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Trek Marlin 5 Review

Trek Marlin 5 is an entry-level bike from Treks’ Mountain Bikes series. It offers a lot of features you’d expect from an expensive bike like internal cable shifting and hydraulic brakes. Some of the recent updates to the model leading up to Trek Marin 5 2020 made it the best in the budget category and very easy to recommend to any trail riding beginner.

Trek Marlin 5 is one of the best entry-level mountain bikes and it’s perfect for you if you are

• trying to get into Mountain Biking or trailing and not sure if you’d like the sport. In this case, Marlin 5 makes for a great beginner-friendly bike which you can use to test and level up your training skills before upgrading to something more advanced. The Drivetrain of this bike provides you with a huge combination of speeds which can come handy.
• looking for a commuting bike for school, and your path involves a few rough roads or would enjoy a bit of trailing on the side as a hobby. If your commuting path involves some roads which need repair, Marlin 5 might be the perfect bike because unlike a hybrid at this price range you will be getting a good suspension with 100mm travel and a preload adjustment for switching between smoother rides and a bit rougher ones.
• trying to get the best of both worlds bike and not ready to spend big bucks on the more expensive bikes then Trek Marlin 5 is a match made in heaven. With the price range of 500-600 dollars, you will be getting a solid experience without breaking the bank.

This is our Trek Marlin 5 Review which provides a detailed overview of the bike with a comprehensive review of all the components and parts. There is also a specs list sorted down below for ease of access.

Trek Marlin 5 Specs

Trek Marlin 5 comes with a light-weight Trek Silver Alpha aluminium frame which offers sturdiness for your trails while still being light enough to not wear you down during long rides.

You can expect some pretty good welding with internal cable shift and brake hose routing which you see on more expensive bikes and it protects your cables from getting damaged from varying weather and landscapes.

This becomes all the more relevant in the mountain trail picture where the terrain does not side with the best of the conditions. The frame manages to hide all the cables inside the frame which also makes for a stunning look.

Going with the theme of Trek Marlin 5 making the best of both worlds when coming to Mountain Biking and Commuting, It has good rack mounts if you want to load your bike for longer trails.

We got a wide Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm with Blendr compatibility which enables you to mount accessories like lights, mobile phone dock, or a GoPro for your next adventure.

We got a matching Bontrager alloy with a 5mm rise and oversize clamping diameter which increases control and stability during the shakiest of rides.

Bontrager XR Endurance Comp on this bike provides a good grip for better handling and control. Although its non-traditional shape can feel a bit weird, they make for a good resting place for your palms, which you will appreciate on longer journeys.

Saddles in Marlin 5 are pretty straightforward, they use two variants of Bontrager Arvada depending on male/female versions.

Sizes and Variants

This particular model is very popular with beginning Mountain Bikers because it has a wide range of sizes to choose from which ensures that you are always on the best possible fit for you. 7 sizes are ranging from XS all the up to 2XL and come in two variants in frames depending on the version.

The Female version is almost the same as the Unisex version of the bike only changes being a different saddle variant and If you choose a Female XS or S size then you’ll be getting a curved upper tube for some extra standover.

There aren’t many good trail bikes for Women in this price range but Trek Marlin 5 is a good choice considering the women-specific saddle and frames.

A detailed overview of sizes and measurements for finding the best fit for you is provided in the table below.

Trek Marlin 5 Size Chart

Wheels and Rims

When it comes to wheels, Marlin 5 has smart wheels size which means that you are going to roll with the largest wheels size possible depending upon the size. The wheels come in the two most popular sizes, 27.5” for XS and S and 29” for everything from M to 2XL.

So an L or M is a Trek Marlin 5 29er while an XS or S is a Trek Marlin 5 27.5er

Both wheel sizes are big enough to provide a smooth riding experience on an MTB and also offer a low center of gravity for a sturdier control.

The Merlin 5 rolls on a Bontrager XR2, 29×2.20˝ in the front, and 29×2.0˝ on the rear but you should know, however, that these wheels are not tubeless but I don’t think that’s a deal-breaker because we are focusing on getting the essentials right at this price point. Having said that, a quick-release front wheel is a plus for quickly swapping your front in case of any damage.

Forks and Suspension

Coming to the Forks, Marlin 5 runs an SR Suntour XCE 28 which is a 28mm stanchion fork with 100mm travel which falls into the recommended range of 80-120mm by most mountain bikers. The suspension also comes with a preload, which can be used to adjust the shock and spring of the bike to an optimum range of operation. When it is raised, the bike will be on top of its travel and the converse closer to the bottom of its suspension travel.

Marlin 5 comes with Tektro HD-275 hydraulic disc brakes as opposed to Marlin 4’s Mechanical disc brakes which offers a more responsive and reliable experience in all types of weather conditions.

Hydraulic brakes are more relevant when it comes to Mountain Biking because you often need to make quick turns and pace changes. Using traditional mechanical caliper brakes can not only wear your brake pads quickly but also become unreliable during damp weather conditions. You can completely count on disc brakes on this situation because it is proven to be more weather resistant and pairing it up with hydraulics will ensure that you don’t have to pull the brakes as hard.

Most people coming from bikes using non-hydraulics quickly appreciate how game-changing hydraulic brakes are.

Trek also paid close attention to smaller sizes and equipped XS and S sizes with short reach levers to make it easy for bikers with smaller hands.

Most of the components on this bike are from Shimano which are known to be very reliable in the Mountain Biking space and rightfully so. The drivetrain consists of shifters, derailleurs, chain, cassette, and crankset.

Trek Marlin 5 is set up with a Shimano HG200, 12-32, 7-speed cassette in the rear, and a Shimano Tourney TY301, 42/34/24 in the front. They both operate with the Shimano Tourney TY300 front and back derailleurs which offer a great variety of speeds and good shifting for both country trailing and rugged commuting.

One big pro with the Tourney setup is that they all work together perfectly with no off-brand components and there is no chance to cause any compatibility issues.

Marlin 5’s got Shimano Altus M310, 3X7 speed shifters which is a trigger shifters set up which you can easily operate with your thumb and index fingers quickly during your trial.

Trek Marlin 5 weight

So, How much does a Marlin 5 weigh? The Medium size comes in about 14.59 kg or 32.17 lbs when tubes and other components are attached.

This model has a combined weight limit of 136 kg or around 300lbs, this includes the weight of the biker, the bike and the cargo carried.

Trek Marlin 5 Price

Are trek bikes worth the money? let me tell you price is one of the main advantages for Marlin 5 because there are very few bikes that have a budget-friendly price tag while still maintaining that middle-ground between quality and price. This makes a huge difference because when a bike manufacturer wants to get the price down it is often reflected in the quality of the bike’s components.

You might have experienced this first hand if you used one of those target/Walmart bikes which try to sell people bikes with poor quality while still maintaining their profit margins. But unlike those other bike manufacturers, Trek found the perfect middle ground for a budget-friendly mountain bike which gets all the essentials right.

Looking at the specs sheet makes it quite apparent that Trek didn’t make many compromises with the quality as they use reliable components made by Shimano and Bontrager and not some off-brand company.

Like every other Marlin bicycle, Marlin 5 also comes with a lifetime warranty which is rare to see at this price range and always a sweet thing to have.

Trek Marlin 5 upgrades and accessories

As I previously mentioned above this is a great bike to get into trail riding and off-roading or just to see if you like the experience of Mountain biking before investing too heavily into it. But if you seem to enjoy and want to take the whole thing up a notch, upgrading some components will be in your best interests.

