Marin kentfield 2 updates and 8 month review

[@markymarknj]

I'm a recent Kentfield 2 owner! My LBS had a silver one with blue lettering in my size. I wasn't keen on 1x drivetrains; as far as I was concerned, a 3x8 was the best drivetrain ever. Then, I tried the Kentfield 2, and I liked it. The 1x10 drivetrain suited me and my riding style well. I liked the bike well enough to buy it. It's now part of my fleet! I had the tires and the grips changed. I had Continental Contact tires installed, as I was seeking better puncture protection, and I liked the look. The Contis are 700Cx42mm, though there's room for a wider tire. I didn't go with a wider tire, because that would mean a higher aspect ratio, which would mean greater diameter, which would mean a higher gear ratio. As it is, my gear range is 22-96 gear-inches. I had the stock tan grips swapped out for black Lizard Skins grips. The silver and black really go together well. Because it was almost winter when I got the bike (just before Xmas), I haven't been able to ride it as much as I would like. I LOVE the gearing! Marin did a good job with the drivetrain and the gear ratios on this bike. The overall gear range suits my local terrain and riding style. The steps aren't too big; they aren't too small; they're like Goldilocks-just right! I never thought I'd like a 1x drivetrains, but now I do. I can see this bike becoming my favorite, as it does everything I want a bike to do, and I think it'll do it well. I have MTBs that I converted to ATBs. I have two vintage road bikes too-vintage enough to have downtube shifters. The Kentfield 2 splits the difference between my ATBs and road bikes, and I can see it being the bike I reach for most. I CAN'T WAIT to ride it more!

[@The131019]

The most enjoyable for me in this bike is it color. Thank you for videos!

[@itsroli]

Nice. I ran 700x50 panaracer gravel king tires on mine. Now I have 650b wheels with 2.3 tires for dirt and snow. It’s a nice bike to do small upgrades on.

[@itsroli]

I also have jones H bars on mine

[@backroadbikes3778]

I love the jones bars! I'll probably end up with a set of 700x50 tires this spring.

[@camillecalas2445]

@itsroli i have a question for you, Would you have picture of this bike with the 700x50 tyres and 650b wheel. Does there is still 5mm on both side with thoses tyres/wheels ? Thanks a lot

[@claudiovecchiatto3260]

Hi! That's was my idea also! What clearance you have with 2.3s on 650b? Can you fit 2.4?

[@claudiovecchiatto3260]

​@camillecalas2445 have you got any personal experience fitting wide tires on this bike?

[@MrStingraybernard]

Great review , I KZbin searched for this and will probably be my next bike ,love the different color also

[@Redrockmtbiker]

Such a beautiful bike! Keep up the videos! You got a fan here in Mexico 😎

[@29rpilot]

I just ordered one. Thanks for your review.

[@jeffholmes2459]

I put the exact bars on my 4 Corners , very happy with them …I plan on stuffing fatter tires as well ….

[@atropineman3541]

Just got one, love my dad bike with lots of headtube.

[@rattlejake0422]

Gotta thank you for you candid review of this bike - I just hit GO on a Marin Kentfield CS1 largely based your, and a few others', reviews of how well it seems to suit you and where I'm looking to get with my own riding myself. Thanks and happy ride!

[@backroadbikes3778]

Awesome! I hope you enjoy your kentfield as much as I do.

[@SaimonThapa]

is this bike (handlebar, seats, basic geometry) comfortable (without any upgrades) for long bikepacking tours, say 500+ miles? I really love this because it gives a big gear range, the tires seem awesome, but the no-name crank and brakes are giving iffy vibes. i have a trek fx1 and would like to change mine to this one. Please suggest

[@backroadbikes3778]

I've never been on a bike tour so I can't really say how it would be on a ride that long BUT it's definitely the most comfortable bike I've owned. The geometry makes a very relaxed riding position. The brakes are honestly a weak point but they do the job. The gearing is great for climbing and running a decent pace. Out of all my bikes, this would be the one I'd take on a multiple day trip.

