WHAT A FUN BIKE! Marin Team Marin 2 Review - A Modern XC Bike That Punches Far Above its Weight

2021 and 2022 Marin Team Marin 2 is a modern XC/Trail hardtail capable of things we would only dream of on bikes 5 years ago. The Marin Team Marin 2 looks like a promising modern hardtail, and comes in at a price that doesn't break the bank. Fantastic fork, great geo, and a decent weight all indicate a great xc/trail hardtail. Today we take a first look at the details of this bike. Want to buy one? Check these links:
Marin Team Marin 2 - bit.ly/3GIzFPw
Marin Team Marin 1 - bit.ly/3GIIFUH
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[@marin_bikes]

Oh yeah, you get it! We designed the Team Marin 2 to be a bike that's racy and well-suited to modern XC race courses, at a great value, and, most of all, FUN. Glad you dig it.

[@hardtailparty]

Keep up the excellent work, you knocked it out of the park on this one.

[@marin_bikes]

@@hardtailparty Thanks buddy, we'll do our best!

[@chrisr996]

@@marin_bikesBravo guys! Only disappointment looks like the flat mount rear brake. Any possibility of adding an adapter to run a 180mm rear rotor? Maybe using a 140mm to 160mm FM adapter would work?!

[@marin_bikes]

@@chrisr996 Hey Chris - we spec the flat mount as it requires a much smaller (and lighter) forging, and one of the goals of the frame was to make it as light as possible, while keeping it affordable (and fun). There are many flat mount options in the market now, from Shimano, Magura, Hope, TRP/Tektro, etc., so there are plenty of options if you want to give flat mount a shot. We and other brands have been using flat mount on road, gravel, and flat-bar gravel for years, and Marin is not the only brand speccing flat mount on mountain bikes. However, if you are insistent on using post-mount brakes, note that the design is for a 160mm direct.So if you use a 140 to 160mm adapter, you can run a 180mm.

[@JasonScottCarter]

@@marin_bikes having a conversation with some others on IF we wanted to upgrade brakes on this bike, and not have to buy a mismatch set (rear flat mount, front post mount), can you recommend the right adapter to adopt the rear brake to a post mount? Surely some-one at the factory has done this and has a recommendation.

[@jasoncass8771]

"Come on up, you have the right of way". I wish all mountain bikers would do this. I always try to leave the impression with hikers that we mountain bikers belong on the trails too and that we can get along fine.

[@pontiacwssix]

You praised this bike but could not list as a top 2022 pick. You had mentioned about crack seat stays and that it was addressed in 2023. I was wondering if this year you had a chance to review the 2023 model with seat stay issue addressed and how it compared to the 2022 model as far as the flexabily of it? Also you did a unboxing of the Canyon Stoic 4, how does it compare to the Team Marin 2 bike?

[@hardtailparty]

Looking to buy a Team Marin 2? Using these links will help support the channel: Marin Team Marin 2 - bit.ly/3GIzFPw Marin Team Marin 1 - bit.ly/3GIIFUH FYI, the Team Marin 1 has the same exact frame as the TM2 (aside from color obviously). The TM2 frame came in at 3.56 lbs with axle and seat clanp, lighter than my carbon spot rocker. That one surprised me, though the spot does have sliding dropouts. I ended up loving this bike so much that I bought it from Marin instead of sending it back. That should tell you something. Good news. I just test fit a 29x2.6 on a hint ebdurowide rim (32i) and it fits in the stand without rubbing. Great option for bokepacking. I haven't ridden it with 2.6s yet as I feel that'll take away from it's excitement, but it's good to know they fit. 27.5x3.0 does NOT fit. I don't think 27.5x2.8 would fit either. I think this bike is best as a 29er anyway. There are a few things I don't love about this bike: 1) the cable routing uses those awful runner grommets 2) I had to remove the top eater bottle bolt to fit my dropper 3) there is a big hole in the bottom of the bb shell where the cables come out. This attracts dirt and moisture to your bb. I'd tape this up 4) my TRP brakes started leaking on me and causing issues. I'll be replacing these under warranty 5) that flat mount brake means you need an adapter to run regular mountain bike brakes. All that said, i still love this thing and you'll be seeing a lot more of it on the channel soon.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Team 1 is super solid also 👍🏼

[@hardtailparty]

@@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia Indeed, but the stepcast 34 cannot be overstated on the TM2. That fork is incredible and really makes this bike.

