Marin DSX 1 - Off-road MTB Trail Review

[@marin_bikes]

Nice video, Kyle. You did a great job of showing how a gravel bike (drop bar or flat bar) can make otherwise tame trails a bit more fun when out on skinnier tires and without suspension. Regarding the price hike, it wasn't due to supply and demand, but rather because of the cost of raw materials, components and freight. Even cardboard costs us a lot more than it did last year at this time. Cheers!

[@brentvincent4430]

FYI Marin is no longer selling this for $899 I was totally stoked and going to buy it but now it’s over $1000. I was going to buy one when it was the original price but now it’s out of stock everywhere and more expensive!

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks so much Marin! Appreciate the explanation on price hikes. Supply and demand was my best educated guess lol.

[@mastaaceexclusive]

This bike looks fine for bumpy trails. I thought having a hardtail is smoother for these?

[@johnstrubinger6727]

I got my DSX 1 in November 2022 . Absolutely love this bike. It's exactly as stated Made for Fun !

[@TravelsWithTony]

great stuff. I am strongly considering this as I want an all-round bike. Currently riding a Giant Any Road 2, and that's great for when I want faster rides on better roads (I have it set up more like a road bike) since the geometry is perfect for me. But the Marin looks like a good deal for cobbles and dirt trails and even light touring along the mixed surface trails along the Danube (currently living in Vienna). So your video has me leaning heavily towards getting one and luckily my local dealer just got a few in and I'll be test-driving it tomorrow.

[@harrygrimley4352]

One thing I have noticed. No matter what I ride when I'm out on trails I'm always smiling.

[@dandemore8057]

yea man same, I sometimes am not excited to go ride but I never regret it afterword

[@harrygrimley4352]

@@dandemore8057 for sure. The first time I rode mnt bike on trails the next day the back of my head was sore from smiling. I didn't know that was possible.

[@CobraKyle]

Well said Harry!

[@marksandoval5361]

I'm a Mountain biker at heart but I love riding Gravel too. However, I prefer things like suspension, flatbars, and wide-range 1x drivetrains. A full-rigid, dropbar Gravelbike is a total no-go for me. For me. The ultimate Gravelbike is a light-weight full-sus XC bike mounted up with fast-rolling Gravel tires. I'm currently riding Gravel on an Epic with 70x43 Gravel King tires. It's very fast on pavement and hardpack but doesn't get overwhelmed on rougher singletrack. It's the ultimate "All-Surface" rig. I frequently do rides that combine pavement, gravel, and easier singletrack. If you have an XC bike, try riding it with Gravel tires? I think you will like it.

[@CobraKyle]

I had considered an XC hardtail, but it was just more expensive. I did put gravel tires/wheels on my steel hardtail, and it saved 4 pounds which was insane! I would love to have an XC bike someday for local rides. Maybe when I sell this bike eventually. I love rotating the fleet!

[@monjesmedia]

Im in the market for my first bike since about 2004. With that in mind, I’m looking into XC bikes as well. How do feel about the Trek Marlin 8 or X-Caliber. Also looking at the Marin Bobcat Trail. Any advice is most welcome!

[@mcmillanvideos]

@@monjesmedia I was very close to buying a Marlin 8 but just couldn't find one in the blue I liked.. and I wasn't nuts about the fade to metallic charcoal... But it fit me perfectly and the price was right. GO RIDE ONE. Any Marlin is the same ride quality overall. The shifting and braking on the 8 will be better than the rest. I ended up buying a Giant Fathom 2 29er, because I loved the color (silvery blue).. but it's now for sale... and a black Marin DSX FS is on its way to me... It's the DSX with a short travel fork... pretty pricey at 1700 but has everything I want.. including a way to mount a rear rack... which the Giant didn't... and I ride more greenway/neighborhoods than anything else so I didn't need a serious trail mtb. I'm pretty excited to receive the new Marin but not excited about the color. I'm going to figure out a way to do some custom decals.

[@verdi6092]

Gravel bike is only hype

[@mikep277]

Sweet ! Pushing The Boundaries of that Gravel Bike 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@CobraKyle]

Hopefully I don't push them too far!

[@jasoncarbajal6964]

Ive owned a DSX-1 for roughly 6 months, even though I havent had a chance to upgrade anything except pedals and grips but it still rips pretty hard. Of all our mtb bike trails, I take it on one trail in particular trail that has been created in the last 2 years it has minimal rock or root exposure, the bike is a blast. For a size L, it seems to have a fairly short wheel base with a nice rake, which makes it super snappy and really easy to control in the trees

[@JitinMisra]

is it a good bike, for riding mostly residential and commuting and exercise, and no gravel ?

