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Submitted by
Marco
a Cross Country Rider
from Manila, Philippines
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | San Pedro Bicycle | | Strengths: | Very stable and responsive, specially on rough terrain. Uphill pedaling power loss minimal (thanks to rear shox upgrade), Once your up on your rush the bike responds in kind by taking all the punishment you can muster and still live to brag about it, although I have yet to try it on hardcore downhill trails (maybe after suspension fork upgrade). For me, the perfect all aroun XC Bike! Great after sales service too! | | Weaknesses: | Rear chain and shocks a little on the noisy side (hence the chain tensioner), front suspension needs something more (Marzocci maybe?) Otherwise, minimal annoyances. Difficult upgrade to disc brakes (MARIN! HELP!) | | Similar Products Used: | None, hardtail upgrade. | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades: Azonic High Rise Bars and O.R.C. Stem, Cris King Headset, Chili Grips, Fox Vanilla Rear Shocks, Manitou Speed spring upgrades, Beefier swing arm w/ 2 in. Torque Tube, M515 Pedals, Bullet Bros. Chain Tensioners and Panaracer Smoke II tires, Stock parts: Manitou Pro-c Suspension Fork casing, White Industries Crank Set, Deore LX Front/Rear deraileurs and shifters, Avid V-Brakes and Brake Levers, WTB Reams, Paralax Hubs and stock Shimano bottom bracket | | Bottom Line: | It's been NINE long years since I bought and brought this bike home and I still love it. It rides great and I am always looking forward to my next bike trail trip. I am 39 and work in an airline as a crewmember. My only wish is to be able to bring my bike along with me and take it up and around its hometown in Marin County. Maybe one day. Great XC endurance bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Clark
a Racer
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | 2nd Hand | | Strengths: | Nicely balanced chassis, the harder you pedal the more grip you get at the back wheel. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, other Marin, Mongoose, Wheeler. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Judy XC 100mm, Avid front disc, Ritchey stem and bars. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike for training for XC, all day rides and trail blasting. Beaut chassis that handles everything I can feed it, without doing any crazy freeriding jumps. Hooks up well on climbs and in loose shingle. Descends comfortably at speed, and very well balanced for when trials-riding is necessary. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnny_boy
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading, UK
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | stow's | | Strengths: | Absolutely fantastic straight out of the box, with no upgrades or tweaking. Well-balanced suspension, and impressively low weight at this price. | | Weaknesses: | The annoying slipping seat pin is the ONLY problem I've had. Don't grease it! (yes, really) | | Bike Setup: | Only upgrade is Race Face cranks. | | Bottom Line: | Normally I'm forever upgrading, tweaking and changing bits on bikes. The fact that I've done virtually nothing to the Rift Zone shows just how right Marin got it. Even 3 years on, as an all round XC bike it's pretty difficult to beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave fearon
a Weekend Warrior
from london
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | north downs | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1095.00 | | Purchased At: | on your bike | | Strengths: | really plush ride, totoally reliable, feels a bit slow on the tarmac but really speeds up off road, great at climbing and fantatstic at downhill, nvere felt like I needed more travel and this bike is still rocking after 4 years of abuse. fantatsic | | Weaknesses: | original manitou pro c forks were not great, shockworks rear shock has had to be serviced twice but is always ok once its been done. Also original bars way too narrow | | Similar Products Used: | amp b4, proflex | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi z4 forks, dx spds,q ranc riser bars (very wide) | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks!!!! 4 years on and I can't find an excuse to buy another bike, with the marzochhi Z4 forks, a recent service on the shockworks shock and nice wide riser bars this bike does everything, climbs, descends, cross country races the lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KEITH (THIEK) BLACKWOOD
a Cross Country Rider
from ENGLAND
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | PAITELY BRIDGE | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | chevin cycles | | Strengths: | THIS BIKE IS WELL FINISHED, LOOKS GREAT AND RIDES A DREAM
ALL ALLOY FINISH, CAN'T BEAT. FRIENDS WITH HARDTAILS GET VERY ENVIOUS BY THE HANDLING. | | Weaknesses: | THE GEAR CABLES TEND TO GET CLOGGED REALLY EASILLY IN THE BRITISH WINTER WEATHER, REQUIRE LUBING AFTER EVERY RIDE. HAS ANYONE ELSE SUFFERED THIS PROBLEM? | | Similar Products Used: | MY OTHER BIKE IS A SCOTT COMP RACING, GREAT BIKE BUT MORE FOR RACING THAN SERIOUS CROSS COUNTRY | | Bike Setup: | BIKE SET UP WITH PACE EVO2 FORK, BRILLIANT.SCOTT TEAM ISSUE SADDLE, MARIN SADDLE FAR TO HARD. SHORTER MARIN STEM FOR INCREASED COMFORT.
REST OF BIKE STANDARD RUNNING GEAR | | Bottom Line: | LOVED THIS BIKE FROM THE TIME I BORROWED ONE FOR A DAY FROM A FRIEND. RECOMMEND TO ANYONE WANTING A FULL SUS.
