review btw

[@StraightLine_MTB]

They're clipless 😆. Thanks for watching

[@MrGuitarplayerdude]

So iv had mine for a few months. Iv changed some things. All in all is a solid bike that one can grow into like i did. Great geometry. Weak links can be dealt with as the rider improves. First thing i did was tires and grips. Stock tires are super heavy. Im running bontrager xr4s. Improved peddling efficiency by what seems like 50 percent. Also running bontrager grips. Took out alot of shock from the from end in chatter. Those 2 mods alone made a huge difference. I also upgraded my rear wheel to a stans flow and added an xt cassette. My stock hub blew out on me. Better hub engagement and a lighter cassette will always help. Lastly i did a DVO front fork which isn't a necessary upgrade but i got it for a steal. Im 3600 into my bike and i love it. Even in stock form its a steal. Just change tires! Mandatory

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Sounds like you have a super build. Great bike just got better.

[@pavanpatil8907]

Nice to see El Jefe getting some Sun 😬

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Me gusta el sol. LOL

[@parraphrase]

I'm considering buying a Marin RZ 3. Your responses to comments has helped just as much as the vid. Thanks for taking the time. I'll be riding trails but am looking for a downhill oriented trail bike. Was about scared off by how little travel the bike has and was going to go with a more expensive 140mm travel bike. May still buy the RF yet. My wife will be stoked because the other bike I'm considering is twice the price. LOL!

[@StraightLine_MTB]

The RZ handles the downs great for it's travel. My only other recommendation would be a Ripmo AF. While a bit more expensive it'll be a bit more capable and a touch better climber. Otherwise the RZ3 is a great value and think you'll love it.

[@mattsieg2186]

I love my RF3. It’s super stable. And plush. It is a little front end heavy. As far a pedal bob you simply need to adjust the rear shock rate and trimmed it right out for me.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

I agree, this bike surprised us on how capable it is on the downs. Very fast and stable for sure...and the price is great. Thank you for watching Matt!

[@dhosekowski1391]

Great review, thanks.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Thank you!

[@endriuu100]

great bike! I don't complain about the drive train. brakes very good indeed. painting the frame is beautiful.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

I agree. I think considering the price this model is well specd and I enjoyed my time with it. My nit picks were just that and not deal breakers. The colors pop and look a lot better in person than in the photos. Marin is giving the bigger brands a run for their money because this bike represents a great value. Thank you for watching.

[@MMK86]

IMO there's nothing to really complain about considering the value the RF3 brings and if you happen to be living in the US - that is a hell of a bike for 2500-2600 USD. Also don't forget, at this price point you will generally find Rockshox Recon up front or lesser.....those new Marz Z2 forks are like a stiffer, slightly heavier, budget version of a Fox Float 34 with very low maintenance using similar Fox internals (Marzocchi is owned by Fox). So it's like you jumped up one model in terms of front end stiffness and stability.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@MMK86 I agree. It is a great value. Our concerns were just nit picks and think the out of the box performance is great

[@MMK86]

@@StraightLine_MTB totally man, your review was spot on there is no perfect ride...just wondering, what do you ride for a trail bike?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@MMK86 I have been rotating bikes this year but currently on a Ripmo AF and 2021 Meta AM 29 which we reviewed on our channel. Of all the bikes we've reviewed this year I'd say the Occam is the best true "trail" bike we've reviewed but I have favorites for different reasons. The RZ3 was a surprise on the dh ability for it's size. Great bike and value.

[@doncrescas]

Marin will swap out the stock 11-50 cassette which which uses Sram spacing for a Sunrace 11-51 designed for Shimano. It shifts better but the backpedal issue remains. At this point I would wait for the 2021 which has the Deore hub hand SLX derailleur (but would immediately swap on a shimano chain). I'm a drop under 5'10" with a 29" inseam riding a medium. In terms of climbing, I'm not sure if it's the suspension design (Marin's older 4 bar design climbed better) or the fact that the Fox DPS is not a a great shock. Parts I swapped thus far: 50mm stem, SLX brake levers (the calipers are fine, but the ergonomics of the levers are not great for 1 finger braking) XT shifter (to get the 2 clicks of down shift). I plan to replace the rear hub and cassette with Shimano soon.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Great Info Don! I did see the 2021 is coming with the Shimano cassette so that is awesome will crisp up that shifting. I had the DPS on our Orbea Occam and found it to be a good match for trail riding, so possible that the tune on the Marin is focused more on the descending. The MT420 brakes are pretty awesome, but I agree the feel at the lever isn't as refined as higher end brakes. Thank you for your input and for watching!

