For 2023, Marin Bikes is updating the spec on its Alpine Trail E Model; a 150mm travel all-mountain eMTB. The aluminum chassis is unchanged since its inception in 2020, and it still runs a 160mm travel fork, but all three models are now compatible with the 630 Wh battery from Shimano.
New for 2023 is the entry-level Alpine E Base model priced at $4,499 USD. It comes with a 504 Wh battery but, thanks to Shimano’s batteries sharing the same form factor, can be upgraded aftermarket to the 630 Wh option to decrease range anxiety. A unique selling point for the new range is the inclusion of pre-fitted CushCore tire inserts on all models; Pro in the 29″ front tire, and Pro Plus in the 27.5″ rear.
Even the Base Model gets CushCore; it’s worth mentioning here that these vibration-damping rim-protecting inserts are worth somewhere in the region of $150 USD
2023 Marin Alpine Trail E Base
The Marin Alpine Trail E Base improves the affordability of this 150mm travel eBike, pairing a 504 Wh battery with the Shimano EP6 motor. Performance-wise the EP6 is comparable to the higher-end EP8, boasting an 85Nm torque at a continuous rated power of 250 Watts; it is, however, 300g heavier at a claimed 3 kg.
The Base model’s relatively budget-friendly price point fetches you an X-Fusion Suspension Package with the Trace 36 RC Fork and the O2 Pro RXC Air Shock with adjustable compression and rebound damping. Other highlights include the Shimano Deore 10 Speed drivetrain, Shimano MT420 4-Piston Brakes with 203mm rotors and a TranzX Dropper (150mm on the Small, 170mm on all other sizes).
This one rolls on an aluminum wheelset from Marin, with a 29″ x 2.5″ Vee Tire Attack HPL / 27.5″ x 2.8″ Vee Tire Crown Gem combination. Yes, the images show Maxxis tires, and we are told some production bikes will go out with those shown, but most will feature the Vee Tire Co rubber.
The Marin Alpine Trail E Base retails at $4,499 USD / $5,649 CAD / £4,355 / 4,999 €.
2023 Marin Alpine Trail E1
Middle of the road is the Marin Alpine Trail E1 which comes with the 630 Wh battery as standard, paired with the heavier Shimano EP6 motor. The drivetrain is upgraded to an 11 Speed Shimano Deore setup with a SunRace cassette. This one holds onto the X-Fusion 36 Trace RC fork, but swaps out the X-Fusion shock for a RockShox Super Deluxe Coil R Shock with rebound damping adjustment. The TranzX dropper makes an appearance on this model too, though the XL E1 models will benefit from the longer 200mm option.
The Marin Alpine Trail E1 retails at $4,899 USD / $6,149 CAD / £4,795 / 5,599 €.
2023 Marin Alpine Trail E2
Top of the range is the Marin Alpine Trail E2, updated for 2023 with the Shimano EP801 Motor which weighs a claimed 2.7 kg. It also gets the 630 Wh battery as standard, and is boosted in the suspension department with a Fox Performance Elite Fork and a Fox Float DHX2 Coil Shock. This one sees a 12 Speed drivetrain in the form of a Shimano SLX/XT mix, and Shimano SLX 4-Piston Brakes take care of speed management.
The X-Fusion Manic dropper could be seen as a bit of a downgrade here given that there is less drop on the table. The Small gets a 125mm, the M & L a 150mm, and the XL a 170mm. The Alpine Trail E’s straight uninterrupted seat tube is good news for those looking to upgrade, however.
The Marin Alpine Trail E2 retails at $6,299 USD / $7,899 CAD / £5,895 / 6,899 €.
We are told all three Alpine Trail E models are scheduled to be available in global markets in March/April 2023. Head to the Marin Bikes website for detailed spec and geometry information.
