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Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 13.5"", 14.5", 15.5", 17.5", 18.5", 19.5", 21.5", 23"

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Size: XXS, XS, Alpha Silver Aluminium, curved top tube, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5 mm ThruSkew; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Alpha Silver Aluminium, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5 mm ThruSkew
• Fork Size: XXS, RockShox Judy, coil spring, preload, TurnKey lockout, 42 mm offset for 27.5"" wheel, 100 mm QR, 80 mm travel; Size: XS, S, RockShox Judy, coil spring, preload, TurnKey lockout, 42 mm offset for 27.5" wheel, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, RockShox Judy, coil spring, preload, TurnKey lockout, 46 mm offset for 29" wheel, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel
• Hubs Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5 mm QR
• Wheels Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless-Ready, 28-hole, 23 mm width, Presta valve
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Size: XXS, Bontrager XT3 Elite, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, wire bead, 60 tpi, 26x2.35""; Size: XS, S, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60 tpi, 27.5x2.35"; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60 tpi, 29x2.35"
• Chain Shimano LG500
• Crank Size: XXS, XS, FSA Alpha Drive, 30T, 160 mm length; Size: S, M, ML, FSA Alpha Drive, 30T, 170 mm length; Size: L, XL, XXL, FSA Alpha Drive, 30T, 175 mm length
• Bottom Bracket FSA , 73 mm, threaded cartridge, 122.5 mm spindle
• Rear Derailleur Shimano CUES U6000 GS
• Shifters Shimano U6000, 10-speed
• Brakeset Size: XXS, XS, S, Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc, short reach; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Size: XXS, XS, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 690 mm width; Size: S, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 720 mm width; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Verse Short, stainless steel rails
• Seatpost Size: XXS, Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 300 mm length; Size: XS, S, M, Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 330 mm length; Size: ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 400 mm length
• Stem Size: XXS, XS, S, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 35 mm length; Size: M, ML, 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; Size: XXL, Bontrager Comp, 31.8 mm, Blendr compatible, 7-degree, 70 mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on

Q: How much is a 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3?

A 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 is typically priced around €899 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 6 Gen 3?

The 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 have?

The 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 should I get?

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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 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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Trek Marlin 5 vs 6 (Read Before Buying)

Bikes , MTB , Other

Updated: April 25, 2023

Disclosure: I may receive referral fees from purchases made through links on BicycleVolt. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re looking for a head-to-head comparison of the Trek Marlin 5 and the Trek Marlin 6, then you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve got a side-by-side spec list below that shows the full list of components that you get with each of these MTBs. I’ll give you a brief overview of the highlights of each of them and then I’ll take you through some of the standout features of these two bikes and how they stack up against each other.

I know how hard it can be when you’re looking for a new bike. You’ve narrowed down the long list of possibles to the final two, but how do you choose between these and make your final decision? It’s not easy. I feel your pain and hope that this write-up is going to make the job easier for you.

Here’s the topline, both the Marlin 5 and 6 are fantastic mountain bikes and my guess is that you’d be happy with either. You’ll see both referred to as ‘entry level’ and, whilst that’s certainly true to an extent, they definitely punch well above their ‘entry level’ category.

Let’s dive in and see how they compare.

Trek Marlin 5 review

Pros: Lower price Cons: non-locking front suspension fork

The cheaper of the two bikes, the Marlin 5 is a heap of fun to ride. I’ve been using one recently as my usual bike is somewhat incapacitated and my wife made the mistake of lending hers to me. She may never get it back…

If you’re dipping a toe in the water of mountain biking, or going out on weekend family bike trips on gravel terrain, or even looking for an all-rounder that will work for weekday commuting and weekend trail riding, then the Marlin 5 might well be the perfect bike for you. It’s light (at under 32 lbs / 14.5 kg) and handles like a dream. The wide handlebars give great control round tight corners and the hydraulic disc brakes allow you to slow down and stop quickly – ideal for switchback trails or mean city streets.

