The second-generation Marin Headlands shifts the model further toward the mountain-bike end of the gravel spectrum. It remains a 1x-only platform, but the V2 frame update adds more capability in the places that matter for rough-surface riding: tire clearance grows to 50mm on 700c wheels, the rear end moves to a UDH-compatible dropout, and the frame now includes Marin’s Bear Box in-frame downtube storage. Full internal routing, including routing for a dropper post, reinforces the bike’s intended use as a gravel machine that is comfortable venturing well beyond fast dirt-road riding.
That makes the Headlands V2 less of a pure gravel race bike and more of a modern adventure gravel platform with clear MTB influence. Marin has kept the stable-handling, mount-heavy Headlands formula, but updated it for current expectations around bigger tires, serviceability, and bikepacking practicality. In the market, it sits with the growing class of aggressive gravel bikes that prioritize composure, traction, and utility over low weight or razor-sharp road-like handling.
| Stack | 600.8mm |
| Reach | 386.4mm |
| Top tube | 565mm |
| Headtube length | 170mm |
| Standover height | 758mm |
| Seat tube length | 510mm |
The Headlands V2 geometry points clearly toward stability and off-road confidence rather than quick, nervous handling. Head tube angles range from 70.5 degrees in size 49 to 71.5 degrees from size 54 upward, which is relatively slack for a drop-bar bike and helps calm the steering on rough descents and loose surfaces. Chainstays are a consistent 420mm across the size range, short enough to avoid making the bike feel overly long or sluggish, while the 76mm bottom bracket drop keeps the rider planted low between the wheels for added stability.
Fit numbers show a fairly tall front end and a progressive increase in reach through the larger sizes. Stack grows from 550.3mm in the 49 to 638.7mm in the 60, while reach moves from 370mm to 425.8mm. That suggests a fit that can support a more upright, controlled off-road position, especially when paired with large-volume tires and a dropper. Wheelbase figures from 1007.4mm to 1079.9mm also underline the bike’s composed character, particularly in the larger sizes, where straight-line stability should be a defining trait.
Frameset
Frame
Unidirectional Carbon Beyond Road Platform, 1x Drivetrain Specific, 700c x 45mm/650B x 50mm Compatible, Flat Mount Disc, 142x12mm Thru-Axle, Internal Dropper Post Routing, Internal Housing Routing, Mudguard and Rear Carrier Mounting, Plentiful Gear Mounts
Fork
Marin Full Carbon w/ Tapered Steerer, 12mm Thru-Axle, Flat-Mount Disc, Fender Eyelets
Groupset
Shift levers
Shimano GRX ST-RX801, 1x11-speed (integrated dropper lever)
Rear derailleur
Shimano GRX RD-RX812 Shadow Plus (clutch)
Cassette
Shimano CS-M8000, 11-speed, 11-42T
Chain
KMC X11
Crankset
FSA Gossamer Pro, Megatooth 42T Chainring, BB386EVO Alloy Spindle
Bottom bracket
FSA MegaExo Threaded
Front brake
Shimano GRX hydraulic disc
Rear brake
Shimano GRX hydraulic disc
Front rotor
160mm
Rear rotor
160mm
Wheelset
Front wheel
Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 21mm inner width, 21mm tall, disc specific, tubeless compatible; Forged Aluminum Alloy, disc, 28H; Double Butted Stainless
Rear wheel
Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 21mm inner width, 21mm tall, disc specific, tubeless compatible; Forged Aluminum Alloy, disc, 28H; Double Butted Stainless
Front tire
Vee Tire Co. G-Sport, 700c x 44, tubeless compatible
Rear tire
Vee Tire Co. G-Sport, 700c x 44, tubeless compatible
Cockpit
Stem
Marin 3D Forged Alloy
Handlebars
Marin Butted Alloy, Compact 16° Flared Drop
Saddle
Marin Beyond Road Concept Elite
Seatpost
TranzX YSP38J dropper, 27.2mm (70mm travel size 49-54 / 105mm travel size 56-60)
Grips
Marin Shock Absorbing Tape
The Headlands V2 is offered in two builds, priced at $2,599 and $2,999. Based on the available information, Marin is keeping the range straightforward, with a relatively narrow $400 spread between the two complete-bike options. That suggests the model is aimed at riders shopping for a capable carbon gravel/adventure platform without an overly complex build hierarchy.
Without detailed component lists, the clearest takeaway is value positioning. Both builds sit in the upper entry-level to lower mid-range gravel category, and the shared frame features are a meaningful part of the appeal: 50mm tire clearance, UDH compatibility, in-frame storage, and internal dropper routing are features often associated with more expensive adventure-oriented gravel bikes. If component differences are modest, the frame itself is likely the main draw across both builds.
1
$2,599
2
$2,999