We recently highlighted the return of the Marin Four Corners 1 model, and today the brand released the more premium version, the Four Corners 2. This version features the same updated geo but with a few more modern amenities including: upgraded thru-axles, hydraulic brakes, and a 1x drivetrain while only clocking in at $1999 for a complete bike. Below, Spencer Harding offers a first look at Marin Four Corners 2…
Marin Four Corners 2 Quick Hits
- Series 3 double-butted CroMo frame and fork, with size-specific wheel sizes for proper fit and handling (XS & S = 650b, M, L, XL = 700c)
- Front and rear thru-axles
- SRAM Apex 1×12 wide-range drivetrain
- SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes
- Vee Tire Co Rocket Man 44mm tubeless-compatible tires
- MSRP $1999 (US), 2199€(EU), £1925 (UK), $2699 (CAN)
- Weight: 26 lbs 13 oz (size large)
Tall AF
Out of the gate, I was surprised at how tall the headtube of the frame was. I’m squarely an XL in most bikes these days, but the size large Four Corners’s handlebars sat higher than my personal XL Specialized Sequoia, which has an arguably large headtube already. The size large frame fit comfortably, but I could dream of myself slamming the stem on an XL with the bars still at least level with the seat. With the lower standover height on the Four Corners frames, riders shouldn’t be scared to size up if they would like their drops higher.
Mount Up
Marin has provided mounting points galore on the main triangle of the Four Corners frame. Three full water bottle mounts on the downtube (two on top and one on the bottom), one full bottle on the seat tube, and three braze-ons under the top tube. All these braze-ons can be used to carry a shit load of bottles or have a bolt-on framebag made for the triangle. Marin provides a “map” of all the mounts for bagmakers on their website to make customization easier. There are also three-pack mounts on the fork and a mount on the top tube for a bolt on gas tank bag. There are also mounts on the fork and rear triangle for a rear rack and front/rear fenders.
Death to Front Derailleurs
The drivetrain on the Four Corners 2 has been upgraded to a 1x Sram Apex drivetrain. The Apex levers are massive and take a bit to get used to, but they are quite comfortable and feel solid underhand. For those still hanging onto their love of 3×9 drivetrains check out the Four Corners 1. I love the simplicity of a 1x drivetrain and I’m happy to sacrifice a small amount of range for said simplicity even in a loaded touring situation.
Droppers and Drops
The Four Corners frame now accommodates a dropper post with internal routing through the bottom of the seat tube. You will be limited to a 27.2 dropper which doesn’t leave a ton of options but it’s a touring bike, not a mountain bike. The bar width has modernized as well, ranging from 40-48cm wide depending on size from XS to XL. My large frame came with 46 cm bars which seem barely wide enough in this day and age, but comfortable nonetheless. The wider bars allow more space for stem bags without crowding out hand positions.
No More Tubes Please
The rims and tires on the Four Corners 2 are tubeless compatible but will ship with tubes. You may fave your favorite local shop tape your rims up and you will be ready for any goat heads that your cross paths with. Equipped stock with 700 x 44c tires the bike feels capable on and off road. The frame seems to have plenty of clearance for up to a narrower XC MTB tire, though legally it only clears a 700 x 50c.
Geometrically Speaking
When we look at the geo across the size run we see a large jump from Small to Medium. This is where we have the jump from 650b to 700c wheels. We see steeper seat tubes and slacker headtube angles on the smaller sizes as well. The 650b (XS and S) bikes have a 70 degree HT angle with the 700c versions receiving a 71 degree HT angle. The seat tube angle also changes throughout the size from 74.5 degrees on the XS to 72 degrees on the XL. Many other numbers like, chainstay length, crank length, fork offset, and bottom bracket height stay consistent throughout the models that share a wheel size.
If it Were Mine
Like I said before I’d love to get an XL in this bike and slam the stem while maintaining a gloriously high stack height. The fact that the frame uses a straight 1 ⅛” straight steerer will negate many carbon fork upgrade options. This bike is just crying out for a massive framebag, which due to the large measurements will almost certainly need to be custom sewn. I threw on a Tumbleweed T rack and some Road Runner panniers to mock up a dreamy all-road touring setup, but imagine a framebag too. I’d try to squeeze some 2.1” tires in the frame as well as swap some wider drop bars and call it a day.
Pros
- Great Value at $2k
- Plenty of points to mount water bottles, bags, and racks
- Good tire clearance at 700 x 50c
- Tall stack height creates a comfortable riding position
- Size-specific geometry and wheel sizing
Cons
- 1 1/8″ straight headtube limits fork upgrade options
I was thoroughly impressed with my short time with the Marin Four Corners 2. Marin flies under the radar with their very value-focused bikes. For the same price as a Surly Disc Trucker, I’d choose the Four Corners every time. I am rarely enticed by the idea of doing a roadish cycling tour these days, but if I were to go on such a tour the Four Corners would be my bike of choice for sure.
