Marin Nail Trail 6 2017 | Bike Check
October 13th, 2016
By Andrew Dodd in Bikes,Features
Marin Nail Trail 6 2017 – awesome value and two wheel size options
Marin Bikes are a name with roots embedded in mountain biking history – and 30years later are still cranking out great bikes.
For 2017, the Marin Bikes range offers something for everyone – including their top flight Enduro models. However, it’s their entry level end of the spectrum that really appeals to us as they are making a lot of effort to give the consumer the very best kit for the money. Thanks to smart bike design and solid work from their product managers, the brilliant Hawk Hill full suspension bike retails for just £1200 – it’s a perfect bike for someone coming in to mountain biking as it gives them a quality frame to build on – a future proof approach.
And the Marin Nail Trail hard tail is another top bike on our radar.
Available in both 27.5 and 19in wheel versions, there are two models. We decided to take a look at the incredible value Marin Nail Trail 6 with 29in wheels – which retails for just £1100!
The 2017 Marin Nail Trail is a simple, well designed hard tail bike that is perfect for shredding as it is – but would make an ideal bike for upgrading over time thanks to well considered features.
With feedback from team riders, the geometry for 2017 is noticeably longer, lower and slacker on the Marin Nail Trail, and the choice of both 27.5in and 29in wheels makes it a great option for different styles of rider.
For those who already own high end bikes, we reckon the Marin Nail Trail would also make an excellent second bike. It would be perfect for winter thrashing, general trail blazing and thanks to the light weight construction – the perfect aggressive commuter bike for smashing out the daily grind.
Here’s the full lowdown:
- 6061 Hydroformed Aluminium frame
- Compliant fast back seat stays
- 142 x 12mm rear axle spacing
- Internal shifter and dropper post routing
- Dedicated 27.5 and 29in wheel options
- Double bottle mounts
- Rockshox Recon 120mm travel fork up front
- 30mm rims as standard (27mm inner)
- 68degree head angle
- 74degree seat angle
- 435mm chain stay on 29in, 425mm on 27.5.
- Hand picked SRAM 1×11 drivetrain and Shimano hydraulic brakes
- £1100
- Available via UK Distributor Paligap
Branding is subtle and stylish on the 2017 Marin Nail Trail. The head tube badge proudly bears the Marin County skyline, and top tube graphics are matched by fork and wheel decals – something typically seen on far pricier bikes.
The eagle eyed will have spotted the Marin logo on the down tube is very similar to their original graphic – a nice nod to their roots.
Twin bottle mounts make good use of the classic double diamond frame layout, and neat internal routing cable runs are ready for future upgrades.
No problems with mud clearance on the UK friendly Marin Nail Trail – just well shaped seat and chain stays. The California bear logo makes an appearance too. 
No nonsense cable runs mean clean gear shifting and a well considered component set up maximises on value for money. The SRAM NX 11 speed rear mech is operated by an NX shifter and uses a SRAM chain, but the Marin product managers have specced the amazing value Sunrace 11-41 11 speed cassette to help lower costs without sacrificing performance.
It’s nice to see quality own brand finishing parts too – not only is the saddle a great shape, but it’s finished as nicely as expensive aftermarket saddles.
We’re a big fan of internal rear brake mounts – for the neat look if nothing else. Marin also spec a Shimano 12 x 142mm quick release axle for a no-nonsense back end.
A tidy looking Marin stem is short and stiff, and pairs well with a decent length 780mm bar – there’s really nothing you need to change off-the-shelf.
Wheels are a talking point on the Marin Nail Trail too – good quality Formula hubs are laced up on burly 30mm (27mm internal) rims – which not only offer a strong and stiff wheel set – but they support the tyres excellently and will work well when set up tubeless with a conversion kit.
The Marin bear detailing runs throughout on the bike – a nice detail to tie in own brand components.
We love the thought and styling that has gone in to the 2017 Marin Nail Trail range of bikes – especially the entry level price point of the Nail Trail 6 as shown above.
It has decent geometry, very well thought out spec and the room for upgrades like going tubeless or running a dropper post are there. It’s the perfect bike to start a mountain biking obsession with!
What do you think of the Marin Nail Trail?
Would you prefer the 27.5in wheel version – or the 29er?
Let us know in the comments below…