Marlin 5 is a great bike for normal to intermediate trail paths but if you are past those trails and want to enjoy more technical routes like mountain trails etc then investing in these components can make a great difference.

Trek Marlin 5 fork upgrade is one of the most recommended upgrades if you wish to improve your stability on a rocky/hilly path. This bike uses what’s called a G2 Geometry which means you can easily find and replace parts that fit your needs. If you have some good number of miles under your belt, I also recommend upgrading your grips and pedals but I would stop there.

While this is a good starter bike, I would suggest you switch to a better model specifically suiting your needs if you are willing to invest more in upgrading the components because investing in upgrading a starter bike has diminishing returns as you upgrade more and more as you have to worry about the core parts like frames and stem in the future.

With that being said these are some good upgrades you might want to consider for a more smooth riding experience.

There are some great accessories for Merlin 5 on the market because of its Blendr integration capability. After choosing a good mount for Blendr integration, I recommend this, your bike is ready for these cool accessories

I for sure think that some portion of Trek Marlin’s popularity comes from its design aesthetics and cool graphics. The design of the bike is easily on par with the more expensive bikes. And the colors of this model are very well chosen and suit all terrains and settings perfectly.

Trek Marlin 5 comes in three color options

• Matte Trek Black

Many fans anticipated an improved Trek Marlin 5 Red version (like the one in the past) which would have been very cool to see on the road but in my opinion all three look stunning.

We hope that you find this Trek Marlin 5 review useful, to clear a bit more on the topics there is a FAQ’s section below where we have included most frequently asked questions by customers.

According to Trek Bike Archives, Trek started making Marlin 5’s from 2015.

Trek Marlin 5 ranges around 500-600$ price range which makes for a budget-friendly bike for trail riding as well as commuting. Check the price here.

Front tires are mounted on Trek Marlin 5 using a quick-release front wheel, which enables you to swap out the damaged wheel and mount a new one with relative ease.

This depends on many factors like your height and inseam measurements. Find a comprehensive specific measurement table here.

Trek Marlin has disc brakes which means you should not oil them. Oiling aside even touching the rotors with your bare hands might contaminate the rotors with your body oils and decrease the braking capacity.

Oiling disc brakes are considered the number one cardinal sin so make sure to avoid it all costs. If by any means oil made its way to the rotors use alcohol or de-greaser with a kitchen paper or dry clean cloth to remove it.

It comes with a Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 7-degree stem which is Blendr compatible enabling you to mount different accessories.

The frame and most of the other skeleton are made of light-weight Trek Silver Alpha Aluminium which offers very good manoeuvrability and sturdiness still being pretty light.

With rack mounts available on the back of the Marlin 5, you can easily mount a child seat. One good suggestion would be this.

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Trek Marlin 6 Review: Is This Bike Worth Buying?

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What do you want from your MTB? Is it a bike that you can take to work every day? Something light that you can easily transport if needed, something with multiple speeds that will allow you to commute with ease?

Or are you after an adventure, a bike that you can have fun with? If you live near mountain trails, for example, you might want a bike that can handle a few bumps in the road. In that case, you’ll want something tough with great suspension that can easily deal with tougher terrain.

Bottom Line Up Front: So, we would recommend it overall ( you can pick it up online directly via Trek here ) – particularly if you’re on a tighter budget and you want to upgrade it later on down the line. It’s one of the best out of the box budget buys.  

The Marlin 6 is a GREAT budget pick to get started. An excellent all-around mountain bike, with room for plenty of cusomizations and upgrades later. Only if you need it.

Table of Contents

How does Trek stack up against other companies?

Trek is known as a brand to be trusted. Thanks to years of quality craftsmanship and its long alliance with Lance Armstrong, Trek is considered to be a solid brand in the mountain bike space.

In terms of price, Trek offer a range of different options – from around $450 for the FX (a basic hybrid bike) right up to $12,500 for the Madone SLR 9 Disc brakes eTap suspension lockout (a state-of-the-art racing bike). The Marlin 6 is on the lower end of the price scale.

Trek are quite similar to Diamondback in their price range. Although Trek do offer a lot of expensive bikes (which is to be expected given their expertise), they have more budget options than Fuji and Cannondale.

What kind of bike is the Marlin 6 ?

Trek Marlin 6 is designed to be a multi-purpose real mountain bike: it’s built with mountain biking trails in mind, but it’s also great for commuters, with extra features like rack and fender mounts.

It could be the perfect choice for you if you want to hit the trails at the weekend, but also need a bike to commute to work in the week. It’s not built to go downhill or for heavy trails, however.

It’s also an entry-level bike (for mountain biking) – this means it’s a lot more affordable than some other bikes on the market.

The Main Features of the Marlin 6

Let’s take a look at some of the features of the Marlin 6.

What is the Trek Marlin 6 made from?

The Marlin 6 is made from aluminum, making it a pretty lightweight bike. There are seven sizes to choose from, so you should be able to find one that fits you. It comes in orange or silver.

What are the wheels like?

Depending on which size you buy, the wheels are either 27in or 29in – this is to help the larger bikes to have a smoother ride (with minimal impact to standover height). This is great because the larger wheels allow you to have a better riding experience on slightly rougher terrain. The wheels are heavy, however, which caused some users problems as they tried to pick up speed.

The wheels are Bontrager Connection 32-hole double-walled, and the tires are Bontrager XR2.

What other features does it have?

The Marlin 6 is designed to be able to handle lighter trails and cross country moderate terrain – so you won’t be able to hit the hardcore trails with this one. It does offer multiple gears (24 speeds / shift levers) with a rack and fender mount, however, which makes it ideal for commuting or mixed use riders.

How does the Trek Marlin 6 perform?

Some people found the Marlin 6 to be a little stiff and unresponsive, with the wheels reducing the responsiveness quite drastically at times. This makes it less comfortable to ride on trails, as it doesn’t seem to perform well on drops, with limited softening. However, in terms of riding on smoother, flatter terrain, it seems to perform nicely. A great entry level bike for mountain biking.

Check out how Marlin 6 Compares to Marlin 7.

What are the specs of the Marlin 6?

In terms of specifications, here are the main things you need to know:

• Fork – SR Suntour XCT fork, 100-mm travel fork
• Crankset – Shimano
• Derailleurs – Shimano Altus
• Brakes – Tektro M290 disc brakes (hydraulic disc brakes and brake levers)
• Saddle – Bontrager Evoke 1

What warranty will I receive if I buy it?

Like all Trek bikes, once you register it, you get a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Trek Marlin 6 is suited for…

• Riders on a tight budget but want a versatile crossover bike
• Those who want to try a bit of trail riding but also need a bike to commute to work/ride on flatter terrains (cross country mountain bike)
• A solid floor of great performance (from great brakes, excellent drivetrain, dropper post, silver aluminum alloy…)

Trek Marlin 6 is not suited for…

• Anyone wanting to tackle tougher trails
• Those that don’t want to upgrade/change parts on their bike to improve the riding experience

What do users think of Trek Marlin 6?

There are a range of views here. Many people find that it works very well on flatter ground, and they enjoy the large wheels and multiple speeds. Quite a few users decided to change the grips and pedals  (for different types of pedaling), which made riding the Marlin 6 a bit more enjoyable.

