Marin Debuts All-New Alpine Trail Models

Petaluma, California - The boldest and most capable lineup of Alpine Trail models ever has been launched. These are not just warmed-over versions of the previous models but all-new bikes built upon the most advanced, most adjustable frames to date, creating some of the best enduro mountain bikes on the market.

Highlights

All-new Series 4 Aluminum MultiTrac 2 LT frames with 160mm travel
Adjustable geometry: head tube angle, bottom bracket height/chainstay length
Mixed 29” F / 27.5” R wheel sizes, ability to run 29” rear
Bear Box downtube storage
170mm travel forks, 4 piston brakes w/ 200mm rotors
Three models & one frame kit

FRAME & TRAVEL

With the Series 4 Aluminum heart and soul of the Alpine Trail models and the focus of thousands of hours of development time, the new Alpine Trail sees rear wheel travel increase to 160mm, up 10mm from the outgoing platform. But the bigger story revolves around how it was done and what MultiTrac 2 LT (“Long Travel,” 150mm+) means. MultiTrac 2 LT shifts from seatstay pivots to chainstay pivots, ensuring that the suspension performance matches the design goals, which are not achievable using pivots located on the seatstay once travel exceeds 150mm. With MultiTrac 2 LT, the benefits of relocating the rear pivot points from the seatstay to the chainstay become apparent, as it reduces anti-rise, allowing for better chassis control while braking, more mid-stroke support, and better feel at bottom out. Furthermore, relocation of the pivots provides the added benefit of allowing for adjustable chainstay lengths and bottom bracket heights. Ultimately, it’s a better-riding, better-performing suspension system made possible by the new pivot placement. Seatpost inner diameters are now 34.9mm, which increases frame strength. They are compatible with the latest diameter dropper posts and better match the aesthetics of the more robust frame.

Adjustable Geometry

Adjustable geometry also makes its debut on the new Alpine Trail models. With the integrated flip chips, adjustable headset and an aftermarket 29” rear wheel, riders can select 12 unique configurations to run their bikes. These configurations allow the best fine-tuning of chassis to trail conditions available. Flip chips are easy to reconfigure trailside with just a 6mm hex wrench, require no additional parts, and incorporate laser-etched graphics that indicate the position of the chips. The stock 27.5” rear wheel can be swapped out for a 29” rear wheel (not included) if desired, along with changing the position of the seatstay flip chips. Furthermore, the flip chips located at the seatstay pivots alter the bottom bracket height and chainstay length (low BB/long CS setting = 345/442mm, high BB/short CS setting = 352/435mm) so that riders can perfectly dial their bike in to match the terrain they are looking to conquer. Finally, using proprietary headset cups and inserts, the headtube angle can be adjusted to +0.75° or -0.75° from the standard 63° position, giving the rider three options.

Bear Box Downtube Storage

The new Bear Box downtube storage is another feature making its Marin debut on the Alpine Trail. This voluminous cavity in the hydroformed downtube has enough space to stash mini tools and a TPU innertube within the included nylon bag with a weather-sealed zipper. The lid assembly is a proprietary design, with a latch and weather-sealed gasket to keep cargo dry and secure. The lid incorporates threaded inserts, and all sizes of Alpine Trail models can accommodate a traditional bottle cage and a standard 24oz bottle. Do you require even more storage? Mounts on the underside of the top tube allow for gear strap installation.

Protection

Chainstay and seatstays are protected with durable rubber guards that minimize noise and protect paint finishes, a gasket around the cable exit hole reduces noise and prevents the brake hose and derailleur cable from marring the frame, and a mudflap positioned over the lower suspension pivot keeps spray and muck off the bearings. An integrated downtube guard helps deflect errant rocks, logs, or anything else riders may encounter on the trail. Cable ports are of an all-new design and keep the frame innards sealed. These ports use rubber membranes punctured during initial assembly and seal around the housing or hose once inserted. They will be available as a service part for when riders make changes to their components.

SRAM Full Mount Compatible

And they didn't forget the humble derailleur hanger. "Future-proof" is a rather bold and often misleading term, especially in an industry where countless "standards" come and go. Still, the new Alpine Trails utilize the Universal Derailleur Hanger standard across all models. The UDH allows us to spec a T-Type/Full Mount derailleur on the flagship Alpine Trail XR AXS, facilitating riders to upgrade to this direct mount style if desired.

Specifications

The Alpine Trail family is now a three-model lineup consisting of the Alpine Trail XR AXS, Alpine Trail XR, Alpine Trail 1, plus an Alpine Trail XR frame kit. All complete bike models are built around high-performance and high-value 12-speed drivetrains, 4-piston brakes with 200mm rotors; dropper posts up to 200mm long (XL frame size), 35mm bar/stem combos, and 34.9mm diameter dropper posts.

Alpine Trail XR AXS

All-new Series 4 Aluminum MultiTrac 2 LT frame
RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork / Super Deluxe coil ultimate shock
SRAM GX T-Type AXS 12-speed drivetrain
SRAM Code Bronze 4-piston brakes w/ 200mm rotors
MSRP $5399 (US), 5945€(EU), £5225 (UK), $7249 (CAN)

Alpine Trail XR

All-new Series 4 Aluminum MultiTrac 2 LT frame
RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork / Super Deluxe Ultimate coil shock
SRAM GX Eagle Lunar 12-speed drivetrain
SRAM DB8 Stealth 4-piston brakes w/ 200mm rotors
MSRP $4599 (US), 5059€(EU), £4445 (UK), $6159 (CAN)

Alpine Trail 1

All-new Series 4 Aluminum MultiTrac 2 LT frame
Fox 36 Rhythm fork / Fox Float Performance shock w/ custom tune
Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain
TRP Slate EVO 4-piston brakes w 203mm rotors
MSRP $3199 (US), 3499€(EU), £3095 (UK), $4299 (CAN)

Alpine Trail XR frame kit

All-new Series 4 Aluminum MultiTrac 2 LT frame
RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate coil shock w/ custom tune
MSRP $1849 (US), 1899€(EU), £1925 (UK), $3149 (CAN)

All-new Alpine Trail models will be available in global markets in the second quarter of 2024.

Marin Bikes are Made For Fun. Whether your idea of fun involves riding rugged trails to that remote alpine lake, pinning on a race number and entering your first race, taking a long way home on your commuter bike, bikepacking to that remote campsite, or just exploring the neighborhood bike paths, Marin brings the fun to your ride. It’s the principle that guides Marin when developing new bikes, from long-travel, trail-devouring machines at home in some of the world’s most challenging race circuits to the multi-surface capable pavement collection. Each model is designed to be playful and to maximize the opportunities for two-wheeled fun. Learn more about Marin’s critically acclaimed models at marinbikes.com.

View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the new Marin Alpine Trail models in the Vital MTB Product Guide.