I love suspension, but unless you’re looking to spend serious coin on a top-end MTB, then you should steer clear of full-suspension bikes. Budget rear suspension can be niggly and you won’t appreciate the extra weight it adds. Front suspension is another matter entirely though. The SR Suntour forks that the Marlin 5 is fitted with are great for soaking up all the lumps and bumps in the trail. Gone are the days when trail riding would leave your hands, wrists and forearms feeling like they’d been digging up roads with a pneumatic drill for the day.

If I had a complaint, then it would be the 3×7 drivetrain giving 21 gears to play with. There’s a trend with mountain bikes towards simplifying the drivetrain with many of the top-end bikes now having a single cog at the front and no front derailleur. There’s good reason for this as it reduces weight and does away with components that might otherwise stop working. It’s only a small complaint though as I’ve found that the gears work very smoothly and give plenty of assistance on the uphills, whilst still allowing grin-inducing speeds on the downhills.

The men’s/unisex model comes in three colorways (of which my favorite is the Factory Orange/Lithium Grey) and the women’s in two.

If you like the look of the Marlin 5, but want a more wallet-friendly option, then take a look at my article on the Trek Marlin 4 . A great all-rounder for pavement and light-duty trails.

Trek Marlin 6 review

Pros: Lockout fork, 2×8 gears Cons: More expensive

Take a look down the side-by-side feature list above and you’ll see that the Marlin 6 shares most of the same components as the Marlin 5. Retail pricing puts the Marlin 6 around a $100 higher than the Marlin 5, so what are the differences between the two bikes to justify the price difference?

Well, there are two main points worth highlighting: drivetrain and forks. In contrast to the Marlin 5 with its 3×7 gearing, the Marlin 6 has a 2×8 system. This is a nod towards the high-end bikes with their single cog and gives a simpler front derailleur setup.

My favorite feature of the Marlin 6 is the locking front fork. For me, front suspension on a MTB is an essential. Great for soaking up the unevenness in the trail surface as you’re going downhill. It can be a different matter though when you’re going uphill. A non-locking fork can make the ascents more of a struggle as some of the power from your upper body ends up being dampened by the suspension rather than helping you climb. Compare this with a locking fork, where all the power goes into climbing, and you can start to really feel the difference. This feature alone will justify the price differential.

The Marlin 6 is available in two colorways for the men’s/unisex and two for the women’s (of which my favorite is the Matte Mulberry).

Standout Features of the Trek Marlin 5 and 6

Let’s have a detailed look at some of the features of these two bikes.

Internal cable routing

Both the 5 and 6 have internal cable routing. It’s neater than having cables draped everywhere and also means that there’s less opportunity for them to snag on branches or bike racks

Hydraulic disc brakes

It’s difficult these days to find a mountain bike without hydraulic disc brakes and, once you’ve tried them, you’ll really see the difference vs V-brakes. There’s a vast improvement in responsiveness and they aren’t impacted by oily or muddy rims in the way that v brakes are. Perfect for getting out of trouble when you encounter that enraged squirrel on the trails.

All-day comfort saddle

I’ve found the Bontrager Arvada saddle that the two bikes ship with to be very comfortable (as does my wife, when I let her ride her own bike…). There’s good support right where your ‘sit bones’ are (the perfect spot) and the channel down the center is ideal for eliminating pressure on your perineal area.

I often think that the hard part in choosing a new bike is narrowing the list down from ‘all the bikes in the world’ to the final two. When those final two are the Trek Marlin 5 and 6 though, even this stage is tough.

So the choice comes down to budget, color, and whether you want 16 or 21 gears, or a locking front fork.

Both bikes are great. Both have some great features in common. I’m certain that you’d love both bikes.

Happy cycling.