[@SaimonThapa]

@@backroadbikes3778 thanks for the info!

[@eddieforbes3054]

Just found your videos whilst researching this bike and thoroughly enjoyed them. Do you know if there's any other difference between the Kentfield 1 and 2 apart from the groupset? The reason I ask is because as you know it's almost impossible to find one of these in stock under the current climate however I've located one of each in my size but the 1 is approximately $250 less than the 2. I'm wondering would it be worth buying the 1 and upgrading the groupset, any thoughts? Thank you

[@rattlejake0422]

I've been researching the Kentfield(s) quite a bit recently and the only difference I can see in the specs is the drive train. The CS1 is a 1x7 and the CS2 is a 1x10. I don't know enough about bikes to be able to tell if three extra speeds justifies a $250 price difference but that's all it appears to be. I did also talk with a enthusiast friend (calls himself a "cyclist" if that's any indication) and he agreed that, likely, the only real difference would be the train and a $250 difference didn't seem to shock him. I'm also curious if the +3 speeds on the 1x10 are all at the top or the bottom or inbetween the min/max of the 1x7 ....

[@georgemitchell7649]

@@rattlejake0422 Disc brakes, also.

[@markymarknj]

I'm a recent Kentfield 2 owner. All I can say is get the bike; you WILL LOVE IT!

[@justinbumpass5163]

Thanks

[@boybusilakbikes]

Hi! Have you tried fully loading the bike with bikepacking bags? How's the stiffness of the frame? I'm worried it'll flex to much if loaded heavy front and back since it wasn't really constructed for that purpose.

[@backroadbikes3778]

I personally haven't had more then a loaded frame and seat bag on the bike. I think it would do fine with a light setup. I would stick to a steel bike for a really heavy load.

[@boybusilakbikes]

@@backroadbikes3778 i'd probably still buy one regardless. It'd be great for commuting and for one day long rides.

[@domdom0602]

do you recommend this bike for bikepacking 1000km + ? Biger tiers! Thank you

[@backroadbikes3778]

Sure. I've done some lite bikepacking with it and it works great. You'll have lots of room for extra tire clearance.

[@georgemitchell7649]

I've had no luck in finding link to the Jones handlebars... any chance that it is in your online order history and you could provide here? Thx

[@backroadbikes3778]

No problem. jonesbikes.com/jones-h-bar-sg-2-5-loop-aluminum/ These are the ones I ordered. My only regret is I went with the 660mm because the 710mm were out of stock. I would rather of had the wider version.

[@pithaller9791]

Hi, do you know what max tire width can be placed in this frame? Is it possible to fit 2.2" tire?

[@backroadbikes3778]

I can't say for sure as I've only ran the 700x40s but there is a good deal of space.

[@qhar]

What is the model of this handlebar?

[@brodek]

Nice bike.

[@eddieforbes3054]

What height are you and what size frame did you go for?

[@backroadbikes3778]

I'm around 5'10" I went with a large frame. I'm in that odd spot where both a medium and large work pretty well for me. This bike as a large is almost perfect mostly due to the short stem and super tall head tube.

[@eddieforbes3054]

@@backroadbikes3778 Thank you. On that basis would you recommend I go for a XL as I think I'm between sizes too? I am 6'2" and can't decide between L and XL and have nowhere to try them out as I can only order online.

[@backroadbikes3778]

I would go with the XL at your height. I think the large could work but based on the strange geometry, the xl would probably be better.

[@eddieforbes3054]

@@backroadbikes3778 Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it. Order placed and can't wait, really looking forward to getting it now. Loving the videos so keep them coming, it's great listening to that Kentucky accent all the way from Ireland. Cheers buddy!

[@backroadbikes3778]

No problem! I hope you enjoy the bike. Thanks for watching!