Marin Rift Zone 1 | Test Ride and Review | Feat. TrailFeatures | Great Budget Full Suspension?!

In this video I will be test riding and reviewing the 2020 Marin Rift Zone 1. I had a lot of fun and this is definitely a great budget full suspension bike!
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[@TrailFeatures]

Now imagine if you didn’t have a guy with a backpack full of cameras slowing you down. 😅 Great ride!

[@mattj6676]

Can you believe he's only been riding for a few months? Jeesh, humbling. I'm glad you guys were able to get together, I figured you'd get along pretty well.

[@jltrack]

I love he perspective you bring to the Mountain Bike Community. It showcases the lens of new riders, and I think a lot of us forget what its like to hunt for that next bike that will take our riding to the next level.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Bigger bikes are generally going to be more comfortable on the descent, there is a reason why Enduro and DH bikes are so long and big. Some full suspension bikes you might look at that aren't super expensive. Giant Trance X 29, Specialized Status (call Foundation Cycles in Denver about this one), Ibis Ripmo AF, and Commencal Meta TR 29 (mid-travel trail bike) or AM 29 (big enduro bruiser). The main thing you will want on a full sus, especially a longer one is a very steep seat tube angle, that will put you in a much better riding position for climbing.

[@mattj6676]

Hey, Matty, I'm really happy for you. In just a few months you've gone from total beginner to pretty good on a bike, plus you've grown your new channel to over 4k subs in that time, great work! I'm glad you got together with Joseph, you guys have a similar vibe and seem like you'd get along well. Keep trying lots of bikes and brands. Different equipment for different things, if you're playing on turf vs wet natural grass, you wear different cleats. Different gloves for different positions, they all have their pluses and minuses. it'll be hard to get one perfect bike that works for everything, but one thing that I know is true is that the thing that makes the biggest difference is the skill of the rider, not the bike. Sure a $4k bike will be nicer than an $1,800 one, it should be. But you're having fun on a less expensive bike because your ability allows you to do so. Joseph is riding on a GT you can get at Dick's for under $2k, he's not complaining. The point is find something you're comfortable on, and just keep learning, and it will fit like a well worn in glove. You don't need to spend a fortune to get something that will work great for you. Keep riding together, meet lots of different people and try out their equipment. You'll find the right one!

[@ds1755]

Matty you’re not hesitant on the Roscoe, it just makes you pay more attention to your line choices when riding. Full suspension allows you to be a little more relaxed with line choices. Good review. Remember my suggestion, keep the Roscoe, add the full suspension to your arsenal..

[@Lucas-hk6gn]

Now that’s so true. The only reason you really need a dually is if you are getting to the point where you are hitting such bug stuff that it hurts on a hardtail

[@ItsLevi-]

I’m thinking about getting that bike, we ride in bentonville at least every month and I’m pushing my hard tails limits. Great review!

[@agrsk8r]

Hey Matty! I was sent here by the Trail Features dude. He mentioned that you were new to mountain biking and have recorded your progression throughout the year. I'm relatively new as well as I only just started taking mountain biking seriously last year. I'm also still on a hard tail and have been dreaming of a full squish myself. I'm looking forward to checking out your journey!

[@tatianatyys9260]

In The full suspension bike, the best for the $ are the Polygon brand. Really great. If you are looking for one, this is the brand to follow.

[@hehehehehe1460]

I don't know what kind of crack your on but their frames are flimsy, they save money on the frame and thats why they have good parts, its a good bike in the beginning but not made to last

[@rickymarumade]

@@hehehehehe1460 here in my country, a lot of guys own polygon bikes. I never seen polygon frame crack or bent because their frame is flimsy. If you seen one, let me know

[@Ricky-tr2hd]

You're a chilled out happy dude, creating great content. 👍

[@traxxasftw]

Came here from Trail features. Really wanted the nitty-gritty on this bike, thank you for the test drive and input! I will be upgrading from a cheap Mongoose, and after a couple of near-death experiences, I decided I better get better wheels...I can not wait!

