trek marlin 5 2019

Review Of Trek Marlin 5: Budget-Friendly MTB for Beginners

T rek Marlin 5 is a phenomenal, trail-ready 29er that costs little and gets the job done on different types of surfaces, including paved and unpaved roads.

Beginner riders are often faced with a tough dilemma — purchase a versatile and comfortable city bike to commute or a real MTB to have fun and embark on off-road adventures.

With Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 , you can do both. This 29er has the ruggedness of a true trail-blazer but has the ability to double as an everyday workhorse to take on short urban commutes.

One of Marlin 5’s biggest advantages is the low price. This bike costs just $720 , which puts it in the budget category. Still, there’s a lot to be excited about even with such an attractive price.

Trek Marlin 5 Quick Overview

Marlin 5 main features, is trek marlin 5 the right choice for you, verdict: worth the money (or not), trek marlin 5 (2022).

Marlin 5 is characterized by an excellent off-road-ready aluminum frame, cushy front suspension, burly wheels and tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a lot more.

It’s one of the best-valued models from the Marlin series, offering multiple improvements compared to the lower-priced Marlin 4. Some of these are better brakes, better hubs, and a better bottom bracket.

It’s an entry-level bicycle, most suitable for beginner riders who plan to do a little bit of everything and too much of nothing.

• Frame : Alpha Silver Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour XCT 30, 100 mm
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus M315
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus M310
• Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc, 160/160mm rotors
• Rims: Bontrager Connection, double-wall
• Tire Size: 27.5″ / 29″ x 2.20″
• Weight: 13.97 kg / 30.81 lbs

See All Specs on Marlin 5 Product Page

If you have a budget of $740 to spend on your next trail bike, Marlin 5 is pretty much the most you can get in this category.

Trek is known for bikes that have good value to money, so this Marlin series model has some worthy components and does not make too many compromises.

Lightweight Alpha Silver Aluminum Frame

Trek Marlin 5 has the same Alpha Silver Aluminum frame seen on all bikes from this lineup. It is characterized by a versatile head tube angle of 69.5 degrees. That’s a good compromise between steep and slack geometry. That means this bike will perform well in most conditions, including climbing, descending, and cornering.

Light, durable, and comfortable Alpha Silver Aluminum frame is Marlin 5’s biggest selling point, seen on other more expensive bikes from Trek’s MTB lineup.

All cables are internally routed which makes them last longer and improves the overall appearance of the bike. Riders can add a rear rack and a rear kickstand, which would make Marlin 5 ready for daily commutes as well.

You can get Marlin 5 in four modern and attractive colors: Lithium Grey, Radioactive Red, Volt to Miami green fade, and Azure. They’re beautiful!

Springy SR Suntour Fork

Marlin 5 is equipped with a low-ranked SR Suntour XCT 30 fork with a coil spring. This fork is quite heavy but beginner riders without too much off-road experience will like it because it provides plenty of comfort.

When it comes to adjustability, just the preload function is available, so you can dial the fork to your liking and ensure a more comfortable ride and better responsiveness.

It’s important to note that the XS frame size comes with 80 mm of travel, whereas all other frame sizes have 100 mm of travel in the fork.

Best Feature: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The feature that will make all Marlin 5 owners happy is the hydraulic disc brakes . This is the biggest improvement compared to the cheaper Marlin 4 which comes with mechanical disc brakes.

Hydraulic disc brakes present a major increase in stopping power and precision . They require less strength input from your fingers but offer more braking power output.

Trek has gone a step further and equipped the smaller frame sizes with short-reach brake levers to accommodate short riders with smaller hands.

Delicate Shimano Derailleurs

The main points of improvement on Trek Marlin 5 are its derailleurs. Compared to the previous releases, Marlin 5 has Shimano Altus components

Depending on how you take care of them, they might last you for years and miles to come. However, if you’re not careful and you shift under tension or you fall off your bike and smash them, they might give you some headaches.

Still, that’s not something an average rider planning to take Marlin 5 out on weekend adventures and weekday commutes should worry about. Plus, updating to higher-value Altus, Acera, or Alivio groupsets is not a big investment.

Beefy Bontrager Wheels and Tires

Last but not least, the beefy Bontrager wheels and tires are some of the first things you will notice on your Marlin 5. The 13.5″ and 15.5″ sized frames come with 27.5″ wheels, whereas all larger frames come with 29″ wheels.

The wheels are Bontrager Connection. They have 32 spokes, so they are quite strong, and they’re double-walled which means they can withstand some beating.

The Bontrager XR2 tires are 2.20″ wide on 27.5″ wheels. However, when it comes to 29″ wheels, the rear is narrower at 2.0″.

These wheels and tires are a bit heavier than ideal , but once you get them going, they’ll take you wherever you direct the handlebars.

Geometry & Sizing Table

We especially like it because it’s good at more than one thing.

Trek Marlin 5 is not strictly a trail-specific bike that would feel sluggish in all other settings. It’s equally efficient on both paved roads and dirt roads.

However, its wide tires, massive wheels, and capable hydraulic disc brakes still make it more suitable for riders who plan to spend more time in forests and on mountains than on smooth city streets.