[@iangustafsson]

Cool review! Gravel bikes definitely breathe life into old trails.

[@CobraKyle]

Yeah I'm pretty stoked on this bike!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Pretty cool seeing you push the limits of what the bike was intended. I had been wanting to take my little gravel build onto some single track, but haven’t yet got the chance.

[@CobraKyle]

Yeah this thing is a blast! Your new flow trails would probably be awesome on a gravel bike. I'm gonna bring two bikes with me to LA, but this won't be one of them unfortunately.

[@TheStorm5674]

Hey! Are the rims on the DSX 1 tubeless? and what frame size would you recommend for 184 cm? Thanks.

[@MikeM91320]

Nice video. I ordered a DSX1 two months ago and it may be another two months before I see it.

[@manabiker]

I have a 2017 Specialized Sequoia, Cromoly steel, I'm putting flat bars on it, I've got Red Shift suspension stem/seatpost on it, I've had it 4 yrs now, I ride mostly gravel in winter in Michigan I put around a thousand miles in every winter/fall/spring, Mountain bike spring/summer/fall. Gravel bikes are evolving, starting with Cyclecross bikes, and now closer to MTBs, flat bars will feel much better, I'll be more at home, and I like the shifter/brakes to be seperate, (why didn't I do this sooner, my rear shifter just stopped working), always wanted to go Flat, can't wait.. Happy Trails

[@arfarzam]

Just so you know, redshift suspension stem has it's max travel when paired with drops. You are going to cut the travel into half by putting flats. Solution: instead of a stem that angles up and down, get one with parallelogram movement.

[@seemovielove3597]

I do not expect this bike to perform like this Marin Rift Zone but I can see that you can ride it on trails. That would be good enough for me. Initially, I plan to buy Rift Zone 3 but I like to ride it fast on gravel or dirt road (Marin Rift Zone would not be able to with 32T chainring). To me, there is no perfect world. This bike is much faster on gravel or dirt road. It would be a perfect dual sport if this bike has dual crankset 32T and 42T.

[@caseyholthaus6626]

Homie, your videos make me want this bike so bad and LBS is searching for a Large and small for my wife and I. I sold my Karate Monkey and this will be my replacement. I’ve owned a lot of higher end cool bikes but more excited about the this and it’s nothing fancy but going to be so much fun. Thanks for the videos!

[@CobraKyle]

Glad you're excited! I still have this bike, don't ride it as much as I'd like, but I still love this thing. Hope you can find one!

[@jp93309]

Thanks for posting Kyle. I also underbike trails to help with strength and skills conditioning. Makes me appreciate when I jump on my lighter titanium bike after a few rides on my heavy vintage steel ones.

[@CobraKyle]

Underbiking is really fun! I got back on my full suspension after riding this bike for a month and was like "mountain biking is super easy" lol

[@davedelarosa319]

Looking at these trails reminds of how I learned to ride dirt out at Rowlett Creek Preserve in Garland. Which just happened to be on a rigid back in the 90's- so beyond the discs, and carbon, and decent drive train...and 25ish years it could been the same, man!

[@CobraKyle]

Yeah it's super fun to go back to this rigid design. Back to the roots of MTB basically!

[@davedelarosa319]

@@CobraKyle I think there's a skill that's lost on a lot of people who didn't have to come up through the "old ways" and have always had some sort of suspension to let them go monster trucking through everything. Having to read the terrain and plan your line while tackling new trails was such a great teacher for the hyper focus that was even required for the simplest of trails lest the trail snatch you back to the reality of your environment. I know I'm now just as guilty of putting in earbuds and jamming out while bashing and bounding as bikes are so much more capable than what the front heavy, long stemmed, narrow barred beauty's of old could provide. That said those same frames make for some great platforms for convert-a-purpose bikes, which I think you already did a series on if I remember correctly.

[@huskerfan3352]

I actually notice riding ridged that it gets interesting and makes me want to ride more compared to just riding my race bike

[@CobraKyle]

I agree! Bikes are so good now, sometimes you need something less refined to keep it interesting.

[@GiArK]

Awesome review and perspective!!! Bring back the rigid!

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks so much!

