MARIN TAM XR

FIRST RIDES

£4,299 Blends cross-country efficiency with downhill capability – and it’s a riot to ride

STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX & ONTO THE TRAILS

SPEC

Frame ‘Series 4’ aluminium alloy, 120mm travel Fork Fox 34 Performance Elite, 130mm travel Shock Fox Float SL Performance Elite Wheelset WTB KOM Light i30 rims on WTB X7 hubs, Maxxis Rekon Race EXO 29x2.35in tyres Drivetrain Shimano Deore Di2 with Race Face Turbine cranks and KMC X12 chain (1x12) Brakes SRAM Motive Silver, 180mm rotors Bar/stem Marin, 780mm/Marin, 55mm Seatpost/saddle PNW Loam Dropper, 170mm (M)/Marin Speed Concept Weight 13.26kg (medium size without pedals)

T he new TAM is Marin’s take on the ultimate all-rounder – a “mountain bike for mountain bikers”, as the brand put it. With 29in wheels, low-treaded tyres and parts that balance weight and durability, it’s a machine designed for ticking off the miles, although the trail-bike-esque geometry ensures it’ll handle more than you might expect of a 120mm-travel rig.

Creating a bike that can be efficient over big distances but still playful and versatile is a big ask, but I think Marin have delivered. While the TAM feels decently urgent on the climbs, it you point it down technical singletrack or an undulating trail-centre descent, it becomes a total ripper to chuck around.

It’s not without its faults, though. The stock stem is too long, so a switch to a shorter one really helped to unlock potential. But my biggest gripe is the irritating cable rattle. Thankfully, Marin say they have a fix for this.