FIRST LOOK: TREK’S MARLIN HARDTAIL IS NOW MORE CAPABLE THAN EVER
The Marlin receives fresh updates and refinements to make it an ideal first mountain bike
FIRST LOOK: TREK’S ENTRY-LEVEL HARDTAIL IS MORE CAPABLE THAN EVER
Trek has released a newly updated version of their highly popular hardtail, the Marlin. A redesigned frame and updates to the geometry enhance the stability of the bike, making it a strong choice for entry-level riders without exceeding their budget.
Made from Trek’s Alpha Silver Aluminum, the new Marlin frame has been updated to bring it into the world of modern mountain bike geometry. The head tube has been slackened out to 66.5 degrees, and the reach was increased across all sizes along with wider-specced bars to improve handling and confidence. Coming stock with a 100mm fork, Trek claims that a fork up to 120mm can be installed to make the Marlin even more capable and confidence-inspiring. Tire clearance was also bumped up to accommodate up to a 2.4″ rear tire.
In the rear triangle, a new Thru Skew rear axle and closed dropout system increase wheel security and durability while making maintenance much simpler. The rear hub spacing remains the same at 135mm, and the lever of the Thru Skew axle is removable to give a cleaner look. Added full-coverage chain slap protection keeps things quiet and protects the chainstay from rock strikes and scratches. The new Marlin features internal foam tube cable routing to simplify cable installation and increase the compatibility of internally-routed dropper posts while keeping noise and rattling to a minimum out on the trail.
In an effort to offer a fit for shorter riders and growing kids, Trek is adding an XXS frame size to the Marlin lineup that runs on 26″ wheels with the same curved top tube that are on their other smaller sizes. The XS and S frames feature 27.5″ wheels, while the rest of the lineup have 29″ wheels. For the customers that are more price-conscious, Trek is still offering the previous generation frame on the Marlin 4 and 5, while the Marlin 6, 7, and 8 feature the new frame and technology. The 3rd generation frame starts at $899.99 for the Marlin 6, with the Marlin 8 retailing for $1299.99.
