trek marlin head tube angle

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Trek Marlin Gen 3 review: Good bones

Solid fundamentals and outstanding geometry for XC newcomers, but also some inherent upgrade limitations.

When it comes to cross-country mountain bikes, the lion’s share of the attention is devoted to the high-end, short-travel, full-suspension machines like the Specialized Epic 8 , Trek Supercaliber , and Cannondale Scalpel . That’s perhaps as it should be for seasoned racers and/or buyers with deep pockets, but for newcomers coming from other cycling disciplines, kids, and the generally MTB-curious who will ultimately fuel the continuing survival (perhaps even growth?) of the segment, the aluminum hardtail is still where it’s at – and Trek’s third-generation Marlin line comes across as one of the better options out there.

The short of it: Trek’s entry-level aluminum hardtail mountain bike. Good stuff:  Fantastic frame geometry, excellent shifting, good tires, looks great, generous tire clearance, easy-to-live-with semi-internal routing, sort of a rear thru-axle. Bad stuff:  Mega-heavy fork with minimal adjustability, tubeless costs extra, limited upgrade potential.

Looking at what goes into Trek’s latest-generation Marlin, there’s not a whole lot that leaps off the page, which perhaps shouldn’t be entirely surprising given most buyers at this price point will probably be making their decisions based on spec and aesthetics. In that sense, the Marlin is exactly what you’d expect.

The frame is a TIG-welded aluminum affair with chunky weld beads that do without the additional hand-sanding that can sometimes go with a higher-end alloy chassis. The layout is low-slung with a highly sloping top tube that offers heaps of standover clearance, and straight-gauge tubing is featured throughout.

The hydroformed shaping on those tubes is much more dramatic than the outgoing Gen 2 Marlin. The top tube is squished down almost flat to help soften the ride of the front end while the down tube sports a rounded trapezoidal cross-section to minimize twist under load; both are notably flared where they meet the straight 1 1/8” integrated head tube to increase front-end strength. 

The seatstays are subtly flattened – presumably for the same reason as the top tube – and while the seat tube is basically round, it’s slightly curved to leave a bit more space for the rear tire with a welded-on gusset for the extension up top. Pretty standard stuff all around, so far.

The chainstays are where things get really interesting. They feature a bridgeless design to prevent mud build-up, and the S-bend at the bottom bracket is much more complex than before. Trek has also dropped both sides a bit as compared to the previous Marlin, and the changes help boost claimed tire clearance to a more useful 2.4” (up from 2.2”). 

Further back, the previous Marlin’s open quick-release dropouts have finally gone away in favor of a hybrid setup that Trek calls ThruSkew. Make no mistake: the hub dimensions are the same as before. But whereas the old Marlin uses the common quick-release skewer, the new one gets a thru-bolt arrangement that Trek claims is more secure than an open dropout while still saving production costs as compared to the oversized thru-axles found on more expensive bikes. 

Far and away the biggest improvement lies somewhat beneath the surface with vastly more modern and progressive frame geometry. Compared to the Gen 2, head tubes are dramatically slacker across the board – by almost 3°, in fact – the seat tube angles are more subtly steeper by about a degree, reach dimensions have grown by a 15-54 mm (depending on size), and bottom bracket heights have dropped a few millimeters.

Taken together, the changes are intended to place the rider is a more central position between the wheels, and they also push the front wheel further out in front for more confidence on steeper and/or more slippery terrain, similar to trends we’ve seen more generally elsewhere in the mountain bike space over the past several years. 

Impressively, Trek continues to offer the Marlin in seven frame sizes that are designed to accommodate a huge range of rider heights from 1.35 to 2.03 m (4’ 5” to 6’ 8”), with all but the two smallest sizes built around 29”-diameter wheels.

Other features include a conventional English-threaded bottom bracket shell, partially internal cable routing, and a big molded rubber guard for the driveside chainstay to keep things quiet and clean. There’s even a fair bit of versatility baked into the Marlin frame with mounts for a rear rack and kickstand, and there’s also an extra port in the down tube for a dropper seatpost should you decide to add one later. 

Trek says a raw medium Marlin frame tips the scales at about 1,800 g, plus another 100-150 g for paint. 

Trek offers the Marlin in four build kits, and for this review I went with a middle child to stick below that critical US$1,000 / AU$1,500 / £775 / €850 price point. In early April, Trek added new build options of the Marlin 7 (with a dropper post), 6, and 5, while still offering the pre-existing ones, which are themselves still current model year. It’s somewhat confusing, not least to dealers, but for clarity my test bike was the dropper-less Marlin 7 build kit.

For that fairly modest sum, Trek outfits the Marlin frame with a 100 mm-travel RockShox Judy suspension fork, a 1×10 Shimano Deore transmission with an FSA Alpha Drive aluminum crank, 23 mm-wide Bontrager Kovee tubeless-compatible aluminum wheels rolling on sealed cartridge bearing hubs and wrapped with 2.4”-wide Bontrager XT3 Comp tires, and Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm-diameter front and 160 mm rear Shimano RT26 rotors. Finishing kit is pretty basic aluminum stuff all around, capped with a Bontrager Arvada saddle and Bontrager XR Trail Comp lock-on grips. 

It’s no lightweight in stock form at 14.12 kg (31.13 lb), but that’s pretty much par for the course.

Gone fishing

While there are definitely bikes that continue to push the envelope of just how long, low, and slack you can go, Trek has found a nice sweet spot with the Marlin and there’s a very good reason why this sort of thing has become so popular: it works. I’ve come to prefer this style of geometry on my personal bikes – both longer- and shorter-travel ones – because of how they provide more flexibility in where I put my weight in different situations and the added stability at higher speeds. But what really matters in the context of the Marlin is how that layout makes for a more forgiving setup than XC geometries of yesteryear.

If you chuck the Marlin into a corner that doesn’t have quite as much grip as you expected, the front end is more apt to just push a little – otherwise known as understeer – instead of immediately and unceremoniously dumping you onto the dirt. On steep descents, the Marlin allows you to stay centered over the bike instead of awkwardly shifting your weight rearward to keep you from feeling like you’re about to go over the bars. And yet on steeper climbs, the front end isn’t so long that you need to work to keep the wheel from lifting off the ground with each pedal stroke. 

In other words, the Marlin’s geometry leaves more room for error as you continue to learn how knobby tires work on dirt, but also more space to grow your skills without constantly having to pick yourself off the ground and wonder what went wrong. Put in simpler terms, the Marlin’s modern frame geometry also just makes it fun and confidence-inspiring to ride.

The Marlin frame is pretty good in the more traditional metrics, too.

It pedals about as you’d expect for a hardtail (at least compared to lower-end full-suspension bikes), with pleasant levels of snappiness and feedback when you get on the gas and impressively good frame stiffness. I was expecting a backboard-stiff ride quality given the straightforward aluminum hardtail frame and thick-walled, 31.6 mm-diameter seatpost, but even that was a pleasant surprise. The Marlin is still a hardtail, of course, but even with those 2.4”-wide tires inflated a smidgeon more than usual to keep from pinch-flatting on all the sharp rocks I have around here, it’s actually reasonably smooth over rough stuff. 

Bonus points to Trek for not following the lead of lower-end road bikes by routing the control lines through the upper headset bearing for absolutely no good reason whatsoever ( aside from misguided vanity ). The ports on the side of the down tube are clean-looking and effective, and although the foam tubing installed at the factory still allowed a bit of internal rattling on particularly bumpy sections of trail, it’s overall a very clean setup that won’t rub the paint off of the frame over time, either.

Build kit breakdown

It’s pretty easy for a product manager to do a good job on spec when the bike is an ultra-premium model with a five-figure price tag, but that task is far more challenging when you’re watching every last penny. Trek has gotten a lot of things right on the Marlin 7 Gen 3, but also left a fair bit of room for improvement.