[@itsforbunch]

My rear brake on my Team Marin 2 also leaks! And it is not very powerful. Not sure if it's worth it to replace it under warranty. I was thinking about upgrading the brakes instead. Would be quite interested to hear if you end up going the same route.

[@wjmoxey]

Trying to use your link to purchase a 2. That link takes it to the normal looking Jensen site. Do I have to enter a promo code?

[@zochhuanmawia5877]

Hello great review. Can I just simply swap out all the components from Team Marin 1 to Team Marin 2 frame?

[@johnnydoe66]

Listening to you describe who this bike is designed for, you literally described myself. I very rarely do jumps and only do smaller drops (prefer to roll most anymore). I don't race, but i enjoy tech, hills, and the downs. Plus the price, I would have no issue spending up to $3k for a good hardtail.

[@ollilaine3265]

Second that!

[@julioalbertoumana27]

I bought this bike base on your review and I'm still amazed at how fun this bike is. I'm 5’5, 155lbs, I bought the size small, and I have done a few modifications to the brakes, wheels DT swiss XR1700, flat carbon bar, and changed the tires to the Forekaster. It weighs 25 lbs, and the handling and speed are amazing. I feel like I'm cheating when I climb the hills. I bought it back in July and it's my go-to bike, I also owned a full suspension. Thank you for your review.

[@hardtailparty]

It's a wonderful bike. Congrats.

[@sselh]

There are now a few documented cases of the rear seatstays breaking off the seat tube, and marin had since put reinforcements on the seatstay area.

[@garyduran1]

Did they drop the price due to to the seat stay problem?

[@sselh]

@@garyduran1 not sure about that, but the seatstays are thicker and have a bridge now.

[@wd99999]

@@sselh Seems like they are still breaking even with the reinforcement. Too bad I was really digging this one!

[@globalfreedomnetwork888]

Love this bike. Just got it the other day it rides and pedals amazingly. I agree with this review 100%

[@yengsabio5315]

I really hope the Marin TM is available here at my end! 😢 Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #KeepBiking

[@skwalderik]

@@yengsabio5315 It is available but you can only probably get the team marin 2 version but they are just the same frame with different color.

[@feebsnz]

Mate, I'd love to see you test out and review the Merida Big Trail 600. Geo looks good and the price is right. It could just be the best value, entry level hardtail on the market. Following from New Zealand.

[@wjmoxey]

Got my Team Marin 2 this week! I watched most of your bike reviews and you helped steer me away from the Timberjack/Roscoe and towards the Team Marin/nimble nine/Sherpa so thanks for that! Team 2 really is as great as you describe! So zippy and quick while stable and comfortable too. Perfect trail and xc bike for VA and MD and can't wait to get it out bikepacking soon.

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats! Such a cool bike.

[@alwinlee5864]

I just bought a salsa timberjack. Do you think I should get a team Marin 1 ? I live in southern Ontario and it's relatively flat

[@javzamcar]

You got me mate, I'm adding one to my cart now, I hope 2024 model is still as good as the 2022.

[@ptothewicki]

This review got me to pull the trigger and I am so happy I did. I found a Team 1 in stock back in the spring and have been riding it all summer. I got a dropper installed with purchase and it has been amazing in so many ways. It is so satisfying to pass road bikes on city pathways and see their look of confusion as you blast past them on tarmac and then hop into a single track trail leading off to the side. The Judy fork was a flop for me - upgraded to a marzocchi bomber z2 in red and wish I did this from the start. Also started commuting to work on it and it is so fun to do wheelies the whole way to work. Excellent way to wake up in the morning. It made all my local blue trails so much more engaging to ride and it pushes me to do longer rides. Love love love this bike and how versatile it has been for me. I get tons of compliments and everyone else who has borrowed the bike and rides it is immediately surprised by how much they love it too.

[@hardtailparty]

Glad you're enjoying yours. If this channel has helped you reconnect with the joy of riding, consider supporting by becoming a patron. Every little bit helps.

[@stephenhill6003]

Thanks for the review. I've been leaning towards this bike and now I'm sold. I put down my deposit this afternoon and hope to be riding it in few weeks up in the foothills which is fine since the upper trails are still under 10' of snow.

