Marin Bikes, founded in 1986 in Marin County, California—the very birthplace of mountain biking—was at the heart of this evolution. By 1998, the brand had moved far beyond its origins, growing into an international powerhouse known for its willingness to innovate. A key moment came in 1997 when a Marin Mount Vision FRS won the UK National XC Championships, a result that forced the cycling world to admit that full-suspension bikes were not just for downhill racers, but were efficient enough to win cross-country races as well.

Do you need help identifying for a restoration?

The year was, in many ways, the beginning of the portable device era as we know it today.

: The 1998 document highlights a mix of custom-butted chromoly steel, high-end Tange tubing, premium aluminum alloys, and exotic materials like the Team Marin Titanium frame series.

The 1998 Marin Catalogue Portable is a condensed version of the full catalog, featuring a selection of products that were popular at the time. The catalog is 16 pages long and includes a mix of bicycles, clothing, and accessories.

The flagship racing hardtail. Built with ultralight tubing and dressed in top-tier Shimano XTR componentry, it was a weapon of choice for regional and national XC racers.

: Positioned as a highly reliable, slightly more accessible full-suspension alternative, the East Peak featured durable alloy frames that owners have notoriously kept running for decades.

Whether you are looking for the exact crankset that came stock on a Team Titanium or trying to identify the original Manitou fork travel on a Shoreline Trail, this document is the ultimate blueprint. If you are hunting for one of these bikes, let me know:

While there isn't a single official "portable" 1998 Marin catalogue, you can find high-quality scans of the full on the Retrobike Archive . This is the go-to resource for enthusiasts looking for original specs, geometry, and the iconic "90s neon" aesthetic.

: High-performance setups usually featured Shimano XT or XTR drivetrains, Mavic rims, and RockShox or Manitou forks. Where to Find the Catalog

Based on the standard specs of the era, the 1998 Portable lineup was typically tiered as follows:

The highlights a pivotal year for the brand, showcasing their transition from classic steel frames to more advanced aluminum and full-suspension designs. For enthusiasts of "retro" or "vintage" mountain bikes, this era is highly regarded for its iconic aesthetics and durable builds. 1998 Marin Catalogue Highlights

The 1998 lineup featured several iconic models that are still sought after by vintage enthusiasts today: