Marin Full Suspension MTB Size Chart

Marin's full suspension mountain bikes are at the heart of their lineup, built for everything from all-day trail rides to hardcore enduro racing. This category includes the hard-hitting enduro Alpine Trail and Quake, alongside the versatile all-rounder, the Rift Zone. These models feature modern, progressive geometry with long reach and slack head angles for stability. Sizing is crucial for harnessing their potential. All these bikes, including their E-Bike counterparts, share the same core sizing philosophy.

Applies to: Alpine Trail (all models), Quake, Rift Zone (all models), and all their E-Bike versions (Alpine Trail E, Rift Zone E).

Alpine Trail, Quake & E-Bike Sizing

The Marin Alpine Trail is a world-renowned enduro bike designed for the steepest, most demanding terrain. The Quake is its even bigger-hitting sibling for bike park laps. Their sizing reflects this, with a long wheelbase and reach for maximum stability. When using the Marin Alpine Trail size chart above, aggressive riders on the cusp of two sizes might size up for an even more planted feel at race speeds. The E-Bike versions (Alpine Trail E) follow the same sizing logic.

Rift Zone & E-Bike Sizing

The Marin Rift Zone is the quintessential trail bike—a perfect all-rounder that climbs efficiently and descends with playful confidence. The Marin Rift Zone size chart above is designed to put you in a balanced position for all-day adventures. If you're between sizes, sizing down will create a more poppy and playful bike, while sizing up will enhance its stability and capability on faster trails. This applies to all versions, from the Rift Zone 1 to the carbon models and E-Bikes.

Marin Hardtail MTB Size Chart

Marin's hardtail mountain bikes celebrate simplicity and pure trail connection. The range is diverse, from the aggressive "hardcore hardtail" San Quentin to the XC-focused Team Marin and the versatile Bobcat Trail, Wildcat Trail, and entry-level Bolinas Ridge. While most share a similar sizing chart, their on-trail feel differs significantly due to their geometry.

Trail Hardtail Sizing (Bobcat, Wildcat, Bolinas)

This is the general sizing for Marin's core trail hardtails. The Bobcat Trail is a classic trail-ready hardtail, while the Wildcat Trail offers a women's specific fit with tailored components. The Bolinas Ridge is the perfect entry point to trail riding. These bikes offer a comfortable and confidence-inspiring fit for exploring singletrack.

Applies to: Bobcat Trail (all models), Wildcat Trail (all models), Bolinas Ridge (all models), Team Marin, and Pine Mountain.

Aggressive Hardtail Sizing (San Quentin, Alcatraz)

The Marin San Quentin is a dirt jump-inspired trail bike with aggressive geometry for playful riding. The Marin San Quentin size chart below reflects its long and low stance, prioritizing maneuverability. The Alcatraz is a pure dirt jump bike and uses a unique sizing system—it's available in just one size, designed to be compact and agile for riders of most heights looking for a dedicated jump bike.

Applies to: San Quentin (all models).

Marin Gravel & Drop-Bar Bike Size Chart

Marin's drop-bar bikes are built for adventure, blurring the lines between road, gravel, and touring. This category includes the high-performance carbon Headlands, the versatile aluminum Gestalt, the classic steel Nicasio, and the legendary Four Corners touring bike. Sizing is based on numeric frame sizes (in cm) for a precise fit, though the Four Corners uses its own unique sizing system.

Gravel & All-Road Sizing (Headlands, Gestalt, Nicasio)

This chart is your guide for Marin's core gravel lineup. Whether you're looking for a Marin Gestalt size guide for all-road speed or a Marin Nicasio size chart for steel-is-real comfort, this table provides the correct starting point. The premium carbon Headlands also follows this sizing.

Applies to: Headlands (all models), Gestalt (all models), Nicasio (all models), Lombard.

Touring Sizing (Four Corners)

The Marin Four Corners is a dedicated touring bike built for long-haul dependability. Its sizing is unique, using S-XL designations and different wheel sizes (650B for smaller frames, 700C for larger) to ensure a proportional fit and prevent toe overlap for all riders.

Marin Fitness & Hybrid Bike Size Chart

Marin's extensive range of flat-bar bikes is perfect for fitness, commuting, and everyday fun. This category includes the fast flat-bar gravel DSX, the efficient Fairfax and Presidio commuters, and comfort-focused bikes like the Stinson and Kentfield. Most of these bikes share a common sizing chart designed to provide a comfortable and efficient riding position.

Fitness & Commuter Sizing (DSX, Fairfax, Presidio, etc.)

This master chart applies to the majority of Marin's flat-bar bikes. Whether you need a Marin Fairfax size chart for your commute or are looking at the versatile DSX, this is your starting point. These bikes offer a balanced position that is more upright than a road bike but more efficient than a mountain bike.

Applies to: DSX (all models), Fairfax (all models), Presidio (all models), Muirwoods, Kentfield, Stinson, Sausalito, San Rafael, and San Anselmo.

A Deep Dive into Marin's "Made for Fun" Geometry

The sizing charts are your starting point, but understanding the philosophy behind Marin's frame design will help you make a truly expert choice. The "Made for Fun" ethos isn't just a sticker on the frame; it's a design principle that influences every angle and tube length. Marin bikes are known for their intuitive, confidence-inspiring handling that appeals to both new riders and seasoned experts. They achieve this through a focus on progressive, yet accessible, geometry.

