As a hardtail, the Nail Trail was commended for strength on serious terrain.
The Nail Trail was loved for its climbing ability.
At 28 lbs, the light weight was highly valued.
Value was seen as considerable, with cut-price deals widely available.
This rig was definitely comfortable enough for long haul cross-country.
All Nail Trail frames allow for internal dropper-post routing.
The 2018 Nail Trail 7 is equipped with a TransX dropper seatpost, as stock.
Slack geometry increased confidence on downhills.
Small sizes suited a 5’2” woman and a 5’ boy.
SRAM NX 1x11 drivetrains worked well, without complaint.
Boost spacing allowed for wide rubber choices in both the front and rear.
The RockShox Yari RC Air fork is adjustable, on the Nail Trail 7.
Deore hydraulic brake levers allowed for one-finger braking.
As is usually the case for this brand, fit and finish were superb.
Stock components were approved for quality and value.
With wide bars, a responsive attitude and agility on 27.5”s, handling was lauded.

4 reasons not to buy

Problems were experienced with the RockShox Recon fork.
Generic factory-brand wheels were not overwhelming, but did the job.
One owner complained that seatpost lowering was limited by water bottle bosses.
Schwalbe tires on 2017 models yearned for replacement with something wider, grippier and with tougher sidewalls.

Bottom line

Here’s an impressive hardtail, available in a number of configurations with either 29” or 27.5” wheels (usually appropriate to rider sizing). Geometry was slack enough to add to confidence on downhills but still aided climbing ability. In 2017, the Nail Trail was awarded ‘Mountain Bike of the Year’ by BikesEtc magazine and was rated as a finalist in its price range by Bike Radar in 2019. On the downside, some fork problems were experienced on Nail Trail 6 models, resulting in them needing to be sent away for repairs. Stock tires weren’t always the business, either. However, for the highly respectable price and ability to ride gnarly trails that some hardtails can’t handle – this one looks to be a winner.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

86/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Marin Nail Trail 7 29er Review

Level 5 expert

Smart spec choices and well-thought out geometry make for a light and fast hardtail that can cut it down heavyweight trails.

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BikesEtc

Level 1 expert

Nail Trail 7 (2016)

Level 1 expert

If you’re set on a 29er, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Nail Trail.

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Mountain Bike Magazin

Level 1 expert

Review: Marin Nail Trail 9.7 (2017) [German]

Level 1 expert

Compared to the competition, the Nail Trail is lively and climbs fast.

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Budget MTBer

Level 1 expert

Marin Nail Trail 7 Review First Impression

Level 1 expert

The bike climbs super well. I decided to go with something that is a little more suited to cross-country and being a jack-of-all-trades.

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Budget MTBer

Level 1 expert

Marin Nail Trail 7 Update Review

Level 1 expert

After two months, the only issue I’ve had is with the RockShox fork. It’s definitely worth it to check this bike out.

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Best Mountain Bikes Under £1500

Level 5 expert

If you’re looking for an aggressive, fun, capable trail bike and you’re not bothered about having full suspension, then we reckon the Marin could be a great bike.

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BikesEtc

Level 1 expert

MTB of the Year

Level 1 expert

[Our tester] brought it back from the woods, extolling its lightness, speed, agility and ‘funness’.

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bikeWorld.pl

Level 5 expert

Test: Marin Nail Trail 9.6 [Polish]

Level 5 expert

If you are racing for pleasure and in your free time you like to jump on mountain paths, this bike should meet your expectations, and will not ruin your bank account.

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