Marin Team Marin Review: Wallet Friendly XC Race Bike | 2022 Pinkbike Value Field Test

[@marin_bikes]

Glad to see that the PB crew liked our Team Marin 1 and had fun with it. A couple little points: The name hearkens back to one of our first race-oriented bikes, the Team Marin model of the late 80s. Also, the primary reason that flat-mount was to make the frame a bit lighter, and there are plenty of flat mount options on the market.

[@snat6299]

Flat mount, come on a couple oz, for a better mount and all the options. Stop with the cheap stuff and give us good value for money 1600 is not a little bit of money.

[@jonathanmeyer188]

@@snat6299 Flat mount isn't a cheap alternative, it's just road technology trickling into mtb. Lots of companies spec it on their highest-end XC bikes.

[@andrewnicholas7410]

Pretty much no one sells flat mount calipers with flat bar levers, so this is dumb. Also, flat mount brake pads are smaller for shimano, so they don’t last as long

[@marin_bikes]

​@@andrewnicholas7410 Well, Shimano, SRAM, and Tektro/TRP to name a few offer flat mount brakes for MTBs, and we are far from the only brand spec'ing such. If it's a major deal for a user, flat-to-post adapters are easily found.

[@michaelmicallef668]

My 5k XC bike has flat mount. As an XC guy, I appreciate the details that all add up to save weight. It’s the primary focus for an XC bike. Great job @Marin Bikes for the detail. The demographic it’s marketed too appreciate it.

[@huntii]

You can't go wrong with a Marin bike. Marin Bikes history speaks for itself that their bikes are one of the best ones on the market.

[@adammoonface]

IMO this is the type of bike most people should be riding at the trail centres here in the UK. It's stupid how many people are bouncing along on their 160mm Enduro bikes on flowy, manicured XC trails.

[@endianAphones]

If they only do that, yes, if they do other things then maybe they can't afford to have different bikes? :P

[@msgesus4518]

haha, yeah a lot of UK videos I've seen are pretty much dead flat trails with old geezers with too much money reviewing whether you should get a zeb or a fox 38 fork.

[@bimmerfan729]

Kinda cool to see this thing being the fastest overall. Reminds us that just because longer, lower, slacker, is all the rage doesn't mean its always the fastest everywhere!

[@Metal-Possum]

Well, given that we supported some absolutely terrible ideas in mtb design for the entire 90's, whose to say we're not just suckers for modern bikes because we foolishly believe the marketing nonsense there too? New bikes are great and all but it's nice to remember we don't always need them. The most fun I've had riding has been on the wrong bike, usually as a challenge with a group of friends.

[@najlos]

I really love the ad reads in all episodes of this field test so far. Good job, it's fun!

[@edward1591]

I also started off-road biking on a 1998 Pailisades Trail with red manitou forks - which I loved. I felt Marin lost their way a bit so it's great to see them producing some really good bikes again. I like the look of this and if i was buying a hardtail it would be on my list (but have just bought a Vitus FS Rapide).

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Phenomenal job everyone!

[@bobbybecker80]

Excellent, objective review.

[@stephen.guohski]

A San Quentin 2 or 3 would have fit in better with the other bikes on test

[@jacobg130productions]

Pretty sure it’s out of budget range

[@jacobg130productions]

I think a wildcat trail 5 would’ve fit better. (And I was thinking of the Bobcats pricing, not the San Quentin.)

[@shrimpfriedrice494]

@@jacobg130productions The wildcat 5 is like 500 dollars cheaper than every other bike in the test. Not really comparable

[@josephmacmillan613]

@@jacobg130productions The san Quentin 2 is 1600 so it is 400 less than the budget.

[@jacobg130productions]

@@josephmacmillan613 I was thinking of the bobcat

[@jonthesailorman]

Looks like a super fun bike. I’d go for the Team 2 all long though.

[@blacktrucksfly]

I just got into mountain biking this year. I really wanted to get this bike as my first bike but it was impossible to find. Went to numerous shops in so cal and couldn't get a timeline when they would get them in. I ended up getting a canyon stoic 2. Ordered on a Friday, was riding on Monday. It's been epic so far!

[@ernestjohnson4436]

Can't go wrong with Marin. I own one and in in love with my Enduro all mountain hard tail. Up grades are a must tho lol

[@marin_bikes]

Or step up to the Team Marin 2...

[@markablett4571]

You guys should do a comparison with the Bmc twostroke

[@singletrackmania1]

What about the Specialized Chisel?

[@NarlyRider]

That looks like a mega hardtail for a decent price which is what we all love to see.

[@MarArraes]

Cool guys! 🤘🏻

[@FormerlyOn2Wheels]

Its a NICA bike, through and through. It’s a great bike for a great price there’s a reason why my team bought 4 of them.

