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Trek Marlin+ 8 Review| Electrifying A Popular MTB

A Bosch motor, air-spring suspension fork and 12-speed drivetrain make this no ordinary entry-level eMTB.

If you recognize the Marlin name, that’s because the Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular hardtail mountain bikes. The “+” designation is what they give their electrified models. With the Marlin+ 8, Trek begins with an aluminum frame adds a Bosch Active Line Plus motor powered by a CompactTube 400 battery. They chose an affordable but full-featured RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and 4-piston Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

Most of the e-bikes we review come in a single size, or maybe step-over and step-thru frames (which often have the same reach due to battery size), but Trek produces the Marlin+ 8 in five sizes, which should be great news for riders at either end of the bell curve of height—both more petite riders and big and tall shoppers. Our large frame test bike fit me like a glove.

Trek knows what people want in an eMTB, and they were careful to include some important components even as they balanced the need to keep this eMTB as affordable as possible, considering some of the eMTBs they are competing against in an ever-growing field. Being spec’d with tubeless-ready tires and rims as well as a dropper post demonstrate that this isn’t all show and no tell.

But the heart of the Trek Marlin+ 8 is the Bosch motor. Supremely subtle at times, and clearly boosting in the right scenarios. It even has ‘set it and forget it’ abilities.

There’s a lot to this e-bike; let’s dig into how it performed in our battery of tests.

• Bosch motor works great; the integration with pedaling is nearly seamless
• Incredibly efficient—one of the most efficient range tests we’ve had
• Great components abound; it is a really solid value
• Hardtail geo—handles great on trails but is still great for daily use
• Love the 4-piston Shimano brakes
• RockShox air-spring fork made for a very cush ride
• Five sizes for a perfect fit

• The nylon pedals that are included aren’t great, though that’s true of nearly all included pedals; anyone planning to ride off road will want to upgrade
• Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400Wh
• Display: Bosch Purion 200
• Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus
• Headlight: N/A
• Taillights: N/A
• Pedal Assist: Eco, Tour+, Turbo
• Claimed Range:
• Throttle: N/A
• App: Bosch Flow
• UL Certification: 2849 (complete system)
• Claimed weight: 46.96 lbs.
• Tested Weight:
• Rider height range: 4 feet 9 to 6 feet 5
• Total payload capacity: 300 lbs.
• Brakes: Shimano 4-piston hydraulic, 203mm rotors
• Fenders: N/A
• Fork: RockShox Recon Silver RL
• Frame: Alpha Gold aluminum, five sizes
• Drivetrain: 12-speed Shimano Deore
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Comp
• Saddle: Bontrager Verse P3
• Handlebar: Bontrager alloy, 15° rise, 720mm-wide XS, S; 750mm-wide M, L, XL
• Kickstand: included
• Pedals: Nylon platform
• Tires: Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR

Thanks to the Rock Shox suspension fork, the Trek Marlin+ 8 has the ability to roll over big obstacles and soak up hard bumps.

With 203mm rotors and 4-piston disc brakes from Shimano, the Marlin+ 8 has plenty of stopping power.

The Marlin+ 8’s frame includes mounts for a kickstand and rear rack.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Speed Test

In our speed test, I found it easy to get the Trek Marlin+ 8 up to speed, hitting 11 mph without any assistance. When I set the pedal-assist level to Eco, my speed climbed to 12.8 mph. That may not sound like much, but it’s noticeable. Tour+ kicked my pace up to 15.2 mph. Then, in Turbo, I zipped along at 19.3 mph.

Those are the numbers, but that doesn’t say much about the experience. Admittedly, Eco and Tour+ were somewhat subtle in their assistance, but they do make a difference. It may be that I didn’t feel as much as I expected because of how seamlessly the motor integrates with your pedaling. I felt more as I powered down than powered up.

One of the things the Trek Marlin+ 8 offers is what Trek and Bosch call “Auto Mode.” As Trek describes it, “More bike riding and less button mashing.” Auto Mode changes the assistance level as you ride to help even out your pace.

I came to think of Auto Mode as cruise control. With Eco and Tour+, I enjoyed a nice pace but could feel my speed slow as I hit hills. Turbo seemed to ramp up constantly as if it was always trying to boost my pace up to the maximum. With Auto Mode, I got a “set it and forget it” mode that kept my pace and feeling even.

