Is the Marin Larkspur E the Most Unique Adventure Mixte?

A young female in plaid and jeans admiring her Markin Larkspur E from a park bench

Marin launched the new Larkspur E, arguably one of the most unique ebikes on the market. The Larkspur, a CrMo “adventure mixte,” was introduced in 2022, and it has leveled up with a Bosch electric smart system.

What Makes the Marin Larkspur E Different?

The Marin Larkspur E in blue on a paved bike path
Marine Larkspur E with Bosch Active Line Motor

Adventure inspired, commute ready! The Larkspur E takes our modern icon and gives it a boost. The Marin Larkspur E is ideally suited to a wide range of cycling endeavors, from fire road cruising to neighborhood exploring, errands, commuting, and beyond. It’s an adventure bike, it’s a gravel bike, it’s a mountain bike, it’s one of our most fun bikes yet!

The Larkspur E’s Bosch Active Line Plus drive unit offers a range of 25-93 miles (40-150km), depending on rider weight, terrain, climate, and level of assistance used, and can recharge in about four hours. The top assisted speed is 20MPH in the US and New Zealand and 25 km/h in other global markets. The different modes are selected via the controller with a clean integrated display next to the left grip.

Shimano’s CUES 10-speed drivetrain has a wide range and industry-leading durability when paired with center motors, while hydraulic disc brakes with large rotors help you effortlessly stop on a dime. And when you do come to a stop, push the lever for the dropper post to put both feet safely on the ground.

The Larkspur E’s full chromoly steel frame and fork have integrated mounting bosses, so you can customize it to meet your cargo-carrying needs. We’ve even included a rear-mount kickstand and front steering stabilizer to make it easier to load up. Plus, it’s a breeze to get on and off the bike with the Larkspur E’s step-thru frame, which is available in three sizes (S, M, L) to fit riders 5’0″ – 5’11” (152 – 180cm).

Marin Larkspur E Key Features

  • CrMo step-thru “mixte” frame & CrMo fork
  • Bosch Active Line Plus smart system drive unit w/ 50Nm torque
  • Class 1 (North America/NZ); 20MPH top assisted speed, 25 km/h in other global markets
  • Bosch Power Pack 545 downtube battery, 545Wh, removable with key
  • Shimano CUES 1x 10-speed drivetrain
  • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
  • 27.5″ wheels w/ 2.35″ wide multi-surface tires
  • Full-wrap extrusion aluminum fenders & integrated Lezyne lighting
  • Dropper seat post

MSRP/RRP:

  • $2999 (US

Marin’s Idea of the Adventure Mixtie Bike

A female cyclist riding the Marin Larkspur E on a paved bike trail
Riding the Marin Larkspur E

Here’s what Marin’s Brand Director, Chris Holmes, had to share about the Larkspur design: “For the original (non-e) Marin Larkspur, we took a bit of inspiration from early ATBs—those bikes were equally adept on trails as on the bike path or bike route.”

“Bars with generous back sweep, large volume tires with relatively smooth tread, MTB gearing and brakes, and (on the top-spec), a dropper great for being able to chill at a stoplight or outside a coffee shop. And the low-step top tube makes the great for a large swath of riders. We also keep it versatile, with plenty of mounting points so you can make your Larkspur your own. It is arguably one of the most versatile bikes in our collection.”

What Makes a Bike an “Adventure Mixtie”?

A mixtie bike blends the stability of a step-through frame with the strength of a traditional diamond frame. It features a low top tube that splits into two smaller tubes, creating a stylish yet functional design. You’ll typically find the mixtie design on retro-inspired road bikes for modern commuters and urban cruisers. The convenient frame design allows nearly all riders to mount and dismount the bike with ease, regardless of riding skill level.

The combination of step-thru frame and Bosch Active Line motor are perfect for those seeking a smooth and quiet ride. It offers dynamic acceleration and is easy to pedal even without electric assistance, making it ideal for city commuting or countryside excursions. The optional backpedal brake provides added safety, especially during short trips with frequent stops.

Can anyone ride a mixtie style bike?

Historically, the mixtie design with the lower top tube was more common for women’s bikes because it made mounting and dismounting easier. Nowadays, it’s more about personal preference and comfort rather than strictly adhering to traditional gender-specific designs.

Why is the mixtie good for all-road adventures?

A female cyclist riding the Marin Larkspur E on a dirt road in the countryside.
Touring the countryside on the Larkspur E

The mixtie’s design provides excellent balance and stability, which is crucial when you’re tackling varied terrain. The lower top tube also allows for more controlled handling, especially when you need to hop on and off frequently. Plus, many mixties, like the Marin Larkspur E and standard Larkspur, come with robust frames and can be equipped with wider tires and racks for carrying gear.

Overall, adventure mixte bikes offer a balance of comfort, versatility, and durability, making them suitable for a wide range of cycling tours across the country, from the Pacific Northwest and wine regions to New England:

City tours: Their upright riding position and comfortable design make them ideal for exploring cities, visiting attractions, and commuting.

Countryside tours: Mixte bikes can handle light trails and gravel roads, allowing you to enjoy scenic countryside rides.

Commuter tours: Their durability and practicality make them suitable for daily commutes, even in challenging urban environments.

Should I get a steel adventure mixtie?

We can’t imagine riding anything other than steel in this application. Steel’s the real deal for mixties. It’s durable, strong, and absorbs vibrations, making for a smoother ride. The full chromoly steel frame and fork on the Marin Larkspur E have integrated mounting bosses, so one can customize it to meet your cargo-carrying needs.

Plus, steel frames can be repaired easily, which is super handy when you’re out on an adventure and need a sturdy, reliable bike. Tough and trusty, just like your favorite pair of shoes.

Before you Go

The Marin Larkspur has all the looks of a vintage step-thru bike but imbued with a healthy dose of classic all-terrain bicycle style. Wide ATB tires, 1x drivetrains, and hydraulic disc brakes grace the full Series 2 CrMo frame, while the step-thru nature makes it super easy to hop on and off when popping into the local café or trailhead. Now, with the Bosch Active Line Motor, the Larkspur E invites riders of all sorts to enjoy life on two wheels because you can ride wherever you want in comfort and with confidence.



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