REVIEW: Marin Pine Mountain 2

I review the Marin Pine Mountain 2 with an abundance of mounting points. Too much? Too little? Find out in this vid!

[kayok]

You helped me get into gravel biking and bikes in general thanks and great content

[chrislang]

mountain bikes are great capable gravel/adventure bikes.... and really offers a supple ride too....great to include MTBs once in a while in the channel

[astro]

I have a 2019 Pine Mountain with the rigid frame. I guess I just haven't been affected by the weight. It's pretty flat around Houston. But, man is this bike fun. My gravel bike is actually collecting quite a bit of dust since I bought the Pine Mountain.

[davidbonn]

No such thing as too many mounts. And I love the term "adventure nipples."

[jonl]

I think this is why I landed towards the DSX. I just wish those Handlebars were available

[marclayman]

Thanks for the review. Not many on here. I was originally looking at Pine Mountain 2 but found a Pine Mountain 1 in stock locally. Didn’t have to drive an hour plus to see it.

Ended up with Pine Mountain 1. Will need to upgrade a few things. Dropper, seat, pedals. But for what I’m gonna do, I think it will be an awesome bike easily upgradeable.

[TheCaniwisteve]

Nice. A modern drive train 29er
in 90's style for adventures in comfort!

[whendry]

Man! So good, thanks for the review. This is a bike I have been eyeing for a while, and always appreciate your perspective. Keep up the good work!

[volneyhildreth]

Just weighed 2018 Marin Pine Mountain 2 in a small frame and it is right at 30 lbs with pedals and one water bottle cage. That version has 27.5 tires.

[carlomcdy]

I think you should have tested out the Medium. I can see why you the Small worked for you, especially with a shorter top tube length for a more upright ride.

And also, for those who don't like the weight, steel 29+ hardtails with stout frames are never going to be very light, especially at this price point. Biggest recommendation would be to save a pound or so by removing inner tubes and running the setup tubeless with your favorite sealant. And when you wear out those heavy Vee tires, get a set of Maxxis Rekon 29x2.6, save 600g, and see how much faster that bike is!

[andrewraquepaw]

Great review Russ, as always! I really like that you are reviewing different types of bikes for different types of riders. This bike looks awesome and quirky in its own right! I used a specialized hardrock 29er on my lastest overnighter in northern Michigan and loved it! Thanks again for quality content! Your channel is an inspiration!

[schadlarry]

How about reviewing the Surly Karate Monkey. I’m curious how it would compare to your Jones.

[robinheil]

Very cool bike. I love that it has rear rack mounts, and that it's a steel bike with modern geometry. My Jamis Dragonslayer is similar in those ways, but maybe just a few pounds lighter. Try getting a hold of a Jamis if you haven't already.

[mauriciomucino]

Although the weight make It controversial, I applaud the decision for going with steel, certainly theres a niche for affordable steal bikes, specially mountain bikes

[TheRoyalSht]

i got the 2018 pine mountain 1 with plus tires and that thing is a blast despite having slighty older geometry, also it might have the most supple frame i have ever ridden on!

[RuezgaDaniel]

As a MTB guy I really like the look of this hardtail other than the weak and dainty looking seat stays. Also, those riser bars with the crossbar for bags and lights are really neat!

[barriewylde]

Have not ridden the pine mtn but I would like a bike with lots of mounts.It is on my list of bikes I would like to own as well the Jones.thank you for a great review.🇨🇦🚴‍♂️

[rcy]

Hey, have you considered a video on bike storage? Thinking of a 3rd bike (have a beat up 'old faithful' for daily city use, and something more touring orientated for er... touring. thinking of something 'sporty' i.e mtb/road), the hesitation comes from how i'd make space for it living in a flat/apartment.

[orangevw]

I bought the 2020 PM 1. The first thing I did was lose the tires. It has the same tires as the 2. Combined, they weigh around 5 lbs and aren’t tubeless capable. The wheel set is also pretty chunky. I’m currently building a set of carbon wheels with Hope hubs so all together, it should come in really close to 30 with upgraded tubeless tires and a way better wheel set. I know it’s not a reasonable upgrade for most people, but I was able to snatch up a Lauf fork for mine as well. It was extremely cheap for me, so I couldn’t pass it up. I should be really close to 30lbs by the time it’s all said and done. I love the ride quality and feel of the bike. It’s fun to ride and bikepack with. I think when the wheel set is done, it will be my go to bike for mor casual bikepacking and short gravel rides

[frbrable]

I did a test ride on the Pine Mountain 1 recently and thought it felt pretty good. The handlebars did feel really stiff and I would probably change those out. But otherwise, I liked it. Didn't feel heavy at all, but then again, I was riding it around on flat pavement. The seating position only felt slightly upright and I would probably get some more flexible riser bars.