[@shaunroach7829]

What a great review!! The reviews were you find that bike with the special sauce are the best!! Now that you own it, can’t wait to see more of it on the channel and when you get experimental too!! Great job Steve, fabulous content!!!

[@endianAphones]

You seem to really like this bike. I hope you get the chance to review the new Cannondale Scalpel HT. Does the Team Marin 1 have the same frame?

[@ShaneXCS]

Great bike review! I just picked up the Team Marin 1 and did a 19 mile ride today... WOW. You can see the potential even with the Team 1. I put different wheels/tires on it, Hunt wheels with 2.4 DHRII/Recons, and it's just the right fit. Since its tough to find a Team 2, getting a T1 and building it is a great way to get going. The Dropper is a must along with tires. From there I am doing the brakes and stem, then will just ride it out. The Judy fork isn't great but does the job. The brakes slow you down but early braking is required. The Deore derailleur is amazing, for the buck, and you can complete the kit with the M6100 brakes or just get the levers for the budget build. Marin did a good job on this and unlike my last hard tail, my joints were not sore after the ride. Thanks again for the great review.

[@ocmtb9533]

Loved your review of the T1. Thinking of picking up one, and slowly changing out the brakes, and possibly the fork down the road. Looks like the T1 and T2 are the same, just a little better components. I currently have the SQ2 and looking for a little bit of a different riding style now that I'm getting older. Longer rides on gravel and single track

[@cycling_plurality]

Absolutely mind blowing. Hopefully that frame will hold up for the long haul!

[@Yelbomsirhc1]

I'm 5'9", right on the cusp between a medium and a large according to their sizing chart for the Marin Team 2. I'm more of an old school mtb-er, who rode back in the day when we used to hang our butts over the back wheel and didn't even have suspension forks at all. But I want to learn the more modern, weight-forward approach to hard-tail riding that you've been teaching on your HardTail Party videos. I was thinking Marin San Quentin 2 or 3, but now am thinking maybe the Team Marin 2 would be better for me since I like going up as much as going down, and I am way too old for trying to get big air. We do have technical terrain where I am-- looks similar to your trails in Sedona, often with maybe two foot drops in bouldery sections and some pretty darn steep downhills where going over the bars is a distinct possibility. (Front range of Santa Barbara Los Padres mountains). I don't bomb these sections but instead try to get through them at a moderate pace and am not too proud to just dismount and hike-a-bike the bigger drops if I'm not feeling bold. I used to race Expert NORBA back in the days of Sea Otter, in the 90s, etc., when trails were flowy and not at all that technical. There were lots of baby head rock gardens, and steep terrain, but not the way gnarlier stuff that is common all over the place nowadays. In recent years I've been riding a full suspension Yeti SB5+ on much more technical terrain, but I am missing the joy and simplicity of a good hard tail. Effective top tube length on my Yeti SB5+ is 23", with a 2.5" stem. To be honest, I'm probably positioning myself too old school on this bike and not really riding more aggressively forward as I should to really get the most out of it. So if I'm an old dog trying to learn the new style of riding, and wanting to get back into the hard tail party, do you think San Quentin or Team Marin? If Team Marin, medium or large? I have a 30" inseam and a relatively longer torso so I'm guessing that maybe a L is the right size for me.... On road bikes I've always needed a 55cm top tube. I also used to race USCF road and cyclocross, even doing CX nationals and some of the bigger U.S. road races. Thanks for your help and I love your reviews! Other bikes on my radar include Specialized Fuse Comp and Trek Roscoe, but it seems like Marin is doing really good things these days. In the early 90s when I raced out of Sonoma County, I actually had a day-glo orange Marin Team Issue with the original RockShox! You used to have to put air into it using a special hypodermic needle! I got a pro-deal price on it as a racer so I do have nostalgia for Marin. Let me know how to donate to your Patreon....happy to contribute a little to the cause!

