Trek Marlin Buyer's Guide
Trek Marlin is a trail-worthy mountain bike that's tough enough for off-road adventures and versatile enough to impress dedicated commuters. Read our guide to understand the ins-and-outs of this MTB and why it might be the best bang for your buck.
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Trek Marlin Overview
Who is a Trek Marlin for?
The Trek Marlin is durable, easy to outfit with gear and accessories, and at home on many types of terrain. This makes it an ideal mountain bike for beginner cyclists looking for versatility at a good price point.
Commuters will appreciate the frame mounts for a rear rack, 29" wheels for smooth and efficient pedaling, and 4" of front suspension to take the edge off the ride.
The Marlin is capable on the mountain too. It'll gobble up less technical XC trails like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail on the east bench in Ogden.
Why you might love a Trek Marlin
VALUE! The Marlin is not only a high-quality and versatile mountain bike, it's also super affordable! It's built with the best component spec per price point that ensures you won't outpace the bike as your cycling skills advance and your adventures get more technical.
Experience the Trek Marlin
Trek Marlin Features
Smart Wheel Sizing
Ride the fastest wheelset that fits. 26" wheels stay alive on the XXS size, while the XS and S frames roll with 27.5" wheels. Medium thru XXL frames are equipped with the fastest 29" wheels.
Bike Mount Versatility
You'll appreciate the ability to accessorize with an array of features including a direct-mount for kickstands and rack/cargo mounts. Bike packers and commuters alike can geek out over the mounting options.
Size Range
The Marlin comes in seven frame sizes (XXS to XXL) to comfortably fit riders of practically any height! For the smallest sizes, they've included unique fit features like a curved top tube for easier dismounting.
Race-Inspired Geometry
Trek engineered the Marlin to have the look of an XC-racing bike while prioritizing comfort for beginner riders.
Internal Cable Routing
Looks awesome! No unsightly cables to be seen. Internal cable routing on the Marlin means you don't have to fret about dirt, grime, and inclement weather contaminating your cables.
Trek Marlin Mountain Bike Models
There are a five different levels of Marlin mountain bikes designed with a wide range of riders in mind.
Find the one that fits you and your needs below:
Trek Marlin 4
Marlin 4 is Trek's gateway to XC trail riding. It is the most affordable of the options and is versatile enough to get out and explore or be a daily commuter.
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour XCE 28
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney TY300 3x7
- Brakes: Tektro MD-M280 Mechanical Disc
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Trek Marlin 5
Upgrades: Better 2X shifting, lockout, and hydraulic disc brakes. Marlin 5 improves light trail riding but still doubles as a versatile commuter.
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour XCM 30
- Drivetrain: Shimano Altus 2x8
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M276 Hydraulic Disc
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Trek Marlin 6
Upgrades: Much improved shifting with a wide-range 1x10 Shimano Deore drivetrain. Nice!!
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour XCT 30
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 1x10
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M276 Hydraulic Disc
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Trek Marlin 7
Upgrades: Rock Shox fork! Bontrager Kovee TLR wheels, and powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Judy with Turnkey lockout
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 1x10
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc
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Trek Marlin 8
Upgrades: Mega-range Sram 1X12 Drivetrain! Tubeless ready Maxxis tires, and a Rock Shox Judy Silver with Solo air spring. The Marlin 8 approaches a race-worthy XC MTB that's perfect for aspiring new trail riders.
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Fork: Rock Shox Judy Silver Solo Air
- Drivetrain: Sram SX 1X12
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc