Marin DSX 2

£1,229 A flat-bar hybrid for commuting, touring and gravel

- Will Soffe

Weight 10.96kg (M) Frame 6061 aluminium alloy Fork Carbon fibre Drivetrain Shimano Deore M6100 (12-speed) with Marin 40t crankset, KMC X12 chain, SunRace 11-51t cassette Brakes Tektro HD-R285 Wheels Marin alloy Tyres WTB Riddler, 700c x 45mm Finishing kit Alloy 27.2mm seatpost, Marin DSX saddle, Marin alloy stem (70mm), Marin MiniRiser handlebar (690mm)

Marin’s DSX 2 combines a mountain bike drivetrain and brakes with a sleek, lightweight hybrid frame and full-carbon fork, fitted with rack and accessory mounts. The question is, does this combo make it ideal for commuting and leisure rides, or the worst of both worlds? To find out, I tested it on my daily five-mile commute to work, as well as by taking my two-year-old to playgroup and using it on family bike rides.

The DSX 2 is striking-looking, with its flattened seat tube (for improved tyre clearance) and bulbous tapered head tube. I like the semi-internal cable routing, and the ‘86’ graphic on the seatstay bridge (the year Marin were founded). The spec is strong for the price too – the carbon fork is great to see, as are the rack mounts. You even get a carbon steerer tube, which isn’t a given on bikes at this price point. The Shimano Deore drivetrain is a reassuring choice – a proven performer, even on the most hardcore of mountain bikes. With a clutch-equipped rear derailleur (to tension the chain and combat chain-slap over rough ground) and a wide-range cassette, it's built to handle a hammering.