Other Marlin Models

• Marlin 4 – MSRP $630 – Has a lightweight aluminum frame, 21 gears, 100 mm of front suspension, and strong mechanical disc brakes.
• Marlin 5 – MSRP $740 – Combines a light aluminum frame, plush SR Suntour suspension, entry-level Shimano drivetrain, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes in a good-looking trail package. Men and women-specific models available.
• Marlin 6 – MSRP $850 – This model is built with an Alpha Silver Aluminum frame, a 1×10 mid-range Shimano drivetrain, burly tires, and comes with 100 mm of front suspension travel with lockout. It’s available in men’s and women’s versions.
• Marlin 7 – MSRP $1,030 – Trek’s race-worthy model with an Alloy frame, superior RockShox front suspension, quality 1×10 drivetrain, Shimano components, and improved Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

To the right buyer, Trek Marlin 5 is definitely worth the money . This is a lot of bike for just $740, specifically when it comes to the components. The hydraulic disc brakes increase the value of the bike, as well as the high-quality aluminum frame.

However, if you value every cent and you don’t intend to tackle steep hills or ride in wet weather, you can save and get Trek Marlin 4 with mechanical disc brakes and slightly lower-ranked hubs and bottom bracket.

Get Directly From TrekBikes.com

Or see best Trek bikes

• Alpha Silver Aluminum frame
• Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
• Good price-to-value ratio
• Attractive colors

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30 thoughts on “ review of trek marlin 5: budget-friendly mtb for beginners ”.

My wife and I just bought 2 29 inch Lithium Gray Marlin 5 Gen 2 bikes. So far so good other than a flat tire I experienced but that’s not Treks fault by any means. We like the weight and the smooth ride it has.

Trek 5 is my 1st Mountain Bike I have been riding it 3x a week Doing some hard bush trails. It really seems to handle all trails well. No one knows that my bike isnt really expensive . They all say “love your bike ” I just love my bike but will upgrade to a better Trek when I have obtained more skills. Thanks Natalie

Hi Natalie, Well as they say, a Trek is a Trek. The brand itself speaks for itself. It also depends on the kind of ride you do.

lol “my son doesn’t abuse his bike he just broke all of the most easily abused parts of it”

Hi Boknows, Sounds like a future athlete there 😉

Very helpfull!!! , thanks dude!

I am 15 and got my trek Marlin 5 a couple years ago. I have ridden some insane tracks on it and haven’t really had any issues. The only thing I’ve broken so far is the derailer hanger but apart from that nothing. I use it for riding on streets, dirt roads and mountain bike tracks of different difficulties including black diamond tracks. It is still working great and I would think of it as a good bike. I found that the seat post was originally at my good pedaling height when I got it at its lowest point but have now upgraded that to dropper.

Hi Jayden, Have you tried getting a regular maintenance check with your local bike shop? Regular maintenance check can help prolong the life of a bike 😉

I bought a 29″ blue Marlin 5 for my son’s 14th birthday 16 months ago and initially I really liked it. But, it’s been a flaming pile of broken parts since then. My son doesn’t abuse this bike (no downhill or big jumps) and mainly rides a few miles into town and occasional wheelies. Since new here’s the things that have broken on it: rear shifter cable, rear axle, right pedal stripped out of crank arm, left pedal stripped out of crank arm, rear axle again, right pedal stripped out of crank arm again and the chain broke (which pulled the rear rerailer into the spokes and ruined it). Our closest Trek dealer is an hour away so running to the bike store is a real issue but they have been pretty good about helping me out. I’m a metal fabricator and part time motocross bike mechanic so I have a good background in metals and how they should operate. I honestly feel Trek has build a cheap bicycle with metal parts using allows that aren’t appropriate and as thin as materials as possible to save weight at the cost of reliability. I just called Trek directly and we’ll see where that goes.

Hi Dough, Sorry to hear about your experience. It looks like your drivetrain and the whole groupset have issues. Usually these are the most abused parts of the bike and an upgrade to better parts will do better. However I am curious as to what they will tell you. Let me know about it. Cheers!

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Bikes Insider

Trek Marlin 5 Review

Trek Marlin 5 is an entry-level bike from Treks’ Mountain Bikes series. It offers a lot of features you’d expect from an expensive bike like internal cable shifting and hydraulic brakes. Some of the recent updates to the model leading up to Trek Marin 5 2020 made it the best in the budget category and very easy to recommend to any trail riding beginner.

Trek Marlin 5 is one of the best entry-level mountain bikes and it’s perfect for you if you are

• trying to get into Mountain Biking or trailing and not sure if you’d like the sport. In this case, Marlin 5 makes for a great beginner-friendly bike which you can use to test and level up your training skills before upgrading to something more advanced. The Drivetrain of this bike provides you with a huge combination of speeds which can come handy.
• looking for a commuting bike for school, and your path involves a few rough roads or would enjoy a bit of trailing on the side as a hobby. If your commuting path involves some roads which need repair, Marlin 5 might be the perfect bike because unlike a hybrid at this price range you will be getting a good suspension with 100mm travel and a preload adjustment for switching between smoother rides and a bit rougher ones.
• trying to get the best of both worlds bike and not ready to spend big bucks on the more expensive bikes then Trek Marlin 5 is a match made in heaven. With the price range of 500-600 dollars, you will be getting a solid experience without breaking the bank.

This is our Trek Marlin 5 Review which provides a detailed overview of the bike with a comprehensive review of all the components and parts. There is also a specs list sorted down below for ease of access.

Trek Marlin 5 Specs

Trek Marlin 5 comes with a light-weight Trek Silver Alpha aluminium frame which offers sturdiness for your trails while still being light enough to not wear you down during long rides.

You can expect some pretty good welding with internal cable shift and brake hose routing which you see on more expensive bikes and it protects your cables from getting damaged from varying weather and landscapes.

This becomes all the more relevant in the mountain trail picture where the terrain does not side with the best of the conditions. The frame manages to hide all the cables inside the frame which also makes for a stunning look.