[@DANMUFC]

Hi I noticed that you have replaced the square taper BB with an external BB. Did you have to face the BB shell on the frame?

[@mandomaldonado4498]

What part of leon Creek? Starting at which trailhead? I been riding the medina greenway lately. Hit up the dirt then ride the path and hit up the s curves up hill. Oh yeah. 22" bmx baby!!!

[@andristucs6044]

Thanks for the review. I am trying to decide between trek ds 3 gen 5 and Marin dsx1. But I am unable to find a direct comparison. Would you be so kind to give your opinion regarding main differences between those 2 bikes? Which would be more suited for what purpose.

[@jimjim7008]

Wicked review thanks. You've helped me chose exactly which bike fits me best.

[@CobraKyle]

Awesome thanks! Glad I could help!

[@bonvaicu]

I’m undecided between specialized diverge evo and specialized chisel….. this video helps me decide

[@scottandtaylormtb]

Now I really want to ride this. Stoked on that rock roll!

[@CobraKyle]

That's a fun spot! I think last time we went the landing area was covered in debris, but it's clear now to session!

[@alejandrocastro1233]

I know this is an old video but the offered me this bike really cheap and wanted to know what would you say about excanging the flat bar for a dropbar? i really like the dropbars on the gravelbikes and am currently using a kona flat gravelbar that i really love. My gravel bike its actually a CX bike and does not accept more that 35c tires so i am looking for a cheap replacement

[@mountfairweather]

Noice! Pushing my Marin FC gravel bike on mnt bike trails on the north shore. Defs sharpens your mnt bike skills

[@CobraKyle]

For sure! It's super fun to underbike now and then!

[@Tkolbo_]

Definitely a fun way to change things up. I have a similar set up actually except mine is all steel, but super fun to take to the trails!

[@CobraKyle]

For sure! Steel is probably even better for trail riding!

[@robertpeters6108]

Nice versatile bike! Funny though how "gravel" is now the buzz word in cycling. This type of bike exists since at least the 90s and used to be called hybrid, now flat bar gravel bike lol. There was hybrids maybe more road oriented and some more off road or "gravel", some even with short travel suspension fork.

[@harrygrimley4352]

Did you shoot this before or after you did the century ride? Thanks for the review.

[@CobraKyle]

Before lol. I haven't ridden at all since the century. Video coming next week about it. Hope it's interesting as it was kind of hard to film us just riding down the road for 10 hours.

[@123jebo]

Hey, I also have a Marin DSX 1 and was wondering what type of front fender are you using?

[@velanrama]

I am thinking of using DSX Marin bike in gravel races. What do you think?

[@evanloudenback3700]

Love it! That trail looks perfect for gravel adventures :) It's the roots that getcha...do you ever worry about the carbon fork absorbing all that impact? Maybe it's old-school for me to worry about that sort of thing ::guilty::

[@CobraKyle]

I do worry a bit about the fork. Carbon is pretty strong, so I just try not to think about it getting me killed lol.

[@Chris-xj3yx]

@@CobraKyle 😁

[@tomdilbeck900]

How is this not a Gestalt 3 with better brakes and gear ratio for $500 less? Why would Marin do that? ... and why is the Gestalt the bike you recommend and the DSX1 the bike you bought :-) .... trying to choose between a DS1 and the Priority Apollo for road and easy trail riding with my kids

[@CobraKyle]

The geometries are slightly different, but I guess they wanted a drop bar and a flat bar offering. When I made that gravel bike list video and recommended the Gestalt X, the DSX wasn't released at that point. Both are cool bikes, but I feel way more comfortable with the flat bars and happy with that choice.

[@tomdilbeck900]

@@CobraKyle - thanks!

[@mikemichaels4500]

Have you been on any grindr dates yet? Did you find your Knight in shining spandex?

[@juanposada9319]

Hey Mr. The Cobra, where did you manage to snatch this beauty? Looking for a DSX 2 in the Los Angeles area, but as you can imagine it's sold out everywhere.

[@CobraKyle]

I ordered it through a bike shop in Massachusetts. I was just stalking google everyday until one became available. Took me months to find it, but persistence will pay off.

[@gabrielzachary5804]

Gday Cobra K, im thinking about the DSX1 as a commuting bike with 35c tyres. Now that your familiar with her what do you think ??

[@CobraKyle]

Hi Gabriel! I've actually been street riding this thing the last week for exercise and it's still a really awesome bike. That's with the 45c tires, and compared to the mountain bikes I'm used to riding this thing is a quick commuter. I imagine with 35c more road oriented tires, this thing would be an even more competent commuter. Absolutely love this bike!

