Everything you need to know about the Marin Alpine Trail 7
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- čas přidán 28. 02. 2023
- Alpine Trail 7 is Marin's base model enduro mountain bike that you can find at bikesonline for under $2,400 right now (links below help support the channel)
MARIN Alpine Trail 7
bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/c/3995...
trailone.bike/
Discount Code: SupportTheTrails-Hoff
Now this is definitely an amazing bike for the price, but it may not be perfect for everyone.
The Alpine Trail 7 is a
Long, Slack and Low enduro mountain bike
Alloy frame, linkage driven single pivot design
(Explained in video)
63.5 degree, size XL 515 reach, low bottom bracket height…
Enduro bikes usually range from about 150-170 mm of suspension travel, and this bike falls fight in the middle to lower half of that category with 150 rear and 160 fork.
Weight = 36lbs 8oz for this size XL, so definitely not the lightest bike but not the heaviest bike out there either and weight isn't usually the biggest consideration when choosing a budget friendly enduro bike.
This bike comes Spec'd with:
Yari Fork
Deluxe Select Shock
Shimano Deore Drivetrain
MT 420 4-Piston brakes
And I've also added One Up Pedals, T1 grips, and Trail one valve stems for a tubeless conversion. Check out that Trail 1 discount code!
So WHAT do I LIKE about this bike?
Well I was immediately surprised with the performance of the budget components:
Brakes, Good rise sweep length bars, Stem, Fork, Shock, Drivetrain
I also like the Upgradability of this bike:
Suspension, Brakes, drivetrain, comes tubeless ready taped rims that I immediately upgraded with tubeless conversion and T1 valve stems
Out in the trail:
Happy with how this bike climbs, Steep seattube
When pointed downhill, Good on Steep descents
Stable through rocky sections
Confidence inspiring on those steep "ALPINE" descents, which goes perfectly with the name of this bike.
What I did NOT like:
But as the trails narrowed down and started to twist and turn, I quickly realized there were some things I didn't like about this bike so let's get into what I didn't like:
Small things I don't like about the spec:
Short dropper
Super grip tires, swapped out rear tire, which helped
Very active suspension, had to Flip climb switch on climbs
But most of what I didn't like really came down to how this bike felt on certain sections of the trail:
On other bikes I've owned, I jumped right on and feel at home, but this bike has taken a little getting used to and I still don't feel 100% comfortable on it.
On a tight flow trail I rode with some sharp 180 degree berms;
Felt like I was constantly off the back of the bike, and struggling to keep front tire traction, and that led to me feeling slow and awkward on this flow trail.
Now part of that might be poor riding technique, I'm NO PRO RIDER.. and I know other people have told me they like the way this bike corners and had no issues with the way it rides. So maybe I just need to work on my cornering technique and get more used to how this bike rides.
But one area I do feel that I have slightly above average skills is on jumps.
And when it came to jumps and popping bumps and rocks on the trail,,, which is something I love to do…
this bike didn't feel as poppy and playful as I would like. Now it is a heavy, long travel, Enduro bike, but I've rode bikes in the past with more front and rear suspension travel that were easier to catch air on, and remember that linkage driven single pivot design I referenced.
I usually like how progressive that design is, which usually allows me to really ramp up the suspension and pop off jumps. But I didn't feel that poppy feeling with this bike.
Was it because of the budget rear shock? maybe.
Would higher spec'd versions of this bike solve this issue? maybe 🤔
Or maybe I just need to adjust my riding style, and use it for its intended purpose.
This bike is true to its name, and perfect for BIG rowdy "ALPINE" riding on rugged terrain where this Long, Slack and Low bike excels.
Got questions? Leave a comment in the video; But remember friends it's not about the views or subscribers. It's about getting you guys stoked! To go ride! And Have Fun!
Become a member to get exclusive access to perks! I'm planning on posting exclusive members only videos, and MTB gear giveaways.
/ @jaredhoff - Sport
Thanks again for another great video!
Thank you! Comments like this make it all worth it 👍🏻
Great video bro !
I really got all info i wanted.
Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate the feedback 👍
Thanks for the video very interesting👍🏻👍🏻
I bought this bike for my first mtb haha
It’s a great bike. Especially for your first MTB 👍 So much of what makes a “great” bike is personal preference.
