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Trek Upgrades Its Most Popular Bike: The Marlin

trek marlin upgradeEven young kids can ride the Marlin with its new XXS size. Photos c. Trek
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The Marlin has long served as Trek’s entry-level mountain bike, matching a reasonable price with decent equipment.

With a few significant upgrades, the Marlin’s entry-level now starts a bit higher.

Riders can expect updated geometry, a new frame, increased tire clearance, and a rear axle system that “enhances stability and strength,” according to the Trek press release. Forks can be upgraded on most models for greater versatility, and there’s even a new XXS size for younger kids who want to start shredding with family and friends.

Trek Marlin Update: Details

The new digs begin with the Alpha Silver Aluminum frame, which Trek developed for “more compliant frames that retain the acceleration and affordability that have always made aluminum popular,” according to the bike maker’s website.

Updated geometry includes a slacker head tube, longer reach, and wider bars. A 100mm fork helps absorb the shock from roots and rocks, but can also be upgraded to a 120mm fork for sizes XS and up.

Taking advantage of greater tire clearance, the Marlin now runs 2.4″ tires offering “improved grip and comfort on rugged trails,” Trek said.

Another major addition is the Thru Skew rear axle system. It bolsters safety and wheel security by fastening the rear wheel to the closed dropout system, Trek claimed, while still adhering to the 135mm rear hub standard. The Thru-Skew uses a removable lever, which riders can store for a “cleaner aesthetic” during rides, the company said.

Internal cable routing also gets an update, Trek said, enabling compatibility with internally routed dropper posts. Thanks to internal foam tubes, the cables are also less likely to rattle on rough terrain. And speaking of noise reduction, a full-coverage chain stay guard reduces chain slaps, while shielding against scratches.

Trek Marlin: Pricing and Availability

With the addition of the XXS size, the Marlin now comes in a plethora of sizes, from XXS to XXL. The sizes also change depending on the needs of different-sized riders. The smaller frames, for example, include a curved top tube and accommodate 26″ wheels.

The upgrades apply to the Marlin 6, 7, and 8 models, which have MSRPs of $900, $1,000, and $1,300, respectively.

Still want the cheaper, older version of the Marlin? No problem. Trek will continue to sell the Marlin 4 and 5 models, which cost $630 and $740, respectively.

trekbikes.com

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Justa Ryder
Justa Ryder
8 months ago

Rough, $900+ for a 135mm rear and non-tapered headtube..

Moose
Moose
8 months ago

Isn’t the Marlin a Gary Fisher?

jamie
jamie
8 months ago
Reply to  Moose

it was, i think Trek bought Gary Fisher.

Seraph
Seraph
8 months ago
Reply to  jamie

Trek bought Gary Fisher back in 1993.

Cedric Bethea
Cedric Bethea
8 months ago

I brought a Trek Marlin 6 in 2017. I have rode it over 50,000 miles in 6 years now and it is a great bike for everyday commuting. The best thing about it is it’s frame geometry because it’s very easy on the human body, especially with some simple upgrades. The upgrades, i.e. new fork etc made it look and ride like a high-end expensive bike. I would highly recommend a Trek Marlin because of it geometry alone.

Nope
8 months ago
Reply to  Cedric Bethea

You did more on your bike than me in car bought 2016 with 29000 miles.

Matt
Matt
5 months ago
Reply to  Cedric Bethea

I recently bought a marlin 7. Replaced the coil spring shox with rockshox Domaine 160mmforks with the 38mm stantions. Put maxxis minions dhf’s 2.4″ both front and back. Wider bars, lighter pedals, stickier grips, stronger lighter wheels, new Shimano xt derailer, shorter neck, rockshox dropper with int. Routing…. I’ve gotten it down to roughly 26.8 lbs and it handles amazing. Best hardtail I think….

Brian
Brian
8 months ago

Thru-skew sucks, I hate they are putting that on more bikes. You have to now buy different hub caps end to make it compatible, versus just being able to buy some wheels and inserting them into the bike using standard thru axles. Stop doing this stuff Trek.

Poca De Gracia
Poca De Gracia
8 months ago
Reply to  Brian

Is this the same thing Marin does on the Rift Zone?

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