The East Peak is the starter model in Marin's XC FRS line-up. The whole range feature a brand new swingarm, butted frameset and a Fox Vanilla Air R shock, just the componentry differs.
The new space frame swingarm uses square and triangular sections for maximum chain clearance or stiffness, where applicable. Bearings carry a lifetime guarantee and the big torque tube pipe, which holds the two halves together, is now curved to keep the rear even tauter. There are also disc mounts and guides for cable or hose. Nice. With the air shock and careful butting of the main frame the East Peak drops 2lb from last year, even with clipless pedals and bar-ends, weighing in at a stunning 27.3lb. The Vanilla R is pressure-balanced at the start of the stroke, giving smooth float and tyre contact even across the smallest ripples, while Marin's pivot point keeps travel active without noticeable nodding under power. Shock pressure can be easily tweaked to suit a rider's weight and style without affecting the pedal or trail response, and the damping was fine for most pressures we tried handy that, as it's not adjustable. Tracking is noticeably stiffer than on previous Marins. Reduced weight and suppler traction create a bike that lights up beautifully as soon as you kick hard exiting corners, up technical steeps or on the final sprint into the car park. Big hit capability is impressively controlled, too, thanks to the progressive rising rate of the air shock.
Manitou's Spyder fork isn't the plushest around but, over mid to large hits, response is controlled and tracking remains stable and predictable. Rebound is fast enough to stop the fork 'packing down' through multiple compressions. A Microlube grease port, and boots that stay put while riding, keep the fork running smoothly without constant internal intervention. Ride position is long for a 17.5in bike. We rarely felt the need for the bar-ends and would rather have had more useable width on an already narrow bar. But, the Polaris long- haulers will love 'em. Apart from narrow bar heaviness at low speeds, the steering is impeccably neutral throughout and, if you fancy faster responses, the long cockpit means a shorter stem won't cramp your style. Weight is well balanced for carving the corners or airborne work, and the front lifts easily to keep the bike floating through lairy stuff.
The Marin chainset went unnoticed and STX RC did the durable, dependable gig it always does, with an Avid cable roller for smoothness.
We didn't miss cog number nine. Mr Ritchey's rims create a very light wheelset, but wear fast in abrasive conditions. Mythos Kevlar-beaded tyres are also fast-running weight-savers, with the rear slick giving up little in traction to most light knobblies but adding a whole dose of speed.
Avid's Vs are taut and responsive, and it's nice to see cable patches to save the paintwork. The cunning, flexible noodle to stop leg rub actually makes it worse, so get it zip-tied. Other gripes are the seat QR that needed brutal pressure and restrictive bottle mounts. Thumbs up for the Ritchey Aheadset, soft grips and cheap but cheerful VP clipless pedals.
- Fantastic lightweight XC chassis. All the traction and comfort advantages without the nod
- Balanced fork/shock-set up. Matched response for control and poise in all conditions
- Lifetime bearing warranty. Specific arc swingarm bearings for plush, lasting action
- Excellent basic spec. Lightweight wheelset, smart speed tyres, clipless pedals
and reliable eight-speed
- Proper seat QR. Brutal closing pressure is required for seat security
- Rear brake ankle rub. 'Noodle' zip tying or feeding under the shock
- Camelbak for thirsty riders. Top tube won't take a large bottle, and downtube collects crap
Superb suspension action in a very well thought out, lightweight XC package. Not the plushest ride they do longer travel bikes for that but beautifully balanced pertness for maximum speed and traction. There are a few niggles, but the East Peak stunned everyone who rode it from snobs to novices. Undoubtedly the best bike we've ridden for under £1,000, and ready for a whole lifetime of upgrading as stuff wears out. Buy one.
The Vanilla R is pressure-balanced at the start of the stroke, giving smooth float and tyre contact even across the smallest ripples, while Marin's pivot point keeps travel active without noticeable nodding under power. Shock pressure can be easily tweaked to suit a rider's weight and style without affecting the pedal or trail response, and the damping was fine for most pressures we tried handy that, as it's not adjustable. Tracking is noticeably stiffer than on previous Marins. Reduced weight and suppler traction create a bike that lights up beautifully as soon as you kick hard exiting corners, up technical steeps or on the final sprint into the car park. Big hit capability is impressively controlled, too, thanks to the progressive rising rate of the air shock. 
Ride position is long for a 17.5in bike. We rarely felt the need for the bar-ends and would rather have had more useable width on an already narrow bar. But, the Polaris long- haulers will love 'em. Apart from narrow bar heaviness at low speeds, the steering is impeccably neutral throughout and, if you fancy faster responses, the long cockpit means a shorter stem won't cramp your style. Weight is well balanced for carving the corners or airborne work, and the front lifts easily to keep the bike floating through lairy stuff.
