Conclusion
The Marin is suited to a range of trails including downhill runs, but the suspension’s rebound damping isn’t as quick as you would imagine when it is open and when it was slower it compressed down a bit.
With the handlebars there is too many things to think about and where you want them for the perfect riding position such as the dropper post remote and STEPS mode controller as the left-hand brake lever is also on the same part of the bar, this limits the space between the grip and bar with allowing you to have all those items on. This would have to be something to be considered based on your own personal riding experience due to everyone riding differently and liking accessories to be in easy to find positions.
When climbing uphill the Marin is extremely comfortable with a centralised and upright seated pedalling position making it feel relaxed, you don’t need to move your weight on the saddle or adjust your feet to find that comfortable riding position.
Due to the active rear shock every bump it comes across is absorbed and your body is not taking the full effects of it, as you are seated whilst pedalling you will be pleased at how comfortable it is. The grip from the real tyre moves out of the way of bumps but can sometimes drift on the harder trails and on muddier trails it was unable to gain traction causing the tread to be obstructed.
On the EP8 motor you can tune the assistance levels for each mode via the E-Tube project app with the ability to choose the amount of torque and power that you would need for the ride you are on.
With the downhill descents the Alpine Trail E2 showed how capable it was, with the suspension being comfortable and able to take on the bumps it made the ride feel calm. The bike can take jumps, drop offs and berms it didn’t bottom out and feels extremely controlled.
With the Shimano SLX brakes they do not overheat when using them for a prolonged time and perform well on the descents.
The Marin comes with a 630Wh battery Shimano EP8 motor that gives 250W of power and 85Nm of peak torque, there is a charging port on the non-drive side near the motor.
Specification
| Weight | 24.6kg |
| Fork | Fox 38 Performance Elite |
| Shock | Fox Float DHX2, Performance Elite |
| Handlebar | Race Face Affect R 35, 35mm Clamp, 780mm, 20mm rise, 5 degrees up, 8 degrees back |
| Stem | Race Face Affect R35, 50mm |
| Headset | FSA No 57, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 ⅛” x 1 ½” |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc, 203mm Rotor |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX 7100 12-Speed, I-Spec EV |
| Seat Post | X-Fusion Manic, Size S 125mm Travel, Size M and L 150mm Travel, Size XL 170mm Travel, 30.9mm |
| Saddle | Marin E-MTB Saddle |
| Chain | KMC E12S, E-bike Specific Chain |
| Spokes | 14g Black Stainless Steel |
| Tyres | Front: Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5”, 3C Maxxterra, Exo+, Tubeless compatible
Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 x 2.8”, 3C Maxx Terra, Exo+, Tubeless Compatible |
Build
The Alpine Trail E2 is similar to a lot of the brand’s other full-suspension bikes and has the same Series 4 aluminium that the standard Alpine Trail has. The cables are internally routed with space for a bottle inside the front triangle. There are bumpers to stop the forks from rotating too far and a chainstay chain slap protector integrated into the frame.
The down tube features Shimano’s 630Wh battery that can be removed when you need to charge it away from the bike, it is connected to the STEPS EP8 motor.
The Alpine Trail E2 has a 63 degree head-tube angle, a 78 degree effective seat-tube angle. It has a 1,264mm wheelbase and 435mm chainstays, with a low 686.8mm standover height and short 425mm seat-tube length. With the measurements it allows plenty of comfort when ascending and because of the steep seat-tube angle placing you central to the bike over the pedal cranks this is effective.
Special Features
On the Marin website they explain the correct suspension and fork setup. This includes ensuring they have the right pressure in them and how to make sure you have it ready to ride.
Warranty
Warranty depends on the country of residence.