Marin Rift Zone Project Build
GEOMETRY
Head tube angle: 65.5°
Seat tube angle: 76°
Chainstay length: 425mm (16.7 inches)
Reach (size medium): 455mm
Bottom bracket height: 344mm (13.5 inches)
Frame: Marin Rift Zone 3.
The Rift Zone 3 is an aluminum short-travel 29er that features 125mm of MultiTrac Suspension.
Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, 130mm-travel.
The Bomber stays true to its name, offering a no-nonsense package. It features Fox performance but simplifies it with fewer knobs and dials. It’s the perfect fork for a shredder on a budget.
Drivetrain: Shimano XT, 12-speed (32t-front chainring, 10-45 cassette).
Shimano’s XT drivetrain sits in the middle of its 12-speed line. While it costs a bit more than the SLX, it offers the best balance between performance and value.
Wheels: DT Swiss M1700 (29-inch diameter, 30mm inner width).
DT Swiss is well-regarded for its wheelsets, and the M1700 is no exception. These wheels are built tough without being too heavy.
Tires: WTB Trail Boss (29×2.4-inch front & rear).
The right balance between grip and speed.
Sealant: Orange Seal.
It’s simply the best.
Brakes: Shimano XT four-piston brakes (180mm rotors front & rear).
Big rotors and four-piston calipers offer all the power we need.
Handlebar: Deity Skywire Carbon 35 (25mm rise).
Carbon bars are lighter and better at absorbing vibration but come with a premium price tag.
Stem: Industry Nine A35 (40mm length).
Not at all the best way to stay on budget, but man, does it look cool.
Grips: Deity Knuckle Dusters Some of the wrecking crew members’ favorite grips.
Dropper post: FSA Flowtron (150mm travel).
The wrecking crew wanted to try FSA’s Flowtron dropper due to its unique adjustable lever tension.
Seat: WTB Volt (titanium rails)
We blew our budget on a titanium-railed saddle, but it sure is impressively light.
Estimated value: $3780
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