[@mariopejovic]

as someone who loves long rides with lots of climbing, I really love my Giant XTC SLR1 xc hardtail. that type of bike just suits me and my riding style. and I think that is important, to figure it out what you want from your bike and where you'll ride it. I'm nowhere near experienced with bikes as you are, but I find this one is just great for me, it climbs like a goat, I can move it easily and let it dance under me when terrain gets rougher than the bike would like it, and it can hold well on stuff that are just bit steeper and rougher than it should be for xc ht. even with my 191cm, 105kg (so 6'3", about 230lbs) it is great bike. like you keep saying: find the bike for 95% of trails you ride. and have fun out there! great review as always Steve!

[@joshuarichters9847]

Thanks for the vid, you’ve made up my mind on what bike I’m getting, which will be the 2024 edition of the Marin team Marin 2 🎉

[@jeremydreitlein27]

Same, just ordered mine!

[@itsforbunch]

Great review! I bought one of these in Sept 2021 and I’ve been loving it. Your review is totally aligned with my experience. Only thing is that I’ve not had a great time with on mine is the rear brake. Otherwise the bike has been a blast! Planning on doing some bikepacking on mine this year. Do you by chance have a link to this route? I know you’re near cockscomb but I’m interested in some of the specific trails you rode here.

[@cannnmann]

Good review as always. Thank you! Extra kudos for trail etiquette. Every time we are reminded how to encounter pedestrians and fellow cyclists. I hope all new cyclists end up seeing one these to learn the basics.

[@MW-ud8zp]

Perfect timing with this review. I will be buying the lower spec next week. So stoked!

[@hardtailparty]

Better hurry! There are only a few left. Links in description.

[@heathosborn2033]

I have this bike ordered. So excited to get my hands on it!

[@austindean4035]

I was fully expecting you to not like this one but I'm pleasantly surprised! Thanks for another good review.

[@mikelo303]

Tanks for solidifying my decision. I am getting one. :)

[@mikelo303]

Ordered today! :DDDD

[@slickkos]

Will you be able to test ride or review the new updated frame ( with the bridge ) on this bike? I just got this bike with new updated frame and i cannot tell how supple and smooth it is or more ridgid due to the added bridge since i've never ridden the old frame?

[@joelrichards4965]

Great review, I am in the Northeast, NH, but have not found a mountain bike I like. I have decades on the road, raced XC in 90s and more recently cyclocross. I only ride in the woods or gravel now. I have been riding my cyclocross bike for the last few years on rolling single track. I am not a a fan of tech downhills or bike park riding. I like the quick handling, maneuverable and fun mountain bikes and prefer the simplicity of hardtails. This sounds like exactly what I want. I am also your size. Thanks for the great content!

[@joelrichards4965]

I have had my TM2 for a few weeks now and love it. Fun bike! Snappy handling, climbs great and the fork works well with the frame. I think I will change out the seatpost as it is very long. I also may add a more aggressive front tire, but will ride it as is for a while. Thanks again for the great content!

[@jarrahfitzgerald2752]

How would this compare to a Specialized Chisel? Bikepacking--so handling while loaded--and general trails?

[@hardtailparty]

I do my bike comparisons/consultation over on patreon. Sign up for the bike consultation service. Id love to help you over there. Patreon.com/hardtailparty

[@ssmtb]

Great review, I've been hoping to hear your thoughts on this bike since Marin updated it in 2021, I had a strong feeling that frame was comfortable 🙂

[@earthzero7]

Wow. I never would have expected this bike to get such a great review. Fantastic that you can still get a really good trail or XC bike at this price with no immediate need to upgrade. I'm really surprised by the geometry and also the comments regarding ride feel given the aluminum frame. This means Marin did some real research and shaped the tubes accordingly to make a comfortable frame without breaking the bank.

[@jeremydreitlein27]

Just ordered mine!!

[@daveg8212]

Another GREAT review, and I LOVE that you're SO POLITE to other trail users. Bravo!

[@99MCougar]

Great review! I would love to see more reviews on more XC trail bikes!

[@hardtailparty]

I love good xc hardtails but for some reason it's really hard to get companies to send those. I have a couple more coming soon though.

[@99MCougar]

@@hardtailparty that’s great to hear! I have been kicking tires and looking at a new hardtail. Bikes like the Team Marin are perfect for my local trails too.

[@bikesonline]

Such a great bike! The team is definitely a sleeper in Marin's Lineup!

[@hardtailparty]

Agree. I think it's the best bike in Marin's lineup right now.