As much as I liked how Bosch and Trek set the power output at each assistance level, part of the beauty of the Bosch Flow app is that you can adjust the output levels for each setting, including adjusting the torque and how quickly the motor reacts.

Thanks to a dropper post, steep descents are thrilling, rather than scary, with the Marlin+ 8.

The 12-speed Shimano Deore cassette gives riders a 510% gear range.

The 32t chainring is small enough to pay off when climbing steep hills.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Range Test

The pairing of the Bosch Active Line Plus and the CompactTube 400 made for a very efficient e-bike. Because we often review e-bikes with 750W hub motors, for which 400Wh won’t go far, we understand that, at first, 400Wh may not sound like much capacity. But 400Wh isn’t a measure of range; it’s only a measure of how much capacity the battery has—that is, how much work it can do.

Trek has paired the 400Wh CompactTube battery with a 36V, 250W motor, which draws much less current than a 48V, 750W motor. Think of it like the size of a gas tank. A 20 gal. tank in a Sprinter van won’t take it far, but in a Prius, you’ll be able to drive all day and not stop for gas.

To find out just what the Trek Marlin+ 8 is capable of, we performed two different range tests, one on the lowest assistance level (Eco) and the highest assistance level (Turbo). Plot spoiler: It performed very well in both tests.

Trek doesn’t publish range estimates, but we used Bosch’s web-based E-Bike Range Calculator , and after selecting from a number of variables including rider weight and riding environment, it suggested that the Trek Marlin+ 8 might have a range of up to 57 mi. in Eco and 29 mi. in Turbo. Let’s see how it did.

When we took the Trek Marlin+ 8 out for its max assistance range test (Turbo), we went 30.7 mi. at an average speed of 17.1 mph with 530 feet of climbing. It’s a remarkable result.

For the Eco test we saw a whopping range of 71.2 mph at an average speed of 13.2 mph over 1475 ft. of climbing.

Remember when I said this was a remarkably efficient e-bike? This is what I was talking about. We’ve seen e-bikes that offer a range of 70 mi. or more; they aren’t hard to find. What is hard to find is one that can cover that much distance with a 400Wh battery. That’s not common.

Let’s put this in perspective: When figuring out a car’s efficiency we look at miles per gallon, which is simply miles traveled divided by fuel used. Well, we do the same thing with batteries. We’ve calculated this for more than 260 e-bikes we’ve reviewed. How good is the Trek Marlin+ 8? It scored eighth on our minimum assistance test and 14th for the maximum assistance test. This is even more impressive when we consider that our speeds weren’t pokey. We’ve seen e-bikes achieve impressive ranges in Eco, but go so slowly it defeats the purpose of having an e-bike. The Trek Marlin+ 8 impressed us at every turn.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Hill Test

Let’s put this performance in perspective, as we’ve definitely had quicker climbers. Justin does all the tests at a moderate effort. He’s not going all-out because, well, most folks don’t see going as hard as possible on a hill as much fun. E-bikes with cadence sensors don’t care how hard you go; set to their max PAS, they are putting out their maximum wattage. With e-bikes with mid-drive motors, the torque sensor responds to rider effort—you go harder, it goes harder. The upshot is that a moderate effort on an e-bike with a mid-drive motor (or any e-bike with a torque sensor) will result in a moderate output from the e-bike.

What this means is that the Trek Marlin+ 8 is capable of climbing faster than this. Many motors we test produce more than 50Nm of torque, and while it may seem like a lackluster number, it’s important to keep in mind that e-bikes with mid-drive motors don’t need to produce as much torque because they use the mechanical advantage of the drivetrain, which effectively multiplies the torque. And the drivetrain is very effective in this regard. Like un-motorized mountain bikes, the Trek Marlin+ 8 has a 12-speed drivetrain—Shimano’s remarkably good Deore group—which gives riders a 510 percent range of gears—more than double what we see with many e-bikes at the value end of the market.

What this adds up to is an e-bike that didn’t fully show its abilities in this test; it is a most capable climber.

The combination of 29-in. wheels and 2.6-in.-wide tires make it easy to roll up and over rocks and roots and maintain great traction throughout.