[@gabrielzachary5804]

@@CobraKyle cheers

[@Vanvvizard]

Hey! Thanks for your DSX videos. I have two questions. Your answer will help me a lot. 1. front axle 12 or 15 mm.? 2. Hubs have cup-and-cone-bearings or high-quality, sealed replacement bearings?

[@CobraKyle]

Hello! I know for a fact that it's a 12mm axle up front. I'm not positive about the hub bearings. I'm not near the bike to confirm. My guess would be cup and cone, but you can email Marin to confirm. They are very responsive!

[@Vanvvizard]

@@CobraKyle Thank you for your answer and attention.

[@Vanvvizard]

@@CobraKyle Hey! another little question, how many chain links are there on the DSX

[@hhgg302]

Great video ! What is the weight of the bike ?

[@lennardsantos8142]

hi! what kind of bottom bracket does the dsx1 use? thank you!

[@slimboykip]

Very cool - I'm stoked on this as a roadie --> now mostly trail and mellow rides biker. With the shortage of bikes/part costs, etc., I've decided to swap my gravel bike to flat bars rather than source a new mtb. I was wondering what the little fender is that you're running on the fork? Thanks for the vid!

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks! That's just a MTB mudguard I fitted to the fork. Keeps rocks and trail debris from being flung up.

[@enriquee.k3329]

Great video bro 😎

[@Nagasaki068]

Hi,Does it have a offset seatpost?

[@stevedahlgren]

thanks For the video. bike looks like my1990 Bridgestone. Do you think this would be a good all round bike for nyc?

[@CobraKyle]

I think this bike would be a blast in NYC! Not as fast as a road bike, but far more capable and comfy.

[@stefanovitale3664]

Are the rims good for tubeless?

[@johnmcguck229]

Have you ridden the dsx2 and any thought on it

[@Ecowheelers]

Is this bike good for long touring?

[@CobraKyle]

Can't say I've done a ton of long rides on it, but I find it to be rather comfortable.

[@mtb_noobie1230]

One out of 10 how would you rate the bike. I am looking for something to get miles in either on pavement gravel fire roads. For when the trails are wet and cannot ride

[@CobraKyle]

This thing is a solid 8! I really enjoy riding it on just about everything. I still grab my mountain bikes more, but when I wanna change it up, I reach for this bike.

[@fishrideandski4910]

nice vid 👍👍👍

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks my dude!

[@pault477]

So got a diverge EVO and it came with a dropper post. What exactly do you do with it?

[@CobraKyle]

It's to get the saddle out of your way if you're going down some steep terrain. Once you start using it more....you'll love it!

[@dandemore8057]

brought back the goat, or baby sheep, idk what is that thing.

[@CobraKyle]

Pretty sure it's a goat, and he perfectly sums up how I feel about most things. Especially rising bike prices!

[@peanutcuber]

Nice bike !

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks, I think so too!

[@gregj3515]

that was good, thanks

[@CobraKyle]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@21gunblade]

does this bike tubeless ready?

[@CobraKyle]

It does not. I had to retape the wheels, and bought tubeless ready tires.

[@skadooshdodong1159]

What is the tire size?

[@CobraKyle]

700 x 45

[@PeepMeRide]

Dude, let's meet up at Emma Long in Austin and ride rigids! Mine is not a gravel bike so not as hard core as you.

[@CobraKyle]

haha that would be interesting. I still haven't ridden there, but heard it's intense!

[@PeepMeRide]

@@CobraKyle I think you'd love it really. I've riding the rigid bike there for nearly a year now.

[@shirlyiang969]

Its not for rough mtb ride

[@ryanrayburn1894]

That bike isn’t the only thing that’s ridgid...

[@CobraKyle]

Oh man this comment could have so many meanings. I'm assuming you're referring to the huge boner you got watching me rip this bike lol

[@ryanrayburn1894]

@@CobraKyle absolutely 😉

[@robertbodnar8745]

8:30 -- Oh, fu*k!

[@mandomaldonado4498]

What part of leon Creek? Starting at which trailhead? I been riding the medina greenway lately. Hit up the dirt then ride the path and hit up the s curves up hill. Oh yeah. 22" bmx baby!!!

[@CobraKyle]

I parked at Fox Park trailhead and rode south to OP Schnabel park to film this video.