[@ChrisCremie]

In the beginning I drove a cross country of 850 euros and I was looking forward to a Trek Full Suspension.This Trek bike immediately costs around 3,200 euros. And that is a lot of money. You then start looking around for a loan. After some searching I ended up with a bike from the Decathlon. Rockrider AM100S. This costs 1,600 euros. This bike is a beast. I think you can compare it to the one you tested. This bike is an all mountain bike, so your riding position is different, but more comfort than the cross country. So don't be fooled by an expensive brand like Trek or others. Should you buy the Rockrider AM100S from another brand, you will soon pay 700 to 1000 euros more. The things that I do now with this bike, you don't see others doing with their expensive bike. Everything depends on your own technique and ability. So, spend your money on a good budget starter full suspension. Ride on. Enjoy. Keep safe. This was my fifty cents.

[@roguesender]

Nice review! I picked up a MARIN HH1 earlier this year so I could tear it up on the mountains and didn't want to break my bank in doing so. Long story short I've already thrown on several upgrades and this is now my go-to for all Enduro and DH runs. This MTB is unbelievable for the price. I can't see any other option for under 2k worth my time. MARIN nailed it. So great review and spot on. Tear up that loam!

[@michaelmcclure3383]

You were killing it on the full sus Matty. Thanks to Joe. Hopefully you get a few more bikes to review! I'm not sure if it was the size, but the slacker head angle that made it harder to control on the climb.

[@HarrisFS]

I paid 2K for my 2021 Marin Hawk Hill 2. Its my first full suspension and I absolutely love that bike. Well worth the price.

[@Adapting_Adventures]

Been checking out this bike recently glad u did a review on it

[@davidleemann7395]

Haha! Kid on Mcdonald's playground. It was almost like you were looking for the most difficult way to get down the trail to push that bike to it's limits. Looks fun!

[@stiletto5650]

Thanks for the review. I appreciated the full suspension 'newby' experience. I've been looking at going full suspension, and Marin Rift maybe edging out the Giant Stance 29 for the top of my list!

[@cabbynate]

I have yet to get my hardtail out on the trail. I have a full suspension ebike I have had for about 2 years now and love full suspension. At 54 years old that rear shock makes all the difference in the world lol! Gonna go to a pump track and ride a dirt jumper on that today. Wish me luck! Great videos man! Keep it up👊🏽

[@stevencole7331]

My budget hardtail ( $ 900 2 years ago ) Gets the job done for me . A full suspension is probably a better climber in a more technical situation like climbing over rocks but on a flat hardpack climb the hardtail is better . If we see a day that all these people that bought bikes during covid came to the conclusion this is just to hard and want to get rid of them all at the same time to bring prices down dramatically I may purchase an Ibis ripley . A smaller bike will probably have more play in the front end as you bring those handlebars closer to your body

[@jakealston2757]

It’s awesome to see a brother mountain biking. Keep up the great work

[@absterama]

Matty, I just got my first MTB yesterday and it's a 2021 Marin Hawk Hill 1, full suspension. I think they're phasing out the Hawk Hill line and rebranding it as Rift Zone, not sure what the differences will be, but watching your video, it seems like my bike will be a lot of fun to ride on similar trails. I can't wait to gain more MTB skills with this fun ride. Thanks for sharing your experiences, it's good to see what the bike is capable of.

[@alanduren6326]

you should look at the trek full stache 8 its soooo nice

[@recklesshoongarage566]

I hate the colour of the trek full stache 8 😬

[@richarde1355]

Matty, you’re steering issues could have been because of the large frame AND the tall(er) 29” wheels. I know folks who are borderline frame sizing where a large with 27.5” wheels fits them like a medium with 29” wheels.

[@flrn6233]

That "slacker" angle as you called, means you are gonna have fun going down the mountain, and that short stem it's the way it should be. All the big $ bikes got a short tee, and you are gonna enjoy it going down the mountain with a bike that feels nimble and fun. I'm glad you were able to loose and taking some jumps, you even forgot the 2.3 tires and the 29... LOL

[@guol1806]

Thanks for the review. I just picked up a RZ1. My first 29er full suspension.