NEW DESIGN FOR 2001 IS A NO NO FOR ME RECKON THE OLDER MODEL HAS THE LOOKS.
I'M A FIT 50 YEAR OLD LIVING IN NORTH YORKSHIRE AND HAVE A SMILE ON MY FACE EVERY TIME I'M OUT ON THE BIKE. IF ANYONE IS THINKING OF A FULL SUS. AND THINK THERE IS A POWER LOSS OVER A HARD TAIL,I CAN ONLY SAY THINK AGAIN, I DON'T RECKON SO.NICE ONE MARIN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
richard grimes
a Cross Country Rider
from telluride,co
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | sheep creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | light, agile, plush on descent, stiff on climbs, simple suspension setup | | Weaknesses: | some upgrade over stock needed (shock) | | Similar Products Used: | trek y bikes, fsr's | | Bike Setup: | rift zone frame with full xt setup, xtr rear derailleur, fox air shock, manitous sxr fork | | Bottom Line: | In the 1998 riding season I tested every full suspension setup our local shops had to offer. I found nothing sweeter than the Rift Zone, a perfect blend of full suspension ride with hardtail climbing qualities. The added bonus was that my local shop could not order a frame in the fall and did the custom setup of my frame for a very good price. I've ridden the bike hard on technical singletrack, slime & muck, to Moab slickrock. The bike has performed well and without problems in all cases. There was an annoying frame squeek in the first two months of riding. The source of this could not be tracked by the technicians, and the squeek went away as the bike became broken in. I up-graded from a 12 year old Jamis hardtail, and the leap was quantum. I gained full suspension and lost 6 pounds. I would recommend this bike for anyone looking for full suspension cross country performance. The bike handle very well and feels like an appendage out on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Melbourne/Australia
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
single track/melton dam | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
basically it looks awesome. and is as plush as even more expensive bikes i have test ridden. stops as hard as you want it too and climbs with the best of them. | | Weaknesses: |
it is a little heavy but it is full suspension so... i have this thing about bar ends for hill climbing and well the thing just does not have them. (ok so it is a petty little thing) | | Similar Products Used: |
i rode a hardtail gt for years and this is my first fs but i test rode a new cannondale and a giant with manitou xverts and a fox vanilla rear shock and that was an upgrade so... i went and put the fox on mine and voila...AWWWEsome! | | Bike Setup: |
the 99 marin comes with manitous and i am not sure about the rear but basically i wanted to upgrade to the fox vanilla and did so. it has 4 inches of travel and so i also upgraded to the marzocchi zbams for the front. once i tested it then it was a true joy to ride sticks to the trails well. | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is this.in Oz it is hard to get a good deal on all bikes so i made my own deal. the bike was nice to ride as is but once i started to play it got to the point of not stopping. the bike is really only a marin riftzone by frame. it has new shocks front and back. a race face cold forged crankset and bottom bracket.xt quickshifters and i removed the disc brakes for avid's. i have a kona downhill bar with azonic neck and headset. i have rhyno lite rims with lx back hub and richie sealed front hub. kona seat and sdg saddle. sorry for taking up so much time but i am real happy with it and with the metal finish it looks as awesome as it rides . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sussex Coast, U.K.
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Chanctonbury/Cissbury-South Downs | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
It works. | | Weaknesses: |
Original Sockworks shock
Headset | | Similar Products Used: |
Heckler
Mount Vision | | Bike Setup: |
Pace RC36, Hope/517s, Middleburn Crank, Cane Creek AD10, XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | I`ve already posted a review a few months ago, but I`ve made a few changes since then which have completely changed the bike. The first was to fit Middleburn RS7 cranks. I had an LX Mega-nine crank I had fitted just before the last review, that meant i had to remove the adjusting screws on the front mech to get enough room for the 44 tooth chainring. For some reason the Middleburn 44 tooth ring is slightly smaller in diameter and I`ve been able to fit the screws back in (all be it filed down a bit) Excellent lightweight crank by the way. The other change was the rear shock. My Shockworks (x2) always clunked over over certain terrain, and several months ago it started wailing at me (again). Not wanting to get another Shockworks pile of crap I searched the rear shock reviews on MTB Review and opted for the Cane Creek AD10. It took 2 months to get (actually got direct from the States in the end cos their UK distributor does not push them) but it was well worth the wait. Any one running with a Shockworks should really consider changing to an AD10. Mine cost £150, miles cheaper than other air shocks, and the transformation is unbelievable. 0.75lb lighter, plush, so much more responsive, and with compression and rebound damping. If any one in the U.K. wants one and has trouble getting one, e-mail me and i`ll get one for you.