Let’s touch on the high points first.

Trek likely saved a bit of cash in the drivetrain by speccing an FSA Alpha Drive crankset and KMC X10 chain instead of a 100% matched setup, but the Shimano Deore bits are there where it matters most and serve as a potent reminder that at this end of the market, Shimano absolutely obliterates the performance of its rivals. Individual shifts under normal pedaling efforts on the Marlin 7 were as smooth as could be, and even multiple shifts under harder efforts were consistently reliable. The whole setup was pleasantly quiet and feels impressively premium, too, and bonus points to Shimano for making the Deore pulley cage clutch a user-serviceable item. If there’s a better option than this at this price point, I’m all ears.

The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are more ho-hum. The levers are weirdly long (probably because newer riders are more comfortable using two fingers instead of just one), but the lever action is light and snappy with a clearly defined engagement point and user-friendly mineral oil-based system. Pad clearance is fairly generous and it’s easy to set the calipers to run rub-free. MT200s aren’t exactly renowned for their power what with their two-piston format and fairly small pads, but the 180 mm-diameter front rotor helps boost the overall performance to more reasonable levels – a good thing since the RT26 rotors aren’t approved for use with metallic pad compounds. Overall, these aren’t going to blow anyone’s socks off, but they get the job done.

I usually don’t expect much for base-level mountain bike tires, but the Bontrager XT3’s tread design genuinely surprised me. The well-reinforced shoulder knobs and moderately squared-off profile offered grip through loose corners, with just enough intermediate tread for a smooth transition between being upright and leaned over. The center tread also sports a ramped leading edge and spacing that’s close enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re dragging an anchor behind you, but yet with enough open area to dig into softer dirt when available. They’ve even been wearing decently well, which is a good thing considering tires aren’t exactly cheap these days.

The Bontrager finishing kit was quite nice in general, actually. The Arvada saddle’s flat profile and firm padding offer good support, while the deep central channel keeps pressure off of your sensitive bits. The lock-on grips sport plastic, not metal, collars but still clamp tight and offer a secure hold with tacky rubber and a ribbed pattern that’s easy on the hands, and the aluminum riser bar is usefully wide at 750 mm. Heck, Trek even does size-specific widths here, with small bikes getting a 720 mm-wide bar and XS bikes getting a 690 mm one. 

As for the stem and seatpost, they’re nothing special. I do appreciate that the former is compatible with Bontrager’s handy Blendr system of accessory mounts, while the two-bolt head on the latter is definitely easier to adjust and more reliable than just about any single-bolt system out there.

The list of not-so-great stuff isn’t necessarily longer, but it unfortunately includes some major drawbacks.

The RockShox Judy suspension fork is about as basic as it gets, with a steel coil spring on one side and a non-adjustable damper on the other. Spring preload can be increased via a handy crown-mounted knob, but spring rate is fixed – and unfortunately, too stiff for my 73 kg (160 lb) body weight. Although it should be straightforward to swap to a softer spring, RockShox doesn’t offer any alternatives.

New riders might find the handy crown-mounted lockout knob to be a plus, but not when it comes at the expense of adjustable rebound damping as I’d take the latter over the former any day of the week. Coupled with that overly firm spring, I found the rebound to be too fast for my liking, and the fork did only a marginal job of keeping the front wheel planted on the ground when things got even remotely tricky. 

The wheels could stand some improvement for sure. The 23 mm inner rim width is on the narrow side – I run wider rims on my gravel bike – and although both the tires and rims are tubeless-compatible, Trek doesn’t use tubeless tape on the rims so that’s an additional conversion cost on top of the valve stems and sealant you already have to buy extra. Build quality was disappointing, too, with insufficient spoke tension on the rear wheel and enough popping and pinging to tell me neither wheel was properly de-stressed at the factory, none of which bodes well for long-term durability. And that external-cam front quick-release skewer? Have we learned nothing, bike industry? Mine came loose on the first ride and definitely needed an unusually high amount of lever force to keep it from happening again.

Another ding against the fork and wheels is their weight, as all three of them are seriously hefty items. RockShox doesn’t even bother to list an official weight for the Judy, but I can tell you its steel stanchions (and steel steerer!) push the actual weight of my test sample to just shy of 2.4 kg (5.29 lb). The wheels aren’t quite as egregious at around 2,300 g per pair, but the stock tires don’t exactly help matters at over 1 kg each. 

Upgrade conundrum

One thing that should be considered for bikes at this price point is the potential for upgrades. Oftentimes, these bikes are purchased as a stepping stone in hopes of becoming more proficient at the sport, and it’d be nice if the bike could grow with your skills to some degree. In that sense, the Marlin 7 is … interesting.

Tires should always be the first items on that list as they have the biggest effect on how a bike – any bike – performs. You can thankfully get decent replacements for under US$100 per pair, and given how heavy the stock rubber is on the Marlin, you can also lop off hundreds of grams of rotating weight in the process. So skid away with those stock tires, my friends, skid away.

Another obvious addition is a dropper seatpost, which Trek facilitates with that spare internal routing port. The PNW Components Rainier is widely regarded as working well and reliable, and it’s less than US$200. Given how heavy the Marlin is already, why add weight with the dropper, you ask? Simple: control. Given the choice between a hardtail with a dropper and a full-suspension bike without one, I’d choose the former every time – and I don’t think I’m in the minority.

On the surface, upgrading the wheels and/or fork isn’t as straightforward since Trek has unfortunately limited your options with the quick-release hubs and straight 1 1/8” steerer, as even mid-range components have moved on from those antiquated standards long ago. That said, Hunt (and likely others) still offers good aluminum wheels with quick-release hubs for a few hundred bucks, and there’s heaps of potential in the used market since parts with those outdated fitments can be had for a song – sometimes even at local community bike shops where there’s a good chance someone has donated parts that can be purchased for next to nothing. 

“On the front of the bike, thru axle costs are not only higher with hubs and axles, but also the forks themselves,” explained Trek mountain bike product manager Chris Drewes. “These costs trickle down to headset cost, and frame manufacturing costs as well. Rear quick-release saves cost in many ways. When you add in the cost of thru axles for frame manufacturing and thru-axle compatible hubs, there is a significant cost difference. That being said there are quite a few wheel manufacturers that offer endcap swaps with their higher-end wheels. Upgrading the Marlin, we see a lot of riders doing drivetrain/dropper post/cockpit upgrades rather than the bigger items like a fork or wheels.”

Would I have preferred that Trek gone with modern thru-axles and a tapered steerer? No question. But the reality is both are still the norm at this price range throughout the industry, and for a bike like the Marlin, I’m not sure I’d consider either a total deal breaker.

Sizing up some of the competition

There are a whole bunch of similar bikes at this price range – so many (and with so much international variation) that it’d be impossible for me to compare them all here. That said, it’s worth taking a look at how some of them fare versus the Marlin 7 Gen 3, keeping in mind that this is only a hypothetical look on paper as I haven’t actually ridden any of these other bikes.

First up is the Specialized Rockhopper Comp . Despite the similar frame and fork, it has a major weight advantage of over 1.5 kg, much of which is in the wheels and tires, which would likely make it feel fleeter on its feet than the Marlin. It’s also more XC-oriented in general with a 2° steeper head tube angle and shorter reach for quicker handling, and while those tires are substantially lighter, the faster-rolling tread won’t offer nearly as much grip, either. This is an interesting option if you’re seeking an aluminum hardtail with a longer-term eye on racing, but the Marlin strikes me as the better all-rounder.