[@bobbyjoesugar]

If you can get your hands on a Procaliber I would love to see that next. XC bikes are my favorite

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

This is an incredible build for the price. The only thing I'd change is a gripper tire up front and my preferred grips on the bars. What a value! Nice work Marin!

[@oreyl]

Really timely video Steve!! Was planning to get a hardtail for riding in Singapore and this looks like it'll fit our terrain perfectly!! I'm also looking forward to your bringing this for more technical trial to see how the frame feels. 😀

[@felipealvarez2466]

So I've had this 1st gen TM2 for over a year with about 10 or so rides on it having a few bikes in my stable. Awesome bike until two rides ago I noticed creaking and pedaling efficiency went out the window so initially blamed it on spoke tension. At that time looked over the frame and nothing! Over this past weekend I rode it one last time after checking and greasing everything including cassette driver. Lo and behold the creaking continued and finally noticed both seat stays cracked at the seatpost bridge welds. I'm 165# and a smooth rider and have been very conservative when hucking this bike since I have a Marin SQ2 for that purpose. I'm hoping to get this warrantied in the next few days in hopes that the new updated frame will last. If the new frame incorporates the seat stay diameter and bridge from the San Quentin it should be pretty much bombproof.

[@hardtailparty]

Thank you for sharing this experience. You're not alone. Please keep us updated on this new frame. From what I've heard, Marin has been fantastic to replace warranty frames with the new one. I haven't kept up on the thread in MTBR to see if the new revised frames are cracking or not. Keep us posted please.

[@stufish73]

Any update on this please? I'm looking at the new 2024 version with added bridge. Do you know if this has cured the issue?

[@tkin1973]

Thanks for reviewing this bike. It looks like it would be perfect down here on the gulfcoast.

[@SCnative64]

I'm about to buy this frame my local shop's rep can get. I'm going to take upgraded parts off my Kona Honzo Alu and build up a Team Marin with carbon wheels and a Fox Stepcast 34 fork. The goal is to have a lighter, better climbing bike that still rips downhill.

[@anthonyharris483]

Heck back in the 90s when I had a Marin Team Marin with the Columbus Cyber steel tubing it road incredibly well. Marin has always designed some great bicycles.

[@kylestewart4444]

I’m thinking about snagging one of these to be my first mountain bike. I’m looking for something a little zippy and nimble for riding around local roads as well as trails and bike paths and this seems like a very strong contender.

[@jeffwilliams3675]

Was so close to buying this bike and I know I would have been happy with it. Ended up choosing the Sour Crumble as my all rounder. Awesome reviews

[@IAMR0Y4LT]

I've only watched three of your videos, but this one made me sub. You're very knowledgeable, and wise in your application of that knowledge. Thank you

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for watching.

[@wedie2soon]

I love the more modern, aggressive hardtails, but find them to be too heavy. I want to hit some jumps ( nothing too big ), hit fast flowing trails and do climbing, as well. Would this bike be better for me than a heavier, aggressive hardtail-- based on my riding style?

[@DroppingIn]

I've watched this video several times since your review. Thank you. I've been looking for exactly this type of bike to compliment my la sal peak. This thing was unavailable everywhere and this week I started getting emails that it was available. I jumped on the second email I got this morning. I am more than excited to get this hopefully next week. Thanks again Steve for the awesome and detailed reviews you give us.

[@hardtailparty]

congrats!

[@shedlooney]

I have this bike, love it. The frame is made of cheese, I'm going through the warranty process for the second time after it cracked at the top of the seat stay, just like the first one. Apparently the frame has been beefed up, but have seen these fail, too. For the record, I'm 50yrs old and weigh 70kgs. Buyer beware.

[@hardtailparty]

Darn, sad to hear the new frames with the brace are still cracking. Too bad, because it's a very special frame. Unfortunately I'm not able to address the long-term reliability of most of the bikes I get in for review.

[@Bobthebuilder2235]

I really wanted to get this bike (I’m from aus) but seeing all the cracking frames issue going on I’m so hesitant. So sad as it’s been getting rave reviews. I wonder if it’ll be fixed with the 2023 model. No idea how it passed there testing and design processes.

[@charlessmith5274]

Great review. I had noticed this in their catalog and been interested. If they are sold out online, don't forget your LBS. Found 2 on the floor but unfortunately not in my size...

