The Team Marin is available in two builds, each standing out at its respective price point, according to experts.
Reviewers see this bike as a strong option for beginners, entry-level racers, and experienced riders keen to have more fun.
The frame has mounts for two bottle cages inside the front triangle.
Two experts think the Team Marin would make a great bikepacking option.
Owners and experts say the Team Marin performs well on climbs, descents, flowing singletrack, and technical sections of trails.
An owner highlights the ability of the Team Marin 1's RockShox Judy Silver TK fork to handle tree roots and small drop-offs.
One expert praises the Fox 34 Step-Cast fork, saying it's his favorite lightweight fork; another says it handles bumpy terrain without bottoming out.
The Series 4 aluminum frame is compliant without sacrificing efficiency, impressing several riders and reviewers.
One reviewer appreciates the traction, cornering grip, and fast-rolling nature of the Team Marin 2's Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35" tires.
Testers consider the Team Marin’s brakes adequate for XC or light trail riding.
Reviewers enjoy how light and nimble this bike feels to ride.
The Team Marin 2's ability to keep up with much more expensive bikes impresses one tester.

6 reasons not to buy

Several owners of the Team Marin report cracked seat stays.
According to multiple experts, the Team Marin's brakes don't match the bike's capacity for hard riding.
Reviewers and users say that a longer stem would benefit the Team Marin’s twitchy handling.
Several owners complain that the paint quality is poor, and they find it very easy to damage.
Experts criticize the Team Marin 1's Vee Tire Rail Rocco tires, with one rider saying they struggle for traction on loose terrain.
Experts and owners agree the Team Marin 1 needs a dropper post to make the most of its abilities.

Bottom line

Marin's Team Marin is an affordable hardtail XC race bike available in two builds. Each build has a 120mm fork, quality drivetrain, and aluminum frame that combines compliance with speed. Several experts feel that the bike lacks stopping power. Others recommend budgeting for a dropper post on the Team Marin 1. But overall, reviewers are impressed by this bike's well-rounded performance and value for both beginners and experienced riders. However, doubt remains over the quality of the frame and whether or not Marin has addressed the issue of cracked seat stays without sacrificing the impressive compliance and efficiency.

By Nick Koleszar

Expert Reviews

86/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews

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Pinkbike

Level 5 expert

Field Test: Marin Team Marin 1 – A Wallet Friendly XC Race Bike

Level 5 expert

The Team Marin 1 is well spec’d for the price… it’ll scoot right on up the trail… and is a great option for riders that enjoy picking their way through puzzling sections of trail. It’s no slouch on the descents, as long as you remember that it’s… not a hardcore hardtail meant for bashing down the gnarliest trails.

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hardtail party

Level 1 expert

What a Fun Bike! Marin Team Marin 2 Review – A Modern XC Bike That Punches Far Above Its Weight

Level 1 expert

I think the fact that the Team Marin 2 can easily be ridden by absolute beginners and it’s still fun for expert riders tells a lot about it. You guys knocked it out of the park, Marin, keep doing this; this is an awesome bike!

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Luke Barrett

Level 1 expert

Bike Review // Marin Team 2

Level 1 expert

I think my opinion about my bike is best summarized like this: if I had my time over I’d buy it again.

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Addicted BIkes

Level 1 expert

2021 Marin Team 1 XC Bike Review, Better Than a Gravel Bike?

Level 1 expert

If you’re looking for a quick trail bike with crazy sharp handling, then this probably makes a lot of sense. This bike definitely under-promises and over-delivers.

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86cucv

Level 1 expert

My Thoughts on the Marin Team Marin 2

Level 1 expert

I can’t believe how smooth and quick this bike feels for the price. This bike feels like a nice blend between an XC and a trial bike.

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Magazyn Bike

Level 1 expert

Marin Team Marin 1 Review: A Slightly Different XC [Polish]

Level 1 expert

The Marin Team Marin 1 is more of a hardtail trail bike than a classic cross-country machine. For XC racing, we would choose a different bike, this one is designed for a different type of fun.

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