[@mtbboy1993]

yea full suspension makes a huge difference, I have misalignment issues in my back, so it's a must, that trail would be too rough for me. but of course with there is a difference between full suspension and fool suspension. fool suspension as in fake suspension just pogo sticks won't help much, no rebound damping or any adjustments. but bikes like that cost as much as just a proper set of pedals.

[@TomKennedyUSA]

You'll be killer on a size medium full suspension. I'm 5'10" and I went from a size large bike down to a size medium bike. What a difference! I can really toss the size medium around and control it, where the size large bike kind of controlled itself and I was just along for the ride. I'll be interested in your reactions when you try a size medium. Ride safe, have fun!

[@peemmo92]

Hey, im wondering about M and L size. Same bike marin rift zone 2. Im also 178 cm (5'10" in) Medius size is much better than large?

[@TomKennedyUSA]

@@peemmo92 You'll be able to throw the Medium size around more, the Large size will be more planted & stable. Best scenario would be to test drive both sizes if you can, and see what you like better.

[@peemmo92]

@@TomKennedyUSA 90% time of my rides are small singletracks without hills and drops higher than 60-70cm. I like also xc style where you need drive up before descents. 2-3 times a year ill take bike to the mountains for more advanced terrain. I Think L will be more comfortable daily. Or am I wrong?

[@TomKennedyUSA]

@@peemmo92 Large will probably be more comfortable, yes.

[@richardboucquey8540]

I'm 5`8 and bought a medium hawk hill 1. I love it but I haven't tried any other full suspension bikes. Other than the lack of dropper post, I can't see how a more expensive bike would benefit me given my skill level. Like you've said, I just feel super confident on it and the price is great as well.

[@jankie55]

I'm looking at getting Marin San Quentin this week and somehow this video showed up when going through reviews. Glad I stayed and watched. New subscriber, thank you for your great review.

[@MattyActive]

Thank you Casey I really appreciate it!

[@klaing88]

Remedy 8 my boy, Let's go...!

[@edtorres6463]

Hi. Thanks for the video. The terrain in Colorado is similar to Arizona. This bike is on my short list. There are a few modifications I would make...

[@mr.houseknecht9792]

Thanks for your thoughts! I am going to my local shop and check this bike out. Be well!

[@nathanbrooks6423]

Unreal mate, plenty of solid dual suspensions around for 2-3 grand! Grab one and have fun!

[@sammyc.11]

Broooo once again with the chill videos!! Seriously my favorite person to watch hands down!! Keep it up man !!

[@josesierra8793]

I was at floyd last week! Loved it. Had a few nasty falls... Thanks for posting boss

[@ksnax]

After first watching your video and then Drew's yesterday, I went and bought one of these in the 27.5. For the money, it is a truly awesome bike!

[@MattyActive]

Nice! Thanks for watching the video!

[@ksnax]

First ride on it today on a higher difficulty blue downhill and not regretting a thing except for not having a dropper post - but I like getting to choose that anyway.

[@Lucas-hk6gn]

I gotta admit I was petrified when you had it rested on the rock right next to that mini cliff! 7:40

[@brighamstoll5641]

Hey! I recommend biking up at Royal Gorge. It might be a longer commute depending on where youre at in CO, but there are tons of trails up there. If you ever go, look out for the Philadelphia Special trail. Thank you for the vids by the way. Love em

[@stevaone]

Great job bro, Marin does boost your confidence for sure, and it's a great stepping stone to something even better, keep tearing it up out there.

[@alecfotsch3533]

Fezzari Signal Peak could be a cool option. Fezzari is an online direct and they sell a full carbon well spec's bike for $3000. They also take lots of measurements to get the right size. Maybe they'd hook you up with a demo? Thanks for the great videos!

[@robsnow2099]

Ayyye lets go bro. You def should get more bikes to demo for the channel. As far as buying one...the Fuel EX 7 or Giant Trance X 3. I know you prefer a bike shop, otherwise your options are endless.

