Marin expands its e-MTB range with the new three model Rift Zone E

The Marin Rift Zone E2 e-MTB
(Image credit: Marin)

Marin has added to its e-MTB family with the Marin Rift Zone E which is based on the legendary Californian brand’s popular Rift Zone trail bike. Marin says they have taken everything they know from the award-winning Rift Zone and created an e-MTB with the best trail bike DNA. The Rift Zone E comes in three models and Marin says its new electric mountain bike will challenge to be one of the best e-MTBs around, each packed with value specifications.

Marin Rift Zone E1 e-MTB

The Rift Zone E is based around the Marin award-winning Rift Zone Trail MTB (Image credit: Marin)

The Rift Zone E is built around the Series 4 MultiTrac aluminum frame and Marin has increased the rear travel by 10mm to 140mm. Fork travel is also matched at 140mm for a balanced ride. Shimano STEPS drive units are standard across the board, with the E2 utilizing the latest EP801 model, and the E1 and E powered by the new EP6, all producing up to 85Nm of torque. 

The Rift Zone E also borrows from the other Marin electric MTB model, the Alpine Trail E that debuted in March, with all Rift Zone models utilizing the same frame, with a battery capacity of up to 630Wh, used on the E2 and E1 models. The entry Rift Zone E is paired with a 504Wh battery with the same size and shape as the larger capacity version, so can be upgraded to a larger battery in the future, if required.

Marin Rift Zone E2 with a close up on the Fox Float X Performance Elite

The E2 Rift Zone E has a Fox Float X Performance Elite rear shock (Image credit: Marin)

Additionally, CushCore inserts and Marin tire sealant come as standard on the E2 and E1 models. Internal cable routing routes into the frame through ports at the side of the head tube, rather than through the headset, and there is frame protection with a very chunky rubber chainstay cover, as well as bump stops located on the underside of the down tube.

Marin Rift Zone close up on chainstay protector

The chunky rubber chainstay cover should protect the alloy Marin frame (Image credit: Marin)

Pricing and availability

Marin says that all models of the Rift Zone E are scheduled to be available in global markets in April/May 2023 with pricing for the E at $4499 / £4355 / €4999, the E1 at $4899 / £4975 / €5599 and the E2 at $6299 / £5895 / €6899. With more information available at Marin Bikes.

Marin Rift Zone E

Marin Rift Zone e-MTB side on studio shot

(Image credit: Marin)
  • Frame: Series 4 MultiTrac frame, 140mm travel 
  • Motor: Shimano EP6, 250W, 85Nm
  • Battery: BT-EN805L, Internal 504Wh
  • Fork: RockShox 35 Silver R 29", 140mm 
  • Rear Shock: X-Fusion 02 PRO R, 210x50mm 
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore, 10 speed
  • Seatpost: TranzX SP18JL dropper internal
  • Brakes: TRP Slate EVO 203mm 
  • Wheels: Marin Aluminum Double Wall 29 
  • Tires: Vee Tire Co. Attack HPL 29 tubeless ready
  • Size: S-XL
  • Price: $4499 / £4355 / €4999

Marin Rift Zone E1

Marin Rift Zone E1 e-MTB side on studio shot

(Image credit: Marin)
  • Frame: Series 4 MultiTrac frame, 140mm travel 
  • Motor: Shimano EP6, 250W, 85Nm
  • Battery: BT-EN806, Internal 630Wh
  • Fork: RockShox Pike Base 29", 140mm 
  • Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select +, 210x50mm 
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore, 11 speed
  • Seatpost: TranzX, YSP23JL dropper internal
  • Brakes: TRP Slate EVO 203mm 
  • Wheels: Marin Aluminum Double Wall 29 
  • Tires: Vee Tire Co. Attack HPL 29 tubeless ready
  • Extras: CushCore inserts, Marin Sealant
  • Size: S-XL
  • Price: $4899 / £4975 / €5599

Marin Rift Zone E2

Marin Rift Zone E2 e-MTB side on studio shot

(Image credit: Marin)
  • Frame: Series 4 MultiTrac frame, 140mm travel 
  • Motor: Shimano EP801, 250W, 85Nm
  • Battery: BT-EN806, Internal 630Wh
  • Fork: Fox 36 Performance Elite 29”, 140mm 
  • Rear Shock: Fox Float X, Performance Elite, 210x50mm 
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT, 11 speed
  • Seatpost: X-Fusion Manic dropper internal
  • Brakes: TRP DH-R EVO 203mm 
  • Wheels: Marin Aluminum Double Wall 29 
  • Tires: Vee Tire Co. Attack HPL 29 tubeless ready
  • Extras: CushCore inserts, Marin Sealant
  • Size: S-XL
  • Price: $6299 / £5895 / €6899
Paul Brett
Staff writer

Based in Edinburgh, Paul Brett is a staff writer for BikePerfect.com. He has been an avid cyclist for as long as he can remember, initially catching the mountain biking bug in the 1990s, and raced mountain bikes for over a decade before injury cut short a glittering career. He’s since developed an obsession for gravel riding and recently has dabbled in the dark art of cyclocross. A fan of the idea of bikepacking he has occasionally got involved and has ridden routes like the North Coast 500, Scotland and the Via Francigena (Pilgrim Route), Italy.


Current rides: Marin Alpine Trail 2, Ribble 725, Cube Stereo 160

Height: 175cm