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Trek Marlin 4

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Weight / M - 14.50 kg / 31.97 lbs (with tubes)

At a glance

Where to buy.

"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."

Specifications

• 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
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Size: XS , S Size: M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.20''
• Chain KMC Z7, 7 speed
• Crank Shimano Tourney TY301, 42/34/24, 170mm length
• Shifters Shimano Altus EF500, 7 speed
• Cassette Shimano TZ500, 14-28, 7 speed
• Brakeset 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
• Handlebar Size: XS , S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 660mm width Size: XS , S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 690mm width
• 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
• 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
• Headset Semi-integrated, 1-1/8''

Q: Where to buy a 2021 Trek Marlin 4?

The 2021 Trek Marlin 4 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2021 Trek Marlin 4 weigh?

A 2021 Trek Marlin 4 weights M - 14.50 kg / 31.97 lbs (with tubes).

Q: What size wheels does the 2021 Trek Marlin 4 have?

The 2021 Trek Marlin 4 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2021 Trek Marlin 4 should I get?

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TREK Marlin 7 : Is there possibility to add larger chainring on it?

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Hello everyone, This is my first message in the forum, so please correct me if I choose incorrect topic, etc. So, last year (2021) I got my Trek Marlin 7 bike(M). Right after it I changed chainring from 28T to 34T. It works perfectly, but my problem is more wider then just this upgrade. I'm not a mountain biker, I used my old no name 26'' bike just for weekend workout, riding 20-30 miles using normal gravel trails. I'm happy with my new Marlin, but I found that I'm getting more tired riding it because of 1X10 system and 34T chainring is not enough for me in this case. I also know that this size is a top which I can put on it. My question is: is there any way, any success customization to add like 42T or even 46T as a chainring? I agree to change bottom bracket or like rear wheel, etc. During my ride I use only last 3 speeds (8, 9, 10), but this is not enough in my case. I'm finishing very tired with new Marlin. I changed tires to slick, put seat for full leg, but it's not enough. Thank you for responses!  

Sounds like it's time for a road bike!  

The fact that the Marlin 4 and 5 have front derailleurs suggests you could probably put one on your bike and switch to a 2x or 3x drivetrain with larger chainrings. But that will be expensive and if you’re just riding gravel, you might consider trading in your bike for something more appropriate. Perhaps an FX hybrid or a Dual sport if you like a suspension fork  

I don't understand your tired comment. Are you spinning your legs like crazy? You want the gear to be harder so you can go faster and spin at a normal cadence? What are you feeling while riding that's making you tired.  

cassieno said: I don't understand your tired comment. Are you spinning your legs like crazy? You want the gear to be harder so you can go faster and spin at a normal cadence? What are you feeling while riding that's making you tired. Click to expand...

Closing topic - today I changed chainring to Shimano M361 (42/32/22T) and without even add front derailleur it works perfect for me. It goes much faster on 9 or 10th speed!  

Am I reading this right that you have 3 upfront now and didn't need to use a derailleur? I have the marlin 7 and have been thinking to put a 2 x upfront as I'm used to be able to go alot faster and pretrt much have the same issue as you mentioned yourself  

I have a 2020 trek Marlin 7 and I replaced my 28t front chain ring to a 32t. I contacted Trek and they said that 32t was the largest size that will work with the drive train. I want to put on a 34t. Did you have to do any modification to the rest of the drive train when you upsized to 34t?  

Hey, thanks for your report. I'm trying to put an oval 32t on my Marlin 7 gen 2. I wonder if you share some details with me on your switch. I'm trying to find the BCD of the stock crankset / chainring. I've checked for some indication of CBD on the chainring itself and didn't see anything. If necessary, I'll measure it with my calipers, but ... this is new to me, so a little external guidance would be appreciated. THANKS!  

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• Marlin 6 Gen 2

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2

Marlin 6 is a cross country mountain bike built to give you an efficient off-road ride with a suspension fork that locks out, and a simple 1x drivetrain. It's made for mountain biking, but it's also equipped with features like rack and kickstand mounts that make it a great choice for adventurous daily commutes. It's right for you if... You're testing the waters of off-road riding and want a real mountain bike at a great value with a wide range of gears to cover more ground on the road and trail. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with internal routing to protect your cables and add to the bike's sleek look, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and a simple 1x10 Shimano drivetrain that ditches the front derailleur for less clutter and easier operation. The wide-range cassette still gives you all the gears you need for big climbs and steep descents. Plus, a suspension fork with a lever that lets you easily lock the suspension so you don't waste energy on smooth terrain. The final word Marlin 6 gives you upgrades you'll notice on every ride, like the smooth, simple shifting Shimano drivetrain. Extra-strong, double-walled rims and powerful hydraulic disc brakes give you durability and stopping power for your most rugged adventures on the trail, in town, and everywhere in between. Why you'll love it - The 1x drivetrain gives you all the gears you need and none you don't - 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

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.

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

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Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Review: Beginner’s Dream Mountain Bike

The Trek Marlin 6 2023 is the newest iteration of the entry-level XC hardtail family designed for light trail riding, gravel paths, fire roads, and mixed-terrain commuting. 

The 2023 Gen 2 model is the same as the Trek Marlin 6 2022, only with different colors and a new name. Trek overhauled its naming system for the upcoming year, referring to the models by the number of generations there have been. So the latest version of a Trek bike has the highest ‘Gen’ number.

This Trek Marlin 6 review will cover the bike’s main specs and highlights, answer some buyer questions, and provide our verdict on who should buy one. 

