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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
- 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
- The RockShox fork's Solo Air spring can easily be adjusted for a specific rider weight, and it's lighter than a coil spring
- Setting your wheels up tubeless reduces the overall weight of your bike and the chances you’ll get a flat
- The 1x drivetrain gives you all the gears you need and none you don’t
- 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
"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 , XS RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring, rebound adjust, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 80mm travel |
|
Size:
S RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring, rebound adjust, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel |
|
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring, rebound adjust, TurnKey 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 LW, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR |
|---|---|
| Hub rear | Formula DC-22LW, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5mm QR |
| *Rim |
Size:
XXS , XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, 23mm width, presta valve |
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 32-hole, 23mm width, presta valve |
|
| *Tire |
Size:
XXS Maxxis Ardent, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 26x2.40'' |
|
Size:
XS , S Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 27.5x2.35'' |
|
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 29x2.35'' |
|
|
Size:
M , ML , L , XL , XXL Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 29x2.20'' |
|
| Max tire size | Frame: 29x2.20" (XS & S: 27.5x2.4") Fork: See manufacturer |
| Shifter | SRAM SX Eagle, 12 speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle |
| *Crank |
Size:
XXS SRAM SX Eagle, 30T steel ring, 49mm chainline, 155mm length |
|
Size:
XS , S , M SRAM SX Eagle, 30T steel ring, 49mm chainline, 170mm length |
|
|
Size:
ML , L , XL , XXL SRAM SX Eagle, 30T steel ring, 49mm chainline, 175mm length |
|
| Bottom bracket | Truvativ Powerspline, 73mm, threaded cartridge, 118mm spindle |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle, 12 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 Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| *Stem |
Size:
XXS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 35mm length |
|
Size:
XXS , XS Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 50mm length |
|
|
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 | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
| *Brake rotor |
Size:
XXS , XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Shimano RT26, 6-bolt,160mm |
|
Size:
L , XL , XXL Shimano RT26, 6-bolt,180mm |
|
| Brake Set | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | M - 13.20 kg / 29.1 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 & 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 | 73.4 | 73.4 | 9 | 69.1 | 54.4 | 28.6 | 5.7 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 8.54 | 104.8 | 65.2 | 37.5 | 56.6 |
| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 5.8 | 43.8 | 4.2 | 9.3 | 115.9 | 76.9 | 46.6 | 63.0 |