[@shirleywhite6621]

Hi Don; regarding the back peddling. My 11-50 cassette dropped the chain within 1/4 turn back peddle, replaced with 11-51 and problem resolved. Do not know what chain that's installed

[@jeffloucks2120]

Looking at the RZ3 and Occam H30. Thinking maybe the Orbea for better all round hitting those climbs and still some fun on the downs.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Between the two I'd choose the Occam as I feel its more versatile. It wins out big on the climbs. On the downs the Marin is more of a brawler/smasher but Occam is more playful and poppy. I felt more relaxed on the Marin seated where the Occam I felt more on top of the bike. Both great bikes for sure. Thank you for watching!

[@jeffloucks2120]

@@StraightLine_MTB Thanks for the added info !

[@jeffloucks2120]

@@StraightLine_MTB Couple more questions on these two. Assuming you rode same size in both RZ3 and Occam did one feel more compact than the other? At 5'7" I'm usually between Sm and Med. The small RZ1 I rode in a parking lot felt long to me but likely more being used to a 68 HA hardtail w/ short CS's to 65.5 HA. Bunny hopping around it seemed like it wanted to stay closer tho the ground so I can see your "not as poppy" comment. I'd be looking at the H30 for price point but nothing available. Can grab a RZ3 now for under $2200.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

I would say the Occam felt more compact in the cockpit. The Occam has a 1 degree steeper seat tube angle than the RZ which is why. RZ felt more relaxed in the saddle. Both bikes are good but have a bit different personalities. If you're climbing focused then Orbea wins. DH focus the Marin handles the chunk well even though the Orbea is a bit longer. Frame quality is where Orbea wins. One other note is that the times i needed replacement parts from Orbea it was a bit of a wait as parts came from Spain. Not sure if that's the norm but was for be both times.

[@jeffloucks2120]

@@StraightLine_MTB Thanks yet again. :)

[@villavilla33]

What's your thoughts on the Marzocchi fork ? Have the chance to get this bike now or wait on stumpy comp in the summer. Im in no hurry (kinda) lol.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

The fork was ok, but would prefer the fox performance. For the price point it's great but slightly out performed by the performance fox

[@davestadnik8739]

What would you recommend switching the cassette and chain too?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

The Sunrace cassette works fine as does the chain. If I was replacing them I'd go with Shimano deore or slx 12 speed and chain. You'll gain the benefits of the Hyperglide shifting. You will need to get a new hub driver to accommodate those cassettes which might not be available for the stock hub. It gets more expensive that way which makes it a better idea to run it stock until it's time to replace.

[@davestadnik8739]

@@StraightLine_MTB thank you so much. I was looking at the bike today and was gonna pick up tomorrow. Was wondering if should change right away but sounds like I should just use till needs replaced then. 👍. Not many options around for full suspension in this price range right now at shops. Thank again for quick reply and taking the time 🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@davestadnik8739 Any time, glad to offer my experience. This is an excellent bike for the price and will serve you well for years. The suspension package is great. For performance upgrades I would look at wheels first as that will lighten/stiffen the bike which will open up your ability to swap out the cassette at the same time. Other than that solid build.

[@davestadnik8739]

@@StraightLine_MTB ok great I’ll do that forsure then. Rims and tires or just the tires enough?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@davestadnik8739 if you got the Vee snaps then I'd at least replace rear if not both for something faster rolling. I like specialized butcher t9 front and Eliminator t7 rear both in grid trail. Aggressive but great balance

[@paulmcdaniel9487]

Super helpful video. I'm a relatively new mountain biker, and began with a very well kept 14 year old Giant Rainier which has been a good hardtail for me to start on. Here around Austin, Texas, it's rocky enough that I can see I need a full suspension bike. This video makes me lean a bit more toward the Vitus Mythique.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

The Rift Zone is a very versatile bike as well as a great value. I feel that it is geared more toward the downhill side of things as it is a complete smasher for a short travel 29er. That is not to say it cannot climb but again I appreciated it's focus on the DH. Really boils down to what each rider is wanting.... I am very much a DH focused rider so this bike fits the bill well. The Occam we reviewed previously would be a more all rounded bike but isn't as plush on the DH. The Mythique looks like a great value, let us know what you think of it if you do go that way. Thank you for watching!

[@paulmcdaniel9487]

@@StraightLine_MTB Helpful response as well, and I really appreciate it. I'm somewhat more into climbing (it's slower speed LOL), and my skills for downhill aren't very good yet. I'm improving fairly quickly though.....not doing too bad for age 62. Wish I would have started mountain biking 20 years ago; it's just a great sport.

