It’s been 14 years since California’s Marin Bikes had a full-blown gravity-oriented bike in their line. But that is no longer the case as they announced the release of the all-new Quake. The Quake is a bike strictly designed for freeride, park laps, and downhill runs. While the name is familiar, Marin reminds us that it shares nothing but the name and design intent with the previous version of the Quake.
With the new Quake, Marin used an immersive design cycle, utilizing multiple generations of development samples and garnering invaluable input from top riders. During this time, at events like Crankworx, Darkfest, and Hardline, the Quake was proven to be both strong and capable. On some of the steepest and most challenging tracks, riders like Matt Jones, Martha Gill, Mark Matthews, and Vinnie Moonen helped Marin form the final iteration of the bike.
Quake Highlights
- All-new Series 4 Aluminum MultiTrac 2 LT frame with 180mm travel
- Adjustable geometry: bottom bracket height/chainstay length
- Mixed 29” F / 27.5” R wheel sizes
- Ability to run 29” rear
- Ability to run 27.5” front when used with 10-15mm tall external lower cup
- 200mm travel forks, 4 piston brakes w/ 200mm rotors
- One model & one frame kit are available
Frame & Travel
The Quake’s all-new Series 4 Aluminum frame has 180mm rear travel. And, it features the MultiTrac 2 LT suspension platform that debuted on the Alpine Trail models. Marin says that the MultiTrac 2 LT suspension shifts seatstay pivots to chainstay pivots. This ensures that the suspension performance matches their design goals, which would not be achievable using seatstay pivots once the travel exceeds 150mm.
The relocation of the rear pivot points from the seatstay to the chainstay also reduces anti-rise, allowing for better control under braking, more mid-stroke support, and may feel better at “bottom-out”. Furthermore, the pivot relocation has the added benefit of allowing for the adjustability of the chainstays and bottom bracket height.
The new Quake’s headtube is a 56ZS (56mm diameter with Zero Stack). This size headtube opens the rider’s aftermarket options for headsets, allowing for better reach and headtube angle adjustments. The frame is also compatible with most “appropriate” single crown forks, with either the 29″ or the 27.5″ front wheel.
“Riders who switch to 27.5” wheels need to use a 10-15mm external lower cup for 180-190mm single crown or 200mm dual crown forks.”
Adjustable Geo
There are two integrated flip chips on the Quake. These chips, as you guessed, help the rider quickly and easily choose from “multiple configurations” based on terrain and equipment preference.
You can set the Quake to a long and low configuration (353mm/440mm) or high and tight (361mm/430mm). By flipping the chip in the seatstay it will allow the rider to run a 29″ rear wheel, instead of the stock 27.5″ wheel.
Protection
The Quake’s chainstays and seatstays are protected using durable rubber guards. This helps to minimize noise and protect the finish of the bike. Keeping the filth and muck off the lower suspension pivot bearings is the mudflap.
You’ll find an integrated lower downtube guard that will help protect against rouge rocks, logs, or whatever trail debris is kicked up on a ride. There’s also an upper down tube shuttle pad protecting the frame against tailgate “shuttle rash” (I think I just made up that term).
A cool lil’ touch is the cable ports. These are designed to keep the inside of the frame sealed off from the elements. They feature a membrane that is pierced upon initial installation. This membrane seals around the hose or housing once it is inserted. They will be available as service parts in case you need to change components.
SRAM Full Mount Compatible
The Marin Quake utilizes SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard for the dropout and hanger. This will allow riders to use the direct-mount rear derailleurs if desired.
Quack Retail and Specs
Retail: $4699 (complete)
Retail: $1899 (frame kit)
Marin says that they are offering the Quake in one model and one frame kit. They also say that they’ve chosen a no-nonsense build kit. Let’s check it out below. The Quake frame kit consists of the frame, rear shock, headset, axle, UDH, and seat clamp.
- RockShox Boxxer in combination with a RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate DH shock
- SRAM gravity-specific GX DH 7-speed drivetrain
- Maven Bronze four-piston brakes and 200mm HS2 rotors
- Maxxis Assegai 2.5” tubeless-ready tires with 3C MaxxGrip DH casing
- SRAM’s Descendant crankset, handlebar, and direct-mount stem.
- FSA No 74 headset
The all-new Quake and Quake frame kit is expected to be available in global markets in March 2025.