Generally, it’s considered a good bike for the price, and people say it is a good bike for customization – so if you want a bit of a ‘blank slate’, you can tinker with it to your heart’s content.

On the other hand, people found that braking and sudden turns put stress on the suspension fork legs, making them stick – and that it generally feels like a stiff, not very responsive ride on trails. Small jumps and dips in the trail were quite unforgiving for some people, which is a shame. A few people mentioned that the undampened suspension also made for a less comfortable riding experience on trails.

So, mixed opinions – it could work for you if you want to give trails a go, or if you’re willing to customize it, but it’s mostly suited for commuting (with kickstand and all).

The Pros and Cons of the Trek Marlin 6

Here are the best and worst bits about this particular model:

• Great price point ( see here for latest )
• Very customizable
• Handy for commuting
• Doesn’t ride as well on trails
• Can be a bit stiff and unforgiving

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about the Marlin 6.

It weighs around 31.77lbs.

The maximum weight for riders is 300lbs.

People suggest you can ride the Marlin 6 on blue and green level trails with no problems. However, there may be more suitable bikes out there for you if you plan to hit the trails a lot.

Most users don’t recommend it – it can deal with small drops okay, but it isn’t designed for jumps.

Yes – it comes in a variety of sizes, too, so you should be able to find one that suits you.

Yes, there are two choices – orange and silver.

Where can I find Trek bikes?

What are the Best Trek Marlin 6 alternatives?

There are a few alternatives we can recommend if you don’t want the Marlin 6:

Diamondback Overdrive – This is a great bike at a similar price point to the Marlin 6. The wheels have great traction (making it great for trail riding), and it has a comfortable seat. It’s also very easy to assemble out of the box, making it a good choice for beginners.

The classic returns this year with 27.5” wheels, 24 speeds, a plush four-inch Suntour suspension fork, and powerful disc brakes. Big knobby tires grip every root and rock, keeping you confident and in control as you explore the trail. Whether you're a diehard hardtail aficionado or looking for a solid starter mountain bike, the Overdrive doesn't disappoint.

Trek Marlin 5   – This is great for beginner riders and offers similar features to the Marlin 6, including the alpha silver aluminum frame. You can get it for as little as around $500 , which is great if you’re on a tight budget. Again, it’s great if you want a bike that can handle the commute (commuter road riding) as well as some mild-to-moderate mountain bike trails (road and trail).

Marlin 5 is a trail-worthy daily rider that's perfectly suited for everyday adventures, on and off the trail. A front suspension fork with 100mm of travel, 21 speeds, and mounts for a rack and kickstand make it an ideal choice for new trail riders or anyone looking for a comfortable, stable commuter with the ruggedness of a real mountain bike.

Kona Blast – this is a tough bike that comes in at under $1,000 but can handle some tougher trails than the others on this list, thanks to the robust frame sizes (also aluminum frame) and excellent suspension. It can also handle some good jumps, too, so if you want to go on more adventures with your bike, it could be worth the extra money.

Conclusion – is the Trek Marlin 6 worth buying?

The Marlin 6 is going to appeal to a specific type of person. If you’re on a tight budget, you want a bike that can handle mild trails and you want to use it to commute to work, then the Marlin 6 is a great bike for you.

Also, if you’re willing to tinker around with it, you can slowly upgrade it to improve your riding experience over time. This is a great bike if you’re new to the MTB world and you fancy customizing a bike for the first time (as a more novice rider).

However, you do get what you pay for, and in this case, this budget bike doesn’t stack up very well against its more expensive counterparts. It’s not as fun to ride as other bikes we’ve reviewed, especially on rocky, bumpy trails. If you want a hard-wearing bike that you can have an adventure with, the Marlin 6 isn’t going to be for you.

Bottom Line: So, we would recommend it overall ( you can pick it up online directly via Trek here ) – particularly if you’re on a tighter budget and you want to upgrade it later on down the line. It’s one of the best out of the box budget buys.  

If you can afford to spend a few hundred more dollars and you don’t want to bother with customization, we’d recommend investing in a different model that is a bit more comfortable to ride such as the Diamondback Overdrive .

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Trek Marlin 5 Review: The Best Entry-Level Mountain Bike Around

I reviewed the entry-level Trek Marlin 5 bike and compared it to similar bikes - how did it fair?

As an experienced rider, I know what it takes to make a good bike, whether that's a top-of-the-range road bike or an entry-level mountain bike .

Overall I found the Trek Marlin 5 to have plenty of positives, including hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano derailleurs - honestly, it doesn't stop there!

For a more in-depth look, continue reading my Trek Marlin 5 review!

Table of Contents

Full Specification

Key features, alpha silver aluminum frame.

Trek Marlin 5 comes with an impressive alloy frame and things are kept tidy with the cables being internally routed.

For an entry-level bike, this is most surprising (but also welcomed!). It is rare to see internally routed cables. I love it, it makes the bike look sleek and it stops the cables from collecting dirt and becoming damaged.

SR Suntour XCE 28 Suspension Fork

It comes with 100mm of travel suspension so when faced with rougher terrain, it excels. There isn't a moment when things feel too demanding for the Marlin 5 thanks to the SR Suntour XCE 28.

Bontrager Arvada Saddle

Trek appears to like to kit their bikes out with Bontrager components and you won't hear me complaining! This saddle is there to give you comfort on long days riding and it works well for the commuter too!

Shimano Tourney 21 Speed Drivetrain  

It's common to see Shimano Tourney components at this price point. The quality is good and you have options!

You can either choose between a 3 x front derailleur or if you wish to reduce weight, you can opt for a 1 x Shimano Tourney at the front.

Which one should you choose?

Choosing the 3x will give you greater flexibility but more to think about. The 1x system will reduce the number of gears but allows you to spend more time focusing on your riding.

I favor 1x systems for their simplicity. When you're mountain biking, needing to changing the big ring can be one thing too many to get used to, especially if this is your entry-level bike and therefore your first!

If you're looking where the bike could be upgraded in the future then it could be the Shimano Tourney TY300 parts. Whilst they are decent and they are certainly a fantastic starting point, there are better options out there. A small upgrade in the future could see you finding it easier to climb hills.

Tektro HD-275 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes on an entry-level bike? Trek has nailed it.

For beginner riders out there, hydraulic disc brakes are (for many, not all), the best type of braking system there is.

A slight touch on the brake levers is all you need to get a response...you don't get that from mechanical discs or rim brakes.

I came to fully appreciate hydraulic disc brakes going down Coll de sa Batalla for the first time, where I gripped on like my life depended on (it felt it did).

Since then. No turning back for me, there's only one form of brake system for me!

Bontrager XR2 27.5/29 x 2.2/2.0” Tires

Another Bontrager component!

These tires are of brilliant quality and they excel on mountain roads as well as gravel.

A downside to them is that they don't perform as well when things get muddy.

Wheel Sizes

There are different wheel sizes depending on the bike size you get.

The XS frame comes with 27.5" wheels.

Whereas, anything above that frame size gets 29" wheels.

At 5'4 in height, a lot of manufacturers would like to see me on 27.5" wheels, however, I ride 29ers on my MTB. I find this to be more comfortable and I don't feel hindered by having larger wheels.

What I'm saying is, test some bikes out, get a feel for what you like. Rules are there to be broken!

As I briefly touched upon earlier, the Marlin 5 comes with an alpha silver aluminum frame.

