Marin Four Corners 1 XL

Marin Four Corners 1 – The Steel Adventure Bike for Beginners

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The Marin Four Corners 1 is a multifunctional gravel and bikepacking bicycle built around a sturdy 4130 chromoly steel frame. This frame is custom-tapered for optimized strength and paired with a rigid steel fork made from the same material. Shifting is handled by a Shimano CUES chain-driven 2x9 drivetrain that provides 18 speeds in total, gearing you up for fast flat sections as well as grueling mountain climbs. Braking power comes from Tektro mechanical disc brakes, which deliver consistent stopping force even when the bike is fully loaded. The generous 45 mm tires roll on 27.5-inch wheels in sizes XS and S, or 28-inch wheels in sizes M through XL. A dropbar handlebar gives you multiple hand positions for comfort on long-haul rides. No lighting is included as standard, but for bikepacking and touring the bike is thoroughly equipped: six bottle cage mounts, rack and fender eyelets, and lowrider fork mounts offer extensive options for attaching bags and gear. The Four Corners 1 comes in Green and is available in frame sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL.

Where Does the Name „Four Corners 1" Come From?

The model name consists of two distinct elements. "Four Corners" – literally meaning "four corners" – references the four cardinal directions and embodies the idea of riding this bicycle in any direction you choose. It stands for the notion of a two-wheeler that knows no boundaries and handles any terrain. The digit "1" appended at the end denotes the entry-level tier within the Four Corners lineup. It signals that this model represents the lowest price point of the series and serves as the foundation on which the more premium variants are built.

What Sets This Model Apart from Its Siblings in the Range?

The Four Corners family comprises two models: the Four Corners 1 and the Four Corners 2. The most striking difference lies in the drivetrain – the Four Corners 1 employs a Shimano CUES 2x9 setup with 18 speeds, whereas the Four Corners 2 opts for a SRAM Apex 1x12 system with 12 gears. The braking systems also diverge: mechanical disc brakes on the budget-friendly model versus hydraulic disc brakes on the upscale Four Corners 2. The frames differ too – the Four Corners 1 uses a 4130 CrMo steel frame, while the Four Corners 2 upgrades to a Serie-3 frame with double-butted construction. Subtle variations exist in tire width as well, with 45 mm on the Four Corners 1 and 44 mm on the Four Corners 2. The pricing reflects this stratification: the Four Corners 1 starts at €999, while the Four Corners 2 is positioned around €2,199.

What Is the Intended Purpose of the Four Corners 1 Compared to Other Marin Bikes?

This bicycle is aimed at riders who want a single machine to cover as many use cases as possible – from daily commuting and after-work spin sessions to multi-day bikepacking trips loaded with camping gear. The durable steel construction, generous mounting provisions for racks and bags, and mechanical disc brakes make it a dependable all-rounder that feels equally at home on tarmac and gravel paths. In contrast to the Four Corners 2, which targets more discerning riders with premium components like a carbon fork and hydraulic brakes, the Four Corners 1 puts value for money front and center. When measured against other Marin offerings such as the urban-focused Gestalt or the motor-assisted Lombard E, the Four Corners 1 carves out its niche as an affordable, entirely human-powered exploration bike that encourages you to stay out on the road for as long as possible.