[@fredrikjohansson7551]

Howdy HT partner! that bike seems solid, looking forward to next season when i get next new bike!

[@DG-gq6gm]

Nice review! I almost bought this bike size small but I needed two water bottle holders so I splurged for the spot rocker and I'm super happy about it!

[@CaptainShiny5000]

So, about the long reach. Somebody brought an old Cube Limited Edition 26er XC MTB from the early 2000s with Magura HS33 (Frame + Fork already have IS2000 disk brake mounts, though), Rockshox Judy Coil fork, XT/LX 9x Drivetrain and quite light at 13.5kg (7005 AL) into our DIY self repair shop as a donation and I decided to grab it and build it up myself. Components are great for the time but the outstanding feature is a really long reach. So, I haven't measured it but it's almost as long as my Gravelbike on the hoods and it feels awesome! And it looks kinda modern as well apart from the slightly flatter seatangle. Even has kind of a slack headangle - at least slacker than many modern XCs. So, the og cockpit had a 600mm narrow handlebar and a nightmarishly long and high rise stem but I have upgraded it to a leftover 90mm 6° stem (low) and a 780mm handlebar and converted it from 3x to 2x9 (1x to follow) and it kinda blows me away - the long reach feels quite nice and controllable with the new cockpit, although I might try a shorter 50mm stem at some point. I don't really know what to make of it - did they accidently just struck gold back in the days? Happy accident maybe? X(X)L frame which just happens to transform it into a progressive bike for shorter people than originally planned? Don't know but it's very cool and interesting to me!

[@JasonScottCarter]

Great review. Feel confident in my choice in purchasing this bike. Rides exceptionally well in here in Florida

[@blakef.8566]

I like how you explain things like how stem length affects the ride. Not sure if you've done this, but it would be cool if you did a video or two devoted to explaining stuff like that. Love the videos! Thanks

[@Maverick09171]

Yes! Thank you for this! New to the channel and this is the exact bike I was hoping for info on!

[@bimmerfan729]

I was looking very hard at a BMC Twostroke at a local dealer until your first look video of this came out. Now after this review I think I need to give this Marin a hard look! Great reviews as always!

[@hardtailparty]

I wish BMC would get back to me, the two-stroke has been on my wish list for a while.

[@rockylimoncelli2781]

Great videos!! I’m thinking of making this my next bike after seeing this video. Have you ever tested the polygon Xtrada 7? If so, any thoughts on it? Before seeing this video, that was my choice.

[@nito_gocni5460]

Have you tested the Merida big trail? Would love your thoughts. I'm looking for a xc bike that can pedal fast, roll with the punches in the UK's rustic countryside and be tons of fun. This bike is hard to come by and the others you mentioned I've never seen here.

[@hardtailparty]

Unfortunately I haven't been able to get one.

[@nito_gocni5460]

@@hardtailparty thanks for the reply.

[@icantgivecredit871]

It's amazing just how short bike stems have become. I would have thought this was a trail bike, judging the stem alone.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Nice review. Can you expand on the top tube being twisted? Can't wrap my head around what you see.

[@hardtailparty]

The top of the top tube is flat, not round. The right side of it sits lower than the left side. If you were to place a level on the top tube, it wouldn't be level. It's like the tube was rotated down a little when they cut and welded it. Purely asthetic.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

@@hardtailparty Got it... thanks!

[@okitoki7483]

How tall are you and what size bike are you riding in this video?

[@jasonohearn851]

You hit the nail on the head at the beginning, saying it should be thought of as a trail bike. I think marin is selling themselves short by labeling it xc. The most fun hardtail I've had recently was a 2018 norco fluid ht 1 and this bike has very similar geometry. I regret selling the norco for a dually, now I'd love to find one of these marins!

[@josephbono7946]

I’ve been really enjoying all your videos, well done and thank you. I just purchased a Team Marin 2 and unfortunately mine came without the Stan’s wheels. I’m interested in upgrading the wheels to something which won’t break the bank. I was considering the ICAN f930’s, any thoughts and/or recommendations? Thanks again

[@danwebber9494]

I’ve always had a soft spot for Marin, nice to know they still have it.

[@hardtailparty]

Some Marin models are great, others aren't.

