It's been four years since Marin updated their flagship long-travel bike, the Alpine Trail. The 2021 iteration features the 29er with 150mm of rear travel. NOW THE NEW MODEL FEATURES A HYBRID WHEEL DIAMETER, 161MM OF REAR TRAVEL, AND A HOST OF GEOMETRY TWEAKS, ALL OF WHICH MAKE IT ONE OF THE MORE ADAPTABLE ENDURO BIKES ON THE MARKET.
The biggest update of the new car appeared on the suspension linkage. In order to achieve kinematic goals on platforms with a stroke of more than 150 mm, the designers were forced to say goodbye to the single pivot. They switched to a four-link called MultiTrac 2 LT, which was supposed to be a Horst linkage design. As a result, the chainstay length and bottom bracket height can be adjusted by means of a flip chip on the chainstays.
The new car features Marin's Series 4 hydroformed aluminum frame with internal cable routing. Of course, the UDH tail hook is also indispensable, and the downtube storage compartment has been added, but unfortunately, the small yard holder may not be able to install a kettle here. This is a major oversight for an enduro bike, as some models are equipped with a piggyback liner. The more affordable Alpine Trail 1 comes with an in-line backline, so this model should fit the next kettle.
The new car's frame protection details are also in place, in addition to the regular downtube bottom, the chainstay tape extends to the turning point, and there is a protective cover above to prevent muddy water from entering the turning point.
The new car is available in four sizes, S-XL, reach from 424 mm to 514 mm. The head tube angle is 63° (adjustable with the bowl set), the seat tube angle is 78.3°, and the BB height is 345mm.
The 2024 Alpine Trail is available in three versions, all with a 12-speed drivetrain, 4-piston brakes, and custom-tuned backplanes, priced from $3,199 to $5,399 depending on the configuration, and $1,849 with a Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate coil backburn and a five-year frame warranty.
Editor: Hamma