Description
The Marin DSX Gravel Bike — Adventure-Ready for Under £700
The Marin DSX gravel bike is the most affordable way to get into the DSX family. However, don’t let that fool you. This bike feels far more capable than its price suggests. It carries hydraulic disc brakes, a wide-range 9-speed drivetrain, and chunky WTB tyres straight out of the box. Furthermore, it’s dropper post compatible, so you can upgrade it as your riding develops. Whether you’re commuting, exploring trails, or heading out on a gravel adventure, the DSX handles it all.
A Lightweight Aluminium Frame With a Smooth Steel Fork
The DSX centres on a Series 2 DSX 6061 aluminium frame. It features internal cable routing for a clean finish. Mudguard and rack mounts come as standard, making this bike practical in all weathers. IS disc mounts sit front and rear, keeping the build tidy and future-proof.
The CrMo steel straight-blade fork is a clever addition. Steel absorbs road and trail vibration effectively. As a result, your hands and arms stay more comfortable over longer rides — even on rough surfaces. The fork also features fender and rack eyelets. This means you can fit mudguards or a front rack with ease.
MicroSHIFT Advent 1×9 — Simple, Wide-Range Gearing
The DSX runs a microSHIFT Advent 9-speed drivetrain with a clutch-equipped rear derailleur. The clutch mechanism keeps the chain tensioned on rough terrain. Consequently, you get far fewer dropped chains on bumpy trails and gravel paths. A 38T narrow-wide chainring pairs with a SunRace 11-46T cassette. This combination delivers a wide gear range that suits everything from steep climbs to rolling country roads.
The single chainring setup also simplifies the cockpit considerably. There’s no front derailleur to manage. Instead, you can focus entirely on the ride ahead.
Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes — a Standout at This Price
The Tektro HDM275 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors are a genuine highlight of the DSX spec. Hydraulic brakes at this price point are unusual. They deliver significantly more stopping power and better modulation than mechanical disc systems. Moreover, they perform consistently in wet and muddy UK conditions. You simply squeeze and stop — with confidence, every time.
WTB Riddler Tyres and Reliable Wheels
The DSX rolls on WTB Riddler 700x45mm tyres. These are versatile, fast-rolling all-terrain tyres. They grip well on loose gravel and wet surfaces, yet roll efficiently on tarmac. The double-wall Marin aluminium wheels use forged alloy disc hubs with 32 spokes each. Therefore, the wheel build is stiff, durable, and well-suited to everyday mixed-terrain riding.
Cockpit Built for Confidence on Trail
The Marin MiniRiser handlebar places your hands in a natural, upright position. This suits trail and gravel riding well. It’s a different approach compared to the drop bars found on the Nicasio and Gestalt ranges. Consequently, the DSX appeals to riders who prefer a more relaxed, mountain-bike-influenced riding position. A Marin 3D forged alloy stem, MTB grips, and a 27.2mm alloy seatpost complete a clean, capable setup.
Who Is the Marin DSX For?
The Marin DSX gravel bike suits a wide range of riders. It works especially well for beginners entering gravel and adventure riding on a budget, commuters who want hydraulic brakes and all-terrain capability, mountain bikers looking for a drop-to-gravel crossover bike, and riders who want a versatile platform they can upgrade over time with a dropper post and wider tyres.