These changes, along with a few others have given me what i think is getting close to the ultimate `British` trail bike. (I`m not overly patriotic or anything, like i said the AD10 is the best, but its nice to have British parts, - forks, hubs, BB, cranks, designed for our less than perfect conditions on what we all know is really a Brit designed bike despite what the frame badge says!)The weight on our digital scales is now a sensible 25.1lbs and I won`t be changing the bike for a good few years yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jan
a Cross-Country Rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Everthing works together smoothly | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale, Specialized, Klein, Santa Cruz, Proflex, Trek | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for $1500 range. Extremely swift and handles like a dream. Absorb all the rough bumps and rides like silk yet climb hill without the pogoing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross-Country Rider
from SJ, CA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Amazing bike for both flat and mountain. Climbs and sprint like a hardtail. Super bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Perkins
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wilmington
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
brandywine | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
design | | Weaknesses: |
need to add a few colors on the paint job | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Rift Zone | | Bottom Line: | I have had my 97 Rift ZOne for 2 years now and have never had a problem. I ride 30-50 miles a week on some of the hardest and roughest trails in the tri state area. I fully compress the front and rear suspentio (usually at the same time when jumping) at least twice in a ride. The only anoying thing that I have found is the loud clank fron the rear shock and the front shock slamming back out after I have fully compressed it. The travel on the suspention of the rift zone is just enough. This is in a time now when more is better. In breaking this is a major issue for me. I usually dont use breakes until the botom of the hill. I like to see how fast i can stop. WHen i lock up the front and rear tire at the same time it always fully compresses the front shock. With this abuse I have never had a problem. The only maintance I have done is to tighten up the rear swing arm. Recently the front derailer would not shift at all. So while i was fiddleing with it i noticed a little sway. I tightend the arm up and it handles a little beter and no more shifting problems. The bottom lime is that this bike is a little heavy on the up hill but dwon hill it is awsome. I have even reached speeds of 40-45 on rough trails. This is un presidented on another bike on the same price range.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matti Remonen
a Cross-Country Rider
from Finland
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Smooth riding, extremely good handling | | Weaknesses: |
Paint job is not very good. Too little clearance for rear brake booster. | | Bike Setup: |
RiftZone -97, XTR-shifters & derailleurs, XT crankset, RockShox SL fork & RockShox rear shock, Magura RaceLine D brakes, Mavic rims w. Hugi hubs & DT double butted spokes. | | Bottom Line: | Very good riding and handling. When I bought it I was very much attracted to its simple design (only one pivot point) and it has proven to be very reliable. Its very stable and rigid. Only drawback is the paintjob: paint peels of too easily but since the base paint is also very dark it is hard to see where you have nicked the frame. Also rear brake booster tends to contact with frame when rear suspension is bottomed. About the groupset: when I first bought the bike I stripped it off of the original parts and replaced everything except seatpost and BB. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stu Harvie
a weekend warrior
from Manchester England
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike just over 2 years ago and I am still amazed by it.A few weeks ago I went into a bike store in Manchester whom I knew to be a marin dealer to see the new Shoreline trail(thinking of getting one for my wife)and they said they were no longer selling marins cos they wereunreliable and a crap company to deal with...er not true as i pointed out to shop man.they all break he said.Strange,2 years,4 FREE services and No Problems,just LOADS OF FUN!This bike,and the dealer (BICYCLE DOCTOR RUSHOLME MANCHESTER..plug)have given me the sort of moments where you laugh out loud just cos youre having so much fun.
Its fun,comfy,goes like shit off a shovel cos you can keep the hammer down evrn on the worst tracks,and simple.The single pivot and lifetime frame and pivot warranty are one of the reasons I bought it.I test rode a Cannondale,Pro Flex and a GT.This Bike kiched them in the proverbials. It's ace. 5 chillies | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a cross-country rider
from Sussex Coast, U.K.
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Rift Zone back in `97, so it`s been well and truly tested by now. Overall it`s been excellent. There have been one or two niggles; the rear shock went after about nine months (replaced under warranty) the new one sometimes still has that annoying top out clunk and the Diatech headset broke. Pretty much everything has now been upgraded (but the other bits are still going strong on my `hack` bike) The handling is excellent and I can`t say I`ve ever noticed the weight (It`s just under 27lbs in its current state.) One word of caution; I changed my cranks recently as the old ones had seen better days. Wanting something with a bigger gear I went for the 99 LX Mega nine (44 tooth outer). If you have an early/MK1 Marin FRS the swing arm is not designed to handle anything bigger than a 42 tooth chainset. I managed to get mine fitted ok eventually but I had to remove the adjusting screws from the front mech to get the height on the seat tube so that the mech did not foul the big ring or catch on the under side of the swingarm.. I have also had to make a small dent in the swing arm as the chain rubbed against it in one gear, although you could just about live with it.
Having said that, the extra two teeth make a significant difference to the gearing. Much better for downhill/fireroad bashing. Overall an excellent bike I shall be riding for a good few years yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Forsythe
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver Canada
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my new rift zone but within 5-6 rides the rear shock has failed and the dealer I bought it from no longer sells them so what can I do? Riding now makes me feel sick as there is no dampening and the bike must sit until I hear from you people.