[@kofalin]

due to your influence I decide to build a hardtail, and what a blast it was today on the first ride,,,,it, as expected made boring trails come alive,,,,unfortunately I dont have money for the other side of the coin, but this is good enough, at least for me :)

[@WozWaz]

Thanks for the great review. So good on so many levels. Loved the passion, the trail vision as you rode. the respect for the hikers and the amazing scenery. The bike looks perfect for me, but out of my price range. I think I have my heart set on the Team Marin 1. Would the 1 still be a good bike, despite the much lower spec fork? In Australia the Team Marins are actually relatively cheaper than in the States, but can only be purchased on-line so I can't test ride. I'm looking to upgrade from an 18 yr old 26" XC hardtail with rim brakes so I'm bound to notice an improvement either way!

[@soulinthefrijol]

Is this a good bike for a beginner looking to do trails in the PNW?

[@stefanausmagdeburg9163]

I would be interested to know where you rode the bike. The area looks pretty amazing. Did you saved the ride on a map toi share this?

[@bobk3432]

Heheh…you nailed it with the “sketchy” going down XC frames. I ride a Storck carbon hardtail and your description was perfect. I just bought a Stanton Slackline frame to try something different. Keep up the great reviews!!

[@ShouldaWaved]

Is a canyon stoic better , I wonder what a good budget tool kit that can do it all, I got a park tool work stand and no tools and 3 bikes I can't ride, a redline monocot 29er, a Kona major Jake that's messed up, and a trek hilo and I just jog, getting shredded jogging though. Thanks you love bikes as much as me

[@nigelsmith7366]

My first serious mountain bike was a 1994 Marin Indian Fire Trail swapped the Gripshift set for the brand new Shimano XT.... I rode that bike for nearly 20 years

[@robertassadurian9721]

Another great and honest review, thank you. Please keep it up.

[@musicjnky1982]

Great review as always Steve. I have no regrets about the Sour Crumble I ordered in a custom color though. Maybe a good 3rd bike to have, it's tax season after all lol.

[@hardtailparty]

The sour crumble is a fantastic bike, congrats.

[@tabturn]

Been waiting for this review, and this might have just pushed me over the edge, though I think it might just be a smidge too small for me though in XL...I was comparing other random bikes to it on 99 Spokes and one that I thought compared nicely, at least geometry wise, was the Giant Fathom 29 2, which also has thin looking seat stays and might fit a tall guy like me a lil better.

[@camcarlin2552]

What do you think of the marin 1? Spec isn't great. Think it will hold up to some abuse?

[@josephbono7946]

Thanks for all your videos, I really enjoy them. I just purchased a team Marin and was considering a wheel upgrade. Was considering ican f930’s, any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated? Thanks again.

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats on an awesome bike. I'd be happy to help you over on Patreon. I do all my bike consultation over there

[@AZRob.]

WOW, What a great review! I'd really be interested in a test ride somehow...

[@stevenandrews007]

What tires would people recommend for trail riding this bike in wetter conditions?

[@roytherhodesian4029]

Hey great review , I’m looking at the San Quentin 2 , how do you think this would be for XC and a bit of single track fun ?

[@hardtailparty]

Not nearly as good as this bike

[@andrewtanner8366]

Steve, any thoughts on the change in wheelset now that Marin is spec'ing their in house wheels on this bike? Curious about your thoughts on quality and weight vs the older Stans set. Great review, definitely considering this one. Thanks.

[@hardtailparty]

I haven't ridden the Marin wheels yet, so i can't speak to those. The Stan's were great wheels, too bad they ran out of stock on these builds.

[@tangonorris391]

Great Video! You made me fall in love with this bike more. Just a question. If you had 3k tops to buy yourself a hardtail.... among Specialized Fuse Expert, Trek Roscoe 9 and this one... which one would it be?

[@hardtailparty]

It depends. I'd be happy to make personalized recommendations over on my bike consultation service: subscribestar.com/hardtailparty

[@kylepatton3346]

This looks super solid. Have you reached out to Cannondale on the Trail SE? Seems like a similar setup, builds don't quite compete but it also comes in some decent value builds.