Going with the theme of Trek Marlin 5 making the best of both worlds when coming to Mountain Biking and Commuting, It has good rack mounts if you want to load your bike for longer trails.

We got a wide Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm with Blendr compatibility which enables you to mount accessories like lights, mobile phone dock, or a GoPro for your next adventure.

We got a matching Bontrager alloy with a 5mm rise and oversize clamping diameter which increases control and stability during the shakiest of rides.

Bontrager XR Endurance Comp on this bike provides a good grip for better handling and control. Although its non-traditional shape can feel a bit weird, they make for a good resting place for your palms, which you will appreciate on longer journeys.

Saddles in Marlin 5 are pretty straightforward, they use two variants of Bontrager Arvada depending on male/female versions.

Sizes and Variants

This particular model is very popular with beginning Mountain Bikers because it has a wide range of sizes to choose from which ensures that you are always on the best possible fit for you. 7 sizes are ranging from XS all the up to 2XL and come in two variants in frames depending on the version.

The Female version is almost the same as the Unisex version of the bike only changes being a different saddle variant and If you choose a Female XS or S size then you’ll be getting a curved upper tube for some extra standover.

There aren’t many good trail bikes for Women in this price range but Trek Marlin 5 is a good choice considering the women-specific saddle and frames.

A detailed overview of sizes and measurements for finding the best fit for you is provided in the table below.

Trek Marlin 5 Size Chart

Wheels and Rims

When it comes to wheels, Marlin 5 has smart wheels size which means that you are going to roll with the largest wheels size possible depending upon the size. The wheels come in the two most popular sizes, 27.5” for XS and S and 29” for everything from M to 2XL.

So an L or M is a Trek Marlin 5 29er while an XS or S is a Trek Marlin 5 27.5er

Both wheel sizes are big enough to provide a smooth riding experience on an MTB and also offer a low center of gravity for a sturdier control.

The Merlin 5 rolls on a Bontrager XR2, 29×2.20˝ in the front, and 29×2.0˝ on the rear but you should know, however, that these wheels are not tubeless but I don’t think that’s a deal-breaker because we are focusing on getting the essentials right at this price point. Having said that, a quick-release front wheel is a plus for quickly swapping your front in case of any damage.

Forks and Suspension

Coming to the Forks, Marlin 5 runs an SR Suntour XCE 28 which is a 28mm stanchion fork with 100mm travel which falls into the recommended range of 80-120mm by most mountain bikers. The suspension also comes with a preload, which can be used to adjust the shock and spring of the bike to an optimum range of operation. When it is raised, the bike will be on top of its travel and the converse closer to the bottom of its suspension travel.

Marlin 5 comes with Tektro HD-275 hydraulic disc brakes as opposed to Marlin 4’s Mechanical disc brakes which offers a more responsive and reliable experience in all types of weather conditions.

Hydraulic brakes are more relevant when it comes to Mountain Biking because you often need to make quick turns and pace changes. Using traditional mechanical caliper brakes can not only wear your brake pads quickly but also become unreliable during damp weather conditions. You can completely count on disc brakes on this situation because it is proven to be more weather resistant and pairing it up with hydraulics will ensure that you don’t have to pull the brakes as hard.

Most people coming from bikes using non-hydraulics quickly appreciate how game-changing hydraulic brakes are.

Trek also paid close attention to smaller sizes and equipped XS and S sizes with short reach levers to make it easy for bikers with smaller hands.

Most of the components on this bike are from Shimano which are known to be very reliable in the Mountain Biking space and rightfully so. The drivetrain consists of shifters, derailleurs, chain, cassette, and crankset.

Trek Marlin 5 is set up with a Shimano HG200, 12-32, 7-speed cassette in the rear, and a Shimano Tourney TY301, 42/34/24 in the front. They both operate with the Shimano Tourney TY300 front and back derailleurs which offer a great variety of speeds and good shifting for both country trailing and rugged commuting.

One big pro with the Tourney setup is that they all work together perfectly with no off-brand components and there is no chance to cause any compatibility issues.

Marlin 5’s got Shimano Altus M310, 3X7 speed shifters which is a trigger shifters set up which you can easily operate with your thumb and index fingers quickly during your trial.

Trek Marlin 5 weight

So, How much does a Marlin 5 weigh? The Medium size comes in about 14.59 kg or 32.17 lbs when tubes and other components are attached.

This model has a combined weight limit of 136 kg or around 300lbs, this includes the weight of the biker, the bike and the cargo carried.

Trek Marlin 5 Price

Are trek bikes worth the money? let me tell you price is one of the main advantages for Marlin 5 because there are very few bikes that have a budget-friendly price tag while still maintaining that middle-ground between quality and price. This makes a huge difference because when a bike manufacturer wants to get the price down it is often reflected in the quality of the bike’s components.

You might have experienced this first hand if you used one of those target/Walmart bikes which try to sell people bikes with poor quality while still maintaining their profit margins. But unlike those other bike manufacturers, Trek found the perfect middle ground for a budget-friendly mountain bike which gets all the essentials right.

Looking at the specs sheet makes it quite apparent that Trek didn’t make many compromises with the quality as they use reliable components made by Shimano and Bontrager and not some off-brand company.

Like every other Marlin bicycle, Marlin 5 also comes with a lifetime warranty which is rare to see at this price range and always a sweet thing to have.

Trek Marlin 5 upgrades and accessories

As I previously mentioned above this is a great bike to get into trail riding and off-roading or just to see if you like the experience of Mountain biking before investing too heavily into it. But if you seem to enjoy and want to take the whole thing up a notch, upgrading some components will be in your best interests.