Ok, and then there’s the Giant Talon 1 . Giant historically has offered unusually strong spec for the money compared to other mainstream brands, and it’s no different here. Although most of the components are comparable to the Marlin 7, the biggest upgrade here is the house-brand SXC32-2 RL fork. The stanchions are larger in diameter for more precise handling, and along with the steerer, they’re aluminum for dramatically lower weight than what comes on the Marlin. The air spring drops weight even further and adds critical adjustability, and the hydraulic damper also includes adjustable rebound, all of which should make for a far more capable front end that’ll offer more control and speed. 

Like the Rockhopper, the Talon’s frame geometry is on the more traditional side of things with a similarly steep head tube angle and short reach, but that fork alone is a big advantage over both the Marlin and Rockhopper.

Finally, there’s the Canyon Grand Canyon 5 . Consumer-direct outfits like Canyon often blow mainstream offerings out of the water in terms of value, and the Grand Canyon 5 makes a strong case for that here. The frame is still QR front and rear with geometry that isn’t quite as progressive as the Marlin’s, the Suntour fork features steel stanchions and a steel coil spring, and the wheels are similarly basic aluminum units. If the claimed weight is accurate, it’s actually heavier than the Marlin. 

However, you do get a proper Shimano external-bearing crankset and adjustable rebound on the fork, and at a price that undercuts the other three bikes mentioned here by about US$200-250. From a value perspective, this one seems tough to beat.

The final word

There’s a saying about buying a house that often comes to mind when comparing the pros and cons of various bikes: location, location, location. The idea there is that while you might be sucked into a home’s freshly renovated kitchen or additional bedroom, many of those features can be changed over time (albeit often at greater expense, but still). What you can’t change, however, is where the house is located.

What’s that have to do with bikes? In this case, location is analogous to frame geometry. Without question, the Marlin 7 Gen 3 isn’t the clear-cut best bike out there in terms of spec. If you want a more complete package straight out of the gate, there are obviously better options if you know where to look. But if you’re in it for the longer term, the Marlin’s frame geometry is so good that it’s hard to overlook. Despite the heavy fork and wheels, it’s the frame geometry that ultimately makes the Marlin so entertaining and capable – and arguably, the one most amenable to upgrades, quick-release dropouts and all. 

If your budget allows, though, I’d nevertheless strongly recommend saving up a few extra pennies and splurging on the Marlin 8. It costs US$300 more, but if you even think you’re in it for the long haul, you’ll thank me later for the substantial fork upgrades included there and the stock dropper seatpost, both of which will ultimately save you money later on. 

Whichever way you go, if you’ve exclusively been a drop-bar rider for the last few years and are thinking of heading to the dirt, there are plenty of good options available that won’t cripple you financially. Hope to see you out there!

More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .

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120mm on a Marlin. Spacers/Head Tube/Steerer Setup?

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Hello everyone, So the opportunity presented so that i can get my hands on a really cheap almost new Suntour Epixon 29. I own a Marlin Trek 6 2018 with a RST Gila 100m stock fork. I read on trek website that the frame supports up to 100mm forks so i guess the first questions is, will there be a significant drawback from a 120mm fork thats way superior to the stock one. and the other issue is that the steerer tube on the Suntour fork was cut to 17cm (6.7 inches) and the one its on the bike right now is 19cm (7.48 inches) and there are 3cm of spacers between the stem and headtube sooooo my second question is can i remove 2cm of spacers to compensate for the shorter steerer tube on the Suntour fork or will this create a warp in space time continuum and make me fall of the bike repetadly till i cry why the F·"%·" i changed that damn fork. CHEERS!!!!!! and thanks in advanced if you read all this way hahahah Blessings From Chile btw lets hope this covid **** goes away soon.  

The longer fork would most likely void the warranty. Also the frame was designed to handle the stress from 100 mm verses the 120 mm. Then frame frame was designed to handle around the 100 mm ,putting the longer fork could make the turning slower and change your weight rearward. Yes if your measurements are correct you would remove those spacers ,that would drop the bars the 3 cm ,which would move some or your weight back forward. It may possible to alter the new fork to reduce the travel back to 100 mm. Another thing is the brake hose/cable was cut for the 100 mm ,it could be too short for the 120 mm. Are you sure that the steerer tubes are the same , either tapered or strait ?  

yup both are straight, actually i havent been able to find many options for 100mm straight at the same performance tier as the epixon, thats why im inclined to go for it and hope that it doesnt render the bike uncomfortable, not too concerned about warranty to be honest.  

Angle headset would help....-1-2 degrees  

I googled what this meant and it seems like a very complicated procedure, definitely something that should be done by someone that knows what they're doing. I live in a pretty small town and doubt i could find that person hahahha. But i will keep it in mind as an options. THank you!  

Most of the Suntours have adjustable travel. You can easily set it back to 100 if you want to. However, while the frame is designed for 100mm you can usually go 20mm either way without negative effects. Yes the bike will get taller in the front and you’ll slacken the head angle about 1/2-1 degree. I put a Epixon Suntour in my bike. It came with a 100mm, set the Suntour to 120. It’s been fine.  

NorCal_In_AZ said: Most of the Suntours have adjustable travel. You can easily set it back to 100 if you want to. However, while the frame is designed for 100mm you can usually go 20mm either way without negative effects. Yes the bike will get taller in the front and you'll slacken the head angle about 1/2-1 degree. I put a Epixon Suntour in my bike. It came with a 100mm, set the Suntour to 120. It's been fine. Click to expand...

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Trek Marlin 7 Review: Is This Bike Worth It?

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In the world of high-performance entry-level mountain bikes, the Trek Marlin 7 is ahead of its time. This mountain biking crusher is an affordable and featured-packed bike with an awesome design that draws inspiration from race-inspired geometry to give the bike a superior advantage over similar options in its class and even better price range. That being said, for an entry-level bike, the Trek Marlin 7 is a reasonably expensive bike at right around $800; which makes a big difference, however. However, when you buy this bike from the Marlin lineup you will get access to tons of advanced features for the price.  The core value of this bike lies within its seamless integration of budget-friendly components with race-ready design elements that deliver real-world, and track-ready performance. 

You’ll find components of mid-range and high-level quality sprinkled throughout the main design of the Marlin 7, making it an ideal bike for those who want a taste of what higher priced models can do for their soft ride game.

Overall, the Marlin 7 is very lightweight and efficient yet powerful and streamlined, which gives it a unique appeal that you don’t find too often. It weighs about 31.05lbs in total and has 18 gears, which provides you with versatile shifting capabilities. 

The Trek’s Marlin 7 also features an Alpha Silver Aluminum frame that is very durable and light. It also features Bontrager wheels, which look great and provide excellent support when riding.

You’ll find that the suspension of the Marlin 7 is more than capable of handling rugged terrain and complex rides with ease. All of the features integrated into the Marlin 7 combine to create the perfect entry to mid-range bike for anyone looking to enhance their rides on and off the trails. 

If you’re interested in purchasing your first mountain bike which is  high-performing, feature-packed, yet affordable entry-level to intermediate mountain bike, the Trek Marlin 7 is a great choice, even for new mountain bikers.

To help you make an educated purchase decision, we’re going to provide you with a detailed review of the Trek Marlin 7 below. Make sure you read this entire review so that you can decide whether or not the Marlin 7 is the right bike for you, at least for giving it a test ride.

Marlin 7 is where race-worthy mountain bikes begin. The smooth, lightweight RockShox fork and upgraded parts make this model the best choice for new riders who want a fast cross-country hardtail that will hold its own against our higher-end race bikes.

Who is the Trek Marlin 7 for? 

The Trek Marlin 7 was designed for a wide range of riders, including new riders, trail riders, leisure riders, and full-on racers. Its race-inspired design in addition to its mid-quality components makes the Trek Marlin 7 the perfect bike for the average to advanced rider looking for a sturdy bike that is packed with tons of tailored features to fit their busy lifestyle.

