fbpx
Bikes > Cycle

Marin electrifies its Larkspur steel MTB

The pedal-assist bicycle features a Bosch Active Line Plus motor

The Marin Larkspur looks like a city bike, but rides like an MTB. PHOTO FROM MARIN

The Larkspur is one of the most unique models of Marin, and it’s not hard to see why. It looks like a Japanese city bike (also known as mamachari) with its low-sweep frame, yet it has thick, knobby tires that belong to a mountain bike (MTB). And the California-based bicycle brand has just electrified it with the release of the Marin Larkspur E.

The battery placement makes clever use of the space between the top and down tubes. PHOTOS FROM MARIN

The heart of the Larkspur E is the Bosch Active Line Plus drive unit consisting of a 250W, 50Nm mid-drive motor and a 545Wh battery located on the down-tube. Top speed is limited to 32km/h in North America and 25km/h in Europe. Meanwhile, a full charge takes as long as 7.3 hours and allows for a rated range between 40km to 150km, depending on riding conditions.

The frame has an integrated mount for a kickstand.
The fenders and the lights are a new addition with the Larkspur E.
The dropper post allows for easy adjustment of the seat height.
The steering stabilizer keeps the front wheel still when loading the bike with cargo. PHOTOS FROM MARIN

The rest of the e-bike is similar to the ordinary Larkspur. The chromolysteel frame has a step-through design, which makes mounting and dismounting easy. Meanwhile, the swept-back handlebars result in a relaxed and upright riding position. Combine those with plush 27.5-inch by 2.35-inch tires, and you get a comfortable bike whether commuting around town or riding on trails.

The drivetrain is still a wide-range 1x with a 38T chainring and a 10-speed, 11-48T cassette. But instead of Shimano Deore or Microshift Advent X, the Larkspur E uses Shimano Cues components, which are optimized for the greater wear and tear of electric bicycles. Meanwhile, stopping power is provided by Shimano MT201 hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors.

You don't have to get tired and sweaty pedaling the Marin Larkspur E. PHOTOS FROM MARIN

The Marin Larkspur E combines the supple ride of a steel, thick-tired bike with the accessibility of a pedal-assist bicycle. It has an SRP of $2,999 (P170,000), roughly triple the price of the ordinary Larkspur.

Given its price and the lack of support for Bosch e-bike motors here, it’s unlikely that local Marin dealers will be selling the Larkspur E. But it’s at home in progressive countries, where electric bicycles are becoming a popular means of mobility.



Leandro Mangubat

Leandro is our staff writer. Although having a background in mechanical engineering, he enjoys photography and writing more.



Comments