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/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/marlin/marlin-8-gen-2/p/34649/
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  • Marlin 8 Gen 2
Overview

It's right for you if...

You want a race-ready mountain bike with upgrades on the parts that make a big difference in performance, like a lighter, higher quality suspension fork, wide-range 1x drivetrain, and tubeless ready wheels.

The tech you get

A light frame with internal cable routing, a smoother-feeling RockShox Judy Silver fork with a Solo Air spring and TurnKey hydraulic lockout, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless ready Bontrager Kovee wheels, and a simple 1x12 drivetrain that ditches the front derailleur for less clutter and easier operation. The wide-range 11-50 cassette gives you all the gears you need for clawing up climbs and blazing down descents.

The final word

The tubeless ready wheels, RockShox suspension, wide range of gearing, and quality parts make it an awesome choice for new mountain bikers who know they want a serious bike for their money. It’s fully capable of taking on big trail adventures and XC races.

The Walkthrough

favorite_borderWhy you'll love it

  1. This is one of our most popular bikes for good reason. You get all the value, plus all the versatility—it's a totally race-worthy mountain bike, with rear rack mounts if you use it for commuting too
  2. The RockShox fork's Solo Air spring can easily be adjusted for a specific rider weight, and it's lighter than a coil spring
  3. Setting your wheels up tubeless reduces the overall weight of your bike and the chances you’ll get a flat
  4. The 1x drivetrain gives you all the gears you need and none you don’t
  5. 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
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"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."

Read more

More options

2023
Marlin 7 Gen 2

Marlin 7 Gen 2

$1,029.99 

2023
Marlin 6 Gen 2

Marlin 6 Gen 2

$849.99 

2023
Marlin 5 Gen 2

Marlin 5 Gen 2

$739.99 

2023
Marlin 4 Gen 2

Marlin 4 Gen 2

$629.99 

2023
Marlin Frameset Gen 2

Marlin Frameset Gen 2

$449.99 

5 things to do before every mountain bike ride

Do this quick pre-ride safety check before you hit the trails.

Learn more

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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

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

Rack mounts

Going for a long ride? Rack mounts make carrying accessories a breeze.

Blendr stem

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

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

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.

Specs Sizing
Geometry Service Reviews
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