This model is considered an entry to intermediate level bike due to the price and the manufacturing quality of some parts; however, that in no way correlates to a subpar product. 

In fact, Trek has been able to pull off its idealistic concept of a medium-level, high-performing, budget-friendly mountain bike that provides enough versatility for average riders to improve their existing expertise. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking to upgrade to the more expensive categories of trail bikes but want to try one out before shelling out the big bucks. 

For those that fall into any of these categories, you’ll be more than satisfied with the Trek Marlin 7 as you go-to bike for quite some time. Now, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the main pros and cons of current owners of the Marlin 7 report after their experience. 

Pros & Cons: Trek Marlin 7 

The Trek Marlin 7, like any other mountain bike, has its own unique design advantages in addition to downfalls. Every rider wants a personalized experience out of their bike, so it can be hard to classify what one rider may deem as a con because another may see it like a pro.

However, that doesn’t exclude the fact that some flaws are more practical and measurable, so regardless of your opinion, it will affect your ride either unknowingly or knowingly. 

Below, you’re going to find our list of all the main pros and cons to consider before purchasing the Trak Marlin 7. 

• 18 Gear shifter provides versatile performance capabilities under a wide range of riding conditions
• Lightweight design that facilitates high-performance standards
• Race-ready design geometry delivers superior ride handling effortlessly
• Durable Alpha Silver Aluminum frame
• Superior suspension system
• Versatile design and functionality
• Trek’s Lifetime warranty included with every purchase
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Rear kickstand mount
• Coil spring could use improvements
• The fork does not provide performance capabilities consistent with the rest of the bike.

As you can see, the Trek Marlin 7 is a capable mountain bike that keeps your budget in mind. Based on the pros and cons alone, the Marlin 7 delivers a very consistent amount of power for its build quality. Continue reading to find a full breakdown of the core features that the Trek Marlin 7 offers so you can know precisely what you’re getting if you decide to go with this bike. 

Core Features: Trek Marlin 7 

Like we’ve said before, the Trek Marlin 7 is a robust and versatile mid-range mountain bike that can deliver adaptable performance standards for riders of all types.

What truly makes this bike great is all of the thought and intuitive genius that went into designing it. If you polled most casual to moderate riders and asked them what they would want in a budget-friendly mid-range bike, they would likely list all of the features included with the Trek Marlin 7. 

Take a look below to find all of the critical specifications and details about the Trek Marlin 7 that can translate into real-world performance enhancements for all of your future rides. 

Front/Rear Derailleur 

The Marlin 7 comes outfitted with a Shimano Altus M2020 2-speed front derailleur and a Shimano Acera M3000 9-speed rear derailleur. Both components work together seamlessly to deliver smooth gear transitions that allow you to adapt your riding style in a wide range of terrains.

Their durable build quality enhances their functionality to provide you with consistent reliability with every pedal. 

Brakes 

The Marlin 7 also has MT200 Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, which deliver almost instant stopping power regardless of the terrain. These brakes perform great for providing immediate braking action when faced with high-speed docents and all sorts of other intense situations.

When you look at the brakes on this bike compared to its tire and wheelset, it’s the ability to stop in wet climates in unmatched in bikes of a similar class. 

Rims/Tires 

For the tires and rims, the Marlin 7 is packing Bontrager aluminum connection double-wall wheels and Bontrager XR2 Comp tires.

This combination provides real ride support in various conditions while also aiding the brakes in delivering an immense amount of stopping power that will impress any rider. While the wheels on the Marlin 7 are not tubeless-ready, you can convert them into a tubeless setup. 

Frame 

The Trek Marlin 7 has an Alpha Silver Aluminum frame that is ultra-lightweight and very durable. The Marlin 7 frame uses race-ready frame geometry to deliver actualized performance benefits when taking on demanding tasks such as serious singletrack aspirations or high-speed downhill attacks. The head tube angle on this bike is 69.5-degrees, and it has a 73-degree seat tube angle that puts in an optimal position for maximum handling control in all situations. 

The agile yet stable performance of the Alpha Silver Aluminum frame on this bike definitely makes it one of the leading choices for mid-range trail bikes. 

The fork on the Marlin 7 is a RockShox XC 30 adjustable fork that delivers enhanced performance upgrades that add 100mm of travel underneath your hands. In addition to this, it also comes with a preload function that makes it easy for you to adjust your ride before hitting the trails.

You’ll also find a turnkey lockout feature, which makes it easy for you to lock it in place with the simple switch of a button even while riding. This fork is optimal for rough terrains, technical trail rides, and fast descents. 

The Trek Marlin 7 comes outfitted with an efficient and lightweight 2×9 drivetrain that is built using a 36/22t crankset in addition to an 11-36T cassette.

These features combine to deliver broad gear range while also reducing the amount of time it takes to transition from one gear setting to another. It’s fast, high-performing, and built to last, enhancing the overall value of the Marlin 7. 

These are all of the main features that come packed into the Trek Marlin 7, after taking a look at them, you can probably see why it’s one of the best mid-range bikes currently available. In addition to all of the advanced ride capabilities mentioned above, the Marlin 7 also comes in seven different sizes ranging from XS up to XXL, so virtually anyone can enjoy the benefits of this bike. 

Consider what your personal ride preference and demands are compared to what the Marlin 7 has to offer. By doing so, you will be able to decide whether or not this is the right bike for you. If in case you want to check more options, you can read here all about Trek Marlin 5 and Trek Marlin 6.

Check out our full Marlin 7 vs Marlin 6 Comparison.

Alternative Recommendations 

1. savadeck deck300 carbon fiber mountain bike.

The SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike is built using a TORAY T800 carbon fiber frame that delivers a durable and lightweight basis for this bike’s other performance features. It’s also outfitted with an SR Suntour fork that provides 100mm of suspension travel in addition to more precise control.

The high-quality fork also aids in supporting a comfortable ride in various environments, which is a great bonus. This bike has a Shimano RD-M6000 front derailleur and a Shimano RD-M6000 rear derailleur that allows you to efficiently operate the bike and jumpstart your rides. 

The braking system on this bike is a Shimano MT200 disc brake system that uses double mechanical disc brakes to deliver top-notch stopping power in virtually any terrain. You’ll also find a continental tire on this bike, which adds more versatility to the bike’s ability to handle multiple ride conditions with ease. This bike is easy to assemble and is excellent for intermediate and even professional riders who want a nice entry-level to toss around.

The braking system on this bike uses double mechanical disc brakes to deliver top-notch stopping power in virtually any terrain, as we as a continental tire which adds even more versatility!

2. Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Mountain Bike 

The Tommaso Gran Sasso, 29er Mountain Bike, features a durable alloy frame that can withstand virtually anything you throw at it. The bike comes with 29” wheels that deliver ultimate grip and propellent force to keep you moving even when you encounter difficult riding situations.

These tires can withstand roots, rocks, branches, and more without even breaking a sweat. This bike also has a 24-speed Shimano drivetrain that delivers enhanced power and accurate control consistently.

It also comes with a Suntour SF 15-XCM form that adds 100mm of travel for even more ride versatility. It’s outfitted with a 680mm handlebar, which is comfortable and optimized to provide you with superior posturing so that you always maintain precise control on the bike. 

The bike comes with a standard one year warranty from the manufacturer, and all of the Shimano branded a two-year warranty covers parts. If you’re a rider who is looking for professional performance at an excellent and affordable price, this bike is the perfect choice for you. 

3. Diamondback Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike

The Diamondback Bicycles Full RockShox Suspension Mountain Bike is the only full-suspension and not-so-entry-level bike on our list. This monster comes outfitted with a level link design that delivers 130mm of optimal rear suspension support.