I'm planning to do a bunch of the things you mentioned so Im glad to get that affirmation. Installing a 203mm rt64 w/ metallic pads up front, an XT shifter, and a 2.4" Dissector out back to reduce unsprung weight and rolling resistance. Ill eventually do the Charger 2.1 damper and new brake levers but keep the 4 pot calipers. Thanks for the helpful insight into this bike.
Awesome man. Stoked for you! There’s nothing better than getting a bike dialed in just the way you want it.
My friend found one of these used recently. And we all said the same thing, great simple Enduro/ free ride bike. It's nothing special but he was on budget and never really rode anything better before so he loves it. And yes it's very true It's a total knar plow. I own a Slayer and they are very similar in weight, and I have 10mm more travel! It's a good intermediate bike, great for people who want to push limits but not there budget. Simple, solid, reputable parts easily upgradeable. But if your use to high bike already then obviously you will be disappointed cause you already rode the best. But honest review and I like how you pointed out its more of a downhill Enduro...cause it really is. I think it's a great budget option
Thanks for adding this awesome comment. I really was just trying to talk about the bike honestly, like I would talk to a friend about it.
Nice job brother. I really like that bike
Thanks bro! 👍🏻
GReat overview Jared - I think upgrading the shifter to an XT one will make a huge difference, besides that I'd stick with the bike as it is! That being said, I understand wanting to find something a bit more playful - I'd encourage you to try a little bit less travel and see what you think!
Thanks for the advice Josh. Agree that the XT shifter could be a great upgrade. I do kind of wonder how this suspension design would feel with a little better shock, but ultimately have decided that I want to try something with less travel to get that playful feel I’m looking for 👍🏻
@@JaredHoff I second the XT shifter. Made a much larger difference than I expected
I currently have the marin rift zone, but need somthing with longer travel, so I have been looking at getting the alpine trail XR but after this video I think that I am going to go with the more affordable, upgradable 7
I do like the spec in the XR, and it looks cool. I wonder how that coil Shock would change the feel of this bike. If you can demo this bike at a shop, I’d do that.
I think this is an amazing bike to upgrade though. But it’s hard to say how the XR would compare without riding both back-to-back.
marin really is a good bike .confidence
Definitely was confidence inspiring on the gnarly rock sections where the trail got steep.
Great review!
Thank you! Much appreciated 🤙🏻
Back to the good ol slash, best bike ever
If you want to start from cheap, maybe an slash 7 would fit great in the channel
So close to my exact thoughts. I’m looking at the EX 7 as well.
@@JaredHoff yeah, looks pretty good. Watched all of your videos when i pulled the trigger on my slash. And really enjoyed the upgrade videos.
I agree. Get another Trek or a Kona Process. The new and used bike market is crazy.
Bike market sales are crazy. A lot of discounts out there. I’m working on a trail bike now. Fuel EX 7 Gen 6
Much lighter than those over-marketed e-bikes. And the range is much greater than any e-bike. Would like to see a Alpine Trail model with suntour Triair and Auron fork, 11 speed components. I prefer(and can afford) Suntour. Most people infatuated with CZcams MTB reviews don't like any product below a grand$. To realistic riders, a grand, is a-lot of money for a bicycle.
I’ve never tried subtour fork. I will admit that I have a Fox fork biased, and it after riding a Fox Factory fork it definitely changed my preference for forks. But totally agree that $1,000 is expensive for a bike upgrade. Most riders probably don’t need it, but it’s hard for me to knock the Fox suspension. I do try to be honest though about all reviews and would be interested to try a suntour
I've got the Carbon option in Medium size, and our bike shop has a large fleet of 7's as rental. The carbon frame Iis noticeably lighter and a touch stiffer torsionally.
I think the geo is optimized for the S & M sizes. Maybe L is ok. Bigger sizes IMO can feel a bit un-balanced.
A better shock and wheels can most certainly make the bike more lively, but it's not a super spritely climber. Coil feels spectacular, but the stock Deluxe is a touch choppy.
I think it jumps really well though, and arguably the best bike for wheelies i've ever tried.
I always wondered why hat it would feel like with a coil. Stoked for you 👍
As someone who is looking to get into mtb and have never done it. Im torn between going cheaper on the 7 or spending extra to get the xr. I live close to 2 mtb ski parks so ill definitely be getting an enduro.