Jamie Forsythe
ph#604-945-8444
Vancouver Canada
Email forsythe@intergate.bc.ca | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Robertson
a cross-country rider
from Roswell, GA USA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a '97 Rift Zone. I use this bike all the time. I have raced with it at the '96 Olympic Mountain Bike coarse in Conyers,GA , as well as other places. All my friends are impressed with how well I do at the races. My friend who has a Fisher full-suspension is jelous of how plush my bike is and wonders why his doesnt fell as plush. No complaints from me on this bike. Marin Rift Zone rocks!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a downhiller
from B'ham
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this bike. it is really really really really really really really really cool. the suspension is awsome and it rides like your mother chris. thanks and once again this bike is the absolute greatest and is really really really awsome. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg McNeill
a cross-country rider
from Kanata (Ottawa), Ont.
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After spending a few weeks doing the what kind of deal can I get in late Fall I finally decided on the Marin. I bought it to replace my Baracuda (no suspension). I've been out more in the past month or so, than I was all year. I love the bike. Reasons for selection: non-URT, single pivot point - sealed bearing, solid frame design and swing-arm construction, rear suspension geometry. I wanted a bike that I could kick the shit out of, without it kicking the shit out of me (I'm getting old !). I don't understand how anyone would go with a URT design that transmits every rock, root, and rut, right through your feet, legs, and knees. The only thing I don'r like so far is the Rapid Fire for the front chain rings. I have grip shift on the Baracuda, and was happy with them. I've adjusted both the Raipid Fires by moving them (and the brakes) away and pivoting them out. I still find the front shifter has too much throw to get it from the small to the middle chain ring. I paid more for the Marin (I suppose, a lot more than most you southerners !), but I feel I definitely made the right decision. I won't be buying another bike for quite a while. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dom
a weekend warrior
from Southampton, UK
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hmm. Had it three months now, and initially was very impressed, until the shock
blew after a week, but these troubles are to be expected. I like the frame and
handling very much- superb geometry and fantastic pace up down left right (sideways??), even with 521 wheels- I would very much like to try it with 517
wheels (the only trouble being that they aren't up to the job of hooligan riding
). However I have recently discovered some cracks in the frame- on the MK I
swingarm, and around the bottom bracket...Fantastic ride and superb value (how other companies can compete is difficult
to see) 5 Chillies.
Questionable durability (I'm only 13St.) 3 chillies.Average... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a cross-country rider
from B'ham, AL
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the best possible full suspension bike on the market today for the money. There are a few better but cost way more. Buy the Rift Zone, upgrade, and I promise you will be a happy camper. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Murphy Seymour
a downhiller
from Leeds, England
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
When my Dad told me that he was going to buy a Marin Rift Zone, I thought that he was telling me a load of bollocks. But when it was delivered from Chevin Cycles I thought to myself bloody hell and as soon as he got it up and running I rode it and loved it. We took off the STX RC that came with it and put on a full XT group set. A wonderful bike. I recommend it to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Munday
a cross-country rider
from Wales
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Rift Zone - I bought it, loved it and wore out most of the bits that go round and round during last winter. One higher spec group set later I ride an even nicer bike than before. I used a digital balance to gauge the weight and got 26.5 pounds - o.k. for a full suspension job. I agree the thing is a bit big/tall but I have lifted the bars to compensate, now I just ride the thing. I suggest the Rift Zone (or other Marin FRS) is on the shopping list of everyone seeking a new bike. (However, being British I can't award anything 100% - thus four burning inner tubes). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe janzen
a cross-country rider
from HI. and CA.
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I HAVE A 98 MARIN RIFTZONE. ITS MY FIRST MOUNTAIN BIKE ,BUT IVE RODE KONA'S,TREKS,AND ALOT OF OTHERS. THEY JUST DONT COMPARE! IVE RACED IT CROSSCOUNTRY, AND DOWNHILL IN HAWAII. IT HELD UP GREAT!!IVE ADDED KOOKA BRAKE LEVERS, CLUB ROOST HANDLE BARS, WELLGO PEDDLES, KORE SKEWERS,AND A FEW OTHER MODS.CANT WAIT TO START RIDING IN CA. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B. Grover
a racer
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
In my opinion, there is none higher than the Rift
Zone for handling, ride, price, etcetera. I highly
recommend this bike to anyone who takes their
biking seriously. The Rift Zone was far superior
to all the other bikes I tried in my six month shop-
ping excursion, and as for them chili peppers?
I give it five big ones. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hello.
Just a quick note to say that if you live in the UK, you can now get a spring for your Manitous on the Rift Zone. I looked everywhere but no-one does a spring that's hard enough. Then I wrote to MBI and they told me about Eternal Springs in West Yorkshire. Suffice to say, the spring has tranformed the fork. Email me for more details, or call Nigel Joy at Eternal Springs on 01977 555839.
And the bike still rules...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean mcgowan
a weekend warrior
from england
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a second hand '97 Rift Zone from the Recycle Bicycle Company in february and have never looked back. The rear shock is constantly active and the frame is strong yet light which was what I was really looking for. That formula one technology really works. Buy a Marin, they work better than any other full sus frame!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars Rider
a weekend warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a 1 year used Rift Zone. It was Upgraded to SRAM ESP 9.0 rear derailer and SRAM(grip type)shifters, rear LX V Brake, Control Tech front VBrake and XT Brake levers, Rck Shock Juxt Xt LS with long travel kit and wipers.