[@Da.Onus.Burger.618]

YEEEEAH! Colabs are where it’s at, Matty! Helps grow the channel, too! Also, I love seeing you progress to more technical trails! #keepSENDINGit

[@ronaldd8741]

Polygon t8 is probably the best bike for the price (2-3k)

[@flrn6233]

I little more than that and you can get a Polygon Xquarone

[@williamhayes9642]

I think this bike is more in the 1600 price range

[@richarde1355]

William Hayes 👍. For some folks it’s easy to tell people how to spend their money...

[@stevaone]

Agreed, it's definitely a great competitor, I have one coming in May'21. You can't beat the prices of Marin though.

[@ankurd2889]

Black guy in mtb and outdoors …breaking all stereotypical jokes..bro I’m subscribing..

[@MattyActive]

Haha thank you!

[@zachbishop3795]

This video had a shout out from another video I watched 2 days ago and I realized I am now watching that video lmao. He had you ride his bike hard for some shots because he had an injury and didn't want to push it.

[@Excelsiorgaming97]

Hey man, I really recommend you saving up a bit more towards the $2500+ range for a full suspension. I only say that because you will notice a big difference between entry level and intermediate forks, gears, brakes, dropper etc.

[@denismacfarlane255]

Matty take this mans advice. Do at least 2500 on a dually.

[@Shift4g]

I feel like with the power internet deals, you can take the extra 1k you saved and upgrade to beyond what a stock $2500 bike would spec. I'd much prefer being able to hand select my components than take what comes with the more expensive full package. I have a dropper, larger rotors, better fork, and Deore XT mech on my RZ1 coming in under $2100 total invested. But it's nice to have options if you aren't a deal hawk.

[@clmfilms8103]

But the 2021 rift zone 2 has the exact same fork as the rift zone one, as well as the same brakes and same tires.....the rift zone 2 does come with a dropper, but you can always add one on later if you go for the rift zone 1

[@granthough5400]

just bought a riftzone 27.5 1, great bike

[@hehehehehe1460]

same, what colour did you get

[@granthough5400]

@@hehehehehe1460 gray and blue

[@hehehehehe1460]

@@granthough5400 noice I got the green and orange

[@SlowpokeShred]

Dude Matty! Its been awesome seeing you and your channel grow. I really loved my Roscoe, but it does make it very jarring to ride other bikes at first. It has such a unique feel. Cool vid, nice editing, sweet bike, and great riding my dude! Shred on!

[@massadus7872]

You definitely kicked it up a notch on the fully vs you on the Roscoe. Awesome vid man!

[@hondaxdood]

Nice! I was hoping you’d check out a Marin after you started shopping full suspensions! If you can, try a Hawk Hill w/ the 27.5 tires - that’s the one I’m interested in. I was also glad to see other brands that provide nice bikes for a good value!

[@OTBregularly]

Thanks for the video. I’m thinking about buying one, either the rift or an Orbea Occam.

[@kevinborovsky3558]

Ok Matty when is the Roscoe 8 going and full suspension coming? Hahahah. Imagine if you were used to that style of bike. Cheers.

[@Dersey749]

Nice! I'll be driving through CO next week and plan on riding this trail

[@mattiaspettersson788]

That sounds amazing. You really should get on the Alpine Trail 8 in a size medium. It will blow you away. It’s basically the same bike but with 160 mm of travel in the front and 150 mm in the back. I went from a 26” Cannondale SuperV 700 Freeride to this beast of a bike and I was stunned. I’m 5’9” so a size large might suite me better (I find myself sliding back on the sadle in order to get further away from the bar), but still. It kicks butt!

[@porterdallenbach1639]

Bought this bike in 27.5. It's like a long BMX bike!

