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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 shift cable and brake hose routing to protect your cables and add to the bike's sleek look, an efficient 2x8 drivetrain, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, a saddle designed for women, and a suspension fork that takes the edge off bumps and rough terrain, 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
Performance features like suspension lockout, stronger double-walled rims, and hydraulic disc brakes. It's also equipped with rack and kickstand mounts and a wide range of gears. These design details make it a great choice if your mountain bike doubles as your commuter.
The Walkthrough
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- The 2x drivetrain gives you all the gears you need and none you don’t
- Marlin models in XS and S frame sizes have a curved top tube and a lower standover height that makes it easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount
- Smaller frame sizes (XS and S) have short-reach brake levers that make it easier and more comfortable for riders with smaller hands to brake confidently
- 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
"Look fast, feel fast, go fast."
"Unlike some bikes on the cheap end of the spectrum that cater to the recreational user, this one is aimed firmly at entry-level riders who want a bike that's affordable yet capable of riding and racing hard."
Learn more
How to: Wash your bike
A clean bike is a happy bike, but washing your ride is a bit more complicated than a quick spray with the hose or a joyride through your local car wash. Follow our step-by-step process and you’ll learn the dos and don’ts of keeping your bike in tip-top shape!
Watch the video
How to: Pump your tires
Setting your bike's tire pressure correctly will give you a more comfortable ride with better grip and handling. Even better, it can help prevent flats
Watch the video
How to: Fix a flat tire
Flat? Fixed. Our simple how-to video will show you how to get back on two wheels in no time flat.
Watch the videoFeatures
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.
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.
Rack mounts
Going for a long ride? Rack mounts make carrying accessories a breeze.
Suspension lockout
Locked suspension means your fork remains inactive, increasing pedaling efficiency. Perfect for extended road sections where efficiency is more important than bump absorption.
Rear kickstand mount
Chainstay mounts make it easy to install a rear kickstand that stays out of your way and supports bikes of all sizes. No more laying or leaning.
Blendr stem
Bontrager stem technology lets you clip your gear directly to the stem for clean looks, maximum user friendliness.
Learn more
Internal cable routing
We route shift and brake cables through the frame to keep things clean and simple. And it looks great, too.
Specifications
*spec applies to all sizes unless otherwise noted
| Frame | Alpha Silver Aluminium, internal routing, chainstay disc-brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5 mm QR |
|---|---|
| *Fork |
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 SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 100 mm QR, 100 mm 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, 42 mm offset for 27.5" wheel, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel |
|
| Max compatible fork travel | 100mm (XS & S: 490mm axle-to-crown, M & up: 509mm axle-to-crown) |
| Hub front | Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100 mm QR |
|---|---|
| Hub rear | Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5 mm QR |
| Rim | Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, schrader valve |
| Spokes | 14 g stainless steel |
| *Tire |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 27.5x2.20" |
|
Size:
M , ML Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.20" |
|
| Max tire size | 29x2.20" (XS & S: 27.5x2.4") |
| *Shifter |
Size:
XS , S , M , ML Shimano Altus M315, 8 speed |
|---|---|
|
Size:
XS , S , M , ML Shimano Altus M315, 8-speed |
|
| Front derailleur | Shimano Altus M315, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Altus M310 |
| *Crank |
Size:
XS , S , M Shimano M315, 36/22, 170mm length |
|
Size:
ML Shimano M315, 36/22, 175mm length |
|
| Bottom bracket | VP BC73, 73mm, threaded cartridge |
| Cassette | Shimano HG31, 11-34, 8 speed |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3, 8 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 1x/2x: 34T, 3x: 42T |
| Saddle | Bontrager Ajna Women's |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost |
Size:
XS , S , M Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length |
|
Size:
ML Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 400mm length |
|
| *Handlebar |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 690mm width |
|
Size:
M , ML Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width |
|
| Grips | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on |
| *Stem |
Size:
XS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 50mm length |
|
Size:
S , M Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length |
|
|
Size:
ML Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length |
|
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1-1/8'' |
| *Brake |
Size:
XS , S Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc, short reach lever |
|
Size:
M , ML Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | M - 14.37 kg / 31.67 lbs (with tubes) |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
Sizing & fit
The charts below show our recommended sizes based on height, but there are some other factors, like arm and leg length, that determine a great fit. That’s why you’ll see some overlap in our recommendations. Not every rider who’s 5´8˝, for example, will fit on the same size bike. The best way to find your perfect fit is to consult the experts at your local retailer.
Rider Height
Inseam
XS
137.0 - 155.0 cm
4'5.9" - 5'1.0"
64.0 - 73.0 cm
25.2" - 28.7"
S
153.0 - 166.5 cm
5'0.2" - 5'5.6"
72.0 - 79.0 cm
28.3" - 31.1"
M
161.0 - 172.0 cm
5'3.4" - 5'7.7"
76.0 - 81.0 cm
29.9" - 31.9"
M/L
165.5 - 179.0 cm
5'5.2" - 5'10.5"
77.0 - 84.0 cm
30.3" - 33.1"
All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise stated.
| Frame size number | Frame size letter | Wheel size | A — Seat tube | B — Seat tube angle | Effective seat tube angle | C — Head tube length | D — Head angle | E — Effective top tube | F — Bottom bracket height | G — Bottom bracket drop | H — Chainstay length | I — Offset | J — Trail | K — Wheelbase | L — Standover | M — Frame reach | N — Frame stack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.5 | XS | 27.5" | 34.3 | 73.5° | 73.5° | 9.0 | 69.3° | 54.4 | 29.2 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 8.8 | 104.9 | 65.8 | 37.6 | 56.5 |
| 15.5 | S | 27.5" | 36.8 | 73.5° | 73.5° | 9.0 | 69.3° | 55.5 | 30.2 | 4.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 8.8 | 106.6 | 68.6 | 38.5 | 57.4 |
| 17.5 | M | 29" | 41.9 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 9.0 | 69.5° | 60.2 | 31.1 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 110.0 | 74.8 | 41.8 | 60.2 |
| 18.5 | ML | 29" | 44.4 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 9.0 | 69.5° | 61.8 | 31.0 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 111.6 | 75.8 | 43.4 | 60.2 |