I used to do mountain reiding before the first Stump Jumpers back in the '70s. Allways thought full suspension was for pussies; and that it didn't work right (pogo sticks). This bike is very different, rides smooth and only pogos on standing climbs. Need to stay in the seat and it goes well. I'm brand new to clip in pedals, so my crashes have been of the oh crap, can't get my foot out in time variety. I'm just starting to ride dirt again since '81... Boy LOTS of changes. I love this bike as much as any I've ever ridden! Chris above is full of crap and sounds like a whiney techno-wienie who calls himself a downhiller and then cries about a couple of extra pounds for a full active suspension... If you want better pay 3 grand. Or, buy this bike and save a bunch and have at least as much fun!Great Ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian
a cross-country rider
from UK and USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
English but living in San Francisco for a year. Used a full rigid bike for years and never really enjoyed it. Thought I'd buy a FS bike and tried a few. In the end decided on Marin or Specialized FSR (rejected GT, G.Fisher, Trek, Cannondale etc). Deciding factors:- Manitou forks/Fox r.damper as opposed to Rockshox rubbish, AVID brakes and a suspension system which dosn't shout suspension. It just does the job and lets you get on and enjoy the (fast) ride. Bit like a Lotus Elise Vs a Golf GTi with lowered suspension etc etc.... The Rift Zone just delivers, still looks like a real bike, and goes VERY fast uphill and down. Downsides? Tires okay but limited on sand, STX gears are slow but both can be upgraded sometime. Upsides? Brakes, geometry, looks, speed, confidence factor and a price about 40% less than in the UK!!!Note - I think this is the best value Marin in the current USA FSR range as it has the Fox rear damper. UK riders check that your's ships with this rather than the Shockworks unit which lists as standard.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaycee
a cross-country rider
from SF Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I rode this bike and it's great. Hey, it is a bit heavier than a low 20 pounder hardtail, but ride it over rocks, roots, rockbeds up/down and you'll feel like you can ride anything. Just have fun with it. It handles like a quick XC hardtail, but eats up rugged terrain like no hardtail/pseudo-softtail/sus.post can. The fit is on the big size - TT measurement is not nominal. Sprinting is much less powersapping than with most. Low center of gravity. I think that it is almost like a Santa Cruz Heckler, but cheaper and heavier, but with the X frame design, much better looking. Definately a fun bike that won't beat you up after a good rugged ride. Can't wait to ride it down Repack. 4 stars for not advertising enough - could of had one sooner. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Fitznar
a downhiller
from Bella Coola BC
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I talked to the bank boy thursday last and he agreed to hook up a small loan to accomodate the purchase of my Rift Zone. I picked up a real P.O.S while I was in Australia over the winter, and after five months of trying to convince myself that $300 is all you need to spend to bike happy, my closest friend Tim, (see Rocky Mountain Element Review), made me see the error of my ways and convinced me to move it on up. So here I am, on my Marin. It is comfy, tough, and handsome. I sit now at my sisters house in Peachland, and myself and Tim will do the Kettle Valley Railroad tomorrow. He on his R.M. and me on my Marin. We know this is not the most technical of trips, but you can rest assured there will be mutual constructive critisism directed at one another. We are stocked up with smoked salmon, motorola, single malt and pemican, so stand back people, this may be the pissing contest of the millenium. More later? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Mitchell
a cross-country rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bit of info for any Marin FRS riders out there. I bought a 98 East Peak last
week and was concerned that it appeared to have the 97 swingarm so I contacted
ATB sales uk (Marin distributor) who said that the 97 swingarms were updated
early this year to version 1,1 and are lighter and more rigid than the 98
version 2.0, but the 98 ones have more room for a bigger outer chain ring.
So if you get an FRS in 98 and it has the mark 2 97 swingarm, don't be
too quick to change it over unless you want to fit a bigger toothed
outer.
However, if you do want a 98 one, get it sorted when you buy the bike
as they are £180 as an after market product!!
You can tell if it is a 97 V1.0 or V1.1 as the 1.0 has much rougher
welding around the dropouts....... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Mitchell
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Marin East Peak last week and I am really pleased with it....I
upgraded from a Zaskar that I was trying to build up but it costs sooo much
money to do it yourself....I feel that the East Peak is the kind of bike you
can just ride without worrying about 're-learning' to cycle or constantly
fiddling to get it right..it is perfect straight out of the box.
