Way back in 1986, the sport of mountain biking was still in its infancy, and Marin Bikes launched with its first model, the Madrone Trail. To celebrate four decades in the business of fun, Marin has just announced the Madrone Trail 40th Anniversary Edition. This limited-edition ride reimagines the bike that started it all, combining Klunker spirit with retro graphics, modern components, and enhanced capability.
According to Marin, “this isn’t a replica — it’s a modern love letter to steel, to Klunker culture, and to the good old days when riding was all about bombing fire roads, perfecting drifts until sunset, and rolling to your local bar with your crew.” Indeed, the Madrone Trail 40th Anniversary Edition appears to be the epitome of Marin’s “Made for Fun” tagline.
Marin Madrone Trail 40th Anniversary Edition Details
In 1986, Marin Bikes launched with the Madrone Trail. With a $200 price tag, it was a promotional bike they hoped would not only generate brand interest, but also provide a low-cost entry point for more riders to experience the growing sport of mountain biking. The original Madrone Trail helped put Marin Bikes on the map.
Four decades later, the 40th Anniversary Edition is harkening back to the early days with a truly special edition bike. It’s built around a slender 4130 CrMo steel frame and rigid fork to deliver that soulful steel-is-real ride feel. Each frame will be unique, with hand-painted splatter graphics, meaning that no two will be exactly alike.
Beyond the steel frame and throwback graphics, Marin chose a polished silver parts package for an undeniably retro look. This includes the custom one-piece BearMoose bar and stem, reminding us of the early Klunker days. The polished Shimano CUES 1×10 drivetrain includes silver cranks and a custom CNC chainring “for vintage aesthetics with contemporary range.” The custom MicroSHIFT thumb shifter can switch between indexed and friction modes, and will really rewind the clock a few decades.
That’s all topped off with silver Alfine brake levers and calipers, along with silver hubs, spokes, and rims on the 27.5” wheels. The tan-wall Maxxis Rekon Race tires not only roll fast but also match the tan grips, putting the finishing touches on the Madrone Trail’s neo-retro build.
The Madrone Trail 40th Anniversary Edition is available in sizes M and L only. Head to the Marin website to see the size chart and the geometry details.
Pricing and Availability
The Madrone Trail 40th Anniversary Edition bike is limited to just 440 units, serialized from 001 to 440. Marin says if you want one, now is your chance because it will never be made again. It is available globally, and the price tag for this piece of rolling nostalgia is $1,249 USD / $1,499 CAD / £949 / €1,199.
Then grab your favorite flannel, jeans, and your old skateboard helmet and show all your friends you can still drift with the best of ‘em.