An alloy frame is a popular choice within this price bracket as it doesn't add extra weight to the bike as a steel frame would but it provides a good level of durability for a mountain bike.

Whilst you do get a good amount of durability, you have to factor in that this is a bike on a budget and it can't take on everything. It isn't designed for jumping so this is something to keep in mind if you're wanting a bike for serious trails.

All of the cables are internally stored in the bike, helping it to have a cleaner, more stylish look as well as improve the durability of the cables. 

The bike is available in three attractive colors, including black, green, and teal. These shades are uniquely beautiful and well-selected, so every cyclist will find the right color for them.

You can add a rear rack and kickstand to the Marlin 5’s frame, which makes this model a great choice for commuters, as well as adventurous cyclists. 

Do keep in mind that if this mountain bike was made of carbon fiber, it wouldn’t weigh the frame down as much, but the Trek Marlin 5 would come in at a much higher price point.

On Which Terrain Does The Trek Marlin 5 Perform Well?

We have to keep in mind that the Trek Marlin 5 is an entry-level machine so it isn't designed to be ridden by an expert rider, taking it on challenging trail riding.

Saying that the Marlin 5 is capable of rougher terrain and it works well as a trail bike. I'd always suggest that you check what the difficulty levels are before you hit the trail.

[Want some beginner tips? Check this out]

Bontrager Components

Let's clear something up for beginner riders getting into mountain biking.

Trek fits their bikes with 'Bontrager' parts. This is a Trek brand and made in-house.

For some brands, this isn't a sign of quality, yet this isn't the case here. Bontrager is a sign of quality.

On the Trek Marlin 5, Bontrager features a lot; the seat, seat post, handlebars, grips, and stem.

The stem is Bontrager alloy,  31. 8mm 7-degree Blendr compatible .

One of the best things about using these parts is that they are truly compatible across the Trek range of bikes.

As they are made by Trek, for Trek, the parts are made with the precise specification of their bikes so everything will fit seamlessly together!

For beginner riders, this is perfect as you won't need to give much thought about whether you're buying the correct parts.

[Check out this video from Trek for an overview of the range.]

Alternatives To The Trek Marlin 5

Without a doubt the Marlin 5 is feature-rich but how does this entry-level mountain bike compare to other bikes?

Trek Marlin 5 Vs Marlin 6

The first difference has to be the cost, the Trek Marlin 5 comes is quite a lot less than the 6 - this makes it an ideal first trail bike for those new to mountain biking, or those on a budget.

Having said that for trail riders looking to spend a bit more money, you do get a durable fork, a 2x drivetrain - including a better groupset and you even get a lighter bike!

One thing I do like with the Trek Marlin 6 is that there is the option to have either a man's frame or a women's. Whilst I find that women can ride men's bikes, it's nice to have an angled top tube.

You also get more options to customize certain features, so if you fancy a different wheel size, then the Marlin 6 can cater to that.

The standout benefit would be the upgrades with the fork - the fork on the 6 is a fair bit lighter than that on the Marlin 5. This reduces the weight of the bike, making biking trails or the commute easier.

Equally, the fork has a lockout and preload function so you are able to completely lock the fork to increase how efficiently you pedal - making your adventures easier!

Trek Marlin 5 Vs Giant Talon 3

The Giant Talon 3 has some good reviews and they're well deserved. In a lot of ways, these entry-level bikes are similar so are there any features that set them apart?

When compared to the Marlin 5, the Talon 3 seems to offer more traction when pedaling. This could potentially mean that as a rider, you don't feel as safe underfoot on the Trek Marlin and you could find that you're more likely to slip.

Though, the Trek Marlin 5 does give you a greater range of color types to choose from. So for trail riders who want to make their bike their own, the Trek could be the way to go.

There is a difference in wheel size too, with the Trek Marlin 5 you get 29" wheels, whereas Giant Talon 3 gets 27.5". Which one is better will come down to what you want from a bike.

The 27.5" wheels do mean the bike is lighter, which could be an appealing bicycle option to the commuter, beginners, or anyone who wants a bit more control!

Both hardtail mountain bikes have plenty to offer and the specifications are similar. For me, it all comes down to wheel sizes and the experience you want when you're cycling.

[Want to read more about the Talon 3? Find out here. ]

Trek Marlin 5 FAQs

Can i do tabletop jumps on the trek marlin 5.

The Marlin 5 is part of Treks' entry-level range and is not suitable to be taken on any type of jumps.

The wheels and tires are not designed to cope with jumps and could bend, even on a small jump so don't try it!

Can I Use Tubeless Tires On The Trek Marlin 5 bike?

Unfortunately not. The wheels aren't compatible with tubeless tires.

However, the wheels and tires are robust and suit mountain bikes well.

Does the Trek Marlin 5 have lockout suspension?

The Marlin 5 doesn't have a full lockout suspension. You do get a coil spring that has a pre-load adjuster though.

[Here are some ideas for when you really want to push yourself! 😉 ]

Related Posts:

• Best Budget Mountain Bike: Entry-Level & Mid-Range MTBs
• Trek 820 Review - The Ultimate Bike For A New Rider?

Final Thoughts

If you're wanting performance on a budget, there are plenty of plus points from this 29er.

The aluminium frame and Shimano Tourney components give the Trek Marlin 5 something to shout about.

Let's not forget the hydraulic disc brakes, making them ideal for dirt roads or a commute in any weather conditions. Braking at all speeds shouldn't be an issue with disc brakes.

Overall I have positive things to say about this bicycle. All terrains, mountains, trails, or commutes, the Trek Marlin 5 can do them all!

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Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Review: Beginner’s Dream Mountain Bike

The Trek Marlin 6 2023 is the newest iteration of the entry-level XC hardtail family designed for light trail riding, gravel paths, fire roads, and mixed-terrain commuting. 

The 2023 Gen 2 model is the same as the Trek Marlin 6 2022, only with different colors and a new name. Trek overhauled its naming system for the upcoming year, referring to the models by the number of generations there have been. So the latest version of a Trek bike has the highest ‘Gen’ number.

This Trek Marlin 6 review will cover the bike’s main specs and highlights, answer some buyer questions, and provide our verdict on who should buy one. 

How Much is the Trek Marlin 6?

Trek Marlin 6 price is $850 and sits in the middle of the price range of the five Marlin models. The cheapest model costs $630, and the most expensive is $1,330. Alongside the 820, the Marlin is Trek’s most affordable mountain bike family.

• Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain
• Rack and kickstand mounts
• Progressive sizing 
• Low-performance coil fork

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Full List of Specs

Trek marlin 6 gen 2 full review.

In this section, we will cover the main features of the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 and what makes it stand out in the sub-$1,000 MTB category. 

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 is available in four modern paint jobs that will suit any type of rider.

What Type of Bike Is a Trek Marlin 6?

The Trek Marlin 6 MTB is a modern-looking cross-country hardtail with a 100mm coil suspension fork, perfect for beginner mountain bikers. Unfortunately, the rudimentary suspension limits the Marlin 6 to relatively mild trails. Nonetheless, it makes an excellent day-to-day bike for commuting, transport, and leisure.

Alpha Silver Aluminum Frame

Trek uses its Alpha Silver aluminum frame for the Marlin 6. Thanks to the company’s consistent design and materials innovations, these frames outperform the similarly-priced competition in compliance and comfort. 

