Marin didn’t publish a “portable” section, but you can view the full 1998 lineup via:
Before we look at the bikes, we must understand the medium. In 1998, the internet was dial-up and clunky. Marin Bikes produced a "portable" catalogue primarily for dealers and traveling sales reps. Unlike the glossy, coffee-table-sized books of competitors, Marin’s portable version was designed to fit in a briefcase or a booth display.
These catalogues were typically A5 or digest-sized (approx. 5.5" x 8.5"). They were staple-bound with high-gloss covers but thinner paper inside. For collectors, the "portable" variant is actually rarer than the full-size dealer binder because they were tossed into bike boxes or lost in shop drawers.
What makes the 1998 portable catalogue unique? It was the first year Marin fully transitioned their naming convention away from the "Bear Valley" dominance toward the "East Peak," "Rift Zone," and "Mount Vision" legacy we recognize today.
The 1998 catalogue highlights several design philosophies distinctive to this era:
In 1998, Marin, primarily known for mountain bikes, introduced the Portable — a compact, folding bicycle designed for urban commuters, RV owners, and boaters. Unlike traditional full-size folding bikes of the era (e.g., Dahon, Brompton), Marin leveraged its MTB heritage to create a rugged, small-wheel portable with off-road capability.
The official 1998 Marin brochure includes:
If you see “portable” in handwritten notes or a reseller’s description, it might refer to the Larkspur or Kentfield — hybrids with step-through or low-standover frames, easier to lift and store indoors.
The Marin catalogue 1998 portable is more than nostalgia. It represents the last year before the "bicycle boom" bust, where bikes became overly specialized. The bikes in this catalogue were designed to be ridden everywhere—daily commutes, Sunday singletrack, and adventure racing.
For the modern rider, this catalogue serves as a manual for converting a 26" wheel dinosaur into a gravel ripper. Because the 1998 frames used standard 68mm bottom brackets and 1 1/8" head tubes (no tapered nonsense), they are incredibly easy to modernize with a rigid carbon fork and a 1x12 drivetrain.
The 1998 catalogue lists two distinct Portable models:
| Model | Key Features | Target User | |-------|--------------|----------------| | Marin Portofino | 20” wheels, 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, aluminum frame, folding pedals | Commuter / leisure | | Marin Larkspur (Portable version) | 20” wheels, rigid fork, wider tires, steel main frame | Heavy-duty / touring portable |
Note: The “Portofino” was the dedicated portable; some catalogues also show a folding variant of the Larkspur.
Marin didn’t publish a “portable” section, but you can view the full 1998 lineup via:
Before we look at the bikes, we must understand the medium. In 1998, the internet was dial-up and clunky. Marin Bikes produced a "portable" catalogue primarily for dealers and traveling sales reps. Unlike the glossy, coffee-table-sized books of competitors, Marin’s portable version was designed to fit in a briefcase or a booth display.
These catalogues were typically A5 or digest-sized (approx. 5.5" x 8.5"). They were staple-bound with high-gloss covers but thinner paper inside. For collectors, the "portable" variant is actually rarer than the full-size dealer binder because they were tossed into bike boxes or lost in shop drawers.
What makes the 1998 portable catalogue unique? It was the first year Marin fully transitioned their naming convention away from the "Bear Valley" dominance toward the "East Peak," "Rift Zone," and "Mount Vision" legacy we recognize today. marin catalogue 1998 portable
The 1998 catalogue highlights several design philosophies distinctive to this era:
In 1998, Marin, primarily known for mountain bikes, introduced the Portable — a compact, folding bicycle designed for urban commuters, RV owners, and boaters. Unlike traditional full-size folding bikes of the era (e.g., Dahon, Brompton), Marin leveraged its MTB heritage to create a rugged, small-wheel portable with off-road capability.
The official 1998 Marin brochure includes: Marin didn’t publish a “portable” section, but you
If you see “portable” in handwritten notes or a reseller’s description, it might refer to the Larkspur or Kentfield — hybrids with step-through or low-standover frames, easier to lift and store indoors.
The Marin catalogue 1998 portable is more than nostalgia. It represents the last year before the "bicycle boom" bust, where bikes became overly specialized. The bikes in this catalogue were designed to be ridden everywhere—daily commutes, Sunday singletrack, and adventure racing.
For the modern rider, this catalogue serves as a manual for converting a 26" wheel dinosaur into a gravel ripper. Because the 1998 frames used standard 68mm bottom brackets and 1 1/8" head tubes (no tapered nonsense), they are incredibly easy to modernize with a rigid carbon fork and a 1x12 drivetrain. If you see “portable” in handwritten notes or
The 1998 catalogue lists two distinct Portable models:
| Model | Key Features | Target User | |-------|--------------|----------------| | Marin Portofino | 20” wheels, 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, aluminum frame, folding pedals | Commuter / leisure | | Marin Larkspur (Portable version) | 20” wheels, rigid fork, wider tires, steel main frame | Heavy-duty / touring portable |
Note: The “Portofino” was the dedicated portable; some catalogues also show a folding variant of the Larkspur.