2023 Trek

Marlin 5 Gen 2

A 27.5″ / 26″ / 29″ aluminum frame hardtail crosscountry bike with modest components.
Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

$599$739
Weight30.8 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionHardtail, 100mm
ForkSuntour XCM
Wheels27.5″ / 26″ / 29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 8
GroupsetAltus, Shimano
BrakesHydraulic Disc
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Top Comparison
Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Marlin 5 Gen 2
Other Crosscountry bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

26 mph

Marlin 5 Gen 2

27 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Marlin model range

View Comparison
Sizing
13.5"

4'9" – 5'2"

15.5"

5'1" – 5'6"

17.5"

5'4" – 5'10"

18.5"

5'8" – 5'11"

19.5"

5'9" – 6'3"

21.5"

6'1" – 6'6"

23"

6'4" – 6'8"

Rider Fit Notes
  • 6'3", size XL, Just right
Price History
Reviews
99 Spokes
Trek Marlin Model Overview: Which is Best for You?

Sep 2023

Not only is the Trek Marlin one of the most searched bikes on our website, it's also Trek's best selling mountain bike! And for good ...

Watch Review

Escape Collective
Trek Marlin Gen 3 review: Good bones - Escape Collective

Apr 2024 · James Huang

Trek’s entry-level aluminum hardtail mountain bike.

Highs
  • 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.

Lows
  • Mega-heavy fork with minimal adjustability

  • Tubeless costs extra

  • Limited upgrade potential.

Read Review

Bikerumor
Trek Upgrades Its Most Popular Bike: The Marlin

May 2023

Riders can expect updated geometry, a new frame, increased tire clearance and a rear axle system that "enhances stability," Trek said.

Read Review

BikeRadar
Trek Marlin 8 review

Feb 2023 · Oscar Huckle

Can the Marlin compete with the bigger players?

Highs
  • Lots of frame sizes

  • Excellent tyre choice

  • Dropper seatpost

  • Upgrade potential

Lows
  • Roomier seated position would be preferred

  • Quick-release rather than thru-axle

  • Rattly internal cable routing

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

Size: XXS, XS, S, Alpha Silver Aluminum, curved top tube, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Alpha Silver Aluminum, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR

Tire Clearance2.2"

ColorsLithium Grey; Volt to Miami Green Fade; Azure

Fork

Size: XXS, SR Suntour XCM 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 26'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel; Size: XS, SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 80mm travel; Size: S, SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 46mm offset for 29'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel

Travel100mm

Spring TypeCoil

Bottom Bracket

Sealed cartridge, 73mm

Headset

Semi-integrated, 1-1/8''

Stem

Size: XXS, Bontrager Comp, 31.8mm, 7 degree, 35mm length; Size: XS, Bontrager Comp, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 50mm length; Size: S, Bontrager Comp, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length; Size: M, Bontrager Comp, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length; Size: ML, L, Bontrager Comp, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: XL, XXL, Bontrager Comp, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length

Handlebar

Size: XXS, XS, Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 690mm width; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width

Saddle

Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width

Seatpost

Size: XXS, Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 300mm length; Size: XS, S, M, Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length; Size: ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 400mm length

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Altus M310

Front Derailleur

Shimano Altus M315, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull

Crank

Size: XXS, Prowheel TM-CY10, 36/22, 160mm length; Size: XS, S, M, Shimano M315, 36/22, 170mm length; Size: ML, L, XL, XXL, Shimano M315, 36/22, 175mm length

Shifters

Size: XXS, XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Shimano M315, 2 speed; Size: XXS, XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Shimano M315, 8 speed

Cassette

Shimano HG200, 12-32, 8 speed

Chain

KMC Z8.3, 8 speed

Brakes

Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Size: XS, S, Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20 mm width, Schrader valve, Black; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20 mm width, Schrader valve

Front Hub

Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR

Rear Hub

Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5mm QR

Tires

Size: XXS, Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 26x2.20''; Size: XS, S, Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 27.5x2.20''; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.20''

Rider Notes
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Last updated April 20