[@fifthcircle1]

I'm jealous of two things. 1) That trail. 2) Your beard.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

Hey man I loved this review. This summer was my first year taking my old hard tail to single-track trails, and I feel like I am at a similar place in riding where you are. I am jealous that you have stores with full suspension bikes that let you test them (saw some recent videos of you going down the road). Nothing available locally at the moment for myself. The Marin Rift Zone has a very short chain-stay, which means it should be very nimble, but has the problem of sometimes having the front come up when climbing. Hard to judge for you, since you were not on the right size of ride.

[@adamharris2674]

I’ve got a 2020 Hawk Hill 1. When the wheel comes up I just lean forward some more lol.

[@tom.allez2134]

Nice job on the full suspension. Looks like you had fun. 🤙🏻

[@StraightLine_MTB]

We reviewed the RZ3 and it is a fun bike. Great video.

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Modern short travel bikes rule!

[@hondaxdood]

Interesting, on Marin Bikes social media they’re talking about a 27.5 Rift Zone, but they’re being coy on whether it replaces the Hawk Hill or is a new version of the RZ 🤔

[@adamharris2674]

Yep replaced it. I lucked out and got a 2020 Hawk Hill 1 a few months ago and am just in love with it!

[@mtbboy1993]

have you tried moving feet and saddle more forward? the bike might fit you better then, I have my feet a lot further to the front. that's what works for me. I think I would have to go for XL if I were to get a Marin. I ride a Geometron G1 Large 515mm reach, I am 181cm quite average arms, torso I guess.

[@MarsOG310]

Im aiming for the trek fuel ex5. But wondering of I should go ex7. Id definitely get the roscoes or even marins for my kids.

[@nope929]

I've been waiting for this crossover ever since the city riding video where you said you were from Colorado

[@grantzupanc7372]

Marin has a decent bike. You can pay a little more and maybe get you into a 12 speed drivetrain and an upgrade shock. It maybe worth going the next tier up

[@homeskillet64]

Thanks for the review Matty.

[@calebdavenport1231]

Wow, already collabing! Good job dude!

[@Baconterrain]

Hey man, great vid and review!! How does this compare to the Siskui D6. I am tossing up between the two.

[@thetruthkid805]

I just purchased the rift zone 2 instead of the 1 I’m looking forward to taking it out in the trails

[@MattyActive]

The rift zone is an awesome bike!

[@bentleysiddall1737]

Same just got ordered mine today!

[@socialising6037]

Excellent riding man would love to have trails like this where I live been and looked at a ex8 today fell in love soon as there in stock I'm gunna bite the bullet and get one also saw a rail 7 very nice bike just really heavy

[@TheCaptainsCog]

Get it brother! Awesome! I want a Marin Hawk Hill so baaad.

[@wendellaustria1962]

great review ! just helped me with making a few decisions.

[@gdk12388]

So glad that you rode this bike! Im torn between this bike or the rift zone 2 and the Fuel EX 5 for my next bike. Currently riding the wheels off of my Marlin 7 before I jump to a full squish. I guess my only other question is..... does it wheelie?

[@MattyActive]

I tried to wheelie it but it was a little too big for me. I could do a decent wheelie but hard to control because it was a large. Great bike though!

[@vijayancho8209]

I wonder how the RZ1 compares to the Polygon t7.

[@Tmac19183]

Thanks for the video Matty.

[@DeepEnterprises]

Right there with you on this journey. Please try more full Sus if you can I was leaning towards Ibis Mojo.. also thinking I had to spend 4K.. I want to know if this Marin low price compares to those others is it even worth getting expensive?

[@MattyActive]

I had a lot of fun on the Marin. As long as the parts hold up I definitely think it’s worth the money

[@ChronoCard]

Trail Features sent me here. Earned a sub. Also, shred on!

[@MattyActive]

Thank you I really appreciate you coming over!

[@grantzupanc7372]

The rift zone 3 puts you in a great build kit for under 3k!

[@keithdainton6043]

Another great video but I would imagine with all them rocks you definitely need some armour at least i would anyway.

[@zepp3lin]

If I'm a Trek company represent I would definitely flinch seeing you ride a Marin. If Trek is not fast then definitely they gonna lose it. But I'm not a Trek fan anyway. I'm a Transition fanboy......