The Shimano Deore drivetrain performs so well it can be difficult to distinguish from more expensive groups like SLX.

The compact display isn’t always easy to read on the move, but it is easy to reach and shows relevant info.

When set up to run tubeless, the 2.6-in.-wide Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR tires roll quickly and prove difficult to puncture.

The Bontrager Verse P3 is smaller than some saddles we see but offers good support and is easy to maneuver around.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Ride Quality

The Trek Marlin+ 8 is built with an aluminum alloy frame, what Trek calls Alpha Gold aluminum. This is a relatively thin-walled aluminum that is butted—tubes are thicker on the where they are welded—and also hydroformed to give the tubes the shapes they take. What this adds up to is a frame that is lighter and stronger than what we find at lower price points.

Trek produces the Marlin+ 8 in five sizes to truly fit nearly anyone. Two sizes, the small and extra small, roll on 27.5-in. wheels to keep the standover height and reach reasonable for people of modest height. The medium, large and extra large roll on 29-in. wheels, which allows them to make the most of this eMTBs ability to roll over rocks and roots. Trek says that the Marlin+ 8 should fit everyone from 4 feet 9 up to 6 feet 5 and that is a range you can believe … thanks to five sizes. The two smallest sizes also get a narrower bar than the bigger sizes.

The fork is RockShox’s Recon Silver RL, which is an air-spring fork with adjustable damping, adjustable air pressure and preload, plus lockout. It also offers 120mm of travel; compare that with the 60, 80 or 100mm of travel we often see on more cost-conscious e-bikes. The difference between this fork and the suspension forks with coil springs we see on value-targeted e-bikes is significant; it will do more to soak up little bumps while also doing a better job of absorbing bigger hits.

For riders looking to ride singletrack trails who also need to stick to a budget that won’t max out a credit card, the Trek Marlin+ 8 is an outstanding option. It will offer a level of performance that is unlikely to be matched by anything going for less than $3000. This is a different world of performance from the fat-tire, all-terrain e-bikes that are so heavily advertised. And while it’s made for off road use, there’s nothing to say you can’t commute to work on the Marlin+ 8.

One detail that would be easy to overlook that will definitely affect the ride quality is their tire choice. The Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR tires are tubeless ready which means that a bike shop can remove the tubes and set the tires up to be run tubeless. This does several things for your experience. First, it improves the ride quality by allowing the tire to flex more. It also allows you to run lower tire pressure, which also improves ride quality. Running tires tubeless also cuts rolling resistance which means that running lower tire pressure won’t slow you down. Finally, it improves flat resistance because should the tire be punctured, sealant inside the tire will usually plug the hole before it goes flat.

We’re beginning to see some eMTBs at lower price points and one thing they don’t offer is the ability to set up the tires for tubeless riding. It’s easy to underestimate how this improves an eMTB’s ride quality.

One last detail not to overlook is the presence of a dropper post. Of the many technical innovations in mountain biking over the last 25 years (and there have been many), dropper posts changed the experience of going down steep descents by allowing the rider to press a lever with their thumb and with their body weight push the saddle down, allowing them to get their body down to lower their center of gravity, making downhills entirely more fun than they would be with the seat all the way up.

Air-spring suspension forks like the Rock Shox Recon Silver RL give riders a much smoother ride than coil-spring forks.

The Bosch Active Line Plus motor is the real star of the show with the Marlin+ 8. It can produce up to 600W and 55Nm of torque.

The Trek Marlin+ 8 is a terrific eMTB and one of our only criticisms was that these pedals don’t offer enough grip off road.

That Trek chose to include a dropper post on the Marlin+ 8 makes a big difference when on steep descents; it’s a confidence booster.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Summary / Where to Buy

The Bosch Flow app allows for a great deal of adjustment to customize the motor to your preference, plus it converts your smartphone into a large display that allows you to see more data as you ride.

The componentry is great considering what you pay. There may be nicer stuff out there, but not at this price. And because this is a Trek product, it is possible to get a test ride before you buy it and when the day comes that your e-bike needs service, Trek dealers are easy to find.

