Marin Alpine Trail Review

The Marin Alpine Trail is available in two builds. A much-more-than-entry-level 7 and the upgraded 8. As you’d expect, Marin’s bike designers have the Alpine Trail’s geometry on point. A 65° headtube angle, combined with generous reach figures across each frame size, deliver a confident ride downhill without leaving you wanting when taking on tight turns or switchbacks.

Speaking of which a 76° seat tube angle will put you right over the bottom bracket when you’re in the saddle, great for pedalling efficiency when you’re sweating it up one of those climbs.

At the heart of both Alpine Trails is Marin’s MultiTrac suspension platform. A single-pivot suspension design, which through its one-piece rocker actuation, delivers smooth suspension feel and arrow-straight bike tracking, at the fraction of the price of a more complex system. Comforting to know when you’re staring down the barrel at a root-ridden, technical section.

And because that rocker has been manufactured in one piece, it’s extremely strong. That means the Alpine Trail doesn’t need a bridge between the seatstays, increasing the bike’s tyre clearance capability. You can fit a 2.6” tyre if you wish.

Marin’s Multitrac suspension is supported up front by the RockShox Yari RC (Alpine Trail 7) and the Fox Performance 36 (Alpine Trail 8). The Yari is a dependable option commended by riders for its ability to soak up the hits, whilst the Fox fork is equally adept at the big stuff. And when it comes to that juddery rooty section, the Fox fork should really shine, working in harmony with the Multitrac suspension to deliver a planted, buttery smooth ride.

e*Thirteen, Deity, Vee Tire – brands that might be unfamiliar to some – have been used to good effect on both Alpine Trail Builds.

The 9-46t e*Thirteen cassette on the Alpine Trail 7 laughs in the face of Shimano’s standard 11-40, 11-42, 11-46 mountain bike ratios. This e*Thirteen option, combined with the good-looking 30t FSA Comet chainset up front, offers a 1x11 setup with plenty spin when the going gets tough and enough top-end speed for when the trail tips downwards. Plump for the Alpine Trail 8 and you'll ride away with SRAM's 1x12 Eagle gearing for an even greater range.

Moving over to the Alpine Trail 8 and you’ll spot a 35mm stem and 800mm bar from Deity Components. The 100% rider owned American company tops off the build nicely and ensures your bike will stand out from other stock builds down at the trail park. Deity’s stock has risen dramatically over recent years with the acquisition of maverick riders such as Brendan Fairclough. The Alpine Trail 7's cockpit remains on trend with a stubby 35mm stem, locked into a 780mm bar.

Both Alpine Trail builds have been specced with Vee Tire’s Flow Snap tyre. Multi-purpose rubber designed to roll well in most conditions offer confident cornering and, according to the team over at PinkBike, “they do a good job of clearing mud”– something you’ll be thankful for if you’re riding your Alpine Trail year round in the UK.

Marin's wheelsets have proven strong and light on various bikes, including the San Quentin hard-hitting hardtail, easy to set up tubeless and running true after serious abuse on the roughest of trails.