The Trek Marlin is already one of the best budget mountain bikes on the market and one of the best-selling bikes for Trek. The Wisconsin brand has now added three new Gen 3 models to the Marlin range and says with the all-new features, entry-level mountain bikers riding the new Marlin will be better equipped than ever to hit the trails without breaking your budget.
The new Trek Marlin Gen 3 boasts updated geometry and features that aim to inspire confidence and improve performance wherever it rolls. We delved into the new models and checked out the features for the 2023 range.
Trek adds a new Alpha Silver Aluminium frame that also gets a trail bike update, with a slacker head tube which is now 66.5 degrees from the old Marlin's 69.5, a longer reach at 440mm matches up with the Trek Roscoe, and the seat tube angle is tweaked from 73.5 to 74 degrees, and again matches the Roscoe. Wider bars and a shortened stem combined are all designed to give confidence when hitting rougher terrain.
The new frame is paired with a 100mm fork, that depending on the model chosen varies in manufacturer. Trek says the fork can also be upgraded to a 120mm fork on sizes from XS and upwards, as new riders develop their skills and want more from their ride. Increased tire clearance, also gives riders options with rubber and the Marlin can roll on tires up to 2.4 inches in size. All models also come tubeless ready and feature Trek’s Smart Wheel Sizing, with wheel size increasing proportionally along with frame size.
Also new is a Thru Skew rear axle that ups wheel security, and secures into a closed dropout system for a safer, simpler, and stronger ride, while retaining the existing 135mm rear hub. Another handy feature is a removable Thru Skew lever for added wheel security and a cleaner look while riding. Though while this is a neat solution, a much preferable option would have been upgrading the frame to run to a 148mm Boost width hub and a 12mm through-axle to improve rear end stiffness.
The three new models feature an updated internal cable routing and added internally routed dropper post on the Marlin 8 with compatibility to add on the 7 and 6. Internal foam tubes simplify cable routing and prevent cables from rattling on rough rides, and to increase frame protection there is a full-coverage chainstay guard.
Trek continues expanding the Marlin range with an additional XXS size this year, offering a fit for shorter riders and growing kids and a maximum size of XXL.
Pricing and specifications
The Trek Marlin is available now with the Marlin 8 priced at $1,299.00 / £1,230.00 / €1,329.00, Marlin 7 at $999.99 / £950.00 / €1029.00 and Marlin 6 at $899.99 / £760.00 / €819.00. For the price-conscious, the Trek Marlin will still be available in its previous generation on Marlin 4 and 5. With more information available at Trekbikes.com.
Trek Marlin 8 Gen 3
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Judy Silver, 100mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
- Bar: Bontrager alloy, 690mm
- Stem: Bontrager aluminum, 35mm
- Seatpost: TranzX, 100mm-150mm dropper internal
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 180mm
- Wheels: Bontrager Kovee
- Tires: Maxxis Ardent tubeless ready
- Size: XXS-XXL
- Price: $1299.00 / £1230.00 / €1329.00
Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Judy, 100mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore, 10-speed
- Bar: Bontrager alloy, 690mm
- Stem: Bontrager aluminum, 35mm
- Seatpost: Bontrager Alloy, dropper compatible
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 180mm
- Wheels: Bontrager Kovee
- Tires: Bontrager XT3 Comp, tubeless ready
- Size: XXS-XXL
- Price: $999.99 / £950.00 / €1029.00
Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour XCT 30, 100mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore, 10-speed
- Bar: Bontrager alloy, 690mm
- Stem: Bontrager aluminum, 35mm
- Seatpost: Bontrager Alloy, dropper compatible
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 180mm
- Wheels: Bontrager Kovee
- Tires: Bontrager XT3 Comp, tubeless ready
- Size: XXS-XXL
- Price: $899.99 / £760.00 / €819.00
