Marin Rift Zone E
95/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
7.5, 10.2 Hours
Top Speed
20 mph
Watts
250 W
Torque
85 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
36V 14Ah, 36V 17.5Ah
Class
Drive
Wheel Size
Gearing Type
Weight
55.2, 53.4 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Marin Rift Zone E. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
15 reasons to buy
- Experts agree the Marin Rift Zone E three-bike series offers great value for money.
- Riders enjoy the playful and lively nature of this bike. One says the poppy suspension helps hide the weight.
- A reviewer says the Rift Zone E2’s Shimano EP801 motor provides good assistance at a range of cadences.
- Two testers think the Rift Zone is comfortable over long days in the saddle.
- The steep seat tube angle helps riders keep their weight forward and maintain traction on steep climbs.
- According to a reviewer, the Rift Zone can handle repetitive hits and big compressions.
- Experts note the well-rounded trail geometry that suits a wide variety of trails.
- Testers say this bike “feels most at home” and can be pushed hard on technical trails with its responsive handling, stability, and grip.
- The CushCore tire inserts on the Rift Zone E1 and E2 protect the wheels from damage and increase comfort.
- Multiple experts highlight the supple rear end at the beginning of the stroke.
- A reviewer appreciates the capability and adjustability of the E2’s Fox 36 Performance Elite fork.
- Testers say the E2’s Shimano XT 11-speed drivetrain shifts smoothly, even under load. The new LINKGLIDE design means it should last up to three times longer.
- Experts relish the balanced, composed, and predictable ride feel both on steep descents and flowy singletrack.
- The Rift Zone e-bike has a removable battery for convenient charging.
- The cheaper Shimano EP6 motor used for the Rift Zone E and E1 offers the same performance as the EP801, just with a slightly higher weight.
7 reasons not to buy
- One reviewer says the Rift Zone E1 reaches its limitations on long, rough descents.
- Testers mention a slight rattle in the EP801 motor.
- Experts are frustrated by the large 38t chainring, which limits the ability to maintain a high cadence going up steep terrain.
- One group of expert reviewers is disappointed by the short 150mm-travel dropper seatpost on the large frame.
- A tester of the E1 says the TranzX dropper post is cheap and the lever is flimsy and stiff.
- Some testers believe the E1 and E2’s CushCore tire inserts will encourage the rider to push harder than the travel allows.
- One expert says the EP8 motor isn’t as powerful as the competition.
Bottom line
Marin’s Rift Zone E is an electric mountain bike available in three builds. 140mm of travel puts it in the Trail MTB range. However, it eludes narrow categorization by performing well on a variety of tracks. Testers are impressed by the bike’s poppy and playful character, well-rounded geometry, and predictable ride feel. The Rift Zone E can handle steep descents and technical singletrack or be pushed hard on technical trails. Reviewers point out some minor build issues, most notably, the oversized 38t chainring. But overall, experts agree that the Rift Zone E is a high-value choice in an e-MTB category with limited options.
Expert Reviews
90/100 based on 3 rated expert reviewsMarin Rift Zone E2 Review
2023 Marin Rift Zone – Performance, Fun… Affordable?
Marin Rift Zone E2 review
2023 Marin Rift Zone E1 Review | A Sturdy & Well-Priced E-MTB for All-Round Riding
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Forum Discussions
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