This bike is crafted from a lightweight yet durable carbon frame with a Boost 148x12mm Maxle dropout for added ride versatility. You’ll also find that this bike has a KS LEV Si dropper post w/ an integrated Southpaw remote lever that provides enhanced maneuverability when attacking descents. The rear shocks mounts on this bike are Fox 34 performance float and fox DPS EVOL LV which deliver excellent suspension travel. 

The gears on this bike use an SRAM NX Eagle 11-50T single-ring drivetrain to deliver maximum versatility and power. If you’re in the market for a premium high-performing mountain bike and have a few more dollars to spend, this is a great selection.

The Diamondback Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike is a full-suspension and not-so-entry-level bike with a level link design that delivers 130mm of optimal rear suspension support. 

Our Honest Opinion 

After taking an in-depth look at all of the core features and capabilities that come with the Trek Marlin 7 package, we would have no other choice but to recommend this bike. When compared to many of the other mountain bikes in its class, the Marlin 7 outperforms them in all areas including design, functionality, and performance. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly trail bike packed with advanced features and practical performance, the Trek Marlin 7 is a great choice. 

FAQs About Trek Marlin 7

Yes, the Trek Marlin 7 is a good quality entry-level bike that delivers high-performance standards and versatile riding capabilities. Its racing-inspired design gives it an edge over its competitors, making it one of the leading options in the entry-level and mid-range bike class.

Yes, when you consider the number of features and quality parts that come integrated with the Trek Marlin 7, it is worth every penny.

Yes, while the Trek Marlin 7 is designed like a racing-style bike, making it great for downhill as well as any type of offroad trail.

Conclusion 

Use all of the information, tips, and advice we’ve given you throughout this article to help decide whether the Trek Marlin 7 is right for you.

Take the time to read over our entire review so that you can compare its core features with everything you want in a mountain bike. As long as you do that, you’ll be taking on new trails with confidence in no time with the Marlin 7.

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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, why it might be the best bang for your buck, and the differences between model options.

Trek Marlin Overview Trek Marlin Features Trek Marlin Models

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" or 27.5" 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.

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.  

Marlin Gen 3 vs Marlin Gen 2

Whereas the Gen 2 Trek Marlins give riders a great balance between trail and street. the Gen 3 Marlins have been tipped towards the trail end of the scale.

• More tire clearance: Gen 2 Marlins have clearance for 2.2" tires while the Gen 3 models can fit 2.4" tires.  
• Internal dropper post cable routing: Gen 3 Marlins come with internal cable routing for dropper posts while Gen 2 bikes don't.  
• New rear ThruAxel: Gen 3 Marlins use a stiffer, more secure rear thru axle skewer.  
• Trail focused geometry: Gen 3 Marlins have a more trail focused geometry that includes a slacker head tube angle, a steeper seat tube angle, and a longer reach than the Gen 2 models.  
• Chain stay guard: All Gen 3 Marlins come with a full length chain stay guard to protectthe frame and keep things quiet on the trail.

Trek Marlin Mountain Bike Models For Sale

There are currently  eight levels of Trek Marlin mountain bikes designed with a wide range of riders in mind. 

Find the one that fits you and your needs below:

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3

The Gen 3 Trek Marlin 6 kicks off the lineup with a capable, trail-ready MTB that's at home on the dirt or on the pavement.

• Frame : Alpha Silver Aluminum
• Fork : SR Suntour XCT 30 coil spring 100mm
• Drivetrain : Shimano Deore M5120 1x10
• Brakes : Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
• Price:  $899.99

Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3

Upgrades: Better suspension fork and higher end hydraulic disc brakes for improved control on steeper, rougher trails.

• Fork : RockShox Judy coil spring with Turn Key lockout 100mm
• Brakes : Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
• Price:  $999.99

Trek Marlin 8 Gen 3

Upgrades: A serious trail package that includes an air spring fork, 1x12 speed drivetrain, and a dropper post.

• Frame : Alpha Silver Aluminum,
• Fork : RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring 100mm
• Drivetrain : SRAM SX Eagle 1x12
• Dropper post : TranzX JD-YSP18 
• Price:  $1,399.99

Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2

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.

• Fork : SR Suntour XCE 28 100mm
• Drivetrain : Shimano Tourney TY300 3x7
• Brakes : Tektro MD-M280 Mechanical Disc
• Price:  $629.99   $529.99

Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

Upgrades:  Better 2X shifting, lockout, and hydraulic disc brakes. Marlin 5 improves light trail riding but still doubles as a versatile commuter.

• Fork : SR Suntour XCM 30 100mm
• Drivetrain : Shimano Altus 2x8
• Brakes : Tektro HD-M276 Hydraulic Disc
• Price:   $739.99   $599.99

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2

Upgrades:  Much improved shifting with a wide-range 1x10 Shimano Deore drivetrain. Nice!!

• Fork : SR Suntour XCT 30 100mm
• Drivetrain : Shimano Deore 1x10
• Price:   $849.99   $749.99

Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2

Upgrades: Rock Shox fork! Bontrager Kovee TLR wheels, and powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. 

• Fork : RockShox Judy with Turnkey lockout 100mm
• Brakes : Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc
• Price:  $1,029.99   $899.99

Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2

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 100mm
• Drivetrain :  Sram SX 1X12
• Brakes :  Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc
• Price:   $1,329.99   $1,199.99

Want an even more off road capability? 

Trek makes incredible mountain bike models that don't stop at the Marlin. If you're considering the Marlin but want a little more capability on the trails, you might like some of Trek's other offerings. The Trek X-Caliber is another solid value MTB but is actually an entry level XC race bike, and the Trek Roscoe is their agressive trail hardtail with more travel and bigger tire clearance.

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Trek Marlin 5 2022 Review

March 2, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek Marlin 5 is great for a sturdy, capable commuter or getting into mountain biking.
• A coil spring suspension fork, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and Shimano gearing give great value.
• The Marlin 5 has a lot of great features like internal routing and rack mounts improve functionality.
• Rear rack mounts and a kickstand mount make the Trek Marlin 5 a good bike for commuting.
• If you’re serious about mountain biking, I’d recommend upgrading to a more trail-worthy bike.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ This Trek Marlin 5 2022 review gives you all the details you need to decide if this budget hardtail is the right bike for you.

The Trek Marlin 5 is a solid bike for the price, but just a bit more money could get you a lot more bike. If you’re looking for a daily rider that’s comfortable on your local tails, the Marlin 5 will serve you well with a solid aluminum frame and reliable components.

I got my first mountain bike when I was twelve, and I’ve ridden everything from ultra-budget hardtails to high-performance racing rigs. For this review I dug deep into the spec’s and performance of the Trek Marlin 5 to see how this budget mountain bike measures up to the competition.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ ‍ ‍ Trek Marlin 5 Performance

The Trek Marlin 5 is definitely an entry level mountain bike, so you shouldn’t expect serious capability for really technical trail riding. It does give you decent performance on easier flowy trails and definitely is enough bike to get you started in the sport.

The aluminum frame is durable and relatively light, so this bike feels rugged enough for taking on off-road riding and singletrack. It has enough capability for beginner riders, but you’ll quickly feel held back as your skills progress.

The Trek Marlin 5 definitely doesn’t have the same descending capability as a real trail bike, but it’s sturdy enough to handle some flowy singletrack.

The 100mm of front suspension isn’t very much, and you’ll find it bottoming out if you ride on very rocky, rough trails. The geometry is also limiting with a very steep head tube angle and short reach that will leave you in a sketchy position on steep descents.

The steep seat tube angle puts you in a good position for climbing efficiently. At under 31 lbs, this bike is relatively lightweight for it’s price and doesn’t feel like it’s slowing you down on the uphills.