Marlin 5 is a great bike for normal to intermediate trail paths but if you are past those trails and want to enjoy more technical routes like mountain trails etc then investing in these components can make a great difference.

Trek Marlin 5 fork upgrade is one of the most recommended upgrades if you wish to improve your stability on a rocky/hilly path. This bike uses what’s called a G2 Geometry which means you can easily find and replace parts that fit your needs. If you have some good number of miles under your belt, I also recommend upgrading your grips and pedals but I would stop there.

While this is a good starter bike, I would suggest you switch to a better model specifically suiting your needs if you are willing to invest more in upgrading the components because investing in upgrading a starter bike has diminishing returns as you upgrade more and more as you have to worry about the core parts like frames and stem in the future.

With that being said these are some good upgrades you might want to consider for a more smooth riding experience.

There are some great accessories for Merlin 5 on the market because of its Blendr integration capability. After choosing a good mount for Blendr integration, I recommend this, your bike is ready for these cool accessories

I for sure think that some portion of Trek Marlin’s popularity comes from its design aesthetics and cool graphics. The design of the bike is easily on par with the more expensive bikes. And the colors of this model are very well chosen and suit all terrains and settings perfectly.

Trek Marlin 5 comes in three color options

• Matte Trek Black

Many fans anticipated an improved Trek Marlin 5 Red version (like the one in the past) which would have been very cool to see on the road but in my opinion all three look stunning.

We hope that you find this Trek Marlin 5 review useful, to clear a bit more on the topics there is a FAQ’s section below where we have included most frequently asked questions by customers.

According to Trek Bike Archives, Trek started making Marlin 5’s from 2015.

Trek Marlin 5 ranges around 500-600$ price range which makes for a budget-friendly bike for trail riding as well as commuting. Check the price here.

Front tires are mounted on Trek Marlin 5 using a quick-release front wheel, which enables you to swap out the damaged wheel and mount a new one with relative ease.

This depends on many factors like your height and inseam measurements. Find a comprehensive specific measurement table here.

Trek Marlin has disc brakes which means you should not oil them. Oiling aside even touching the rotors with your bare hands might contaminate the rotors with your body oils and decrease the braking capacity.

Oiling disc brakes are considered the number one cardinal sin so make sure to avoid it all costs. If by any means oil made its way to the rotors use alcohol or de-greaser with a kitchen paper or dry clean cloth to remove it.

It comes with a Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 7-degree stem which is Blendr compatible enabling you to mount different accessories.

The frame and most of the other skeleton are made of light-weight Trek Silver Alpha Aluminium which offers very good manoeuvrability and sturdiness still being pretty light.

With rack mounts available on the back of the Marlin 5, you can easily mount a child seat. One good suggestion would be this.

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Review of Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 is an entry-level trail bike ideally suited for beginners and recreational riders who need a dependable hardtail to hit the trails or use for a daily commute.

It features Shimano Altus 2×8 components, hydraulic disc brakes, an 80-100mm travel fork, and comes in four stunning paint jobs. 

The Marlin 5 has been one of the best-selling mountain bikes in this price range for a good reason, and we expect the Gen 2 version to follow in its steps.

• Hydraulic disc brakes
• 100 mm of front travel
• Progressive wheel sizing
• Heavy coil fork

Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 Full List of Specs

Trek marlin 5 gen 2 full review.

If you’re considering buying your first mountain bike or treating yourself to a brand-new bicycle you’ll use as an everyday workhorse and commuter; the Marlin 5 Gen 2 is a solid choice.

The Trek Marlin 5 is an entry-level trail bike that has a lot to offer to trail lovers. If you want to figure out whether this bike is right for you, check out our detailed review below!

Quality Frame and Fork

The base of the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 is the brand’s Alpha Silver aluminum frame with a sleek design and stable geometry, suitable for various rider needs. This frame features internal cable routing that protects your cables from the elements and adds to the bike’s clean look.

Marlin 5’s frame is available in eight sizes , so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect one for your height. The SR Suntour fork is basic but provides 100 mm (or 80mm on the XS) of travel to take the sting off light trails. This fork has a coil spring which makes it a bit heavy, but it comes with a preload function, which is a nice plus.

Precise Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The star of the show on the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 is its Tektro hydraulic disc brakes . We are always pleasantly surprised to see them on bikes below $1,000, as hydraulic discs are a rare find in this price range.

Thanks to these hydraulic disc brakes, the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 is a bike that performs well in all weather conditions.

Compared to all other types, hydraulic brakes output the most power and provide the most precision. Trek has even gone so far as to install short-reach levers on the smallest frames.

2.20″ Tires and Progressive Wheel Sizing

Depending on how tall you are and which frame size end up going for, your Trek Marlin 5 will come with either 26″, 27.5″, or 29″ wheels .

The XXS frame has 26″ wheels, the XS and S frames come with 27.5″ wheels, and all other sizes are 29ers. Progressive wheel sizing and a curved top tube on the smaller frames decrease the standover height of the bike and ensure a much better fit for all rider heights.

The rims on all sizes are Bontrager Connection. They’re double-walled and have 32 spokes, which means they’ll take plenty of abuse. The Bontrager XR2 2.2″ tires are not tubeless, but they will give you plenty of grip on the three different wheel diameters. The 27.5″ wheels have extra clearance for 2.4″ tires. 

Shimano Drivetrain

Another positive aspect of the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 is that the entire drivetrain comprises Shimano parts. Sure, they are entry-level quality, but they offer more than enough performance and precision for the average beginner trail rider.

