Home » Marin Hawk Hill Review: Is It The Right Ride For You?

Marin Hawk Hill Review: Is It The Right Ride For You?

For mountain bikers, the most essential tool in their arsenal besides their experience is the bike they choose to take on the trail. The Marin Hawk Hill is one of those mountain bikes that experienced, and even pro riders will love. This epic bike integrates all of the essential features and components you need to take on big features, long treks, and the gnarliest of downhill rides.

One of the most noticeable features on the Marin Hawk Hill is the easily adjustable suspension in both the front and back. Some of my other favorite notable features on the bike is it’s 1x drivetrain, hollow axle crank, and an 11-42 wide-range back crank. 

Marin has a reputation for making bikes geared towards fast and rugged riding, and the Marin Hawk Hill stays true to that legacy. The Hawk Hill comes in 4 different sizes: S, M, L, and XL, making it easy for people of all sizes to enjoy everything that this bike has to offer. The Hawk Hill encompasses all of the essentials that Trek continues to deliver as well as a robust set of functional performance upgrades that propel it to the next level. 

Everything from the suspension to the brakes are all precisely machined and configured to deliver comfortable yet intuitive ride mechanics that can support you on your most adventurous rides. There is so much to cover when looking at the Marin Hawk Hill in terms of its value, performance, power, and features, so sit tight and I’ll provide you with a detailed review below. 

It’s essential to gain full knowledge of any mountain bike’s core specifications before buying to ensure you get a product that meets your exact needs. Continue reading to find out all of the critical facts and information you need to know about the Marin Hawk Hill so you can decide if it’s the right bike for you. 

Marin Hawk Hill

 

Who is the Marin Hawk Hill for? 

The Marin Hawk Hill was made for two primary types of riders, those who want a casual and comfortable mountain biking experience, and for those riders who like spending a lot of time on jibbing off of features and bombing big mountains.

If you want a fun and more than a capable bike that will allow you to explore virtually any terrain without having to slow down, the Hawk Hill may be an excellent option for you. 

The three-tone color of the bike is a nice addition for those riders who like to hit the trails in style. This bike comes with 27.5in wheels in addition to 130mm/120mm of travel, which adds versatility to a pretty niche bike, it also has a 6061-aluminum frame that is durable and sturdy. At a price of around $1,600, the Hawk Hill is a budget-friendly pro-level mountain bike designed to remain in one piece while you rip through virtually any terrain. 

Now, it’s time to take a look at some of the primary pros and cons users of the Hawk Hill so you can get a better idea of how it performs. 

Pros & Cons: Marin Hawk Hill 

Unless you’re relatively new to the world of mountain biking, chances are you know exactly what features and specifications are right for your specific ride profile. Use this existing knowledge to compare and contrast the pros/cons of the Hawk Hill to make sure it comes with the essential capabilities that you need for your unique riding style. 

Take a look below to see what the Marin Hawk Hill’s primary pros & cons are:

Marin Hawk Hill Pros 

  • 150mm dropper post gives you maximum descending capabilities in virtually all terrains 
  • 2.4in WTB Trail Boss Tires provide accurate grip and stability in wet conditions 
  • Tektro Orion Braking system that delivers ultimate stopping power in various conditions 
  • Precise geometry that optimizes the functionality of its boost thru-axle 
  • MultiTrac Suspension system that enhances bump-sensitivity & pedaling function
  • High-quality components are utilized throughout the entire design
  • Playful handling & agile performance that makes this bike very versatile and fun

Marin Hawk Hill Cons 

  • The front tire seems to not perform very well in hard corners when compared to other bikes in this price range 
  • The small frame can feel slightly unsteady at high-speed

These are the Marin Hawk Hill’s main pros and cons that every rider should consider if you’re eyeing this bike. Depending on your riding style, the features and capabilities that come with the Marin Hawk Hill can either enhance your performance or stop you from exploring your full potential. 

Continue reading to find out more about all of the core features and specifications that the Hawk Hill offers to adventurous riders. 

 

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Core Features: Marin Hawk Hill 

The Marin Hawk Hill is a high-quality trail bike with fun design elements and advanced features that make it stand out among affordable pro-level bikes and the jib niche.

It’s a fine-tuned suspension system combined with its streamlined geometry that delivers the perfect balancing act to deliver superior ride quality and precision handling. When you add in the 6061-aluminum frame and Tektro Orion Brakes, Hawk Hill is the total jib package. 

Take a look below to see a detailed breakdown of all the core features that come with the Hawk Hill. 

Marin Hawk Hill Core Specifications 

Suspension 

The Hawk Hill has a Marin MultiTrac suspension system that features a single-pivot design. This unique design improves the overall sensitivity of the bike so that you can have a better feel of the trail for more accurate handling.

The pedaling platform is nicely accented by the suspension, making the need for using the shock lockout feature on trails unnecessary most of the time. The suspension performance is also enhanced thanks to the RockShox Revelation RC fork, one of the best in its class. 

The RockShox Revelation RC fork has DebonAir springs that are very effective at reducing friction while riding. All around, I like the suspension on the Hawk Hill, and it delivers well-rounded support and performance. 

Drivetrain

The Marin Hawk Hill utilizes a Shimano SLX drivetrain coupled with a SunRace 11-46t cassette that allows you to achieve better quality lift-off on features and drops.