Internal cable routing means Marlin 6 looks sleek and neat, while it also protects the cables from excessive wear and tear.

The frame has quick-release axles, tidy internal cable routing, and mounts for a rack and kickstand, allowing you to equip the Marlin for commuting or bikepacking. One unusual feature of this bike is the curved top tube on the smaller models (XS, S) that lowers the standover height for a better fit. 

Is the Trek Marlin 6 Good for Jumps?

No, the Trek Marlin 6 isn’t good for jumps. Unfortunately, as a cheap hardtail, this bike uses a low-performance coil-spring Suntour XCT 30 fork with 100mm of travel (80mm on XS). This fork performs poorly on bumpy trails but is adequate for day-to-day riding and light off-roading .

Thankfully, the fork has preload and hydraulic lockout settings, but the headtube isn’t tapered, meaning it will be harder to upgrade.  

Shimano Deore 10-Speed Drivetrain

The standout feature for us is the Shimano Deore M4100 10-speed drivetrain. The Trek Marlin 6 is one of the only bikes with this hardware at $850 or below. In addition, an 11-46t cassette and 30t chainring provide plenty of gearing for steep gradients. 

Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain is a standard in this price range across the industry, as it provides plenty of gear range and smooth gear shifting.

Generally, sub-$1,000 mountain bikes have cheaper drivetrains that shift poorly and lose efficiency quickly. However, Deore M4100 is durable and smooth-shifting , and the single chainring makes it easier to maintain. 

Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Another excellent inclusion for a bike of this price is hydraulic disc brakes. Although entry-level, Tektro’s HD-M275 brakeset with 160mm rotors performs well at this price range and for a bike of this spec. 

Hydraulic discs allow you to stop safely in wet weather and with plenty of power and reliability in most situations. However, if you plan on tackling advanced trails, neither this bike nor the brakes are adequate. 

2.20″ Tires and Progressive Wheel Sizing

The Trek Marlin 6 has Bontrager XR2 Comp tires for handling hardpack trails, gravel paths, and pavement where traction is relatively predictable. These XC-style tires roll fast and provide decent grip but will slip and slide in wet trail conditions. 

Even though the tires are not tubeless-ready, they are wide enough to provide plenty of traction in varying conditions that come with modern mountain biking.

The XS and Small sizes of this bike have 27.5″ rims, while the others use 29ers. Progressive sizing makes the Marlin fit more consistently across rider heights. Unfortunately, the wheelset and tires are not tubeless-ready. 

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Sizing Chart

• XS — 4’9″-5’1″ / 145-155cm
• S —  5’1″-5’5″ / 155-165cm
• M —  5’5″-5’8″ / 165-173cm
• M/L — 5’8″-5’11” / 173-180cm
• L —  5’11”-6’2″ / 180-188cm
• XL —  6’2″-6’5″ / 188-195cm
• 2XL — 6’5″-6’8″ / 195-203cm

Who Is Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Best Suited For?

The Marlin 6 Trek MTB is best for beginner mountain bikers who want to start learning the skills and techniques of the sport on light trails. In addition, cyclists who want a bike for comfortable day-to-day use, running errands, and mixed-terrain commutes will enjoy the Marlin 6. 

We recommend the Marlin 6 Gen 2 to beginner to early-intermediate mountain bikers who mostly stay on light trails and rough dirt and gravel roads.

Again, this bike is limited by its cheap fork, so if you want a bike to grow into and challenge your mountain biking skills, you may want to check out one of the higher-end Trek MTBs. 

Other Trek Marlin Bikes We Reviewed:

• Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 Review

Is Marlin 6 Gen 2 a Good Buy?

We think the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 is a solid choice at just $850. The new-style frame and geometry make it look like the real deal, even if it can’t handle hard riding. 

Most of the Marlin 6’s components are excellent for the price range, including Shimano’s Deore drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, durable Bontrager tires, and a quality frame with solid ride characteristics. 

Don’t miss out on this excellent deal if you’re looking for a cheap do-it-all bike that’s at home on pavement, light mountain trails, and everything in between.

Buy from Trek Bikes

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Trek Marlin 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 Compared: Which One to Choose?

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In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek Marlin mountain bike family by comparing the Marlin 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. You’ll learn about the differences between each model, who they are best suited for, and more. 

KEY TAKEAWAY

Trek Marlin mountain bikes are ideal for beginners and intermediate riders. They are suitable for cross-country-like terrains. They have relatively short fork travel and no rear suspension, so I recommend avoiding too demanding terrains and technical trails. For those, check out Trek Roscoe .

Marlins differ only in components. I believe the Marlin 6 provides the best value for money because it has a modern 10-speed 1X Shimano Deore drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and it’s priced in the middle of the entire Marlin range.

Plus, I’ll tell you which model gives you the best value for your money to help make your decision easier.

Trek Marlin 4 vs. 5 vs. 6 vs. 7 vs. 8

The following table summarizes the main differences between all Marlins that belong among the Trek hardtail mountain bikes .

Marlin Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the Marlin series below.

Marlin Pros

• Affordability
• Availability in multiple sizes and colors
• Compatible with racks, kickstands, etc.
• Partially internal cable routing
• Lifetime warranty

Marlin Cons

• Unsuitable for demanding MTB terrain due to the short fork travel (100mm)
• Relatively heavy
• No full-suspension
• No dropper post (except Trek Marlin 8 Gen 3), Gen 3 models are compatible with dropper posts

Marlin Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek Marlin bikes.

Frame and Geometry

All Marlin bikes have the same aluminum cross-country frame , available in many sizes and colors that vary between models.

The XXS-S sizes have a differently shaped top tube , which is curved to increase the clearance between the rider’s crotch and the frame. This allows riders with shorter legs to stand over the bike more comfortably, for example, when stopping.

The frames of Gen 2 Marlins have a standard cross-country geometry , which provides a comfortable riding position and easy pedaling uphill and downhill. It also gives you easy maneuverability and visibility.

On the other hand, it’s not quite suitable for steep descents and challenging terrain – especially without a dropper seatpost.

The Gen 3 Marlins have a trail geometry (wider wheelbase) that provides more stability, especially when riding downhill. This geometry is similar to the Trek Roscoe .

Lastly, it’s worth noting that the bike’s partially internally routed cables improve its overall appearance.

One of the biggest limitations of Marlin bikes is their front fork suspension. These bikes are not primarily designed for challenging terrain but rather for those who want a versatile bike that can handle various surfaces.

All Marlin bikes have a suspension travel of only 100mm, which is capable of absorbing small bumps. However, this is not ideal for riding on rocky trails, especially not for downhill riding.

Therefore, if you want a bike for more challenging terrain, choose one with longer travel (for example, the Trek Roscoe series ).

All Marlin bikes’ forks have suspension lockout. Lock them when riding on smooth surfaces to reduce energy loss when pedaling.

Wheels and Tires

The wheel size varies depending on the frame size. Frames smaller than size S are equipped with 27.5″ wheels, which are more agile and accelerate faster than 29″ wheels. Frames size M and larger have 29-inch wheels, which are more stable and better at maintaining speed.

All models have the same rims (Bontrager Connection, double-wall) except for the highest model, the Marlin 8 , which has Bontrager Kove rims. The former rims are not tubeless-ready, while the latter are.

The same goes for the tires. The highest model already has tubeless Maxxis Ardent tires, while lower models have Bontrager XR2 Comp inner tube tires.

