Marin Tam: suspension setup & specs
The Marin Tam is a downcountry bike with 130 mm of fork travel and 120 mm at the rear. Here you will find all 3 current builds with fork, shock and shock size, plus matching SAG and tyre pressure starting values.
Calculate the setup for your Marin Tam →
All builds
Fork, shock, shock size (eye-to-eye length × stroke) and rear travel, weight and price according to the manufacturer. Wheel size: 29.
| Build | Fork | Shock | Shock size | Rear travel | Weight | RRP | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | X-Fusion Rezza (130 mm) | X-Fusion Rezza | 190x45 | 120 mm | – | – | Setup → |
| 2 | FOX 34SL Performance (130 mm) | FOX Float SL Performance | 190x45 | 120 mm | – | – | Setup → |
| XR | FOX 34SL Performance Elite (130 mm) | FOX Float SL Performance Elite | 190x45 | 120 mm | – | – | Setup → |
How it compares
On travel, the Marin Tam is right where the “downcountry bike” category usually is: 130 mm up front against a median of 130 mm from 13 bikes. The fork has 10 mm more travel than the rear end with 120 mm – a common layout that takes load off the front on steep terrain. Within Marin’s mountain bikes, it sits between the Marin Bobcat Trail and the Marin Rift Zone on travel.
For suspension, Marin combines components from FOX and X-Fusion. In total, 3 different forks are used, from the X-Fusion Rezza to the FOX 34SL Performance Elite.
Setup notes for this spec
- Air fork (FOX 34SL Performance): the air valve is on top of the left leg under a cap. Change pressure in small steps (about 5 psi (0.34 bar)) and cycle the fork a few times afterwards so the air chambers can equalise.
- Rebound: on FOX suspension the rebound adjuster is red. Always count clicks from fully closed (clockwise to the stop) so you can return to any setting.
- Air shock (X-Fusion Rezza): measure SAG in your riding position, ideally with a helper holding the bike. Cycle the shock a few times after every pressure change.
Target SAG for the Marin Tam
Instead of percentages, this table gives SAG directly in millimetres, measurable with the O-ring on the stanchion and on the shock shaft. Change the pressure step by step until you reach the value; if Marin gives its own target SAG, use that.
130 mm fork, 45.0 mm shock stroke (all builds)
| Riding style | Fork SAG | Shock SAG |
|---|---|---|
| XC / touring | 17 % = 22 mm | 24 % = 10.8 mm on the shock shaft |
| Trail | 20 % = 26 mm | 28 % = 12.6 mm on the shock shaft |
| Enduro / rough | 22 % = 29 mm | 30 % = 13.5 mm on the shock shaft |
| Bike park | 20 % = 26 mm | 27 % = 12.2 mm on the shock shaft |
How to measure SAG is explained in our guide SAG setup.
Tyre pressure starting values
For 2.35″ wide tyres, tubeless with a trail casing. With an inner tube about 0.2 bar (2.9 psi) more, with an insert about 0.1 bar (1.5 psi) less. Stock tyres: Delium Fast, 29x24", Light Construction, Dual Compound, Tubeless Ready; Maxxis Rekon Race, 29x2.35", Folding Bead, Tubeless Ready.
| Ready-to-ride weight | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 1.43 bar (21 psi) | 1.63 bar (24 psi) |
| 70 kg | 1.55 bar (22 psi) | 1.75 bar (25 psi) |
| 80 kg | 1.67 bar (24 psi) | 1.87 bar (27 psi) |
| 90 kg | 1.79 bar (26 psi) | 1.99 bar (29 psi) |
| 100 kg | 1.91 bar (28 psi) | 2.11 bar (31 psi) |
| 110 kg | 2.03 bar (29 psi) | 2.23 bar (32 psi) |
| 120 kg | 2.15 bar (31 psi) | 2.35 bar (34 psi) |
Air pressure in the fork and shock
The sticker on the fork (or on the shock) and the manufacturers’ setup charts give you a first pressure. Our calculator is more precise and suggests rebound too – always check the result via SAG.