If you’re looking at a bike like this, it’s likely it will be your only bike and will be used for multiple purposes. From trails to bike paths to cruising around town, the Trek Marlin 5 offers great versatility. I’ve used mountain bikes for commuting for years, and I think the Marlin 5 would be a great option for a commuter.

This bike is perfectly functional for commuting and comes with features like a kickstand mount and rear rack mounts so you can fully equip it for getting around town.

Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 Frame and Geometry

The Trek Marlin 5 is built around Trek’s Alpha Silver Aluminum frame which is durable and relatively lightweight. It’s awesome that this budget frame has internal cable routing that keep your shifting and brake lines protected and hidden away inside the frame. Combined with a chainstay disc brake mount, this makes the bike look sleek and clean.

The geometry is on-par with what you’d expect for a basic hardtail mountain bike, so you won’t get the most aggressive positioning. This geometry puts you in a nice comfortable position that’s great for all-around riding. Just don’t expect to feel comfortable on super steep trails.

Specs and Components

For the $740 price, the Marlin 5 gets you a decent selection of features including hydraulic disc brakes, a coil-sprung suspension fork, and reliable Shimano shifting. The components are nothing fancy, but they perform to my expectations for a budget bike.

The Marlin 5 comes equipped with a 2x8 Shimano Altus drivetrain for 16 total gears to choose from. This setup is a bit old-fashioned as most modern mountain bikes have shifted to one-by drivetrains for simplicity.

The Suntour XCM coil spring fork gives you 100mm of front suspension travel that helps smooth out bumps and chatter in the trail. It also has a hydraulic lockout so you can improve your efficiency on pavement.

This coil sprung fork doesn’t have as much adjustability as a higher end air fork, and it’s not lightweight, but it works well for the price.

The Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 comes with Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes. If you’re looking at getting a budget mountain bike, this may be the first bike you’ve ever had with powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and you’ll be amazed by the power and modulation you get over other mechanical disc brakes or V-brakes.

Brakes are an easy-to-overlook feature for mountain bikes, but they make a huge difference in giving you confidence to ride fast knowing that you’ll be able to stop at a moment’s notice.

This bike comes with Bontrager alloy wheels. For this model Trek chose to have wheel size depend on the frame size. XXS comes with 26” wheels, XS and S come with 27.5” wheels, and M and above come with 29” wheels.

I think this is a pretty smart way to do wheel sizing for a bike like this. On small frame sizes, the rear wheel can be annoyingly close to the seat tube. Variable wheel sizing ensures that riders of all sizes have a frame and wheel size that feels easy-to-control.

The wheels are not tubeless compatible and use a schrader valve, so you’ll be limited if you’re looking to upgrade tires.

The Bontrager XR2 Comp wire bead tires on the Trek Marlin 5 are nothing special, but they work well for giving grip in a wide range of conditions. They aren’t particularly lightweight or aggressive, but they do the job.

Other Components

• The Bontrager alloy handlebar is a good width that gives you control on the trail or in traffic.
• The Bontrager Arveda saddle with steel rails is durable and comfortable on longer rides.
• The bike has a durable and lightweight Shimano aluminum crankset.

Competition for the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

At $750, the Trek Marlin 5 is at the lower end of the price range for mountain bikes. There are a lot of bikes to choose from in this category so it’s hard to stand out. The Marlin 5 does a good job of providing high-value features and components, but it isn’t anything unique in the category.

In my opinion, the Trek Marlin 5 is at the edge of the price cutoff where you can start to get a really capable aluminum hardtail for trail riding. Unfortunately, I think it falls on the wrong side of that cuttoff.

The Trek Marlin 5 is a perfectly functional mountain bike for everyday use and occasionally hitting the trails, but if you want to spend more time on singletrack and develop your skills, there are better options.

Read on to see some other options to consider, including two of the best mountain bikes you can buy if you’re on a budget: the Marin Bobcat Trail 4 and the Canyon Grand Canyon 5.

Trek Marlin 5 vs Marin Bobcat Trail 4

For a more trail-worthy bike at a similar price, the Marin Bobcat Trail 4 is a fantastic option that’s built for progressing mountain bikers. At $800, the cost is only slightly more than the Trek Marlin 5, while the design and components make this a more capable trail bike.

The Bobcat Trail 4 has the same coil spring suspension fork and hydraulic disc brakes as the Marlin 5 and comes with a super reliable Microshift Advent 1x9 drivetrain. This budget 1x drivetrain offers fantastic value with wide 11-46 cassette gear range and a clutched rear derailleur. This drivetrain will be a big upgrade for trail riding.

The biggest difference between these two bikes is in the frame and geometry. Marin has done a much better job of bringing progressive modern mountain bike geometry into this budget frame. The slacker head tube angle and longer reach will make the Bobcat Trail feel much more confident on singletrack.

Personally, I would definitely recommend the Marin Bobcat Trail 4 over the Marlin 5 as it has more capability to ride well on trails as you progress your mountain bike skills. For $200 more you can upgrade to the Bobcat Trail 5 for even more capability.

Trek Marlin 5 vs Cannondale Trail 6

The Cannondale Trail 7 is a popular entry-level aluminum hardtail that competes with the Trek Marlin 5 in price point and specs. There really isn’t too much differentiating these bikes. Both have basic but sturdy aluminum frames, 2x8 drivetrain setups, 100mm Suntour forks, and similar geometry.

One advantage of the Marlin 5 is that it comes with 29” wheels for size medium and above, where the Cannondale Trail 7 only has 27.5” wheels across the sizes.

Trek Marlin 5 vs Canyon Grand Canyon 5

If you can scrape together just a little bit more cash, the Grand Canyon 5 is an incredibly high-value mountain bike that delivers a lot more bang for your buck than the Marlin 5.

With a 1x12 Sram Shimano Deore drivetrain, a better suspension fork, better Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and a lightweight aluminum frame with trail-ready geometry, this bike gives you a boatload of functionality that’s left off a mountain bike like the Trek Marlin 5.

Because of their direct-to-consumer model, Canyon is able to offer bikes at significantly lower prices than most manufacturers. The Grand Canyon is just $900. In my opinion, this is one of the best value hardtail mountain bikes on the market.

Where to Buy the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

• Direct from Trek
• High Mountain Sports
• Your local bike shop

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About THE AUTHOR

Jakob Thygerson

I love mountain biking and live in Salt Lake City: a central hub for the MTB community. I started biking four years ago when a series of injuries put me out of commission for trail running. While biking started as cross-training, I fell in love with the sport. I mainly enjoy using my bike as a tool for exploration, I've done 50-mile all-day epic rides in the mountains and have been to some amazing places on my bike.

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Review Of Trek Marlin 7: A Good Choice for Trail Enthusiasts?

Trek Marlin 7 is the flagship model from the Marlin lineup. This is a race-ready trail bike that doubles as a daily commuter or a leisure two-wheeler. Thanks to its attractive price, it will find its way into the hands of a variety of adventure-hungry riders.

Marlin 7 Gen 2 is the most expensive model from the beginner-friendly Trek Marlin series. However, its $1,030 price is more than justified.

This is an affordable cross-country bike with race-ready geometry and a much better RockShox fork compared to other cheaper Marlin series models.

If you’re more serious about mountain biking and you want the key to the door of real trail riding , then you should read the rest of our detailed Trek Marlin 7 review. You’re guaranteed to like it.

Trek Marlin 7 Quick Overview

Trek marlin 7 main features, does trek marlin 7 fit your needs, verdict: good value or not, trek marlin 7.

The secret to Marlin 7’s success on the entry-level MTB market is the fact that it combines race-ready elements to budget components to offer a versatile package that fits diametrically different needs, such as trail riding, leisure riding, and commuting.