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• Marlin 6 Gen 3

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3

Marlin 6 is the perfect ride for progressing your skills on the trails. Its updated slacker frame geometry makes it easier to control on descents while the upgraded suspension fork takes the edge off bumpy trails. Integrated rack and kickstand mounts make it easy to add accessories to this versatile steed. It's right for you if... You want a trail bike that's dialed for building confidence on the dirt, and versatile enough for commuting to work or school. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with modern trail riding geometry and internal routing that keeps cables protected and keep the bike looking sleek. A 100mm RockShox Judy front suspension fork that cushions rocks, roots, and bumps in the trail, 10-speed fuss-free Shimano CUES shifting, and the serious stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes. The final word Marlin 6 is an ideal trail bike for riders who want to progress on the dirt and want a bike that can keep them rolling off of the trail, too. 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 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 Features: Will my bike have a curved top tube? Smaller frames have a top tube that dips down as it approaches the seat tube. This design makes for a lower standover height, which is good for shorter riders because it allows them to straddle their bike more easily. Larger frame sizes have a straight top tube because taller riders with longer legs typically don’t have the same issues with standover height. Fit for every rider Marlin comes in seven frame sizes to suit riders of any height, and Smart Wheel Size ensures you’re on the fastest wheel that fits. The smallest sizes even come with short-reach brake levers and narrower handlebars that give smaller riders better comfort and control. High-tech, high-value Marlin looks and feels great. It’s packed with features usually found only on more expensive bikes, like a stylish frame with internal shift cable and brake hose routing, which can help your cables last longer by protecting them from the elements. Shimano CUES Inspired by rider demand for trouble-free drivetrain longevity and performance, Shimano CUES offers a new foundation for versatility and durability across a range of both electric and standard bikes. CUES features Shimano’s new LINKGLIDE drivetrain technology for significantly increased life on wear items like chains, cassettes, and chainrings. Shimano LINKGLIDE LINKGLIDE technology has been specifically engineered for incredible durability while still delivering smooth and decisive shifting – along with a great pedaling experience. Available exclusively on Shimano CUES drivetrains. Upgrade your pedals and love your bike more Pedals are two of the five touchpoints that connect you with your bike, and even though this bike comes with a pair, upgrading to pedals that boost control and grip will greatly improve your ride. See the pedal guide and find the best pedals for your riding style. We recommend flat pedals for simple versatility. Wheel size: - Size XX-Small: 26-inch - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – XX-Large: 29-inch

All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise noted.

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• Marlin 6 Gen 2

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2

Marlin 6 is a cross country mountain bike built to give you an efficient off-road ride with a suspension fork that locks out, and a simple 1x drivetrain. It's made for mountain biking, but it's also equipped with features like rack and kickstand mounts that make it a great choice for adventurous daily commutes. It's right for you if... You're testing the waters of off-road riding and want a real mountain bike at a great value with a wide range of gears to cover more ground on the road and trail. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with internal routing to protect your cables and add to the bike's sleek look, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and a simple 1x10 Shimano drivetrain that ditches the front derailleur for less clutter and easier operation. The wide-range cassette still gives you all the gears you need for big climbs and steep descents. Plus, a suspension fork with a lever that lets you easily lock the suspension so you don't waste energy on smooth terrain. The final word Marlin 6 gives you upgrades you'll notice on every ride, like the smooth, simple shifting Shimano drivetrain. Extra-strong, double-walled rims and powerful hydraulic disc brakes give you durability and stopping power for your most rugged adventures on the trail, in town, and everywhere in between. Why you'll love it - The 1x drivetrain gives you all the gears you need and none you don't - Smaller frame sizes (XXS, XS, and S) have short-reach brake levers that make it easier and more comfortable for riders with smaller hands to brake confidently - Marlin models in XXS through S frame sizes have a curved top tube and a lower standover height that makes it easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount - Rack and kickstand mounts make it easy to accessorize, so your mountain bike can double as a rugged commuter - Like every model in the Marlin family, it's backed by Trek's lifetime warranty

Will my bike have a curved top tube?

Smaller frames (XS and S) have a top tube that dips down as it approaches the seat tube. This design makes for a lower standover height, which is good for shorter riders because it allows them to straddle their bike more easily. The larger frames (M and ML) have a straight top tube because taller riders with longer legs typically don’t have the same issues with standover height.

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

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Part Numbers

• Marlin 6 Gen 3

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