First Look at the New 2023 Marin Rift Zone XR

[@BikingRoots]

Forgot to mention the weight of this large with pedals and setup tubeless, 35.3 lbs

[@thisall4real]

Looks very nice.... looking for a new bike. This on the shortlist along with trek remedy 8, merida one forty, Orbea Oiz H30 29er. Remedy 8 seems to be calling me the most. Great review tho.thx

[@BikingRoots]

thanks for the comment. Yeah those other options would be solid bikes as well so you can’t go wrong with any. Marin actually discontinued this particular build recently so may be limited on stock if you can find one. Regardless, good luck on your purchase and have fun on whatever you decide!

[@komoonkh]

I still dont understand why companies put xt rear mech and slx shifter. If you do it the other way, it works better. Slx mech and xt shifter, and you are golden

[@BikingRoots]

Totally agree! Yeah, I’ve told customers that before that often if you spend the money in a better shifter first, you usually have better performance. Thanks for the comment

[@rammart8762]

Xt shifters are more expensive so they’re probably just cutting cost wherever it’s feasible 🤷‍♂️

[@BikingRoots]

@@rammart8762 Yup, I wonder how much though. I’d think like you said, switching the two maybe would be a wash… who knows!

[@CasperRc81]

I love my slx shifter. Way my hands hurt and I can spread them out over the grip brakes etc I can reach the trigger with my pinky and other fingers. I know the xt is up shift x’s 2 maybe it’s trigger also. Either way both nice.

[@CasperRc81]

It doesn’t matter they both shift

[@CasperRc81]

With house wheels and those brake levers I just buy the 2 ouch but it’s pretty. I can’t see most running through all that rear travel. Might as well keep going with money and hop on the alpine. I have a 150mm on my rift 3. It’s 64* now. 27.5 wheels 3.0ft 2.8rear. It was only the frame replacement from the b-17/2 and my brakes are way nicer spec I feel. Oh well Marin is an awesome company. Thanks for sharing.

[@BikingRoots]

yeah, I would agree with you there. I think it is a sweet bike but a bit pricey (especially these days with the way the market is right now). Have fun on your rift 3! Sorry to hear about the B-17

[@virginiascurti5036]

I almost went for this Jenson had one for $2300 but I needed the extra money for a 1-1/4" trailer and Kuat Transfer 2 rack.

[@BikingRoots]

Yeah, that is a sweet deal on Jenson but understand when you need the extra cash for other necessary bike stuff! Take care

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Hey bro very good review how does these higher roof stones compare to the Norco fluids

[@BikingRoots]

Thanks man. You get a bit better specs on the higher Rift Zones for the price compared with the Norcos. Some models kind of split in between the price points. I will say though that while the suspension and drivetrain is a bit nicer on the Marins, the Norcos come with a higher quality frame and paint finish vs the Marins. Also, even the fluid A4 comes with 4 piston brake standard which you can’t even get on the Rift Zones until you go to the XR.

[@mydestinationtraining7905]

I just bought a rift zone 2. How do i adjust it for my size and weight? I sold my road bike. Got tired of getting hit and almost hit

[@BikingRoots]

Congrats! The brand new one?! Either way, you have a couple options and glad you are moving to dirt instead of the road as it is dangerous out there! If new model, you can go on Marin’s website and click on “suspension setup” where it will give you a guide on baseline suspension setup by weight for the rear shock. The fork should have a sticker that will also give you a guide by weight. If older model, click on bike archive and select the year (or close to it) and find your model, then click suspension setup. Marin’s generally shoot for a 30% sag in the rear shock. Sag, is where the suspension rests at without pressing down. Basically you cycle it through a few times to make sure it is smooth, then just sit on it and see where the rubber O-ring goes down… you should see numbers showing percentage. That’s the baseline. If you like it stiffer, don’t feel bad adding more pressure or vice versa. Some brands and riders like it differently and you can dial it in for your preference, your riding style, and your trails. Hope that helps!

[@pryan05p71]

Nice bike!

[@BikingRoots]

Thanks! Yeah I’m digging the color

[@23lnp]

Is the rift zone better than the alpine trail for trail riding ?

[@BikingRoots]

I would say so since the head angle isn’t as aggressive as the alpine so a better climber, and with the right spec, a bit lighter which always helps for trail riding.

[@23lnp]

@@BikingRootsthanks for the feedback brother 👍🏼

[@enriquee.k3329]

Pretty nice trail bike, but I guess a bit heavy

[@WStar4Life]

I ended up getting the RZ 2. Couldn’t justify the price jump to the XR other than the brakes the 2 is fine

[@BikingRoots]

Yeah, the RZ 2 seems to be a better value than the XR. Hope you like your RZ2!

[@theboycheef841]

Is it worth getting the RZ 2 over the one or should I get the 1 and upgrade it slowly

[@rammart8762]

Review on the alpine carbon?

[@BikingRoots]

We did a few on the carbon 2 last year on our channel. One of my old mechanics built one up and then I built one up and rode for a while. Haven’t had the base alpine carbon which is basically the same spec as the alpine trail (alloy) but with a front carbon triangle (alloy rear triangle). It’s a sweet bike, not sure if we will get one in or not.

[@rammart8762]

@@BikingRoots carbon 2 definitely a very good looking bike

[@virginiascurti5036]

Ok didn't know the specs were wrong on the website and you got sunrace, kmc and free hub over microspline. I would have been pissed off something fierce having paid all that money and gotten that instead.

[@BikingRoots]

I know, they’ve had a lot of specs off at times and yes I agree. Not sure why the chose that spec! If there are changes they are supposed to be comparable/similar in value/performance which as you know are not the same!

[@LeuraLad81]

Got mine for 3k aud. Got shimano cassette also

[@BikingRoots]

nice, congrats! How are you liking it?

[@LeuraLad81]

@BikingRoots I like it alot but wishing I went with 27.5, but I can swap the wheels hopefully

[@BikingRoots]

It may take some getting used to but I'll be you'll enjoy it

[@jurisx85]

Looks like a burlyier and fancier version of the regular Rift Zones, which as a whole always seemed more flowy oriented.

[@BikingRoots]

Yup, it sure is burlier and fancier if that’s what someone wants or needs. Thanks!

[@whatfreedom7]

Ouch you lost me at the price.

[@BikingRoots]

Yeah, in this market I probably agree with you. I haven’t put it side by side with other brands but I saw some crazy clearance deals the last few months. One brand we sell, Forbidden for example, was clearing out their SLX build Druids for $3500 (originally $5600). With that build you get a full carbon frame and a better wheelset and a few other components. We will see how this one sells. Sweet bike but we shall see if there are any price changes down the road