However, change those awful Marin handlebar grips!! Not much of a
problem but worth doing...other than that 5 stars!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a cross-country rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Marin Rift Zone last October after spending two frustrating seasons screwing around with a $3,000.00 hardtail that was about as reliable as a Ferrari with 100,000 miles on it. I have ridden the Marin extensively in both Utah and Colorado, and I am still kicking myself that I didn't consider a full suspension bike sooner. I climb a lot of steep loose singletrack, and I would never go back to a hardtail now. This bike simply rides out a lot of bad lines that would have dumped me on my last three hardtails. I am completely pleased with the bike, and the company. Marin is the first bike manufacturer to return my calls, and I greatly appreciate their enthusiastic, professional help. I do have a few suggestions that have improved the bike for me. I upgraded the Manitou Pro C to a Manitou FS and experienced quite an improvement in front end control. I also swapped the stock cassette for the 12-32 XTR, and changed to Real 44 and 34 front and middle rings. I like these ratios better for all types of riding, and the Real rings shift much better than the stock Suginos. I had trouble with the Suginos jamming. I also changed out the rear derailler and shift pods to the XT which I think work smoother. In spite of the jamming problem, and working a few things out to fit me better I am still having more fun on this bike than on any mountain bike I have ever owned. I am enjoying my rides now instead of concentrating on what is going to break next. Isn't it supposed to be about the riding, and not the equipment. The Rift Zone gets the full five hot ones from me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duke Robillard
a weekend warrior
from Bound Brook, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Marin East Peak about a month ago. That's the Rift Zone with
a different fork and a different shock. I swapped the stock fork for a
Marzocchi Bomber Z2, but kept the ShockWorks coil over. I was coming from
a Trek 930 hardtail, with an ancient Rock Shox Quadra5.I love this bike. It descends nicely through rock fields, and the rear stays
on the ground in rooty climbs. The huge standover clearance from the V-shaped
top-tube has saved me more than once. I played with the rear preload
some, and now I can't feel the rear bobbing under power. It does a good job
of turning easily and quickly, like to pick your way between trees and
switchbacks.It's not super light, but I don't think it's worse than most full-suspension
bike.One strange thing: the East Peaks are apparantly being shipped with
the 1997 swingarms. I saw two that way, at different shops (including mine)
My LBS guys called Marin, and the company sent out a 1998 one, which the LBS
guys installed. I can't feel the difference, but the welds look better on
the 98, and the drop-out area seems better designed. Actually, the whole design
of the 98 looks cleaner--fewer spars and weld joints. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
robs
a cross-country rider
from W.Sx., U.K.
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a Rift Zone in December 1997, after trying out several full boingers, and finding it a much better ride than any of the others. The ride is fantastic, and I would recommend it to anyone, even those that think spending a grand on a bike is a bit sad (but then they've not ridden one...).BUT, I've had a couple of problems with it. One, the rear shock needed replacing after only a couple of rides (and not particularly hard ones at that). This was referred to in one of the earlier reviews. Drop the back end on the ground and there is a horrible clunk...this is very noticeable when riding as well. My supplier just changed it out, and the replacement has been fine so far. Two, one of the bottle bosses was loose, and so just spun in the frame when I tried to undo the hex bolt. Apparently this has happened fairly frequently, as they are just pressed into the frame. Both bottle positions are fairly useless anyway, unless you like drinking mud or knacking your bo******, so it's not a major gripe. The headset was also a little rough from new. Grease and protect!! Despite these niggles, I would still agree with most of the above, and rate it very highly. Easy uphill, and a real blast downhill. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James M.
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had this bike for about a month now. I chose it over a Specialised, Trek and Orange full sus models. I'm utterly convinced that I made the right choice.One or two things Marin have done to the '98 version I found strange were the swap from flat bars to risers and the change from the White Industries chainset with its 20 tooth chainring to the LX set. This bike was originally hailed in last years MTB mags for the inclusion of a 20 tooth ring. Nevertheless, I had the dealer swap the 11-28 sprocket for an XT 11-30.
This bike climbs no better than my Specialised hardtail but what it does do is accelerate into rooty or rocky climbs much better.The riding position is much more upright than the race geometry of the Specialised. This is something I had to get used to as I initially had problems with technical singletrack. There's load of room to move about on this bike and the problem soon sorted itself.As supplied, this bike had no grease at all in the top headset bearing. I found this out when I put a piece of inner tube round the rather badly sealed lower headset bearing/fork crown race. (The expander washer below the top bearing took some getting off.)
The brakes are brilliant, but do tend to get gritty in any mud. A quick fettle sorted this out. I've not had a problem with the rear cable routingas yet.
The rear shock, like all coil over shocks, can get grit in the threads and sieze. This must be born in mind if you want to adjust the shock during a ride. Best to get a Neoprene shock cover and maybe keep an old toothbrush in your seatpack.
Overall this bike is just so comfortable. When I originally test rode the full sus bikes the Marin was the one that seemed to 'fit' when I got on it despite its shorter cockpit. It's also a lot quieter than the multi-link bikes. Less to go wrong too.
I had no problem staying in the comfy Ritchey saddle for hours on end. This bike just eats up the miles and the plush front and rear shocks work well together.Highly recommended. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a cross-country rider
from U.K.