As a first time mountain biker I don’t know if you’d be riding the bike hard enough to notice the difference on the better parts. Also know that it is very common to buy your first bike and then realize you want something different as you start to realize what works best for you.
I usually recommend used bikes at first, which is what I did. The XR will have better performance. Will that performance actual help you ride better? Hard to say. Depends on how fast you ride and on what style of trails. But take everything I say with a grain of salt. Can you demo a bike to see what you like?
@@JaredHoff that is exactly what i was thinking, with being new i wouldnt notice a huge difference.
I can demo bikes at my local mtb lift park, unfortunately they dont open till mid may and the bike sale on the 2 bikes i mentioned ends at the end of march.
Had you ever tried a santa cruz hightower? They are exellent trail bikes.
No. I’ve only rode a Santa Cruz bike once and it was a Bronson. They definitely make good bikes
you need shorter reach OR shorter handlebar OR longer chainstay (or combination of these) if you feel like you are struggling to get to the front of the bike
but it will not change the suspension platform for you, so yeah, take notes and move onto next bike
Yeah, that’s kind of what I’m thinking. This is a great budget bike, but just not the right bike for me.
Thanks for your review! How tall are you? I am 186cm and trying to decide between L and XL frame sizes.
74” which I think is close to 188 cm and I would buy a large if I had to do it all over
I’ve said this before, bikes are at a point where they are to long low and slack and are loosing their playfulness. I usually ride a large at 5’11” but i think for my next bike i might get a medium.
Yes. This is a 150/160mm travel bike. I think it’s great for DH focused trails, but at that point I’d want more suspension travel.
get a canyon spectral its playfull and it also works for enduro
Definitely and amazing MTB, and man they hav some great deals 👍🏻
Problem is Marin have bought a bike to the market at a good price.
The downside is that some of the components are cheap/ functional, but ultimately heavy.
I reckon a lighter wheelset with lighter tyres + tubeless in combination with a wolftooth geoshift so you can play with steepening the head angle should help with that playfulness you are seeking.
I certainly wouldn't give up on the bike, work to it's strengths and upgrade surrounding components.
I hear ya! I still have it for now
It's not that bad you can resell some of it and the fork is decent, I bought a giant trance x 29 2 that came with SRAM SX I ordered a GX groupset and I can't find a buyer for the SX stuff 😢 happily the tektro Orion 4p brakes I was sure I had to replace are pretty sweet...
Sounds like you need a Capra. Mini DH bike that pedals.
Capra is an amazing MTB
Should I go with the 2021 kona process 153 29 or marin alpine trail 7 2023. Both bikes are for sale for 1500 which one would you take.
I’ve always wanted to try a Kona 👍
Kona it is 😄
how compare to the slash? i mean slash is more playful even with more travel?
Yes, Slash is more playful. I like the Slash more, but keep in mind that I primarily ride Trek bikes so I definitely have a biased opinion.
Get another slash 🤘🏻
😂 The Slash is an amazing bike. I still miss my Slash, but have something else in mind 🤔
@@JaredHoff interested to see what it’s is 🤔 lol I’m wanting a slash currently have a marlin
What size are the handlebars? 31.8 or 35 mm clamp?
35
@JaredHoff thanks brother! Have a at7 on way and want to get different bars coming as well.
I found with the bike that it is soo slack and that bikes are getting slacker you actually need a longer stem like a 50mm to weight the front better, since putting a 50mm stem. The bike rides way better.
Good stuff man. Always good to try different changes like that to get a bike dialed in 👍🏻
Jared did you totally regret buying this bike?...maybe you think that another option of your previous video would it be a better option?
I really never got along with this bike. But I still think it’s a good bike for the right person.
@@JaredHoff Don´t you think that´s because you had high expectation comparing with your last bike?
Price tag?
$2400
Why don't you just put some tokens in the shock and some different tyres. Then it will pop
For sure! That’s a great option.
I woulda got this bike if the color way wasn’t Dookie… 💩. So I spend the extra couple hundred dollars to get the alpine trail C1. Carbon frame and assegai tires. Nicer color. 😂😂
I think this bike really needs a better shock to perform well anyway, so you made a good choice 👍
Budget bike that costs nearly $4000..au.
That’s the market for enduro bikes. But there are some better deals out there. Especially used bikes