The Marlin 5 Gen 2 has 16 gears on a 2×8-speed drivetrain and comes with a complete Shimano Altus M315 drivetrain , which is one quality class higher than Tourney. This compares to the previous model’s more complex and heavier 3×7-speed drivetrain. 

The crankset is 36/22t with 160mm cranks on the XXS and 170mm on the other sizes. This crankset pairs with a 12-32t cassette. 

Dependable Bontrager Parts

Bontrager is Trek’s in-house brand that makes numerous parts and accessories. The Bontrager label on Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 can be seen on the saddle, seat post, handlebar, grips, and stem.

Trek makes all of these parts specifically for their bikes, which means they are 100% compatible and perform for a long time without any issues. However, one of this bike’s downsides is that the headset is not tapered , so you might have a harder time upgrading the fork if you ever decide to do that.

Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 Sizing Chart

• XXS — 4’5″ – 4’9″ / 135 – 145 cm
• XS — 4’9″ – 5’1″ / 145 – 155 cm
• S —  5’1″ – 5’5″ / 155 – 165 cm
• M —  5’5″ – 5’8″ / 165 – 173 cm
• M/L — 5’8″ – 5’11” / 173 – 180 cm
• L —  5’11” – 6’2″ / 180 – 188 cm
• XL —  6’2″ – 6’5″ / 188 – 195 cm
• 2XL — 6’5″ – 6’8″ / 195 – 203 cm

Who Is Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 Best Suited For?

Like any other bicycle, the Trek Marlin 5 will not be a good buy for everyone. It is an entry-level machine mainly intended for beginner riders and those who do not take cycling too seriously.

Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 should be shortlisted by beginner riders who are looking for their first mountain bike to commute or explore the dirt roads in their area.

If riding a bike is a weekend activity or a mode of transportation for you, then Marlin 5 will meet and exceed your expectations. You’ll be able to cover thousands of miles on it without any upgrades and explore farther than before.

However, if your idea of cycling is to hit trails as hard as possible and test your skills and limits, then you should save a bit more money and invest in a bike with slightly better components.

Is Marlin 5 Gen 2 a Good Buy?

The value for money you get out of this bike leads us to conclude that the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 is an excellent buy . For around $700, you get a high-grade aluminum frame that’s light, rigid, and durable (it’s even found on some  more expensive Trek bikes).

The drivetrain is entry-level, but the brakes are powered by hydraulics which is the best setup you can get right now.

For this amount of money, it’s a bargain. Therefore, if you’re the type of rider we’ve described, the Marlin 5 Gen 2 is a purchase that will put a long-lasting smile on your face if you go forward with it.

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About the Author

Sam Millers

6 thoughts on “ review of trek marlin 5 gen 2 ”.

Thank you BIKEXCHANGE for helping me to make up my mind in purchasing the Marlin 5!

You’re welcome, Gwen! We’re happy we could help! Have fun with your new bike!

Great review. One question .. is this the old 5 or new 5 model? The new Marlin 5 design as I understand it being the old 5 plus aspects of Marlin 6 bike & otherwise that’s led to discontinuance of the Marlin 6 and only selling a Marlin 5 & 7 model going forward?

Much appreciated!

I am still riding my 2017 Marlin 6 its been too Hell and back. I live in the woods near Downtown Nashville 32 Thousand miles all pavement. riding in Hurricanes and Polor Vortex. Just got new breaks and Maxxis Hook Worm tires.I do circules around Gravel bikes.

Thinking about buying one of these and as an entry level rider seems like the best choice.

thanks for the review! it has made my mind up

The trek marlin 5 is a great bike. Bought for my wife, i sneak in rides. It isnt too heavy, the bigger 29″ tires are fun to feel a little bit higher off the ground. The braking system is fantastic and was a selling point for me.

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Trek Marlin 5 Review: Worth the Money?

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• Trek Marlin 5 Review: Worth the Money? - September 8, 2022

From electric to fat-bikes and hybrids, Trek is an extremely versatile brand combining several different manufacturers.

In the Marlin 5 , Trek has created good quality, an entry level hardtail mountain bike that is ideal for children, everyday adventure seekers and those new to mountain biking (and need a real mountain bike).

It is a not a great bike to do any type of jumps or handle extreme terrain, however, but if you are looking for a thrilling trail experience on the gravel or trails (trail riders) and cross country trips that don’t involve too many TTF’s (Technical Trail Features), this bike could be very interesting for you!

Bottom Line Up Front:  The Trek Marlin 5 is an EXCELLENT all-rounder mountain bike. It’s an affordable base platform that doesn’t do too much, but with a clean base to add customizations and upgrades as you go. A great starter mountain bike. Check out the latest discounts and promos directly on Trek.com here .

Marlin 5 is a trail-worthy daily rider that's perfectly suited for everyday adventures, on and off the trail. A front suspension fork with 100mm of travel, 21 speeds, and mounts for a rack and kickstand make it an ideal choice for new trail riders or anyone looking for a comfortable, stable commuter with the ruggedness of a real mountain bike.

Table of Contents

Tips on Buying The Best Entry-Level Mountain Bike

I have made some good and bad bike choices and I didn’t actually start out as a mountain biker at all, but did miles of road cycling a day.

It was part of my life from a very young age. But the off-road experience became appealing once I started to travel and there were slightly more interesting trails available than the ones we have in Belgium.

Since this is a good entry-level bike (if not a GREAT bike), let me offer you some tips on what you need to keep an eye out for in buying your first or all-round mountain bike for trail adventures!