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have now had a Rift Zone for seven months and have had no problems with it at all.The bike is very quick going over rough ground and doesnt give you a beating like a hardtail.It climbs like a ferret on speed and downhills like a rocket even with me at the controls.Why are nearly all the reviews for this bike from the UK ?? Anyway its the perfect do it all machine at the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
derrrr
a downhiller
from USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Quote Chris '.....it has no power'. Don't you mean YOU have no power? mmmmm,
interesting. He must be comparing the Rift Zone to a Honda C50. However,
the Rift Zone is GREAT BIKE! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Don't pay too much attention to Chris - in fact don't pay any at all. As a do-it-all bike the
Marin is very accomplished, It climbs beautifully and descends with confidence. If you
really want a great downhill bike without having to remortgage the Marin B-17 downhill
version of this bike is up with the best of them in that price range. The Marin Full Suspension
versions of this bike i have ridden include the East-peak, Rift-Zone, Mt. Vision, Alpine Trail
and B-17. All VERY good bikes with extremely durable and manoevreable framesets. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Kosh
a weekend warrior
from Millis, MA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned my bike since late 1997 and must say it is the best full suspension I have ridden. I tried a Mongoose, a Gt, and a few oher bikes but couldn't find one that felt so nimble and bulletproof on the hard stuff. I am about 220 lbs and the bike doesn't bottom out unless I hit a tree or something which says to me that Marin really did their homework on this frame. I give this bad boy 5 big peppers and more if I could. Well gotta go try and scratch the paint, maybe bend a rim. see ya | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil Barnish
a weekend warrior
from The UK
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my bike last December, that's my review further down the page. I still love the bike (as much as is healthy), however I though I'd come back and say how it's bearing up after a few months of winter.I have had shock problems on my particular bike. There was a loud clunk when the back end was dropped. ATB Sales (UK importer) suggested that this might be due to the Static Damper Shaft (a part of the front-most shock bolt) being over long by 1mm, hence causing slackness and the knocking noise. If your bike is doing this, check the part - if it is brass coloured, it is too long and needs replacement; if it is black then the problem lies elsewhere.On my bike the problem lay within the shock itself and I am awaiting a replacement which should arrive within a week. Marin (ATB Sales) have been really helpful, contacting me direct via email and being quick to identify the source of the noise. Anyway, if your bike has this noise, take it back where you bought it and no doubt they'll be able to sort it out quickly (and probably at no cost to you!)All 1998 Marins seem to have SLIGHT up/down play in the rear swingarm - unless it's noisy it's nothing to worry about.Roll On Summer,
Neil.Oh yeah, the bike still gets five of those little red and yellow thingies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Actually I bought an East Peak. Same frame, slightly lower drivetrain.
Downgraded forks and headset. If I were talking about Value for money -
than I should have spent more and got the Rift Zone. Far Nicer forks on
the Rift Zone. But anyway to get to the point - this suspension bike rides
like a dream. Extremely chuckable/manoeverable for single tracking and riding
up hill is absolutely brilliant. Sticks to the track like fresh sh*t on hot
tarmac. And climbs with only slight bobbing. Is relatively lightweight at
28.5lbs. And has a single pivot guaranteed for life by the manufacturers.
What more can you ask for? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a weekend warrior
from England, UK
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got '97 style flat bars and bar ends fitted to my '98 model but otherwise it’s factory spec. - The bike looks great - I would like say it’s like a 'stealth machine' in black and silver, but it isn't exactly silent, it can clunk and rattle a bit on downhills. The quick-release seat post bolt doesn't work for me and the unusual frame design means that one of the water bottle cage mounts is under the down tube where all the mud gathers.But these are small complaints. The frame set is similar to the much more expensive Mount Vision, the suspension bearings are lifetime guaranteed, the LX/STX-RC mix shifts fine, the Avid V-styles work well, the bike feels light and the ride is super smooth.The full suspension soaks up the bumps beautifully. I used to get back from a 2 hour ride on a rigid absolutely 'cream-crackered'. Now my riding just goes on and on and on in comfort!There are a lot of new FS models coming onto the market for ’98 that will challenge the Rift Zone, but this is a tried and trusted design that the designer has had to change very little from the ’97 model. Try one and find out why - Happy biking!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Legault
a weekend warrior
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a RIFT ZONE in the beginning of summer 97. Since then i've tried alot of different type of trail, from big bumps climbing hill to ski trail (downhill). I have to say that the bike felt like a small motocross and that i can handle about every type 0f trail without changing my bike! The suspension work very well. I found a little bouncing when climbing on the smalest gear but nothing to worry about!THIS IS THE BEST FULL SUSPENSION BIKE I EVER TRIED!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SteveC
a weekend warrior
from England, UK
