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It's right for you if...
You want an introductory mountain bike at an incredible price, but also want a commuter that's rugged enough to hop curbs on the way to class.
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, 21 speeds, a wide range of gearing so you always have the right gear for your terrain, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and a suspension fork that takes the edge off bumps and rough terrain.
The final word
It's built in Trek's mountain bike heritage and great for any adventure. The rack and fender mounts make it a great choice for commuters who want to get a little rad on the way to class or the grocery store.
The Walkthrough
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- It's a real mountain bike that's also perfectly suited to daily commutes, rides around campus, or just getting from A to B on any surface
- Rack and fender mounts make it easy to accessorize, so your mountain bike can double as a rugged commuter
- 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
- 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
- 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."
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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 videoYou might also like
Features
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.
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.
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.
Rack mounts
Going for a long ride? Rack mounts make carrying accessories a breeze.
Blendr stem
Bontrager stem technology lets you clip your gear directly to the stem for clean looks, maximum user friendliness.
Learn more
Specifications
*spec applies to all sizes unless otherwise noted
| *Frame |
Size:
XS , S Alpha Silver Aluminum, low standover, 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 |
|
| *Fork |
Size:
XS SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 80mm travel |
|
Size:
S SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel |
|
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 46mm offset for 29'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel |
|
| Max compatible fork travel | 100mm |
| Front hub | Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR |
|---|---|
| Rear hub | Formula DC-31, alloy, 6-bolt, 6/7/8 speed freewheel, 135x5mm QR |
| Rim | Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, schrader valve |
| *Spokes |
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL 14g, stainless |
|
Size:
M 14g, stainless steel, black |
|
| *Tire |
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'' |
|
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.00'' |
|
| Max tire size | 29x2.20" (XS & S: 27.5x2.4") |
| Shifter | Shimano Altus EF500, 7 speed |
|---|---|
| Front derailleur | Shimano Tourney TY300, 34.9mm clamp, down swing, down pull |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Tourney TY300, long cage, 34T max cog |
| Crank | Shimano Tourney TY301, 42/34/24, 170mm length |
| Bottom bracket | VP BC73, 73mm, threaded cartridge |
| Cassette | Shimano TZ500, 14-28, 7 speed |
| Chain | KMC Z7, 7 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 1x: 32T, 3x: 42T |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length |
|
Size:
XS , S Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length |
|
|
Size:
M Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 360mm length |
|
|
Size:
ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager alloy, 27.2mm, 12mm offset, 400mm length |
|
|
Size:
ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 400mm length |
|
| *Handlebar |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 660mm width |
|
Size:
XS , S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 690mm width |
|
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width |
|
| Grips | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on |
| *Stem |
Size:
XS , S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length |
|
Size:
XS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 50mm length |
|
|
Size:
S , M Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length |
|
|
Size:
M Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length |
|
|
Size:
ML , L Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length |
|
|
Size:
XL , XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 100mm length |
|
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1-1/8'' |
| *Brake |
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc, 160mm rotor |
|
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Tektro MD-M281 mechanical disc |
| Weight | M - 14.50 kg / 31.97 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 Trek 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"
L
177.0 - 188.0 cm
5'9.7" - 6'2.0"
83.0 - 88.0 cm
32.7" - 34.6"
XL
186.0 - 196.0 cm
6'1.2" - 6'5.2"
87.0 - 92.0 cm
34.3" - 36.2"
2XL
195.0 - 203.0 cm
6'4.8" - 6'7.9"
92.0 - 95.0 cm
36.2" - 37.4"
All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise noted.
| 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 | 69.8 | 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 | 72.4 | 38.5 | 57.4 |
| 17.5 | M | 29" | 41.9 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 9.0 | 69.5° | 60.2 | 31.0 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 110.0 | 74.8 | 41.8 | 60.2 |
| 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 |
| 19.5 | L | 29" | 47.0 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 10.0 | 69.5° | 63.8 | 31.0 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 113.7 | 75.7 | 45.1 | 61.1 |
| 21.5 | XL | 29" | 52.1 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 12.0 | 69.5° | 65.9 | 31.0 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 115.9 | 76.9 | 46.6 | 63.0 |
| 23.0 | XXL | 29" | 55.9 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 12.0 | 69.5° | 67.3 | 31.1 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 117.3 | 80.4 | 48.0 | 63.0 |