While the Rift Zone XC6 is great value, the XC7 is full of upgrades: fork, wheelset, shifting and brakes, only the frame and the shock are the same!

Marin Quad Link suspension bikes work under the same principle: to deliver superior terrain control and pedaling efficiency by way of an Instantaneous Pivot Center (IPC). While conventional designs are limited to pivots that are fixed to the frame, Marin’s Quad Link 2.0 allows the pivot point, or IPC, to move.

The frameset is built using 6066 aluminium tubing with Hydroform and Monocoque Construction Mainframe and Swingarm, Quad-Link 2.0 100mm Suspension System, with Modular Dropouts. The new Y Link Quad Link II suspension gives extra knee clearance which saves weight and adds stiffness. The low mounted suspension drops the centre of gravity and allows for a water bottle to be fitted.

Short chainstays and an elevated swingarm provide direct energy transfer to the rear wheel with ample tyre clearance for muddy trails. Central linkage placement and triple-sealed bearings with a lifetime warranty ensure trouble free riding season after season.

A Rock Shox Recon Gold RL fork offers 100mm travel, with Turnkey Lockout and Lightweight Alloy Steerer Tube,  with Air Preload Adjustment and Rebound Adjustment. The shock is the same Fox Float RP2 with Rebound Adjustment and ProPedal 2 Position. The shifting, as already touched upon, is Shimano SLX 10 Speed, with SLX shifters and mechs, with a Shimano chainset. The Avid Elixir 5 hydraulic disc brakes and Mavic Cross Ride wheels are both upgrades over the XC6. 

The Rift Zone XC7 is a fast, trail ready 10 speed full suspension bike.