Marin Nail Trail
91/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Type
Release Year
Brand
Gearing Type
Weight
27.8, 28 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Marin Nail Trail. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
16 reasons to buy
- 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.Expert Reviews
84/100 based on 3 rated expert reviewsMarin Nail Trail 7 29er Review
Nail Trail 7 (2016)
Review: Marin Nail Trail 9.7 (2017) [German]
Marin Nail Trail 7 Review First Impression
Marin Nail Trail 7 Update Review
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Test: Marin Nail Trail 9.6 [Polish]
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