Marin Madrone Trail: Forty Years On, Back to the Simple Ride

By MTBSA contributor

Marin is marking its 40th anniversary with a new Madrone Trail, a fully rigid steel bike inspired by the model that helped launch the company in 1986. The finish looks back, but the parts bring it into a much more practical present.

Retro style with modern equipment

The frame uses 4130 chromoly steel and rolls on 27.5-inch wheels rather than the original 26-inch format. A threadless headset replaces the old quill-stem arrangement. Shimano Alfine hydraulic disc brakes and a 1 × 10 drivetrain are substantial departures from the early bike’s cantilevers and triple chainset.

A thumbshifter, polished components and tan-wall Maxxis Rekon Race tyres keep the visual connection to the past. The splatter paint scheme makes the anniversary intention clear without pretending this is a period-correct replica.

Geometry and limited numbers

The published geometry includes a 66° head angle, 70° seat angle and 470 mm chainstays. Only medium and large sizes are listed. There is no suspension at either end, so choosing lines and managing speed remain a more direct part of the ride.

Production is limited to 440 bikes, with an announced US price of ≈ R20 899. The supplied September release does not confirm South African allocation or retail pricing.

A different kind of mountain-bike purchase

The Madrone is interesting because it offers a simpler riding experience rather than chasing a modern suspension-bike specification. For South African riders considering it as a second bike, a fun general-use build or a collector’s piece, fit and intended terrain matter more than nostalgia alone.

Check local availability and the complete specification before committing. This article covers the anniversary launch; it is not a claim that MTBSA has ridden or tested the bike.

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About these rand prices

Amounts marked ≈ are approximate rand conversions of overseas prices, using SARS reference rates dated 12 October 2026, rounded to the nearest rand. They are not South African retail quotes and exclude additional shipping, import charges and local retailer costs. Confirm current local pricing with a South African dealer. Unqualified dollar prices in US-market reporting are treated as US dollars; explicitly identified currencies use their corresponding rate.