Key Specifications:

• Frame:  Alpha Silver Aluminum
• Fork: RockShox Judy, 100 mm (80mm for XS)
• Cassette: Shimano Deore M4100, 10 speed
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5120
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
• Rims:  Bontrager Connection, double-wall
• Tire Size:  27.5″/29″ x 2.20″
• Weight:  13.47 kg / 29.7 lbs

Get From Trek

Trek has obviously put a lot of effort into making Marlin 7 Gen 2 a gateway model to some of their higher-priced and higher-specked lineups such as Roscoe or Supercaliber.

Marlin 7 has features from both the entry-level and the mid-range world. It has excellent competition-worthy suspension , brakes, and frame, coupled with a low-level Shimano groupset and a heavier-than-ideal wheelset.

With a few smart upgrades, it can certainly become a bike that can lead you to a cross-country race podium!

Light and Efficient 1×10 Drivetrain

One of the high points of the Trek Malin 7 bike is its light and efficient 1×10 drivetrain. It’s built with an 11-46T cassette.

This means that it has an excellent range of gears .

High-Performing 100mm RockShox Fork

The RockShox Judy fork on Marlin 7 is a big improvement compared to the SR Suntour forks found on other lower-priced Marlin models.

It puts 100mm of travel under your hands but also equips you with a preload function and a Turnkey lockout. Therefore, you can lock it with the flip of a switch even when you’re riding.

The coil spring might make the fork feel a bit inefficient if you are very short and light, but if you have an average weight, you’ll be happy with it.

This fork is ready for fast descents , rocky terrain, and more technical trails.

Budget-Friendly Components

Shimano Deore components are an upgrade from the previous combination of Shimano Altus and Shimano Acera.

Deore is part of the Shimano lineup, the groupset is the cheapest group marketed towards real mountain bikers.

Deore is well-built and reliable, it even shares some features with more expensive groupsets.

Race-Ready Frame Geometry

By far the most important part of any bike is its frame. Trek Marlin 7 can be proud of its Alpha Silver Aluminum frame as its light, compliant, and nimble on the trails.

The race-inspired geometry makes this bike good both at tight and demanding singletracks, as well as at straight downhills attacked at high speeds.

Its 69.3-69.5-degree head tube angle combined with a 73.5-71.9-degree seat tube angle puts you in a good position to have maximum control.

Reliable Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes are a phenomenal mid-range choice. They are capable of providing you will all the braking power you need when attacking high-speed descents.

Combined with the aluminum Bontrager Connection double-wall wheels and knobby Bontrager XR2 Comp tires, you’ll get  maximum confidence in bends and in wet conditions.

These wheels are not tubeless-ready . Still, they can be easily converted to a tubeless setup which would give Marlin 7 even better trail properties.

To figure out whether or not Marlin 7 is the right bike for you, you first need to define your needs. If trail riding is your hobby or you believe that it might become that, then you should definitely buy Marlin 7. This is a race-ready bike that you can enter amateur competitions with or just have fun with your friends.

But, Marlin 7 is still not too trail-specific that it cannot accomplish other tasks as well. If you can only afford one bike and you want to be able to commute on it as well, this bike can do that.

A few miles on paved roads to get to work will feel like second nature. Best of all, on the way back home, you can hit some trails and end your day the right way.

Geometry & Sizing

Other marlin models.

• Marlin 4 – MSRP $630- Has a lightweight aluminum frame, plenty ogf 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.
• Marlin 6 – MSRP $850 – This model is built with an Alpha Silver Aluminum frame, a mid-range Shimano drivetrain, burly tires, and comes with 100 mm of front suspension travel with lockout.
• Marlin 7 – MSRP $1,030 – Trek’s race-worthy model with an Alloy frame, superior RockShox front suspension, quality drivetrain, Shimano components, and improved Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

Excellent geometry ensures agile steering and the coil-spring RockShox fork provides impressive shock absorption even on rocky surfaces.

The entry-level components keep the price in check but can be upgraded if need be. However, casual riders and first-timers on the trails can enjoy the original setup for years and miles to come.

• Efficient RockShox suspension
• Race-inspired geometry
• Strong Shimano hydraulic brakes
• Wide-range 1x10 drivetrain
• Three attractive colors
• Budget groupsets

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42 thoughts on “ review of trek marlin 7: a good choice for trail enthusiasts ”.

hi jeff im planning to buy marlin7 1,030 dollar DO I NEED TO CHANGE THE PEDAL IM GOING TO PERU INKAS TRAILS DO YOU THINK IS GOOD BUY TO TRAVEL THERE AND MAKE SOME HILLS IN MACCHU PICCHU TRAIL MOU

Hey Miguel, in my opinion, the stock pedals are perfectly fine. The only reason why you might want to change them is if you want to switch to clipless shoes and pedals. Otherwise, stick with the stock ones and enjoy your trip!

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Loved the world over, the Marlin has long held the hearts of new riders and seasoned rippers alike, and to keep everyone rolling with ear-to-ear grins we’ve revamped it with more trail confidence than ever. Whether zipping through town, dipping your toes into the trail for the first time or slicing through switchbacks as a well-seasoned rider, you’ll appreciate the sleek new frame that ups the capability and brings looks to match. There’s a reason why it’s always been your favourite.

Total trail confidence A bike's geometry is the defining framework it's built on, and the Marlin is a true mountain bike at it's core. Its measurements are perfectly dialled to give you a confidence-inspiring, planted feel when you’re rolling down steep and bumpy trails, while keeping it easy to pedal back to the top when you’re ready for another lap.

Marlin’s head tube (a) sits at a slacker (more acute) angle. The slacker head tube angle (b) moves your front wheel further in front of you. Take it to the trail, and this slacker head tube angle (b) boosts stability and control for confidence when descents get steep and rowdy.

To balance a slacker head tube angle (b) , the Marlin features a steeper (more upright) seat tube angle (d) . A steeper seat tube (c) lets you get the most out of every pedal stroke, so you don’t waste power on the climb to the top.

The Marlin is equipped with a short stem and wider handlebar for more direct control and responsiveness when you’re manoeuvring through rocks and roots. Meanwhile, a longer reach (e) gives you extra stability so you can ride faster and more confidently.

Secure your ride

A new Thru-Skew axle provides better rear wheel security, holding your wheel in place snugly and ensuring it doesn't slip out of the frame, even when you're rolling through rough-and-tumble terrain.

Fully guarded

Full-length, full-coverage guards on the chainstay protect your frame and keep your ride quiet.

Float on the trail

Big 2.4˝ tyres elevate traction, so you stay planted on dusty switchbacks. But not only do bigger tyres give you more grip — they also soak up bumps for a smoother ride.

Upgrade ready

With a frame this nice, you won’t want to part ways with your Marlin as your skills grow. The Marlin Gen 3 is upgrade-ready, so you can upgrade your bike when you upgrade your skills. New internal cable routing lets you install a dropper post – and sizes XS and up can be upgraded to a bigger 120 mm fork when you’re ready to take on bigger trails.

A bike for everyone We believe that every rider deserves a well-fitted bike, that’s why the Marlin is available in every size from XXS to XXL – and even an 'extra-medium' size for riders who fall in between a medium and large. Each size is tuned to its riders, with Smart Wheel Sizing that scales the wheel size with the bike size, so every rider has comfortable standover height. Smaller, XXS and XS frames also feature a curved top tube to boost confidence and make getting on and off a breeze.

Make Marlin yours Whether you’re regularly ripping up the trail or a rugged city commuter, your Marlin can be fully customised with a treasure-trove of accessories. From kickstands and grips to bottle cages and bags, you can turn your Marlin into the perfect bike for your everyday ride.

• Deck out your Marlin

Trek warranty and backing We believe that when you put your heart and soul into something, you should have the stomach to back it up. That’s why we stand behind all Trek bikes with a limited-lifetime warranty. From your first ride to your 500th, we’ll be here for you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your Marlin. All you have to do is pop into your local Trek retailer and you’ll find all the support you need to get back spinning in no time.