[@paulmcdaniel9487]

@@StraightLine_MTB Keep up the good work!

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@paulmcdaniel9487 As I continue to ride more I too am looing for a bike that climbs really well. MTB is so fun and rewarding. I would recommend you also take a good look at the Occam h30. That bike does a lot of things well and that 77° seat tube angle is great. I have been debating on building up a carbon version of that bike as it is a great blend of uphill and down. Keep at it and let us know if we can help with any other questions.

[@paulmc5412]

Straight Line MTB I will definitely look at the Occam H30, and appreciate the tips. It’s going to be a couple of months before I finalize my purchase decision.

[@SamirRifai]

Great video! Between Marin RZ 3 2021 and Siskiu T7 2021, which one is a better all rounder?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Build wise very similar. Rz3 has a better fork, some slx parts and slightly better brakes. I found the RZ3 to be more down hill focused even though it's a shorter travel bike. The T7 feelsike a better climber but is a little heavier. A better comparison would be T8 and even that is $500 cheaper than the RZ3 with closer spec. I feel like T7 climbs better but the RZ3 edges out for smoothness in the rough. T7 feels fun on the trail despite its heavier weight. If I had to choose I'd probably pick the T7 and upgrade the wheels and eventually the fork. If you can handle the purple go T8 and upgrade wheels at some point.

[@SamirRifai]

@@StraightLine_MTB Thanks for your input! Final question: is it worthy upgrading to any of these from a Specialized Enduro Comp 2016 (27.5, Pike 170, RS Monarch Plus 170)?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@SamirRifai you will gain more modern geo and steeper seat tube angles. As well as the better rollover of the 29ers. The range of the 12spd drive trains. I think either would be a good upgrade.

[@SamirRifai]

@@StraightLine_MTB many thanks! An offer from a friend just came in, a 2021 Stumpjumper 29 wheel and Fox suspensions for around the same price ($3200), only 3 months used. I think I’ll go for that!!

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@SamirRifai awesome. Great deal as well. Honestly, it is nearly impossible to buy a bad bike these days. So many great options.

[@baddriversofcolga]

I have the Hawk Hill 3 which is basically the 27.5 version of this with some minor differences otherwise, but I have to agree - the climbing efficiency definitely isn't the greatest, which is shame considering it's a short-travel trail bike. Otherwise it's a fun bike, especially going downhill. So far I've gone full SLX (hub, cassette, and chain), changed the tires, and added a larger spacer in the rear shock.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

I agree. The less than snappy climbing was a bit of a let down but a lot of that disappointment disappears once pointed downhill. This thing rips for a 125mm bike. Pair that with the value this is a great bike. I imagine the Hawk Hill is more playful and flick-able with the 27.5 wheels. Thank you for watching!

[@MrGuitarplayerdude]

Change your tires out for something lighter duty. Thr vee tires are horrible. Im runnjng xr4s from bontrager. Saved about 1.5 lbs and improved peddling efficiency

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@MrGuitarplayerdude I did change them out with lighter/faster rolling tires, and it definitely helped, but the rear suspension design definitely isn't the most efficient. It doesn't really bother me that much, though.

[@fernandopena3531]

Hi, I have a rift zone 3 and love it. But I do agree with your comments about the rear cassette, which 12 speed cassette would you recommend as a upgrade?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

The Shimano SLX cs-m7100 or Deore cs-m6100 cassette would be the best as you will gain the ability to shift under load and all around better experience. That cassette requires a microspline freehub body on the rear wheel and i am not sure if Marin can supply that as an aftermarket replacement for the stock wheels. For 2021 it looks like the 3 series comes stock with SLX cassette so Marin may possibly have one available. If you have aftermarket wheels then it should be a bit easier to find the correct one. You would also need an SLX 7100 or Deore 6100 chain. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching.

[@fernandopena3531]

Thank you

[@doncrescas]

@@fernandopena3531 Marin will, for free, swap out the stock cassette 11-50 which which uses Sram spacing for a Sunrace 11-51 designed for shimano. It shifts better but the backpedal issue remains.

[@larrytate1657]

What back pedal issues does it have?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

@@larrytate1657 on our model when back pedaling in largest rear cog the chain would fall down the cassette despite adjustments.

[@cream8701]

If your climbing it should be off tho I'm I wrong

[@cream8701]

The rear shock I mean

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Regarding the lockout? If so lockout/threshold can be switched on to firm up the rear for more snappy climbing. Tradeoff is that you xan loose some traction and comfort.

[@frotto]

I would just change everything