Avoid Flash And Start Simple

We are a very visually driven culture and it is so easy to fall into the flashy bike trap. It’s, of course, okay for a bike to look good, but make sure you prioritize the right things and tick some necessary technical details off the list first. More on that below.

Set Your Budget But Don’t Go Too Low

Entry-level bikes still need to adhere to proper safety standards and it is a mistake to think that since you are just going for simple rides, that 60 dollar bike from the supermarket will do. They always compensate in quality to get the price that low. The frame will usually be heavier and made from inferior steel.

The individual components will be of lesser quality as well and unless you plan on sticking to paved roads only, you will probably be replacing all of them within months, perhaps even weeks. For a good quality entry-level mountain bike, you will be looking at a minimum of around 400 USD but will still pay below 750 USD.

Think About Suspension

If you plan on embarking on slightly rougher terrain, the front suspension is important for comfort and a smooth ride as well as your bike’s health. Suspension forks vary depending on the model, but for a good entry-level hard tail with the above-mentioned price range, you should expect suspension travel from 80 to 120 mm (a relatively rigid hard fork).

If you are planning smooth rides rather than bumpy ones, it can be okay to forego the suspension and look for higher quality in other parts of the bike. Do keep an eye out for a rigid fork that is well made and relatively light, since weight and performance can be a problem with a cheaper fork.

Were you perhaps considering full suspension? For one, this would only be necessary for particularly rougher terrain, not for an entry-level bike, and you should also know that within this reasonable price range, manufacturers might cut corners in the quality of design elsewhere to compensate for the full suspension.

So you will have to double your budget to still get top quality in other areas. But again, for an entry-level mountain bike, it is not necessary in my opinion. Don’t let anyone convince you it is!

Don’t Underestimate The Value Of Frame And Wheel Size

Frame size matters greatly for your comfort levels, whether you are trail riding or just biking for commuter purposes. Always consult the size chart that accompanies the bike. That being said, do try the bike before buying or exchange it if it doesn’t quite fit well after buying online.

Nowadays, the 27.5 inch wheels are among the most popular in use. The 29” is popular with some, though it doesn’t fit every type of person. The biggest perk about 29” wheels is that they can increase grip and stability on some trails (grips less stable debris), but can be too heavy for some grips.

Also, note the knobs on the wheel itself, rougher terrain will benefit from from the more pronounced knobs while speeds will increase with a smoother design once on less aggressive trails. Think carefully what type of trails you will be hitting.

What About the Gear Shifters / Shift Levers?

A bike within this price range will often have a 21-speed drivetrain gears, which refers to a 7 Speed cassette and 3 chain-rings in the front.

A 20 speed or 2 x 10, 10-speed cassette with 2 chain rings, which generally improves performance due to producing less duplicate ratios. A lot of bikes will have just the one ring up front in order to simplify as well as take away some of the weight.

Key Features And Performance – Does The Trek Marlin 5 Qualify?

Key features.

The Trek Marlin 5 boasts an Alpha Silver Aluminum Frame with internally routed cables . It has a very sleek and modern design with the added bonus that the cables will not collect dirt or indeed get damaged. This feature is usually available on more expensive bikes only!

It offers SR Suntour XCE 28 Suspension Fork with 100 mm of travel suspension which makes it ideal for rougher terrain that doesn’t get too technically demanding and the Bontrager Arvada Saddle mounts ensures comfort even on longer cross country biking trails or even for commuter riders.

The Shimano Tourney 21 Speed Drivetrain is of high quality and most commonly used in this price range. If you prefer to convert the 3-chain ring in the front to a single one to compensate the weight, you can, but you will be needing a new single-ring crank.

With the Tektro HD-275 Hydraulic Disc Brakes you only need one finger to use the disc brakes (unlike mechanical disc brakes) which means you will be less likely to strain your hands on the way down (whether on hard surfaces or as off-road disc brakes). It also means that children or people with less strength in their hands will feel safe (fully in control of the brake situation) and comfortable on this bike with these brake levers.

Genuine Replacement Parts. Get your bike back on the trail with the brake parts you need.

The Bontrager XR2 27.5/29 x 2.2/2.0” Tires are of excellent quality for gravel and mountain roads but less so for muddy terrains. Consider more articulated tire knobs for this. Bontrager parts – in general – are an indicator of quality.

Legendary tire designer Frank Stacy provides another race-proven design with the XR2 Team Issue mountain bike tire. It's Tubeless Ready for fewer flats, and features a specifically-formulated compound for lightweight construction, improved cornering traction, and low rolling resistance.

The Wheel Sizes range from 27.5”- XS and S 29” to M, ML, L, XL, XXL. See the above part on wheel sizes to get an idea about which one could be best for you and always test before buying!

On Which Terrain Does The Trek Marlin 5 Perform Well?

As an entry level hardtail, it can handle rougher terrain but not one equipped with too many technical challenges. There are many different biking trails and tracks you can try out, just make sure you check the difficulty levels before embarking on your trip.

Suitable types of mountain biking

• Trail riding without excessive TTF’s . Trail riding is a beautiful introduction into the sport if you focus on multi-use paths (a great multipurpose bike), bridleways and other tracks that require no technical skills. The Marlin 5 is an awesome bike for that, with the appropriate riser bars, mounts and dropper post.
• Singletrack, doubletrack and bike parks : These cover many types of trails in one. Make sure to pay attention to the color coding since they determine the level you and your bike will need.
• Downhill (DH) : The excellent hydraulic brake system is very suitable for downhill rides and riders. But here too, pay attention to difficulty levels and do not push it to extremes, despite the high durable nature of the Trek 5.
• Cross Country (XC) : In some cases, cross country can be enjoyed if you forego the possible jumps. The bike it otherwise suited as a hardtail with 100mm front suspension and the corresponding mounts. Cross Country tracks range from fire roads (go for it!) to more technical singletracks.
• Your everyday commute : The high levels of comfort and stability of the Marlin 5 mean that you can even use this bike on your commutes as well!