The majority of e-bikes we review weigh more than 60 lbs. With an eMTB more weight is a penalty, so manufacturers try to keep them as light as possible, relative to their price—less weight always equals mo money. With the Trek Marlin+ 8, the weight was kept to a surprisingly low 49.6 lbs. Considering what this eMTB goes for, that’s a terrific weight.

Trek knows that some buyers of the Marlin may want to run errands or commute with their e-bike. The Trek Marlin+ 8 comes with mounts for a kickstand, fenders and a rear rack should you want it to serve double, or triple, duty.

For anyone who is on the fence about whether to buy a fat-tire e-bike or make a bigger investment and buy the Trek Marlin+ 8, we recommend the Trek Marlin+ 8 for anyone who wants to focus on off-road riding and plans to ride technical trails. This is an e-bike for someone who looks at a hiking trail and thinks, “That would be more fun on two wheels.”

For the person who wasn’t a mountain biker in the past, but wants an e-bike that will grow with them and reward both increasing fitness and ability, the Trek Marlin+ 8 is a great place to start. This is an eMTB that won’t prevent you from taking the singletrack trails you encounter, and it will still be loads of fun on the road, whether that road is paved, or not.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let the Electric Bike Report team know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Trek Marlin +8 down in our comments section.

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Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 Review

Trek Marlin 8 is the premium build from Trek’s family of cross-country hardtail mountain bikes. 

The Trek Marlin 8’s price is $1,330, a significant increase on the 7, but this is justified by air suspension, a tubeless-ready wheelset, and wide-range gearing, making it far more capable than the other Marlins. 

Beginner and intermediate riders can be confident aboard this bike, taking advantage of its race-ready characteristics. Alternatively, load it up with a rack and kickstand and use it as a mixed-terrain commuter. 

Our Trek Marlin 8 review will examine the bike’s strengths and weaknesses and offer a verdict on who should buy it. 

How Heavy Is the Trek Marlin 8?

The Trek Marlin 8’s weight is 29.1 lbs, almost three pounds lighter than the cheapest model. In addition, this bike is two to three pounds lighter than similarly-priced hardtails, which makes it notably faster going uphill. 

• Air suspension fork
• Tubeless-ready wheelset
• Lightweight for the price
• SRAM SX Eagle is a step down from the Marlin 7’s Deore M4100

Trek Marlin 8 Specs

Trek marlin 8 gen 2 full review.

Next, we’ll dive deeper into the components and features that make this bike stand out. But first, note the Trek Marlin 8 2022 is the same as the Marlin 8 Gen 2. 

Is the Trek Marlin 8 a Trail Bike?

When comparing the Trek Marlin 7 vs. Marlin 8, there’s a discernable difference in the ability to handle chunkier terrain. However, the Marlin 8 is still considered a cross-country bike , given the 100mm of suspension and XC-specific components. Most trail bikes have 130mm or more suspension travel.

RockShox Judy Silver Solo Air Fork 

Trek Bikes went for RockShox’s Judy Silver Solo Air suspension fork, which is the standout component of this bike’s setup. It’s relatively light, moves smoothly through the travel, and has decent small bump sensitivity.

The RockShox Judy air fork will easily give you your money’s worth if you decide to take Trek Marlin 8 on proper MTB trails.

Of course, it’s not going to handle big hits on rough trails with only 30mm stanchions and 100mm of travel  (80mm on XXS, XS), but it’s plenty capable on fast, flowy XC trails. It also has basic TurnKey lockout and preload adjustments.

Can You Add a Dropper Post to a Trek Marlin 8?

Yes, you can add some of the best dropper posts to a Trek Marlin 8. There is a hole to run the dropper internally through the top tube, but you will have to run the wire externally through the seat tube, as there is no hole at the bottom.

12-speed Gearing and Shimano Brakes

The Trek Marlin 8 mountain bike uses a modern 1×12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, comprising a 30t steel chainring and an 11-50t cassette. This combination provides tons of range for the steepest climbs you’ll encounter.

SRAM’s SX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain offers a massive gear range to conquer virtually any hill you come across on your rides.

Although the gear range is better than the Marlin 7, we’re disappointed with the switch to SX Eagle, as it is a step down from Deore M4100 in performance and durability. 

Thankfully, Trek maintained the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes on this bike, ensuring reliable stopping power in all conditions. 