[@marin_bikes]

Thanks Wyatt! And you are right, the Team Marin was born out of our support of the NorCal League.

[@biznatcho7]

No one: Absolutely no one: Levy: mod-er-in

[@danielvelasquez7708]

This would have been my 2nd choice if not been sold out last year, but I went with the San Quentin 2 more into adventure not very serious competitor, and love to take my time in the trail.

[@yengsabio5315]

Team Marin 2 will be my next future acquisition after building a trail bike on the Marin SQ3 frame. #KeepBiking

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

Good review. Thanks guys. How XC Hard tails have changed over the last 8 years, like you can go downhill without sweating about a OTB event.

[@anthonywalters7434]

Comparing this to my 2018 Specialized Rockhopper is hilarious. It’s almost 3 degrees slacker, for $500 more than the cost of my Rockhopper new the build kit is far better, I had to put a shorter stem, increase my fork travel by 20mm, and run significantly better tires just to make it last an extra year.

[@mike-fp6lq]

The trail and enduro bikes of the past have practically become the cross country and trail bikes of today.

[@aaronburela432]

Love the look of it. Wish the brakes were more upgradable, but overall awesome bike.

[@bartzalewski]

yeah, for those of us with full-suspension bike(s) that are considering adding a hardtail this pretty much rules it out. I can't count how many times I've swapped parts from one bike to the other and another and back again (maintenance, damage, upgrades, etc) and this thing would be a complete outlier in the brakes dept.

[@aaronburela432]

@@bartzalewski feel the same that's why I got a San Quentin

[@satleon4673]

TEAM MARIN 2 PLEASE.

[@alexambro4998]

On paper this bike is very very similar to the norco fluid ht. I wonder how the two would compare

[@JJDynomite]

Starring into my soul.

[@palpatine1975]

I wonder when will marin release a dedicated full suspension xc carbon line

[@pepeanza6187]

Specialized chisel whit 120mm fork is in the 67 degrees area, have better tires better frame

[@mogulmayhem]

How would this bike handle a suspension correct 120mm travel rigid fork?

[@inevitableme6885]

can you put a drop post on marin team 1?

[@jorenhipolito8850]

Hi, would like to get your inputs. This bike or the giant xtc slr 1 2022? this is same price in my country. Thanks

[@mrblea]

Did PB even mention internal cable routing?

[@kodaisquare]

Which is the best MTB Marin OR Treck Bike ?

[@omarrafik2422]

How would it do as a bikepacking rig do you guys think?

[@muhammadfadliladhim9158]

Please take a look at Polygon Xtrada 7. it's basically very identical bike with cheaper price tag. Actually Polygon and Marin are designed and manufacured by same factory.

[@WordupG]

I wanted this to be true so bad, but I checked the geo charts and they’re not quite “very identical” unfortunately. Any other brands that might have a Team Marin knockoff?

[@muhammadfadliladhim9158]

@@WordupG I am comparing M size 29er. Xtrada has lower BB and higher stack 👍. it's basically worse in climbing but better in descending. CMIW

[@Zarrx]

Devinci Kobain Review?

[@jurisx85]

Just five or six years ago this geo would’ve been real hardcore trail-enduroish.

[@Metal-Possum]

I've got a bike from 1996 that's 66 degrees up front. I'm still trying to get my head around the decision making for that. I enjoy not having too much bike, and it does make an intermediate trail fun.

[@jurisx85]

@@Metal-Possum 66 degrees from 1996? Omg… what visionary bike is that?

[@Metal-Possum]

@@jurisx85 First generation Santa Cruz Heckler. 100mm travel all around, coil sprung. It's just the most fun.

[@jurisx85]

@@Metal-Possum sounds awsome

[@Metal-Possum]

@@jurisx85 Definitely get yourself a retro bike if you have the opportunity. :)

[@lb0538]

Cool to see but i think a cannondale trail se is in the same categorie and you get more for your buck

[@josephfarrugia2350]

*category

[@sjaan7370]

For that money, unless I was looking for an XC hardtail, I'd go with a Rocky Mountain Growler 😎

[@SaileshB]

Do you have the growler?

[@sjaan7370]

@@SaileshB Do you? 😉

[@SaileshB]

@@sjaan7370 I'm waiting for mine to come in! Counting the days...