The groupset is one of the main areas where the different models vary, and it’s probably the deciding factor for many people.

They differ primarily in the number of gears . Modern mountain bikes mainly use 1X drivetrains , which are popular due to their simplicity for maintenance and shifting. They are also lighter than 2X or 3X groupsets .

On the other hand, they offer fewer gears, so you may not always find the ideal one for your preferred cadence.

I recommend choosing from the 1X drivetrains available on Marlin 6 and higher models. This way, you won’t have to think too much about shifting and cross-chaining.

Another difference between the Marlin models is their brakes. The entry-level Marlin 4 uses mechanical disc brakes , while higher-end models have Tektro or Shimano hydraulic brakes .

Better brakes provide higher braking power. However, if you mainly ride on flat terrain leisurely, you don’t have to worry about a lack of braking performance.

Quality brakes are especially important if you plan on riding technical descents, so consider your riding style.

To learn more about disc brakes, read my article comparing mechanical and disc brakes .

Marlin frames have mounts for kickstands and racks , so you can easily install these accessories.

You can also use a Blendr stem , which is a mechanism that allows you to easily attach things like lights, speedometers, or bike computers.

The last detail is the lock-on grips that are easier to install and replace than slip-on grips.

So, which bike from the Marlin family is the best?

In my opinion, the Marlin 6 is the best choice because it has a modern 10-speed 1X Shimano Deore drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. Plus, it’s priced in the middle of the entire Marlin range.

Another option to consider is the Marlin 5 , which is similar but has a Shimano Altus 2×8spd drivetrain, is lighter, and more affordable.

On the other hand, I recommend avoiding the Marlin 4 because it uses the outdated 3X drivetrain. The value of the Marlin 8 is also questionable, as you can get mountain bikes with better components in this price range.

Trek Marlin FAQ

Trek Marlin mountain bikes are perfect for people new to mountain biking, recreational riders, and those who use their bikes to commute. Marlins are reasonably priced, versatile, and comfortable. They come in various sizes and colors, so you can always find the best fit. However, they have entry-level components that are unsuitable for challenging terrain because their fork travel is short. Check out Trek X-Caliber and Procaliber families if you want a better XC bike.

Marlin bikes (4 to 8) differ mainly in components like the groupset, front fork, brakes, weight, and price. I recommend reading this entire article for more information and a helpful comparison table.

The geometry is the main difference between Trek Marlin Gen 2 and Gen 3. Gen 3 Marlins have a trail geometry, meaning a wider wheelbase provides better stability. Gen 2 has a standard XC geometry. Marlin Gen 3 bikes are heavier, have wider tires and different wheels, and are available in different colors. They are also more expensive (except for the Marlin 7 Gen 2 vs. Gen 3). Most other components, like the groupset, suspension fork, saddle, grips, etc., are the same.

Marlin mountain bikes are a great choice for those who need an affordable bike. They are versatile, allowing you to ride on surfaces like paved roads with potholes, dirt, forest roads, and easy trails. Plus, they have mounting options that make adding accessories like racks and kickstands easy. The high-volume tires and front suspension provide a comfortable ride, better than what you’d get on a gravel bike , for example.

Marlin mountain bikes come with entry-level components that may limit their performance for serious mountain bikers. The groupsets are not as fast and effective, and the fork travel is limited to only 100mm. These bikes are also relatively heavy and don’t have a carbon frame option or a dropper post.

About The Author

Petr Minarik

10 thoughts on “trek marlin 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 compared: which one to choose”.

You mentioned you can get mountain bikes with better components for try price of the Marlin 8. Which ones come to mind?

Hi Andrew, Check out the Polygon Syncline C3 , which has a longer suspension travel and carbon frame (yes, it’s currently discounted), or Polygon Siskiu D5 , which is a full suspension MTB. 🙂 I hope it helps. – Petr

The Gen 3 Marlin 8 has a dropper post and many other gen 3 models have the holes to run a dropper.

Hi Brandon, Thanks for noticing that. I’ve updated the info. – Petr

Hi Guys, I am interested in Marlin 8, 3 gen. I live in Columbus, OH, what store location is the best for a test drive? Very Respectfully, Luis

Hi Luis, Please, try using Trek store locator . It should give you a list of retailers near you. I hope it helps. 🙂 – Petr

Hi Peter, I purchased a 2022 marlin 7 and I simply love the bike. I usually ride 40 miles a week basically bike trails it handles very well and the braking system is great I would buy this bike all over again. Best regards John from New Jersey.

Hi John, I am glad to hear that. 🙂 I wish you many more miles ahead. – Petr

This blog about Trek Marlin bikes compared has been a tremendous resource for me. Thank you for the awesome content.

I am glad you like it. Thanks. – Petr

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The Trek Marlin 7 Has The Heart Of A Race Bike

This cheap mountain bike is the perfect gateway drug to your next (trail riding) addiction.

The Takeaway: The Marlin 7 combines race-inspired geometry with budget-friendly components for a versatile bike that’s ideal for aspiring racers and commuters alike.

• Aluminum frame with race-ready geometry
• 2 x 9-speed drivetrain
• Available in seven sizes from XS up to XXL

Price: $799 Weight: 31.4 lb.

It strays from the single chainring trend that’s common in off-road bikes at the moment, but two chainrings is a very good compromise for the smaller number of rear cogs in a nine-speed drivetrain–you typically don’t see 1x drivetrains until you step up to a 10-speed. The 22 x 36 smallest gear on the Marlin 7 is an easier gear than the 32 x 50 smallest combo often found on bikes equipped with SRAM’s much more expensive Eagle 12-speed drivetrain . The 36 x 11 combo, the largest gear on the Marlin 7, also outpaces the the 32 x 10 available with a more expensive 12–speed drivetrain, so you get more go-fast gearing as well. An added bonus with a 2x drivetrain is smaller jumps between gears, making this an excellent choice for an entry-level mountain bike.

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Rack Mounts

Rear mounts make this a good choice for touring and commuting.

Fork Lockout

This switch is easy to reach while riding and handy when you’re rolling on pavement and don’t need the front suspension.

2 x 9 Drivetrain

The 36/22 chainrings give you all the go-fast and get-up-the-hill gearing you’ll need.

Gear Indicator

The display on the rear shifter serves as a nice reminder of which gear you’re using.

Internal Routing

Hidden cables add to the sleek and fast aesthetic of this bike.

As racers we like to say “look fast, feel fast, go fast” –meaning you can’t go fast if you don’t look good. And the Marlin’s sharp lines and aggressive styling are sure to make you feel speedy as soon as you swing your leg over the top tube.

Trek Marlin 7 Details

Style: XC Material : Aluminum Wheel Size: 27.5 for XS and S, 29 for M through XXL Fork: 100mm RockShox XC30 Shifters: Shimano Altus 2 x 9-speed Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera Cranks: Shimano MT101 Chainrings: 36/22 Cassette: 11-36 9-speed Brakes: Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Wheels: Aluminum Bontrager Connection Tires: 2.2-inch Bontrager XR2 Comp Saddle: Bontrager Arvada Seatpost: Aluminum Bontrager Handlebar: Aluminum Bontrager Stem: Aluminum Bontrager, Blendr compatible

Marlin Family

If you like the idea of the Marlin but some aspects of the 7 don't appeal to you, be it price, components, or some combination of those, there are a handful of lower-cost options available. Those models keep the same frame, but trim costs by downgrading the components and suspension fork.

