More options
It's right for you if...
You’re looking for a versatile, wallet-friendly hardtail frameset you can build up exactly the way you want. You'll fly through singletrack, tackle rugged, all-terrain commutes, or both, depending on how you spec it.
The tech you get
A lightweight and sturdy Alpha Silver Aluminum frame, internal routing to protect cables from the elements, mounts for a rear rack and kickstand, and a headset. Designed with Smart Wheel Sizing: smaller frames fit 27.5˝ wheels and larger frames fit 29˝ wheels.
The final word
It's a light and capable frameset at a great value. You can spec it as a solid cross country mountain bike without breaking the bank, or build up a rugged commuter that easily handles potholes and rough roads.
The Walkthrough
favorite_borderWhy you'll love it
- 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
- It's really fun to ride, and feels like a much more expensive mountain bike
- Internal cable routing extends the life of your cables and adds to the bike's sleek look
- 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.
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.
Internal cable routing
We route shift and brake cables through the frame to keep things clean and simple. And it looks great, too.
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 |
|---|---|
| Max compatible fork travel | 100mm (XS & S: 490mm axle-to-crown, M & up: 509mm axle-to-crown) |
| Max tire size | Frame: 29x2.20" (XS & S: 27.5x2.4") Fork: See manufacturer |
|---|
| Max chainring size | 1x/2x: 34T, 3x: 42T |
|---|
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1-1/8'' |
|---|
| Weight | M - 2.03 kg / 4.47 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" | 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 |