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It's right for you if...
You're new to the trail and you’re looking for a real mountain bike that doubles as a commuter—and you want it all at an exceptional value.
The tech you get
A lightweight aluminum frame with internal routing to protect your cables and add to the bike's sleek look, 2x8 drivetrain, a wide range of gearing so you always have the right gear for your terrain, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and a terrain-smoothing suspension fork with a lockout.
The final word
Marlin 5 is a great ride for all your adventures. But it's also versatile, and Marlin 5 is a popular ride on college campuses because the rack and kickstand mounts make it easy to accessorize and haul a load.
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
- Smaller frame sizes (XXS, 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 XXS through S frame sizes have a curved top tube and a lower standover height that makes it easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount
- 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."
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Features
Will my bike have a curved top tube?
Smaller frames 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. Larger frame sizes 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.
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.
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
Internal cable routing
We route shift and brake cables through the frame to keep things clean and simple. And it looks great, too.
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.
5 things to do before every mountain bike ride
Do this quick pre-ride safety check before you hit the trails.
Learn moreSpecifications
*spec applies to all sizes unless otherwise noted
| Frame | Alpha Silver Aluminum, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR |
|---|---|
| *Fork |
Size:
XXS SR Suntour XCM 30, coil spring, lockout, preload, 100mm QR, 100mm travel, 26'' wheel |
|
Size:
XS SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 80mm travel |
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Size:
S SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel |
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Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 46mm offset for 29'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm 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, 5x100mm QR |
|---|---|
| Hub rear | Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5mm QR |
| *Rim |
Size:
XXS Bontrager Connection, alloy, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, schrader valve |
|
Size:
XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, schrader valve |
|
| Spokes | 14g stainless steel |
| *Tire |
Size:
XXS Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 26x2.20'' |
|
Size:
XS , S Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 27.5x2.20'' |
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|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.20'' |
|
| Max tire size | Frame: 29x2.20" (XS & S: 27.5x2.4") Fork: See manufacturer |
| Shifter | Shimano Altus M315, 8 speed |
|---|---|
| Front derailleur | Shimano Altus M315, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Altus M310 |
| *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 |
|
| Bottom bracket | Sealed cartridge, 73mm |
| Cassette | Shimano HG200, 12-32, 8 speed |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3, 8 speed |
| Pedal | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Max chainring size | 1x/2x: 34T, 3x: 42T |
| 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 |
|
| *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 |
|
| Grips | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on |
| *Stem |
Size:
XXS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 35mm length |
|
Size:
XS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 50mm length |
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|
Size:
S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length |
|
|
Size:
M Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length |
|
|
Size:
ML , L Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length |
|
|
Size:
XL , XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 90mm length |
|
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1-1/8'' |
| Brake | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc |
| Brake Set | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor |
| Weight | M - 13.97 kg / 30.81 lbs |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
Sizing & Tech
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.
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" | XXS | 26" | 34.3 | 72.8 | 72.8 | 9 | 68.6 | 54.6 | 29 | 5.2 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 8.9 | 105.2 | 65.7 | 36.9 | 57 |
| 13.5" | XS | 27.5" | 34.3 | 73.5° | 73.5° | 9 | 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 | 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 | 69.5° | 60.2 | 31 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 110 | 74.8 | 41.8 | 60.2 |
| 18.5" | ML | 29" | 44.4 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 9 | 69.5° | 61.8 | 31 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 111.6 | 75.8 | 43.4 | 60.2 |
| 19.5" | L | 29" | 47 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 10 | 69.5° | 63.8 | 31 | 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 | 69.5° | 65.9 | 31 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 115.9 | 76.9 | 46.6 | 63 |
| 23.0" | XXL | 29" | 55.9 | 71.9° | 73.0° | 12 | 69.5° | 67.3 | 31.1 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 117.3 | 80.4 | 48 | 63 |