[@MattyActive]

I’ve heard great things about transition. I will definitely demo one here when bike season comes back around

[@Kenneth_R]

Very cool review video! Floyd hill is awesome!

[@rmbtd]

That place looks super fun!

[@mattsitsback]

thanks for the review man!

[@tomcannock2875]

Great video and thanks for the info!

[@linkinparkdrift]

In Canada, this bike and your Roscoe 8 are basically the same price. For the same price, which would you go for if you could do it again?

[@matthewbjordahl2866]

Wtf its i have been watching your channel seeing you go through bikes just like myself this summer and I have been waiting for the rift zone 1 after not liking my Giant Stance 2 29

[@jt2070120]

Really nice Matty

[@djkdklesp]

How do you like it compared to the siskiu ds7? Been digging your videos👊

[@MattyActive]

Thank you! The rift zone actually rides better stock over the polygon stock but the polygon come stock with a dropper post.

[@djkdklesp]

@@MattyActive good to hear. My first full suspension but am looking to keep it awhile and slowly upgrade. Have you had any issues with the polygon frame and any stress cracks? Polygon d7 really looks good for myself, but I hear Marin bikes are really nice too. It’s a toss up between the rift zone or the polygon.

[@youssefkarmous6227]

Giant Reign is a good bike to try as well, Do you prefer short travels ?

[@MattyActive]

Yea I like shorter ones a little better

[@legendairyfree4058]

Clean video my good sir👍

[@kwaktak]

I'm loving watching you progress but am jealous as hell that you're upbiking so much too! Don't get married and have kids anytime soon lol! So what's your thoughts? Medium 27.5+ size full sus with a slack head angle and short stem? I could tell you weren't a big fan of the 29x2.3 tires. You were cautious on those rock gardens like you used to be on the Marlin.

[@MattyActive]

Yea that sounds like the perfect geometry for me

[@yttech2072]

Great video man

[@alexzii7520]

Hey Matty, whats the weight of the bike? I cant find it anywhere?

[@MattyActive]

I’m not sure either. I think they do that intentionally because it’s a pretty heavy bike lol. Great bike for sure though and you can upgrade parts to take off some weight

[@tonyhruzek4250]

Good job! Keep it up!

[@christopherblakely9879]

@mattyactive do you mind me asking how tall you are? I am just trying to get a size reference for myself I am 5'10" trying to decide what I might prefer a medium or a large in this bike.

[@MattyActive]

I’m 5’8

[@christopherblakely9879]

@@MattyActive thank you for the reply and posting your videos have inspired me to ride.

[@jlagarde]

noticed you have the wavecel helmet. how do you like it? does it run hot in high temps or has good ventilation?

[@MattyActive]

I like it a lot. I had it all summer and it never felt too hot. Very good ventilation!

[@jlagarde]

@@MattyActive great! which model do you have?

[@MattyActive]

@@jlagarde the rally

[@mtbboy1993]

Nice riding.👌

[@meandkg]

How tall are you? I'm 6 foot and I'm just wondering if the large would be the right size for me?

[@MattyActive]

I’m 5”8 and yes I think the Large would be good for you because this bike was a little too big for me

[@crocketttubbs2141]

marins are great bikes especially the rift zone models

[@MattyActive]

Definitely been looking for those but super hard to find!

[@crocketttubbs2141]

@@MattyActive my rift zone 2 is on order gotta wait until July.

[@MattyActive]

@@crocketttubbs2141 wow 😳

[@crocketttubbs2141]

@@MattyActivecovid for you. At least I'm going to get one I'm happy in that respect

[@MattyActive]

@@crocketttubbs2141 that’s all that matters for sure!

[@Jimmy_Saf]

Instant like!!

[@ArizonaMMJ]

you mentioned the head angle being one that pts the wheel more out front. its 65 degrees. would you want that number higher or lower? im considering this bike but im 280lbs and im suspect about the suspension. how are you liking it?