The Marin Bikes Headlands 2 takes things up a notch with a solidly performing spec list. The full carbon frame and fork is kitted out with a full Shimano GRX groupset consisting of hydraulic disc brakes and their gravel specific 12 speed drivetrain.
There's a TransX dropper post to make the downhills more confidence inspiring, fast rolling QuikStyk tires from Vee Tire Co mounted to Marin wheels and our own brand finishing kit, all of which add up to a whole mountain of fun and adventure.
A video from an external video provider is displayed here. YouTube has its own cookies and may collect data on activities. Consent is required to view YouTube videos.
Enable Youtube videosThe Marin Headlands 2 presents itself as a thoughtfully engineered touring candidate within the gravel family: a UD-carbon frameset with full-carbon fork, driven by a mechanical Shimano GRX groupset with twelve speeds – a gravel-specific 1x12 drivetrain featuring a clutch-equipped rear derailleur, a 42-tooth crankset and a wide-ranging 10-51 cassette. Stopping power comes from GRX hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors. There is no lighting on board; instead, the bike offers plenty of touring capacity: the Bear Box in the down tube stows tools and snacks, while eyelets for racks and mudguards expand the bikepacking setup. A TranzX dropper post is fitted as a special comfort extra, adding confidence and manoeuvrability on descents. Fast-rolling QuikStyk tyres from Vee Tire Co. in 45 mm width on tubeless-ready Marin wheels, plus the UDH hanger, round off the package.
The model is named after the famous coastal formation right across from the Golden Gate Bridge – renowned not only for its spectacular views, but above all as unrivaled gravel terrain of the American West Coast. The name was meant to link this landscape – rugged, defiant and free – to the bike for good.
»Headlands» points to the natural region that gives the series its character. The digit »2» marks the middle specification level within the family. And »Bone Grey» is the name for the subtle grey frame finish.
This generation is the first to integrate the Bear Box storage solution into the frame, combined with a GRX 1x12 drivetrain and a dropper post. Riding 45 mm tyres, the bike also makes more generous use of the rear clearance than the 44 mm models of the previous generation, while benefiting from the redesigned frame platform.
Built as a serious touring and daily companion with a sporty edge: ample in-frame storage, 45 mm rubber and low-maintenance mechanics make it the first choice for frequent riders out and about for weeks at a time. Compared with the Headlands 3, it forgoes electronic shifting and carbon wheels – gaining sturdiness and everyday practicality instead.
Marin Nicasio 1 ST
