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EWS Bike Check: Leigh Johnson’s Marin Wolf Ridge

Is the strange looking Marin Wolf Ridge the greatest Mountain-bike innovation of 2017? Using the revolutionary new Naild R3ACT- 2 Play suspension system, Marin claim to have created a 160mm travel enduro bike that climbs like an XC whippet and descends like a downhill rig.

We caught up with Marin team rider Leigh Johnson, to chat about his bike setup prior to round four of the Enduro World Series in Wicklow, Ireland.

The Marin Wolf Ridge may look strange, but Leigh piloted it to 31st place at the latest round of the Enduro World Series in Wicklow, Ireland.

Leigh Johnson’s Marin Wolf Ridge Tyre Pressures and Choice

Leigh is running Maxxis tyres, using Double-Down casing for improved protection on the rocky EWS trails. Upfront, Leigh is running a Maxxis High Roller II, set at 24 psi. On the rear a Maxxis Aggressor set at 30 psi keeps rolling speeds high on the fast Irish trails. If the trails are wet and muddy, Leigh tends to drop a couple of psi in the front for better grip.

The Maxxis Aggressor is a fast rolling trail tyre.
The Maxxis High Roller II is an all rounder with plenty of grip.

Marin Wolf Ridge Suspension Setup

Leigh is running FOX Factory suspension on his Wolf Ridge. A 160 mm FOX Factory 36 takes care of the front wheel travel. Leigh likes his fork to sit high in its travel, so he runs a pretty stiff setup with 85 psi and four volume spacers. Leigh prefers his rear shock to sit nicely into its travel with a bit of ramp up towards the end stroke, so he runs his Float X2 at 220 psi with two volume spacers to support his 90 kg body weight.

Initially, Leigh thought the Float X2 needed more Low Speed Compression, as the Wolf Ridge is so supple off the top.

Marin Wolf Ridge Brakes and Drivetrain

Shimano cover the Wolf Ridge’s braking and transmission with their XT drivetrain and powerful Saint downhill stoppers. Leigh is running 180 mm rotors front and back with sintered pads for the wet Irish conditions.

Nothing electronical here- Leigh is running a standard XT drivetrain
Leigh is running 180 mm rotors front and back, with sintered pads for the wet Irish conditions.

Marin Wolf Ridge Cockpit Setup

Leigh is running Burgtec Ride Wide carbon bars cut down to 750 mm and paired to a 50 mm stem (he still has a lot of spacers as the bike is relatively new and he is not set on bar height yet). Leigh runs his brake levers at a neutral angle. He runs the remote for his KS Lev Intregra dropper post under the left side of the bar for easy access.

Leigh runs his brake levers at a neutral angle.
Leigh was on fire in Ireland and bagged a 31st place.

We have just got our hands on a Wolf Ridge, so keep your eyes peeled for a full review coming soon!

For more information about Marin head to marinbikes.com

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