The Marlin family also boasts two women-specific models that feature a lower stand-over height as well as shorter cranks, narrower handlebars, short-reach brake levers, and women’s saddles. Both the Marlin 5 ($550) and Marlin 6 ($650) are offered in men’s and women’s versions. The cheapest option however, the $480 Marlin 4, is only available in a unisex model.

Race-Inspired Design

While we joke that you have to look good in order to go fast, good looks can only carry you so far if the bones aren't good. In this case, when you look at the geometry you can see that this bike is extremely race–capable. The first standout is the 73 degree effective seat tube angle. Paired with a 69.5 degree head angle and 1159mm wheelbase (for our size XL test bike) you get a bike that'll be aggressive and nimble in tight singletrack, yet stable when barreling straight downhill at high speed. These are design elements you're just as likely to see on much pricier bikes made for high level competition. But don't let that scare you away from using this bike for purely recreational pursuits. It's perfect for that as well. In fact, the real gold in this bike is the fact that it's equally good as a casual weekend cruiser as it is an entry level racing bike.

Shimano 2 x 9–Speed Drivetrain

The 2 x 9-speed drivetrain blends Shimano Altus shifters and a front derailleur with the nicer Shimano Acera rear derailleur. The rear derailleur handles the bulk of the shifting load , so using a better rear derailleur with cheaper shifters is a good way to maintain drivetrain performance while still keeping overall price as low as possible.

Trek Marlin 7

Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are more than capable of providing the level of control necessary for pushing your limits on high-speed descents. The bike rolls on aluminum Bontrager Connection hoops wrapped in Bontrager XR2 Comp tires and laced to aluminum quick-release hubs. These wheels aren’t, however, tubeless ready. That shouldn’t be a deal-breaker given it helps keep the final price as low as possible, and any wheelset can be easily converted to tubeless . That said, you don’t need to upgrade to tubeless to ride trails, but it does make for a better experience by allowing you to run lower tire pressure without fear of pinch flats. Lower pressure also softens the bumps and gives you better traction. If you want to make the leap to tubeless, any local bike shop should be able to guide you toward a cost-effective way to make the switch.

Ready to Throw Down

The Marlin 7 may be a cheap mountain bike , but it has the heart of a race steed. Unlike some bikes on the cheap end of the spectrum that cater to the recreational user, this one is aimed firmly at entry-level riders who want a bike that’s affordable yet capable of riding and racing hard. That was readily apparent from the first few pedal strokes. With the aggressive styling of the dramatically sloping top tube and the aggressive fit , this bike can grow with you as your addiction, ambition, and skill set grow. You can easily upgrade the components over time, and since the frame is aluminum, it’ll be able to handle multiple seasons of use.

Out in the woods, this bike does exactly what you’d want when riding hard. Agile steering and impressive shock absorption from the coil-spring RockShox XC30 fork make the Marlin 7 surprisingly adept at traversing extremely rocky and technical trails. It tracks nicely on fast sweeping turns, although on rough terrain it was more difficult to hold the line due to running high tire pressure–I tested this bike as-is without making the tubeless conversion. At just over 31 pounds, it’s not the lightest XC bike but still light and lively enough to clear knee-high logs. If this is making it sound like I loved this bike, that’s because I did. For new NICA racers and dirt-curious riders of all ages, the Marlin 7 is a worthy option.

3 Cycling GPS Computers We Recommend

Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

The gold standard for computers with navigation.

$600 | Garmin

Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS

A mini GPS with mapping functions.

$150-$225 | Amazon

Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt

Compact and controlled through your smartphone.

$230 | Competitive Cyclist

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Review Of Trek Marlin 5: Budget-Friendly MTB for Beginners

T rek Marlin 5 is a phenomenal, trail-ready 29er that costs little and gets the job done on different types of surfaces, including paved and unpaved roads.

Beginner riders are often faced with a tough dilemma — purchase a versatile and comfortable city bike to commute or a real MTB to have fun and embark on off-road adventures.

With Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 , you can do both. This 29er has the ruggedness of a true trail-blazer but has the ability to double as an everyday workhorse to take on short urban commutes.

One of Marlin 5’s biggest advantages is the low price. This bike costs just $720 , which puts it in the budget category. Still, there’s a lot to be excited about even with such an attractive price.

Trek Marlin 5 Quick Overview

Marlin 5 main features, is trek marlin 5 the right choice for you, verdict: worth the money (or not), trek marlin 5 (2022).

Marlin 5 is characterized by an excellent off-road-ready aluminum frame, cushy front suspension, burly wheels and tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a lot more.

It’s one of the best-valued models from the Marlin series, offering multiple improvements compared to the lower-priced Marlin 4. Some of these are better brakes, better hubs, and a better bottom bracket.

It’s an entry-level bicycle, most suitable for beginner riders who plan to do a little bit of everything and too much of nothing.

• Frame : Alpha Silver Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour XCT 30, 100 mm
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus M315
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus M310
• Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc, 160/160mm rotors
• Rims: Bontrager Connection, double-wall
• Tire Size: 27.5″ / 29″ x 2.20″
• Weight: 13.97 kg / 30.81 lbs

See All Specs on Marlin 5 Product Page

If you have a budget of $740 to spend on your next trail bike, Marlin 5 is pretty much the most you can get in this category.

Trek is known for bikes that have good value to money, so this Marlin series model has some worthy components and does not make too many compromises.

Lightweight Alpha Silver Aluminum Frame

Trek Marlin 5 has the same Alpha Silver Aluminum frame seen on all bikes from this lineup. It is characterized by a versatile head tube angle of 69.5 degrees. That’s a good compromise between steep and slack geometry. That means this bike will perform well in most conditions, including climbing, descending, and cornering.

Light, durable, and comfortable Alpha Silver Aluminum frame is Marlin 5’s biggest selling point, seen on other more expensive bikes from Trek’s MTB lineup.

All cables are internally routed which makes them last longer and improves the overall appearance of the bike. Riders can add a rear rack and a rear kickstand, which would make Marlin 5 ready for daily commutes as well.

You can get Marlin 5 in four modern and attractive colors: Lithium Grey, Radioactive Red, Volt to Miami green fade, and Azure. They’re beautiful!

Springy SR Suntour Fork

Marlin 5 is equipped with a low-ranked SR Suntour XCT 30 fork with a coil spring. This fork is quite heavy but beginner riders without too much off-road experience will like it because it provides plenty of comfort.

When it comes to adjustability, just the preload function is available, so you can dial the fork to your liking and ensure a more comfortable ride and better responsiveness.

It’s important to note that the XS frame size comes with 80 mm of travel, whereas all other frame sizes have 100 mm of travel in the fork.

Best Feature: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The feature that will make all Marlin 5 owners happy is the hydraulic disc brakes . This is the biggest improvement compared to the cheaper Marlin 4 which comes with mechanical disc brakes.

Hydraulic disc brakes present a major increase in stopping power and precision . They require less strength input from your fingers but offer more braking power output.

Trek has gone a step further and equipped the smaller frame sizes with short-reach brake levers to accommodate short riders with smaller hands.

Delicate Shimano Derailleurs

The main points of improvement on Trek Marlin 5 are its derailleurs. Compared to the previous releases, Marlin 5 has Shimano Altus components

Depending on how you take care of them, they might last you for years and miles to come. However, if you’re not careful and you shift under tension or you fall off your bike and smash them, they might give you some headaches.

