Exploring the Upgraded Marin Four Corners: One Bike, Many Adventures

Have you heard about the upgraded Marin Four Corners? If not, keep reading! It’s the new upmarket version of their popular adventure touring bike. Building upon the legacy of the Four Corners lineup, this iteration caters to discerning riders seeking versatility and performance.

The Original Steel Adventure Bike

The Four Corners has been a staple in Marin’s drop-bar lineup for decades, reinvented for the brand’s 2016 30th anniversary. These “Utilitour” adventure touring bikes have consistently been stout, steel steeds—touring bikes with a great sense of adventure—and have propelled riders on journeys as diverse as the weekday commute to transcontinental excursions.

Since 2018, Four Corners models have utilized size-specific wheel sizes for proper rider fit and balanced handling characteristics, loaded or unladen (XS & S = 650b, M, L, XL = 700c, which fits 4’11” and 6’4” perfectly). 

These bikes have tall headtubes to put the rider in a more upright riding position for greater visibility and for taking in the sights while additionally allowing for more frame carrying capacity, as comparatively larger frame bags can be used.

The Four Corners 2: Premium Features for Enlightened Riders

The upscale model returns after a seven-year hiatus, now as the Four Corners 2. It is oriented towards a more discriminating rider and built upon a Series 3 double-butted CroMo frame and fork, with front and rear thru-axles. It also has an SRAM Apex 1×12 speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and tubeless-compatible rims and tires.

Geometry follows in the new Four Corners 1 tracks and is a bit more progressive than typically in the touring bike category, with 70°-71° headtube angles (depending on frame size). Seat tubes can accommodate dropper post routing for riders who want added control when riding off-pavement or to make it easier to put a foot down when stopping. Wide handlebars, at 440-460mm, give the rider additional confidence off-pavement and a bit more real estate to hang bags and mount accessories. 

An abundance of accessory mounts graces the frame, with two atop the toptube at the headtube, and three on the underside of the toptube. These mounts are great for those looking to have custom frame bags made, and Marin will provide a detailed placement “map” on the website.

Both wheel sizes of the Four Corners 2 models roll on 44mm wide tires, and frames now have clearance up to 50mm.

Key Features of the Four Corners 2

• Premium Build: Series 3 double-butted CroMo frame and fork for a comfortable and durable ride.
• Wide-range drivetrain: SRAM Apex 1×12 drivetrain delivers efficient gear changes for diverse terrain.
• Hydraulic disc brakes: SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes provide confident stopping power in all conditions.
• Tubeless-ready: Tubeless-compatible rims and tires enhance puncture resistance and ride quality.
• Increased tire clearance: Frames accommodate up to 50mm tires for tackling varied terrain.
• Versatility: Abundant accessory mounts for racks, fenders, and custom frame bags.
• Size-specific fit: Five frame sizes with 650b or 700c wheels ensure optimal fit for riders of all heights.

Marin Four Corners 2 Spec Breakdown:

• 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)

The Updated Marin Four Corners 1: A Budget-Friendly Adventure Companion

Marin Bikes are Made For Fun. Whether your idea of fun involves riding rugged trails to that remote alpine lake, pinning on a race number and entering your first race, taking a long way home on your commuter bike, bikepacking to that remote campsite, or just exploring the neighborhood bike paths, Marin brings the fun to your ride.

Oh! Let’s remember the rider who rode across Europe on a Marin Four Corners.

The Four Corners 1 caters to budget-conscious riders with a Series 1 CrMo frame, Shimano Sora 3×9 drivetrain, and mechanical disc brakes. It inherits the core features of the Four Corners lineup, including:

• A comfortable steel frame and fork for rough roads and loaded touring
• Six bottle mounts, rack and fender eyelets, and lowrider fork mounts for maximum carrying capacity
• Size-specific wheels (650b or 700c) for optimal fit
• Upright geometry for comfort and visibility
• Wide handlebar for control and accessory mounting
• Increased tire clearance up to 45mm

Marin Four Corners 1 Spec Breakdown:

• Series 1 butted CroMo frame and fork, with size-specific wheel sizes for proper fit and handling (XS & S = 650b, M, L, XL = 700c)
• Shimano Sora 3×9 drivetrain • Tektro Spyre-C road mechanical disc brakes • Vee Tire Co GP Vee 40mm tires 
• Available in two colors, blue or black
• MSRP $999 (US), 1099€(EU), £965(UK) $1349 (CAN)

The Final Word on Marin’s Upgraded Four Corners

Marin offers two strategic options for adventure cyclists. The Four Corners 2 pushes the boundaries with premium components and progressive geometry, ideal for riders seeking a high-performance touring machine. 

The Four Corners 1 provides a budget-friendly entry point to the world of exploration, maintaining the core functionality and versatility of the Four Corners legacy. The choice depends on your riding style and budget.  

Both Marin Four Corners models are built for adventure, ready to take you wherever the road (or lack thereof) may lead.

P.S. How versatile is the Marin Four Corners?