The new Marin DSX is a flat bar gravel bike built around an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and clearance for 29 x 2.1″ tires. And, it starts at just $899. Find photos and build kits for the DSX 1 and DSX 2 here…

I’m not sure what the general consensus is on the flat bar gravel bikes, but I think they are great. My bet is that many of our readers will insist that these new offerings are simply an throwback to some the mountain bikes of old, which definitely has some truth to it. But, it’s hard to argue with recent options that have been released with fair pricing and interesting specs. For newer riders, I suggest flat bar gravel bikes as they make way more sense than a drop bar rig. Mix in a nice build and adequate tire clearance and you’ve got a versatile ride that’s great for commuting, gravel rides, and mixed-terrain bikepacking.

2021 Marin DSX
  • 2021 Marin DSX
  • 2021 Marin DSX
  • 2021 Marin DSX

The new 2021 Marin DSX is an entirely new flat bar gravel bike, joining the ranks of the Salsa Journeyman and Specialized Diverge, on a mission to make a comfortable platform for gravel and beyond. It’s based around Marin’s Series 3 6061 aluminum frame, a carbon fork, low standover, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 1x drivetrain—currently offered in two different builds (DSX 1 and DSX 2) to fit different budgets. Although the frame is missing all the usual mounting points we like to see, it does have rack and fender eyelets, as well as internal dropper post routing for the most extreme gravel exploration. The DSX comes stock with 700 x 45mm tires, but has room for 29 x 2.1″ knobbies and both the frame and fork use 12mm thru-axles.

2021 Marin DSX 1

  • 2021 Marin DSX 1
  • 2021 Marin DSX 1

The Marin DSX 1 is based around a wide range Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain, using a more affordable Sunrace 11-51T cassette, Shimano Deore derailleur and shifter, and Tektro hydraulic brakes. Here’s the complete build kit:

2021 Marin DSX 1 Build Kit

  • FRAMESeries 3 DSX, 6061 Aluminum
  • FORKMarin Full Carbon w/ Tapered Steerer, 12mm Thru-Axle, Flat-Mount Disc, Fender Eyelets
  • RIMSMarin Aluminum Double Wall, 21mm Inner, Disc Specific
  • HUB REARForged Aluminum Alloy, 142x12mm, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H
  • HUB FRONTForged Aluminum, 100x15mm, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H
  • SPOKES14g Black Stainless Steel
  • TIRESWTB Riddler, 700Cx45mm
  • DERAILLEUR REARShimano Deore 11-Speed
  • SHIFT LEVERShimano Deore 11-Speed
  • CRANKSETForged Aluminum, 42T Steel Narrow Wide Chainring
  • BOTTOM BRACKETSealed Cartridge
  • CHAINKMC X11
  • CASSETTESunrace 11-Speed, 11-51T
  • BRAKES FRONTTektro HD-R280 Flat Mount Hydraulic Disc, 160mm Rotor
  • BRAKES REARTektro HD-R280 Flat Mount Hydraulic Disc, 160mm Rotor
  • BRAKE LEVERSTektro Hydraulic
  • HANDLEBARMarin MiniRiser
  • STEMMarin 3D Forged Alloy
  • GRIPSMarin MTB
  • HEADSETFSA No.42 ACB, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8” x 1 1/2”
  • SEATPOSTMarin Alloy
  • SADDLEMarin DSX
  • PEDALSCommute Platform

2021 Marin DSX 2

2021 Marin DSX 2

The DSX 2 is the higher-end build of the two, although with a price tag of just $1,099 USD, it’s still quite affordable. The main difference being a complete Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain as well as Shimano branded hubs instead of the OEM forged aluminum hubs on the DSX 1. The DSX 2 also receives better performing Shimano hydraulic brakes. Here’s the complete build kit:

2021 Marin DSX 2 Build Kit

  • FRAMESeries 3 DSX, 6061 Aluminum
  • FORKMarin Full Carbon w/ Tapered Steerer, 12mm Thru-Axle, Flat-Mount Disc, Fender Eyelets
  • RIMSMarin Aluminum Double Wall, 21mm Inner, Disc Specific, Tubeless Ready
  • HUB REARShimano Forged Aluminum, 142x12mm, Microspline, Centerlock, 32H
  • HUB FRONTForged Aluminum, 100x15mm, Centerlock, 32H
  • SPOKES14g Black Stainless Steel
  • TIRESWTB Riddler, 700Cx45mm
  • DERAILLEUR REARShimano Deore 12-Speed
  • SHIFT LEVERShimano Deore 12-Speed
  • CRANKSETForged Aluminum, 42T Steel Narrow Wide Chainring
  • BOTTOM BRACKETSealed Outboard Bearing
  • CHAINKMC X12
  • CASSETTEShimano Deore 12-Speed, 10-51T
  • BRAKES FRONTShimano MT201/UR300 Flat Mount Hydraulic Disc, 160mm Rotor
  • BRAKES REARShimano MT201/UR300 Flat Mount Hydraulic Disc, 160mm Rotor
  • BRAKE LEVERSShimano Hydraulic
  • HANDLEBARMarin MiniRiser
  • STEMMarin 3D Forged Alloy
  • GRIPSMarin MTB
  • HEADSETFSA No.42 ACB, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8” x 1 1/2”
  • SEATPOSTMarin Alloy
  • SADDLEMarin DSX
  • PEDALSCommute Platform
  • 2021 Marin DSX 2
  • 2021 Marin DSX 2

As mentioned above, the Marin DSX 1 retails for $899 and the Marin DSX 2 sells for $1,099 USD through your local dealer. Learn more at MarinBikes.com.

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