Tubeless-ready Maxxis Ardent Tires and Bontrager Kovee Rims

The Trek Marlin 8 takes a huge step up with XC-specific Maxxis Ardent EXO tubeless-ready tires. These are fast-rolling, race-ready tires for dry to mixed trail conditions. The three-compound design reduces rolling resistance and optimizes traction, while the EXO layer provides cut and abrasion protection. 

Running a tubeless setup gives the Marlin 8 MTB a massive boost in capability and comfort. Riders can run lower tire pressure to enhance traction, shock absorption, and control, opening up more trail opportunities. In addition, the risk of puncturing is greatly reduced. 

Likewise, the Bontrager Kovee tubeless-ready rims are a marked improvement over the Connection rims on the other four models. They’re lighter, more durable, and designed specifically for cross-country riding. 

Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 Sizing Chart

• XXS — 4’5″-4’9″ / 135-145cm
• 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 8 Gen 2 Best Suited For?

The Trek Marlin 8 is a proper XC bike for cross-country cycling , ideal for beginner or intermediate mountain bikers who want an affordable yet capable option to hit the trails. Likewise, this bike can double as a comfortable mixed-terrain commuter or bikepacking machine, thanks to the rack and kickstand mounts. 

Marlin 8 is compatible with a rear rack and even with a kickstand, so it can be a practical daily commuter or even a capable bikepacking machine.

The Marlin 8 is a broadly-appealing option as its versatility, reasonable price, and durability make it a great bike to develop your mountain biking skills on and even upgrade in the future. 

Other Trek Marlin Bikes We Reviewed:

• Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 Review
• Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2 Review

Is Marlin 8 Gen 2 a Good Buy?

The Marlin 8 is an excellent buy at this price . You get Trek’s renowned reliability, air suspension, a tubeless-ready wheelset, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and a lightweight, compliant frame.

Trek gave Marlin 8 a premium finish, so the bike looks a lot more expensive than it really is, which is a nice plus if that’s something you care about.

It isn’t easy to find a hardtail at this price that handles cross-country racing, but this bike can put it up to the more expensive models. Trek Marlin 8 reviews online also paint an overwhelmingly positive picture, a testament to the quality and the value this bike offers in the sub-$1,500 price range. 

Choose Trek’s Marlin 8 if you’re looking for an affordable, race-ready XC hardtail that’s equally at home in the city. 

Buy from Trek Bikes

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Sam Millers

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• Crosscountry
• Rider Notes

2023 Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2

A 26″ / 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame hardtail crosscountry bike with upper mid-range components. Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

Marlin 8 Gen 2

In Stock: XXS, XS, SM, & XL

Marlin 8 Gen 2 - 2022, X-Large

In Stock: XL

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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Not only is the Trek Marlin one of the most searched bikes on our website, it's also Trek's best selling mountain bike! And for good ...

Watch Review

Apr 2024 · James Huang

Trek’s entry-level aluminum hardtail mountain bike.

Fantastic frame geometry

Excellent shifting

Looks great

Generous tire clearance

Easy-to-live-with semi-internal routing

Sort of a rear thru-axle.

Mega-heavy fork with minimal adjustability

Tubeless costs extra

Limited upgrade potential.

Read Review

Riders can expect updated geometry, a new frame, increased tire clearance and a rear axle system that "enhances stability," Trek said.

Feb 2023 · Oscar Huckle

Can the Marlin compete with the bigger players?

Lots of frame sizes

Excellent tyre choice

Dropper seatpost

Upgrade potential

Roomier seated position would be preferred

Quick-release rather than thru-axle

Rattly internal cable routing

Last updated June 15

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• Marlin 8 Gen 2

Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2

Marlin 8 is a race-worthy mountain bike that won't break the bank. The smooth, lightweight RockShox fork, tubeless ready wheels, and wide-range 1x drivetrain make this model the best choice for new riders who want a fast cross country hardtail that will hold its own against our higher-end race bikes. 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. Why 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 Wheel size: - Size XX-Small: 26-inch - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – X-Large: 29-inch

Will my bike have a curved top tube?

Smaller frames (XXS-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 up) 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.