How Much is the Trek Marlin 6?

Trek Marlin 6 price is $850 and sits in the middle of the price range of the five Marlin models. The cheapest model costs $630, and the most expensive is $1,330. Alongside the 820, the Marlin is Trek’s most affordable mountain bike family.

• Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain
• Rack and kickstand mounts
• Progressive sizing 
• Low-performance coil fork

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Full List of Specs

Trek marlin 6 gen 2 full review.

In this section, we will cover the main features of the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 and what makes it stand out in the sub-$1,000 MTB category. 

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 is available in four modern paint jobs that will suit any type of rider.

What Type of Bike Is a Trek Marlin 6?

The Trek Marlin 6 MTB is a modern-looking cross-country hardtail with a 100mm coil suspension fork, perfect for beginner mountain bikers. Unfortunately, the rudimentary suspension limits the Marlin 6 to relatively mild trails. Nonetheless, it makes an excellent day-to-day bike for commuting, transport, and leisure.

Alpha Silver Aluminum Frame

Trek uses its Alpha Silver aluminum frame for the Marlin 6. Thanks to the company’s consistent design and materials innovations, these frames outperform the similarly-priced competition in compliance and comfort. 

Internal cable routing means Marlin 6 looks sleek and neat, while it also protects the cables from excessive wear and tear.

The frame has quick-release axles, tidy internal cable routing, and mounts for a rack and kickstand, allowing you to equip the Marlin for commuting or bikepacking. One unusual feature of this bike is the curved top tube on the smaller models (XS, S) that lowers the standover height for a better fit. 

Is the Trek Marlin 6 Good for Jumps?

No, the Trek Marlin 6 isn’t good for jumps. Unfortunately, as a cheap hardtail, this bike uses a low-performance coil-spring Suntour XCT 30 fork with 100mm of travel (80mm on XS). This fork performs poorly on bumpy trails but is adequate for day-to-day riding and light off-roading .

Thankfully, the fork has preload and hydraulic lockout settings, but the headtube isn’t tapered, meaning it will be harder to upgrade.  

Shimano Deore 10-Speed Drivetrain

The standout feature for us is the Shimano Deore M4100 10-speed drivetrain. The Trek Marlin 6 is one of the only bikes with this hardware at $850 or below. In addition, an 11-46t cassette and 30t chainring provide plenty of gearing for steep gradients. 

Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain is a standard in this price range across the industry, as it provides plenty of gear range and smooth gear shifting.

Generally, sub-$1,000 mountain bikes have cheaper drivetrains that shift poorly and lose efficiency quickly. However, Deore M4100 is durable and smooth-shifting , and the single chainring makes it easier to maintain. 

Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Another excellent inclusion for a bike of this price is hydraulic disc brakes. Although entry-level, Tektro’s HD-M275 brakeset with 160mm rotors performs well at this price range and for a bike of this spec. 

Hydraulic discs allow you to stop safely in wet weather and with plenty of power and reliability in most situations. However, if you plan on tackling advanced trails, neither this bike nor the brakes are adequate. 

2.20″ Tires and Progressive Wheel Sizing

The Trek Marlin 6 has Bontrager XR2 Comp tires for handling hardpack trails, gravel paths, and pavement where traction is relatively predictable. These XC-style tires roll fast and provide decent grip but will slip and slide in wet trail conditions. 

Even though the tires are not tubeless-ready, they are wide enough to provide plenty of traction in varying conditions that come with modern mountain biking.

The XS and Small sizes of this bike have 27.5″ rims, while the others use 29ers. Progressive sizing makes the Marlin fit more consistently across rider heights. Unfortunately, the wheelset and tires are not tubeless-ready. 

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Sizing Chart

• XS — 4’9″-5’1″ / 145-155cm
• S —  5’1″-5’5″ / 155-165cm
• M —  5’5″-5’8″ / 165-173cm
• M/L — 5’8″-5’11” / 173-180cm
• L —  5’11”-6’2″ / 180-188cm
• XL —  6’2″-6’5″ / 188-195cm
• 2XL — 6’5″-6’8″ / 195-203cm

Who Is Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Best Suited For?

The Marlin 6 Trek MTB is best for beginner mountain bikers who want to start learning the skills and techniques of the sport on light trails. In addition, cyclists who want a bike for comfortable day-to-day use, running errands, and mixed-terrain commutes will enjoy the Marlin 6. 

We recommend the Marlin 6 Gen 2 to beginner to early-intermediate mountain bikers who mostly stay on light trails and rough dirt and gravel roads.

Again, this bike is limited by its cheap fork, so if you want a bike to grow into and challenge your mountain biking skills, you may want to check out one of the higher-end Trek MTBs. 

Other Trek Marlin Bikes We Reviewed:

• Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 Review

Is Marlin 6 Gen 2 a Good Buy?

We think the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 is a solid choice at just $850. The new-style frame and geometry make it look like the real deal, even if it can’t handle hard riding. 

Most of the Marlin 6’s components are excellent for the price range, including Shimano’s Deore drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, durable Bontrager tires, and a quality frame with solid ride characteristics. 

Don’t miss out on this excellent deal if you’re looking for a cheap do-it-all bike that’s at home on pavement, light mountain trails, and everything in between.

Buy from Trek Bikes

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"I think it's the best looking bike in it's price range, the fit works great for me, and the drivetrain is excellent."

"Ready to rumble"

"Has the chops to squeeze every last drop of fun from local park trails, plus the talent to conquer black diamond terrain on the weekends."

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