The shifting functionality of this bike stands out amongst the rest of the features due to how smooth and seamless it is. Its 46-tooth climbing gear provides ultimate ride versatility and stable power through each shift. Pedaling is super easy on the Hawk Hill thanks to the 175mm FSA crankset outfitted on the bike. 

Brakes 

The Hawk Hill brakes are incredibly responsive, and they deliver an immense amount of stopping power. They are Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with a 180mm front brake rotor, which adds even more braking ability to an already powerful set of brakes. These brakes also have a 203mm rear brake rotor for stable, precise, and powerful braking action. 

Geometry 

Marin did a great job with the Hawk Hill; it features a 66.5-degree head angle and a 74.5-degree seat tube angle. These small design tweaks may not seem like they would do much for enhancing the performance of a bike like the Hawk Hill, but believe me, they do. With these precisely cut angles, you will be able to quickly adapt to changing terrains while also having the ability to send it on the fly without hesitation. 

Frame 

The Hawk Hill is made from a Series 3 6061 Aluminum frame with 120mm of travel and a 148×12 Boost thru-axle that gives riders the ability to tackle tough terrain with confidence. The frame itself is very durable, and all of the components flow together seamlessly, making the Hawk Hill a bike that looks and feels good while it’s performing. 

 

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Shocks 

The Hawk Hill comes with Fox Float DPS Performance Series shocks that provide great impact absorption even on big drops. The shock system is complemented by 3-position compression adjustment capabilities and an EVOL Air Spring that adds balanced support to your overall ride stability. You also get access to rebound adjustment assistance features and a custom tune option that enables you to set the perfect resistance level for your ride. 

All of these features combine to create a responsive and lightweight mountain bike capable of providing a great time on any trail. 

Alternative Recommendations 

#1 SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike

SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike

The SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike is made out of a TORAY T800 Carbon Fiber Frame that delivers a solid base from which you can ride to a new level.

The SR Suntour fork on this bike provides 100mm of suspension travel, which is great because you’ll have more precise control over the bike while on the trail. One of the things I like about this bike is that it’s effortless to assemble, so you don’t need a lot of technical experience to get it setup. For its price, the DECK300 delivers high-performance standards that you wouldn’t expect out of a  hardtail.

To top it all off, this bike is outfitted with a Shimano MT200 disc brake system that delivers very responsive stopping power. You’ll also find that the continental tires on this hardtail are very effective at providing solid grip and traction in situations where it matters most. 

#2 Diamondback Bicycles Mission Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Diamondback Bicycles Mission Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike

The Diamondback Bicycles Mission Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike comes outfitted with an FR frame that has an integrated link suspension system. The suspension setup provides 160mm of rear travel to easily adjust your ride profile to match any terrains you may encounter.

This bike also has Fox Float X2 performance elite shocks that allow you to dominate the trail with raw power and efficiency. The shock system delivers 180mm of travel, and the Fox 36 Fork rounds off the performance capabilities of this bike nicely by providing it with stiff handling capabilities. I also really like the SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain. 

Diamondback Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike | REI

The Diamondback Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike is a full-suspension and not-so-entry-level bike with a level link design that delivers 130mm of optimal rear suspension support. 

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#3 Diamondback Catch 2 Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Diamondback Catch 2 Full Suspension Mountain Bike

The Diamondback Catch 2 Full Suspension Mountain Bike utilizes a level link rear suspension system that provides enhanced support throughout your entire ride. You’ll also find that the bike comes with innate stiffness that can be used to improve your trail performance thanks to the 148 rear thru-axle boost and 110 thru-axle fork.

The bike’s overall design is very clean and capable without comprising any of the critical features that serious riders are looking for in a bike. It comes with a Shimano six-disc hydraulic braking system for maximum stopping power in all conditions, and you’ll also love the Shimano 6 1×11 drivetrain that delivers ultra-smooth transitions.

#4 Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike

Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike

The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike comes with a 24-speed Shimano EZ fire trigger shifter that makes it easy for you to adjust your ride profile for maximum adaptability and comfort.

I also like the extra-wide double-wall rims that come on this bike because they deliver greater traction by covering more ground and they are lightweight and agile. The rims are complemented by 2.25in wide knobby mountain ties, which are ideal for those riders who commonly rough terrain, especially in wet conditions.

The Schwinn branded alloy cranks on this cycle are very responsive, making it easier for you to focus on your ride instead of your bike during the heat of the moment.

FAQs

Q: Can you register your Marin Hawk Hill?

A: Yes, you can register your Hawk Hill online by visiting the bike registration page on the official Marin website.

Q: How much does the Marin Hawk Hill cost?

A: The Hawk Hill costs around $2,650 online, and it comes in four different sizes, S, M, L, and XL.

Q: Is the Marin Hawk Hill a good beginner bike?

A: Yes, even though this bike is a pro-level bike, it is definitely still ridable for beginners who are willing to shell out some extra cash.

Honest Opinion 

After taking an in-depth look at the Marin Hawk Hill and all of its various features, abilities, components, design elements, etc., it’s time to give you my honest opinion. Considering that this bike is great for all levels of riding, and comes in at a pretty good price point for a pro-level bike, the Hawk Hill is a great buy.

It’s a powerful and robust mountain bike that is well equipped to handle basically anything you can throw at it. If you’re someone looking for a fun, capable, and reliable trail bike that will allow you to perform like a pro on the trails, the Hawk Hill is a great option.

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