Marin DSX vs Polygon Tambora G4
A side by side comparison of two gravel bikes available in Australia, on price and specs. The Marin DSX is the lower-priced of the two.
Key differences
- Price: the DSX costs $200 less at the prices shown.
- Gearing: 1x9 microSHIFT Advent on the DSX, 1x10 Microshift Advent X on the Tambora G4.
- Head angle: the DSX is slacker (69.5 vs 71.5 degrees), which usually means steadier handling on descents and slower steering.
- Stack (size M): the Tambora G4 is 21 mm taller at the front, for a more upright position.
- Reach (size M): the DSX is 24 mm longer, for a more stretched position.
- Stock tyres: about 45 mm wide on the DSX, 40 mm on the Tambora G4.
- Tyre clearance: the Tambora G4 is listed for tyres up to 45 mm; the DSX does not publish a figure.
Worked out from each bike's published specification and the price shown on its page. The full side by side table and a to-scale geometry overlay are below.
| 2 of 4 bikesDeltas are against the baseline | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price and where to buy | |||
| Current Australian price | $999.99Lowest | $1,199.99 | |
| RRP | $999.99 | $1,299.99 | |
| Price source | At BikesOnline, was $1,299.99. In stock, checked 3 Nov 2026. | At BikesOnline, was $1,699.99. In stock, checked 3 Nov 2026. | |
| Retailers | BikesOnline | BikesOnline | |
| Overview | |||
| Category | Gravel | Gravel | |
| Type | Non-electric | Non-electric | |
| Model year | Not published | 2024 | |
| Frame and suspension | |||
| Frame | Aluminium | Aluminium | |
| Fork | Steel | Carbon rigid | |
| Wheels and tyres | |||
| Wheelset | Marin Aluminium Double Wall, 21mm Inner, Disc Specific | Alloy double wall, 32H | |
| Wheel size | 700c | 700c | |
| Stock tyres | 700x45c | 700x40C | |
| Max tyre clearance | Not published | 45 mm | |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Groupset | microSHIFT Advent | Microshift Advent X | |
| Shifting | Mechanical, 1x | Mechanical, 1x | |
| Crank | Alloy Crank, Steel Narrow-Wide Chainring | Alloy, 40T | |
| Chainrings | 38 | Not published | |
| Cassette | SunRace, 11-46T, 9-Speed | Microshift Advent X CS-H104, 10-speed | |
| Cassette speeds | 9 | 10 | |
| Lowest gearRatio of smallest ring to biggest cog. Lower is easier climbing. | 0.83 | Not published | |
| Highest gearBiggest ring to smallest cog. Higher is a faster top speed. | 3.45 | Not published | |
| Gearing character | Very low climbing gear | Not published | |
| Brakes and weight | |||
| Brakes | Tektro HDM275 Hydraulic Disc | Tektro MD-C550 mechanical disc | |
| Rotors | 160mm | 160mm | |
| Geometry | |||
| Size shown | M | M | |
| Stack | 572.5 mm | 593 mm+21 mm | |
| Reach | 405 mm | 381 mm-24 mm | |
| Stack to reachHigher is more upright, lower is more stretched out. | 1.41 | 1.56+0.15 | |
| Head angleLower (slacker) is calmer at speed, higher (steeper) is quicker steering. | 69.5 deg | 71.5 deg+2.0 deg | |
| Seat angle | 74.0 deg | 74.0 degsame | |
| Wheelbase | Not published | 1,022 mm | |
| Chainstay | 425 mm | 425 mmsame | |
| BB drop | 80 mm | 78 mm-2 mm | |
Geometry overlay
- Polygon Tambora G4 (size M) is the baseline.
Stack, reach, head and seat angles, wheelbase, chainstay and BB drop are drawn to scale from published charts. Tube shapes are schematic. No full geometry published for: Marin DSX.
BikeFinder Data Profile. Geometry and component figures are researched from published manufacturer and retailer sources, not physical ride tests, and can vary by model year.
Specs and pricing are listed in AUD and sourced from Australian retail listings. Confirm current details with the seller before purchase.