Not suitable for

• Dirt jumping : The bike is not suited for jumps, even smaller ones.
• Free ride : This type of mountain-biking typically combines DH with dirt jumping and will need more complex and expensive models.
• MTB Touring : The sleek design and light aluminum frame is perfect for a thrilling ride, but less so for long distance when you need to drag a lot of stuff around since the bike is not fitted well for touring. You can however, if you like, fit the bike with some extra racks front and back. But too many adjustments (like racks) might compromise the quality in other areas.

Trek Marlin 5 Prices

With pricing between 500 and 600 USD , the Marlin 5 fits perfectly within the above-mentioned budget. You can order it online but your local dealer is likely to have this bike in stock. Go have a test ride!

Do these key features add up to the top tips for buying an entry-level mountain bike? In my opinion, it does. If you use this bike right and don’t push it into terrains where it is not built for, you will have a wonderful, budget, high-quality bike kids and adults alike can enjoy.

Trek Marlin 5 Q and A

Which aluminum frame size should i get.

Consult the sizing chart for the best bike size for your standover height and inseam. Make sure to try it out before completing the purchase.

Can the Trek Marlin 5 be equipped with a child seat?

Yes, a rear tire rack, as well as a child seat, can be equipped on the Trek Marlin 5 .

Is this bike suitable for tabletop jumps?

This is an entry level bike and is not suitable for any type of jumps. The wheels have been known to bend even when attempting a lower jump, so don’t try it.

Can I use tubeless tires with this bike?

Tubeless tires are not compatible with the Marlin 5’s wheels. But they do come with the robust and highly resistant Schrader Valve Tubes that rarely gets damaged.

Does the Trek Marlin have lockout suspension?

The Marlin 5 does not have a full lockout suspension, but it does have coil spring with a pre-load adjuster.

Trek Marlin 5 Alternatives

If you are looking for other quality hardtails in the same pricing category, the Vilano Ridge 2.0 Mountain Bike and the Tommaso 2018 Gran Sasso 29er are excellent options. The Vilano is an excellent entry-level option and the Tommaso will suit the entry-level as well as the intermediate rider. So, consider the last one if you are looking to grow as a mountain biker but don’t want to make a switch to another bike too fast.

Another option to consider is the closely similar Trek Marlin 6 which we’ve also reviewed .

Further Related Reading

Read more about:

• How to find the best Hardtail Mountain Bike
• How to find the best XC mountain bikes
• How to find the best dirt jump bikes
• How to find the best downhill mountain bike

Trek Marlin 5 Review: Conclusion

The Trek Marlin 5 s an excellent little all-rounder that provides fun for beginners, children, and everyday thrill-seekers looking for everday adventures on a great bike.

While not fit for more extreme off-road experiences and riders, the Marlin 5 is a great bike as a budget option, combining high quality trail worthy designs with some surprising design choices you will usually only find in more expensive models.

Do you need the perfect gift for your outdoorsy child or are you looking for a nice bike that handles the commute as well as a weekend outing? Then Marlin 5 is perfect for you.

Where to Buy the Trek Marlin 5?

There are a few places you can pick this baby up, but I’d recommend these awesome online retailers:

• Trek Online (Direct) : Where better than to go to the source? Trek has an excellent customer experience online, with free shipping and the ability to deal directly with THEIR support staff if you ever need to. Check out this listing here .

Next: Think About The Right Gear

When setting a budget for a mountain bike for everyday adventures, it is easy to forget you need more than just the bike itself. Keep some room for these items selected for your ride comfort as well as ride safety. This list does not include safety items for more hardcore trails such as knee and elbow pads.

• Biking shorts : Important for mobility, breathability, and comfort. For men, check out the Ezrun 3D Padded Shorts and for women the Cycorld shorts.
• Half finger mountain bike gloves : This way you are able to further tighten the grips without discomfort, especially Downhill. A great and cheap option is the GEARONIC TM Foam Padded MTB gloves.
• Short-sleeve jerseys : Make sure to wear breathable and comfortable shirts. For men, check out the sponeed cycling jersey and for women this fast-drying mountain bike jersey.
• Sunglasses : Aim for comfort, a strong grip, and protection, but also keep in mind that you shouldn’t go too dark. It will make it harder to see the nuances in the road. Fine examples are the Oakley Flax 2.0 XL and the 100% Speedcraft.
• Mountain biking shoes and socks : Make sure to keep an eye on the compatibility with the pedal (often Bontrager pedals or aluminum pedals vs plastic pedals), comfort, flexibility, and weight. If you are looking for quality examples, check out the Sidi SD15 Bike Shoes for men and for women, the Giro Empire VR90.
• Helmet : Safety first! Invest in a quality helmet. The Giro Montaro MIPS MTB Helmet is a quality example.
• Lights : If you are planning to get out at night, consider a robust, water-proof light for increased visibility. The Cygolite Dash Pro– 600 Lumen Bike Light is one of the best ones to get.
• Hydration pack : For longer as well as shorter rides, it can be a huge perk to have easy access to water. The CamelBak Skyline LR 10 has a 10 liter capacity with 3 liters reserve. It is also designed to move the weight down the back in order to prevent uncomfortable shifting. There are plenty more options available with more water storage, should you need it.
• Trail-side multi-tool : The Topeak Mini 20 Pro Mini Tool has 23 functions you may need at any time on the road. If your bike tires are not tubeless, which most budget bikes will not be, a mini-bike pump and patch kit can also be a lifesaver.
• Kickstand : This may sound basic for experienced riders, but if you use your bike for commuter purposes or in and around town, not having a kickstand can be a huge inconvenience. Some mountain bikes do not come standard with them, so be prepared to add (or upgrade) a kickstand if you need one.