The Marlin family Both generations of Marlins are true mountain bikes aimed at the rider who wants a versatile hardtail capable of off-road singletrack or in-city missions. Both generations have a 100 mm travel suspension fork and 29” wheels on most sizes except for smaller sizes with proportionate suspension travel and wheels, thus making it a great bike for shorter riders as well.

Marlin Gen 2

Get all-around versatility on Marlin Gen 2. It fits up to 2.2˝ tyres, and features balanced, neutral geometry that keeps you comfortable and in control as you venture off-road.

Marlin Gen 3

Get serious trail capability with Marlin Gen 3’s bigger, 2.4˝ tyre clearance, internal dropper post routing and a stiffer, more secure ThruSkew rear axle. Plus, its updated longer, slacker geometry gives you a boost in stability on steeper trails and at higher speeds.

Looking for something more to fill your singletrack appetite?

If you’re itching for a lighter weight, even faster hardtail, the X-Caliber is your ride. It’s light, sleek and efficient – perfect for new riders, cross-country racers and anyone who wants to cover a lot more trail miles in a lot less time.

The Roscoe delivers the capability of a full suspension trail bike in a simple hardtail package. The laid-back geometry that gives you tons of stability on rowdier trails, and it rolls on big 2.6˝ tyres that give tons of traction for getting through rough and tricky sections of trail.

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• General MTB Discussion

Project build - trek hard tail

• Thread starter Squidfayce
• Start date May 30, 2021

So I have a trek marlin 5 sitting around that's full stock. It's my rat bike. I'm thinking about giving it an overhaul to make it less shit to ride when I want to/need to. Possibly making it capable for a bit of trail bashing if I want to take a mate that doesn't ride etc. The idea will be basically to replace everything but the frame. The stock parts are rubbish. I want to convert it to a 1x first of all, tubeless, change of forks etc. Any tips or cost effective ideas people want to share? Any pitfalls I need to be aware of?  

HamboCairns

Thanks for all the bananas.

Squidfayce said: So I have a trek marlin 5 sitting around that's full stock. It's my rat bike. I'm thinking about giving it an overhaul to make it less shit to ride when I want to/need to. Possibly making it capable for a bit of trail bashing if I want to take a mate that doesn't ride etc. The idea will be basically to replace everything but the frame. The stock parts are rubbish. I want to convert it to a 1x first of all, tubeless, change of forks etc. Any tips or cost effective ideas people want to share? Any pitfalls I need to be aware of? Click to expand...

Likes Bikes and Dirt

HamboCairns said: It's a straight steerer headtube so finding a fork won't be easy. Click to expand...

HamboCairns said: It's a straight steerer headtube so finding a fork won't be easy. Also the freehub is 7 or 8 speed, will a 10sp fit? Lastly, why not just buy a new bike? Click to expand...

call me Mia

Squidfayce said: Will be replacing the freehub/wheels. Re new bike, because I'm hoping to not spend new bike money on a hardtail Also planning on trying my hand at painting the frame. Click to expand...

Isaakk said: Someone around here probably has an EC44/40 bottom headset cup that should take care of that. Failing that, could buy one new. Click to expand...

Do you make an adapter that will allow me to use a tapered fork on my bike? - Cane Creek Cycling Components

moorey said: 8sp HG will fit up to 12sp HG cassettes. Click to expand...

in me vL comy

HamboCairns said: Does the Trek's head tube have an inside diameter of 44mm? Do you make an adapter that will allow me to use a tapered fork on my bike? - Cane Creek Cycling Components Your bicycle’s headtube must have an inside diameter of 44mm or larger in order to use any tapered steer fork. Traditional 1 1/8 in headtubes, or 34mm inside diameter headtubes, cannot accept a tapered steering column fork, therefore we do not make an adapter that will allow you to use a... canecreek.com Click to expand...

Cardy George

Piercing rural members since 1981.

PJO said: In general... If the headset cups are inside the frame (with a 1 1/8" fork) then it would be a 44mm. Or (unlikely for Trek) a 49mm head tube, or even a 44/56 tapered head tube with a reducing crown race (even less likely). If there is an external cup for the bearings then it isn't. I looked at a few pics and the Marlin 5s I saw looked like the cups were inside the frame (hence 44mm). Click to expand...

That's very interesting, I can eventually get a cheap tapered air fork for my wife's bike with the right headset!  

HamboCairns said: That's very interesting, I can eventually get a cheap tapered air fork for my wife's bike with the right headset! Click to expand...

PJO said: And you only need to buy the bottom half of the headset. Click to expand...

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Marlin 7 is your best friend on the trail and wherever else you roll thanks to its confidence-boosting trail geometry. It finds the perfect balance between price and performance with an upgraded RockShox suspension fork that makes quick work of rocks and bumps in your path, and the huge gearing range of a SRAM 12-speed SX Eagle drivetrain. It's right for you if... You want a go-anywhere trail bike that's got upgrades where it matters most, but won't break the bank. You want to build skills on the trail, and need a bike with confidence-inspiring geometry and upgraded components that can keep up with your progress. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with modern trail riding geometry and internal routing that keeps cables protected and the bike looking sleek. An upgraded RockShox suspension fork smooths out rowdy trails, 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle shifting, and the serious stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes. The final word Marlin 7 is the go-to trail bike for those wanting to build skills on the singletrack and get the right bang for their buck with upgraded suspension and confidence-inspiring geometry. Why you'll love it - Marlin Gen 3 gives you serious trail capability, with big tire clearance and slack, confidence-boosting geometry that keeps you stable from singletrack to city - Its upgraded RockShox fork gives you 100mm of suspension for turning rocks and roots in the trail into smooth-sailing - Rack and fender mounts make it easy to accessorize, so your mountain bike can double as a rugged commuter - Internal routing makes it easy to add a dropper post that lets you lower your saddle on the fly for more confident descending - Marlin models in sizes XXS and XS have a curved top tube and lower standover height that makes it easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – X-Large: 29-inch

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Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3

Marlin 5 is a trail-worthy daily rider that's perfectly suited for everyday adventures, on and off the trail. It features a trail-savvy frame with a suspension fork, 9-speed Shimano CUES shifting, and mounts for a rack and kickstand that make it an ideal choice for trail riders or anyone looking for a comfortable, stable commuter with the ruggedness of a real mountain bike. It's right for you if... - You're new to the trail and you’re looking for a real mountain bike that doubles as a commuter — and you want it all at an exceptional value. The tech you get - A lightweight aluminum frame with internal routing to protect your cables and add to the bike's sleek look, an upgraded 9-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain, a wide range of gearing so you always have the right gear for your terrain, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and a terrain-smoothing suspension fork with a lockout. The final word - Marlin 5 is a great ride for all your adventures. It's also versatile and a popular ride on college campuses because the rack and kickstand mounts make it easy to accessorize and haul a load. Why you'll love it - Marlin Gen 3 gives you serious trail capability, with big tire clearance and slack, confidence-boosting geometry that keeps you stable from singletrack to city - Rack and fender mounts make it easy to accessorize, so your mountain bike can double as a rugged commuter - Its ThruSkew system is safer, simpler, and stronger, plus it makes removing the rear wheel easy for flat fixes in a pinch - Internal routing makes it easy to add a dropper post that lets you lower your saddle on the fly for more confident descending - Marlin models in sizes XXS and XS have a curved top tube and lower standover height that makes it easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount

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A shorter ski will be easier to turn yet not as stable as a longer ski. A carving ski with a skinnier waist and a smaller turn radius can be skied at a shorter length than an all mountain or a freeride ski with larger, longer turn radius and fatter waist width.

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