Still, that’s not something an average rider planning to take Marlin 5 out on weekend adventures and weekday commutes should worry about. Plus, updating to higher-value Altus, Acera, or Alivio groupsets is not a big investment.

Beefy Bontrager Wheels and Tires

Last but not least, the beefy Bontrager wheels and tires are some of the first things you will notice on your Marlin 5. The 13.5″ and 15.5″ sized frames come with 27.5″ wheels, whereas all larger frames come with 29″ wheels.

The wheels are Bontrager Connection. They have 32 spokes, so they are quite strong, and they’re double-walled which means they can withstand some beating.

The Bontrager XR2 tires are 2.20″ wide on 27.5″ wheels. However, when it comes to 29″ wheels, the rear is narrower at 2.0″.

These wheels and tires are a bit heavier than ideal , but once you get them going, they’ll take you wherever you direct the handlebars.

Geometry & Sizing Table

We especially like it because it’s good at more than one thing.

Trek Marlin 5 is not strictly a trail-specific bike that would feel sluggish in all other settings. It’s equally efficient on both paved roads and dirt roads.

However, its wide tires, massive wheels, and capable hydraulic disc brakes still make it more suitable for riders who plan to spend more time in forests and on mountains than on smooth city streets.

Other Marlin Models

• Marlin 4 – MSRP $630 – Has a lightweight aluminum frame, 21 gears, 100 mm of front suspension, and strong mechanical disc brakes.
• Marlin 5 – MSRP $740 – Combines a light aluminum frame, plush SR Suntour suspension, entry-level Shimano drivetrain, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes in a good-looking trail package. Men and women-specific models available.
• Marlin 6 – MSRP $850 – This model is built with an Alpha Silver Aluminum frame, a 1×10 mid-range Shimano drivetrain, burly tires, and comes with 100 mm of front suspension travel with lockout. It’s available in men’s and women’s versions.
• Marlin 7 – MSRP $1,030 – Trek’s race-worthy model with an Alloy frame, superior RockShox front suspension, quality 1×10 drivetrain, Shimano components, and improved Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

To the right buyer, Trek Marlin 5 is definitely worth the money . This is a lot of bike for just $740, specifically when it comes to the components. The hydraulic disc brakes increase the value of the bike, as well as the high-quality aluminum frame.

However, if you value every cent and you don’t intend to tackle steep hills or ride in wet weather, you can save and get Trek Marlin 4 with mechanical disc brakes and slightly lower-ranked hubs and bottom bracket.

Get Directly From TrekBikes.com

Or see best Trek bikes

• Alpha Silver Aluminum frame
• Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
• Good price-to-value ratio
• Attractive colors

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30 thoughts on “ review of trek marlin 5: budget-friendly mtb for beginners ”.

My wife and I just bought 2 29 inch Lithium Gray Marlin 5 Gen 2 bikes. So far so good other than a flat tire I experienced but that’s not Treks fault by any means. We like the weight and the smooth ride it has.

Trek 5 is my 1st Mountain Bike I have been riding it 3x a week Doing some hard bush trails. It really seems to handle all trails well. No one knows that my bike isnt really expensive . They all say “love your bike ” I just love my bike but will upgrade to a better Trek when I have obtained more skills. Thanks Natalie

Hi Natalie, Well as they say, a Trek is a Trek. The brand itself speaks for itself. It also depends on the kind of ride you do.

lol “my son doesn’t abuse his bike he just broke all of the most easily abused parts of it”

Hi Boknows, Sounds like a future athlete there 😉

Very helpfull!!! , thanks dude!

I am 15 and got my trek Marlin 5 a couple years ago. I have ridden some insane tracks on it and haven’t really had any issues. The only thing I’ve broken so far is the derailer hanger but apart from that nothing. I use it for riding on streets, dirt roads and mountain bike tracks of different difficulties including black diamond tracks. It is still working great and I would think of it as a good bike. I found that the seat post was originally at my good pedaling height when I got it at its lowest point but have now upgraded that to dropper.

Hi Jayden, Have you tried getting a regular maintenance check with your local bike shop? Regular maintenance check can help prolong the life of a bike 😉

I bought a 29″ blue Marlin 5 for my son’s 14th birthday 16 months ago and initially I really liked it. But, it’s been a flaming pile of broken parts since then. My son doesn’t abuse this bike (no downhill or big jumps) and mainly rides a few miles into town and occasional wheelies. Since new here’s the things that have broken on it: rear shifter cable, rear axle, right pedal stripped out of crank arm, left pedal stripped out of crank arm, rear axle again, right pedal stripped out of crank arm again and the chain broke (which pulled the rear rerailer into the spokes and ruined it). Our closest Trek dealer is an hour away so running to the bike store is a real issue but they have been pretty good about helping me out. I’m a metal fabricator and part time motocross bike mechanic so I have a good background in metals and how they should operate. I honestly feel Trek has build a cheap bicycle with metal parts using allows that aren’t appropriate and as thin as materials as possible to save weight at the cost of reliability. I just called Trek directly and we’ll see where that goes.

Hi Dough, Sorry to hear about your experience. It looks like your drivetrain and the whole groupset have issues. Usually these are the most abused parts of the bike and an upgrade to better parts will do better. However I am curious as to what they will tell you. Let me know about it. Cheers!

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Trek Marlin+ 8

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / XS, SM, MD, LG, XL

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Size: XS, Alpha Platinum Aluminium, curved top tube, tapered head tube, internal routing, rack, mudguard and kickstand mount, UDH, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle; Size: S, M, L, XL, Alpha Platinum Aluminium, tapered head tube, internal routing, rack, mudguard and kickstand mount, UDH, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• Fork Size: XS, SR Suntour XCM 34, coil spring, preload, lockout, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle, 100 mm travel; Size: S, M, L, XL, RockShox Recon Silver RL, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 46 mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 120 mm travel
• Motor Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
• Battery Bosch CompactTube 400 Wh
• Wheels Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, Bontrager Line TLR 30, Tubeless-Ready, 28-hole, Presta valve; Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, Bontrager Line TLR 30, Tubeless-Ready, 32-hole, Presta valve
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Size: XS, S, Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR, Tubeless Ready, dual compound, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 27.5x2.60""; Size: M, L, XL, Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR, Tubeless Ready, dual compound, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29x2.60"
• Chain Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Crank FSA CK-220, 165 mm length
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore M6100, long cage
• Shifters Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Brakeset Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT420 calliper
• Handlebar Size: XS, S, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 720 mm width; Size: M, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138 mm width
• Seatpost Size: XS, S, TranzX JD-YSP18, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 361 mm length; Size: M, L, XL, TranzX JD-YSP18, 150 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 470 mm length
• Stem Size: XS, S, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 35 mm length; Size: M, L, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 50 mm length; Size: XL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 60 mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on

Q: How much is a 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8?

A 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 is typically priced around €3,299 EUR when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8?

The 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 have?

The 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 should I get?

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Bicycles for sale in Pullman / Moscow

electric bikes

mountain bikes

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• Marlin 4 Gen 2

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If for any reason you’re not 100% happy with your online order from trekbikes.com, you can return it in like-new condition within 30 days. No questions asked.

"Look fast, feel fast, go fast."

"Unlike some bikes on the cheap end of the spectrum that cater to the recreational user, this one is aimed firmly at entry-level riders who want a bike that's affordable yet capable of riding and racing hard."

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