MultiTrac Suspension and Sizing: A Rider-Centric Approach

Marin's proprietary MultiTrac suspension platform, found on the Rift Zone and Alpine Trail, is a key piece of their sizing puzzle. It's a finely-tuned system designed to offer a supple feel over small bumps, a supportive mid-stroke for cornering, and progressive bottom-out resistance for big hits. This predictable suspension allows Marin to design the frame geometry with a lower bottom bracket and a more centered rider position. When you're choosing a size, this means you can trust the bike will feel balanced and planted, allowing you to sit "in" the bike rather than "on" it, which is a cornerstone of confident trail riding.

Understanding Frame Series (Series 1, 2, 3, and 4)

You'll notice Marin bikes are often designated with a "Series" number (e.g., Bobcat Trail Series 2, Rift Zone Series 3). This can be confusing, but it's a simple system that indicates the level of frame technology and material quality. It's important to note that **the geometry and sizing recommendations typically remain the same within a specific model line, regardless of the Series number.**

• Series 1: This is the entry-point, typically found on bikes like the Bolinas Ridge. It uses quality 6061 aluminum with basic tube shapes and is designed for durability and value.
• Series 2: A step up, this series (found on the Bobcat Trail) also uses 6061 aluminum but often features lighter, double-butted tubing and more advanced tube shaping for a better ride feel and lower weight.
• Series 3: This is where high-performance aluminum frames begin (e.g., San Quentin, Rift Zone). Series 3 frames feature highly manipulated, extensively butted tubing, forged dropouts, and often more advanced details like internal cable routing for a premium look and significant weight savings.
• Series 4: This designation is reserved for Marin's top-tier aluminum race frames, like the Team Marin. These frames represent the pinnacle of aluminum technology, with tube shapes and butting profiles designed to rival the performance of carbon fiber.

When choosing your size, the Series number tells you about the frame's weight and refinement, but you can rely on the same size chart whether you're looking at a Series 2 or Series 3 Bobcat Trail.

From the Box to the Trails: Dialing In Your Marin

A correctly sized Marin frame is the perfect canvas; a few simple adjustments will turn it into your masterpiece. After assembling your new bike, take a few minutes to dial in these key contact points.

1. Set Your Saddle Height: The most crucial first step. A good starting point is to set the saddle so your leg has a slight bend when the pedal is at its lowest point. This ensures efficient pedaling and prevents knee strain.
2. Adjust Lever Position: Angle your brake levers on the handlebar so that your wrists are in a straight, neutral position when your fingers are resting on them. This reduces fatigue and improves control.
3. Set Your Suspension Sag (For Full Suspension): This is vital for performance. Sit on the bike in your normal riding gear and measure how much the rear shock compresses. For a trail bike like the Rift Zone, aim for 25-30% of the shock's total travel. This ensures the MultiTrac suspension works as intended.

These initial adjustments will get you riding comfortably and safely. For ultimate performance, a professional bike fit is always a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marin Sizing

What if I am between two sizes on a Marin bike chart?

If your height puts you between two frame sizes, the best choice often comes down to your riding style and body proportions.
Size Down For: A more nimble, playful feel. A smaller frame is easier to maneuver in tight spaces, making it a good choice for technical trail riding or agile city commuting. Riders with shorter torsos and longer legs often feel more comfortable on a smaller frame.
Size Up For: Greater stability at speed. A larger frame provides a longer wheelbase, which is more composed over rough terrain and during fast descents. Riders with longer torsos and arms will feel less cramped.
The ultimate test is a test ride. Visiting a local bike shop in Bournemouth or wherever you are based is the best way to feel the difference.

How does Marin's mountain bike geometry affect sizing?

Marin is known for its progressive mountain bike geometry, especially on models like the Alpine Trail and San Quentin. This means they have a longer **reach** (the distance from the bottom bracket to the handlebars) and a slacker **head tube angle** than many traditional bikes. This makes them very stable at speed but can make them feel longer than a bike of the same size from another brand. It's important to trust the size chart, as it's designed around this modern geometry that prioritizes a confident, centered riding position.

What's the difference between a Bolinas Ridge and a Bobcat Trail?

Both are excellent trail hardtails, but the Bobcat Trail is a step up from the Bolinas Ridge in terms of component specification and frame technology. The Bobcat typically features a more advanced "Series 2" frame with lighter tubing, a better-quality air-sprung suspension fork, a wider-range drivetrain (like 1x11 or 1x12), and more powerful hydraulic disc brakes. The Bolinas Ridge uses a durable "Series 1" frame and is a fantastic, value-oriented entry point to get you on the trails, while the Bobcat Trail is geared towards riders who are ready for a more capable and trail-ready machine right out of the box. Sizing for both follows the same chart.

How does the fit of the aggressive San Quentin differ from a trail hardtail like the Bobcat Trail?

While both are hardtails, their fit and feel are worlds apart due to geometry. The Bobcat Trail is a classic trail bike with a balanced position for climbing and descending. The San Quentin is a "hardcore hardtail" inspired by dirt jump bikes. It has a much slacker head tube angle, a longer reach, and a very low standover height. This puts the rider in a more aggressive, attack-ready position for descending, jumping, and aggressive cornering. A size Large San Quentin will feel significantly longer and more stable on descents than a size Large Bobcat Trail.

What does "Women's Fit Geometry" on bikes like the Wildcat Trail actually mean?

Marin's "Women's Fit Geometry" involves more than just a different saddle and paint job. These models, like the Wildcat Trail, are designed with specific touchpoints tailored to female riders. This often includes narrower handlebars to better suit average shoulder width, shorter stems for more responsive handling, and specially designed saddles. While the core frame geometry and sizing recommendations are often the same as the unisex equivalent (like the Bobcat Trail), these component changes can provide a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring fit for many women straight from the shop floor.