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Absolutely brilliant. I bought the bike in early 97 on the basis of a few reviews and the fact that it was fairly light, required no maintenance, has a good warranty and absorbs no power at the rear end (front suspension on any bike does unfortunately do odd things when you stand - fit a shorter stem and shift your weight back helps).I went through a succession of bikes previously including high end steel, titanium, front suspension, seat-post suspension etc. and found them all severely lacking in comfort. I ride 3-6 hours a week on average at a reasonably fast pace, just for fun on a lot of tracks covered in large stones, tractor ruts, tree roots, and the worst of all - the dreaded horse hoof prints.Being of slim build I tend to sit and spin rather than grind away in high gears, so I would find after longer rides I would feel totally worn out and aching all over with the constant pounding. On the Rift Zone I arrive home after 2-4 hrs, having traveled further and just wanting to go out again! On anything except the most ridiculous terrain you can quite simply go as fast as your legs will take you. Is it slower than a light rigid bike? On my local smooth to bumpy tracks with several short, steep climbs I can go noticeably quicker. On smooth tracks/road? - maybe, but only up long steep hills (granny ring type). Do I prefer riding it to a 23lb titanium rigid? - prefer it? - I LOVE it!The standard model offers good value for money as nothing needs immediate upgrading. My current set up for winter is flat pedals, riser bars, full mudguards (oh yes! - it can be done - email me for more details!) and an outrageous 20 - 32 bottom gear. Deep mud, cold weather, rain and lower energy levels are much easier to cope with if your bike is set up this way. Also its worth bending the end of the rear brake cable guide and taping the cable to the frame to stop your heel hitting it. And I’ve put on some Z2’s - they are some seriously good forks - well recommended.I am so pleased with this bike that I would like to go to the Marin HQ and thank them personally for making my cycling so enjoyable. Bit of a long way though - maybe a letter would do. My mother got so fed up with me raving about the bike that she bought one too. She’s 56 and much more eccentric than me! She had one of the first ever production mountain bikes over here - a KHS Montanna in 1985/6. Cool Mum.That’s enough - Full star rating.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
IanH
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For your 1150 quid (or equivalent) you get:
- a bike designed by a suspension expert
- a 7.5lb Al frame with rear shock
- low maintanence single pivot
- lifelime warantee for frame and pivot
- Manitou's SX TPC fork
- LX and STX-RC bits
- 3 front and 4 rear, controlled, plush, balanced travel
- Loads of control
- A huge grin
You don't get:
- A bike designed by a marketing man
- A motorbike sans engine
- Aches in your neck, back, wrists or bum
- Bobbing on climbs
- Your teeth falling out on descents
- A clenched teeth Oh no I'm going to crash expression
Five burning inner tubes for a soon-to-be classic design. A lovely bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil Barnish
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Rift Zone about two weeks ago and I love it. It works really well all the time. It goes
downhill like a dream, climbs well and even goes as well as my old hardtail on road. Thoroughly
recommended.
I've had a couple of problems, though:
1) The headset. It seized up after a wash with X-Lite Muc-Off. Try not to get water in there, or get
it sealed.
2) Er, actually that's all, except the supposedly cheap insurance you can get with your Datatag is
rather expensive - at least £75 p.a.
Also, you may have heard rumours about the chain eating away at the swingarm. This doesn't
actually happen unless you ride in silly crossover gears i.e. big sprocket/big chainwheel.
All in all, it's a great and versatile bike and the suspension does work, unlike other designs.
Buy it, put on your own choice bits and you'll be really sorted.
Bye. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It took me a while to finally get a full-suspension bike but I did after 2 years of holding out. I was
waiting for around a $1500 bike where you could lock out the rear suspension for big climbs. About
the only bike with that feature was the Trek Y-33 and that cost wayyyy too much. Finally it seemed
like alot more of the '98 models have a lockout feature so I warmed up the VISA card and went
shopping.I was almost sold on a Gary Fisher Joshua X0 because it was fairly light, had good parts and you
could lock out ther rear shock. Didn't like the Indy T2 up front because it was too bouncy but I was
planning on doing some modifications to make it more firm. I also found that I had to adjust the
pre-load on the rear shock to it's tightest setting to avoid bouncing the rear of the bike whenever
pedaling. The day before I was going to buy this bike I decided to ride a few other just to compare.I rode a GT...and it was good.....but then I rode the Marin. To put it bluntly, the Joshua needed the
lock out on the rear shock because the frame was designed poorly. Marin uses a frame geometry
which flexes very little on uphill bumpy climbs, and not a all if you're climbing a smooth forest road.
Once you start down, the suspension gets working and it feels like you're floating. Hence...you don't
need to lock out the rear shock...ever. This is all due to the frame designer for the Marin bikes. He's
been building winning Formula One racing cars for 10 years and definately brought the same level of
perfection to this bike.Overall this bike is incredible. The Avid brakes stop anywhere anytime you want even if they're wet
and muddy. Surpisingly, this bike is a great climber too. The only things I don't like about the Rift
Zone are the rear brake cable sticks out too far and I frequently hit my shoe on the housing. The
however would happen on any V brake bike. The bike also was really loud on fast descents
because there's alot more hardware bouncing around. These are both very minimal gripes and don't
affect the performance. The bike is amazing. I bought the 97 model but the 98 is almost the same.
The '98 adds riser handlebars which I don't like but it does give a front shock which is one
generation more advanced.If you're planning to buy a full suspension, especially for cross country riding, I suggest riding all of
them and finding out how superior this bike really is. You'll even find this out riding around a bike
store parking lot.
| | Overall Rating: |
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