[@sjaan7370]

@@SaileshB That's awesome! I have a RM Altitude and had the opportunity to take a Growler out for a few runs on a demo day. Solid ride with great geo and handling. Enjoy👍

[@DW-10]

PB: 67deg HTA = cross country. Me: looks at my 2019 Trance…..obviously time to upgrade to a real trail bike. Wife:🤬

[@princelinus8320]

I have an 18 trance and feel the HTA is perfect. This Marin bike might be a great deal at that price with these specs

[@ej1_drew]

also on a 2021 trance with 67 head and i love it!! to me it feels like a solid all mountain. came from my 2017 Marin hawk hill with 67.5 haha

[@therealsteen]

I take it Levy hates ad reads

[@mikelo303]

OK. I bought it. First things first. Save and buy Marin Team 2 instead. Team 1 is too basic. I ended up changing everything except the frame, including wheels, and it costed me more than Team 2, with new wheels. Just save and get Team 2 and don't bother with Team 1. Unless you are a complete noob and this is your first bike. If it's not your first bike. Get Team 2. You will save a lot of money for upgrades. Team 1 brakes suck, by the way. In both models they use KMC chain which grinds. Change it immediately to Shimano. Way smoother ride. Get new wheels if you can afford it as well (both bikes). Overall geo is great, fun bike to ride. Team 1 needs a ton of money on upgrades (double the price) and Team 2 is way financially smarter option in the long run. Have fun!

[@danielfl.9347]

The issue is that you cannot get the Marin Team 2 in silver, and silver looks so damn nice.

[@LukasDePraga]

Amen to the FlatMount comment! Working with that thing sucks even on gravels and road bikes. Using 4 screws and an adapter to mount front calliper? Sixty different types and lengths of screws to mount the rear calliper depending on the thickness of the frame? Crawling under your bike to adjust the damn thing? I mean come on, that thing is utter crap, bike indrustry get rid of it! Also who in their right mind would want smaller and less powerful brake pads at the rear of the bike? 99% of people drag rear brake most of the descents, they sure as hell need beefier rear brake not weaker.

[@thenormalberries6767]

Is it turbo?

[@szolekxxx]

Nice bike! Sadly rear triangle is a problem, many reports on broken triangle

[@cesarvillegas382]

Yup, i was about to pull the trigger on this bike but found all the threads about broken stays, even after they added a gusset! Apparently they are now shipping replacement frames with a bridge, so we will see if that solves the problem, but its silly that their product page still brags about the "fastback bridgeless stays".

[@jeraldneiladan937]

hopefully the 2023 model, can hold, just got my warranty frame just few days ago, a little beefy triangle than the old one

[@danielfl.9347]

@@jeraldneiladan937 Does it look bad?

[@jeraldneiladan937]

@@danielfl.9347 not at all,.... minor to no difference in terms of the Ride Feels, still light weight 👌🏼.... hopefully the durability can hold up this time.

[@GregAspenson]

@@jeraldneiladan937 still holding up? I plan on buying one next Spring

[@quinnbayless1366]

Hehehe, I own that EXACT bike now. :)

[@wardkurisu]

me too, its awesome

[@quinnbayless1366]

Nah, I mean THAT EXACT bike

[@danielfl.9347]

Do you recommend it? Whats the good and the bad on these?

[@virginiascurti5036]

These have had failures of the seat stays on the frames you should update and or release a new video addressing!!!

[@danielfl.9347]

Marin have updated the design, but they do not know how to comment on this. I have the old design with no problems.

[@mustclime5311]

Have you guys noticed that you do not talk about frame compliance? Hardtails have different levels frame stiffness.

[@jessewilliams9575]

All bikes have varying levels of frame stiffness, almost impossible to isolate which makes it a rather useless variable to try and pinpoint for consumers…

[@Paulklampeeps]

If you're in to those things it would be better if you watch some of hardtail party's videos. I think he had reviewed some these bikes already

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@Paulklampeeps Yeah, he loves the Team Marin 2 and found the frame to be quite supple for a hardtail. And the frame is quite light at 3.5 pounds.

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Frame compliance doesn't make as big of a difference on mountain bikes as it does on road/gravel bikes. The bigger tires are going to soak up most of the bumps that compliance would

[@tweaker_on_a_bike9809]

Can I borrow it? I need to get something from a homie real quick

[@nabillfakhrie3498]

Is this mtb suitable for fat rider?

[@danielfl.9347]

I would say yes, but get the 2023 or 2024 model

[@lilymalacon944]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@scottmclelland9728]

Real question: Why are you 3 placed neck to neck in the video? It even makes me feel uncomfortable. Space out like 6" at least and throw some wider glass on the camera.

[@jacobg130productions]

I think this spot should’ve been taken by a Wildcat Trail 5.

[@WordupG]

Too bad this bike is already completely sold out for the year

[@dustyburner]

69°...Steep? LOL Try a 71° some time.

[@agunlogisteam]

For MTB nowadays, that steep, on par with gravel bikes. I still got a 2010 merida entry xc hardtail with 71 deg HA btw. Taking it to some local trails and the OTB feeling is always scares me in every corner 🤣

[@YerDad632]

Any xc bike is a trail bike if you’re not a hack. Also, there are plenty of brakes out there for flat mount, dropper posts aren’t the end all be all and what the fuck is an all mountain epic? Did we start using bike industry box terms for Mother Nature now?!