Marin has launched a new 29er trail bike that's built around a new suspension system and aimed at being a one-bike solution for most riders.
The Wolf Ridge is the first model in Marin’s line developed in conjunction with Naild’s R3act suspension system.
We’ll delve into the details shortly, but the claim — and the primary reason Marin chose to design this 160mm 29er around it — is that it is intended to be equally good at climbing and descending.
Marin Wolf Ridge highlights
- 160mm of front and rear suspension
- Uses the R3act suspension system developed by Naild
- Designed around 29in wheels
- Full carbon frame
- Two models in the line, with more on the way
- Pricing ranges from $6,800 to $8,600 (UK and Australian pricing TBC)
- Available this summer
Marin’s mission
It’s a hackneyed term, but “one bike quiver” is the best way to describe Marin’s mission in developing the Wolf Ridge. It’s also what many riders are searching for when they shop for a new high-end mountain bike, hence the persistence of the phrase.
The Wolf Ridge is a trail bike intended to pedal better than its suspension numbers might suggest.
Marin’s assertion that the Wolf Ridge is "a bike that can climb and descend equally well" is far from an original marketing claim. The bike’s suspension system, on the other hand, certainly is.
Naild it
In the same way that many companies use the DW-Link, Split-Pivot and Delta suspension designs developed by Dave Weagle, Marin and Polygon are the first companies to license a new suspension design created by Naild, an engineering company headed by Darrel Voss.
R3act-2play is the full name of this new suspension design. It’s a very different looking system, to say the least, but it does have some promising attributes, at least on paper.
The stated goal of Voss’ design is to keep the rear wheel tracking the ground (like every other suspension design) while also retaining anti-squat characteristics that remain relatively consistent throughout the range of travel and gearing (very different from other suspension designs). A sliding stanchion is employed to allow the R3act linkage to accomplish the latter.
Build kits
For now, Marin is offering the Wolf Ridge in two trim levels. We may see additional, more affordable options come to market later this year.
Marin Wolf Ridge Pro
As the top bike in the line, the Wolf Ridge Pro has a Fox Float 36 Performance Elite fork and Fox Float X2 Factory shock.
SRAM supplies the XX1 Eagle drivetrain as well as the Guide Ultimate disc brakes with a 200mm front and 180mm rear rotor.
The Wolf Ridge Pro rolls on e*thirteen TRS Race wheels with a WTB Vigilante and Breakout tire combo.
Pricing is set at $8,600. (UK and Australian pricing TBC.)
Marin Wolf Ridge 9
The Wolf Ridge 9 shares the same full carbon frame as the Pro. Upfront there’s a RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork with a Monarch R Debonair shock.
The drivetrain consists of a SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain and SRAM Guide RS brakes with a 200mm front and 180mm rear rotor.
The Wolf Ridge 9 spins on a NoTubes Flow wheelset with a WTB Vigilante and Breakout tire combo.
Both the Pro and 9 uses KS LEV SIO with custom offset heads, which offer more offset than the standard version to properly position the saddle over the bottom bracket.
Pricing is set at $6,799. (UK and Australian pricing TBC.)
Visit www.marinbikes.com for more information.