Part Numbers

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• Marlin 8 Gen 3

Trek Marlin 8 Gen 3

Marlin 8 is a confidence-boosting trail bike with updated geometry that gives you more control on singletrack without skipping on features for everyday use, like mounts for racks and a kick stand. It's built for years of progress thanks to 12-speed SRAM shifting, and an upgraded RockShox air spring suspension fork. It's right for you if... You want a bike that's ready to progress with you on the trail, and is versatile enough for daily riding to school, work, and grocery shopping. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with modern trail riding geometry and internal routing that keeps cables protected and keep the bike looking sleek. An air-spring RockShox fork that's lighter and more adjustable than a coil spring, wide-range SRAM shifting, and the serious stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes. The final word Marlin 8 is a progressive trail bike ready for building skills on the singletrack, and taking on daily life, too. It packs in premium features where you want them so you can build skills for years to come. Why you'll love it - You get real-deal modern mountain bike geometry that keeps handling confident when you're on singletrack, but it's versatile enough for use on roads and bike paths, too - You get a premium RockShox fork with an air spring that's lighter and more adjustable than a coil - You get the simplicity and range of 1x12 drivetrain for putting down power on the trail - The included dropper post lets you get your saddle out of the way when you roll into technical sections and steeper descents. - Marlin models in sizes XXS and XS have a curved top tube and lower standover height that makes it easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount Features: Expanded size range With 8 different sizes, Marlin has a bike made to fit every rider. Each frame is equipped with smart wheel sizing, with XXS frames rolling on 26" wheels, and wheel sizes increasing proportionally along with frame sizes, so every rider gets the fit they need. Trail-ready, Upgrade-ready The secret to Marlin's popularity is a real trail-savvy mountain bike frame that's upgrade compatible, so it can grow with you as you take on bigger trails and tougher features. Roll stronger with Thru Skew Goodbye open dropouts. The Thru Skewer is a better, stronger, more precisely aligned rear wheel retention system that keeps your wheel more secure than quick-release skewers while still using the standard 135mm rear hub spacing.

All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise noted.

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

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Trek Marlin+ 8

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Size / XS, SM, MD, LG, XL

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Size: XS, Alpha Platinum Aluminium, curved top tube, tapered head tube, internal routing, rack, mudguard and kickstand mount, UDH, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle; Size: S, M, L, XL, Alpha Platinum Aluminium, tapered head tube, internal routing, rack, mudguard and kickstand mount, UDH, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• Fork Size: XS, SR Suntour XCM 34, coil spring, preload, lockout, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle, 100 mm travel; Size: S, M, L, XL, RockShox Recon Silver RL, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 46 mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 120 mm travel
• Motor Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
• Battery Bosch CompactTube 400 Wh
• Wheels Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, Bontrager Line TLR 30, Tubeless-Ready, 28-hole, Presta valve; Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, Bontrager Line TLR 30, Tubeless-Ready, 32-hole, Presta valve
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Size: XS, S, Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR, Tubeless Ready, dual compound, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 27.5x2.60""; Size: M, L, XL, Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR, Tubeless Ready, dual compound, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29x2.60"
• Chain Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Crank FSA CK-220, 165 mm length
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore M6100, long cage
• Shifters Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Brakeset Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT420 calliper
• Handlebar Size: XS, S, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 720 mm width; Size: M, L, XL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138 mm width
• Seatpost Size: XS, S, TranzX JD-YSP18, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 361 mm length; Size: M, L, XL, TranzX JD-YSP18, 150 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 470 mm length
• Stem Size: XS, S, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 35 mm length; Size: M, L, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 50 mm length; Size: XL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 60 mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on

Q: How much is a 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8?

A 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 is typically priced around €3,299 EUR when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8?

The 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 have?

The 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2024 Trek Marlin+ 8 should I get?

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• Marlin 8 Gen 2

Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2

Marlin 8 is a race-worthy mountain bike that won't break the bank. The smooth, lightweight RockShox fork, tubeless ready wheels, and wide-range 1x drivetrain make this model the best choice for new riders who want a fast cross country hardtail that will hold its own against our higher-end race bikes. 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. Why 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 Wheel size: - Size XX-Small: 26-inch - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – X-Large: 29-inch

Will my bike have a curved top tube?

Smaller frames (XXS-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 up) 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.

Part Numbers

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