[@techjeeper8800]

Have you seen the Breezer Thunder? I saw these Marin Team bikes at the LBS right after I bought current hardtail and was really intrigued by them. Marin makes so many hardtails it’s hard to keep up with. I’m really glad to see your review on this one. They only have the cheaper spec models on the floor at the LBS though.

[@hardtailparty]

breezer looks rad except for the chainstays that are a mile long.

[@wd99999]

Awesome review 👏🏼How did you like the TRP brakes?

[@hardtailparty]

Not my favorite. One developed a leak the week after.

[@squidlyminimalisim]

My hardtail was broken so i took my dj out on the trails i was pleasantly surprised how well it went on everything overshot a jump that bad i ran into a tree while landing while i wouldnt clear it on my mtb with the same technique and speed so i was looking for a mtb that is a big dirt jumper with gears does the marin tick that box ? Also how good is it to ride along the path commuting

[@jeffloucks2120]

Been waiting on this one ! ;)

[@vijayanchomatil8413]

Hey Steve. I would imagine that you've helped lots of people in your consulting including myself! Well, I was thinking about how you can test ride some of these modified bikes in one of your rides and give your opinion.

[@hardtailparty]

If i ever find myself without nee bikes for review, I'll definitely feature some of my experimental bikes.

[@stefanosaverkiou3560]

Hello from Greece! Great review! Which bike would you recommend as the one do-it-all? '22 Chameleon or '22 Team Marin 2? Thank you!

[@hardtailparty]

Hi Stefanos, thanks for watching. I do my bike consultation via Patreon. I'd be happy to help you over there.

[@simontole4651]

Aw Steve. Now I’m confused. Set my heart on a UK steely to take me back to my first love, a 1992 Bear Valley SE. I love XC, flow and long days on the trail. I was originally looking at a Pace RC 529. Back in the day I always wanted a Pace, but I had a test ride of an RC529 but it seems a bit to full on modern geo. I then saw your reviews and comparison of the Stanton Sherpa 853 vs 4130. That was it - a Stanton Sherpa 4130 will be the bike. But now you post this review for the Marin - my decision just got harder not easier. Decisions decisions!! Seriously though Steve, fantastic channel. Great reviews and your passion for mountain biking shines through in every ride you post. Any plans for a Pace review in the future?

[@hardtailparty]

I've reached out to pace many times, but sadly I haven't been able to get one in for review.

[@luckyintervale]

The review I’ve been waiting for! Thank you sir… my itchy finger has pulled the trigger!! Would you think a set of whiskey Carbon bars with a tad of rise would be a beneficial add? Great review/channel; cheers!!

[@hardtailparty]

I don't feel like it needs more rise. I'd wait till it gets in and see how you like the stock bars then go from there.

[@yekoms0908]

Hi we're the same height would you say the medium is perfect for you or would you go for the small?

[@imposterink]

I got this bike as my first HT 1 month before your review, and boy do I feel justified now! We're the same size and I'm on a SM which feels ok for me so far, but I'm wondering what I can do to stretch it out (or am I just screwed with the wrong size?). Going to put a 50mm stem for starters.

[@zoozu2067]

Nice review and very tempted to order one. I'm inbetween the L and XL at 6' tall, would you recommend going for the bigger size on this bike if the rider is inbetween sizes?

[@hardtailparty]

That's a tough call. Depends on your proportions.and what length stem you want to run

[@ryanmazzafrontrangemtb4133]

Great review , makes me want to add a Hardtail to my lineup to match my alpine Carbon

[@michaelbondad3912]

Just rewatching this review as I have a stache frame on the way from trek. Go figure the geo numbers look pretty similar and ive heard you rave about the stache a few times.

[@federicosciascia162]

This hardtail seems so valuable! Is it that much worse at descending compared to the chameleon 2022 and the timberjack?

[@gr8fulride]

Great review. Love my Marin nailtrail6 . Kind of similar. I call it a trail bike. Key word fun

[@kiran_kungai]

I am still watching this video even though I am already riding team marin 1 for several months 😅

[@dominicfrandrup2952]

looking at this or a 2022 Trek Roscoe.. if I can find it either one. I didn't hear you mention that bike during the review.

[@Joerides7]

That's my kind of trail, I've got nothing to prove at my age and just want to enjoy the ride. Looks like a nice bike.

[@Joerides7]

I spoke too soon! The first half of this video is my kind of trail!