1 thought on “Trek Marlin 5 Review: Worth the Money?”

I was looking to get a new bike to replace my Prague E-bike and after looking around the Trek Marlin 5 came up with excellent reviews. The bike was available for purchase at Holland’s bike shop in Coronado. I took it for a test ride and decided to go with it. I highly recommend this bike for commuting and nothing else.

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Trek Marlin 5 2019

About the Trek Marlin 5 2019

The Trek Marlin 5 2019 is a Hardtail Cross Country Mountain Bike with a alloy frame. Equipped with a Shimano Tourney drivetrain of 21 gears (3x7). Its features include hydraulic disc brakes. The bike weighs approximately 14,59 kg.

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Trek Marlin 5 2019 Mountain Bike

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Product Description

DESCRIPTION

Bike Sizing Guide

Choosing the bike size depends on the type of bike, your height, your riding style, and your preference. A correct fitting bike will be more comfortable, more efficient and more fun to ride. This bike size guide gives our customers general advice on choosing the right size. It is a guide only and we always recommend visiting one of our stores or contacting one of our experts from our contact us page.

To get started, think about your style of riding, measure your height and use the links above for sizing on relevant bike types.

Measure your height

To find the correct sized bike you will need to measure your height and your inside leg. For your height, stand against a wall and mark the wall with a pencil so it's level with the top of your head. Then measure from the ground up to the mark (having someone to help might make this easier). For your inside leg measurement, stand against a wall and using a book hold it in between your legs into your groin and make sure it's flat against the wall. Measure the height from the book to the floor. (Again it might be easier to get a friend to help). If your height is on the cusp of the size range, your reach is often the deciding factor in which size to go for. To find out if you have short or long reach you will need to measure your ape index. This is your arm span minus your height. If you have a positive ape index then go for the larger size, or if you have a negative ape index go for a smaller size.

The type of bike

What type of bike you choose will affect the bike size you buy. The type or style of riding that you do will also affect which size you need. For example a mountain biker that wants to ride more aggressively and would like a more manoeuvrable bike may prefer a size smaller than they would normally take. Likewise a cross country racer that is looking for a flatter and speedier mountain bike may prefer a size larger than they would normally take. There is no definitive right or wrong size, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels comfortable. The different types of bikes are all explained within our buying guides.

How are bikes measured?

Bikes are measured by their seat tube length. This measurement is normally from the centre of the bottom bracket (BB) or the centre of the bolt that attached the crank arms. This differs by brand, some measure to the top of where the top tube meets the seat tube, or even the centre of the top tube. Mountain bikes are either measured in inches or descriptive sizes (small, medium etc). Road bikes are in centimetres or descriptive sizes where as Hybrid bikes can be any one of the three. Bikes also get longer as they go up in size (relative to the frame size) but different brands can be inherently longer or shorter than others.

Stand over height

Stand over height is how tall the frame is from the ground. Stand over height measurements are to the top of the top-tube. Ideally you want at least 2cm of clearance between you and the frame. In theory your stand over height is your leg measurement minus 2cm. It it worth measuring your inside leg with your shoes on so you can establish your stand over height. Should you need to jump off the saddle quickly, the clearance between you and the frame will prevent any injuries.

This handy chart should show you the right size of MTB you need based on your height. Measure your height accurately and check the manufacturer’s measurements too. You can also visit us in store to speak to an experienced member of staff.

Shop All Mountain Bikes

This handy chart should show you the right size of road bike you need based on your height. Measure your height accurately and always check the manufacturer’s measurements too. You can also visit us in store to speak to an experienced member of staff.

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Trek Marlin 6

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Weight / M - 14.71 kg / 32.43 lbs (with tubes)

At a glance

Marlin 6 is a quality introductory cross country mountain bike with front suspension, 24 speeds, and a wide range of gearing for easier pedaling on climbs. It’s built in Trek’s trail heritage, but also equipped with features like mounts for a rack and kickstand that make it a great choice for daily commuters.

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 Alpha Silver Aluminum, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR
• Fork SR Suntour XCT 30 HLO, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset on 29ers, 100mm travel (13.5: 80mm travel)
• Wheels Bontrager Connection 32-hole double-walled
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Bontrager XR2, 29x2.20˝ front, 29x2.0˝ rear (13.5 & 15.5: 27.5x2.20˝)
• Chain KMC Z7
• Crank Shimano Tourney TY501, 42/34/24
• Shifters Shimano Altus M310, 8 speed
• Brakeset Tektro HD-275 hydraulic disc (13.5 & 15.5: Tektro HD-276 short reach lever)
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width (13.5: 690mm width)
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada
• Seatpost Bontrager alloy, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, 12mm offset
• Stem Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 7 degree, Blendr compatible
• Grips Bontrager XR Endurance Comp
• Headset 1-1/8˝ threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings

Q: Where to buy a 2019 Trek Marlin 6?

The 2019 Trek Marlin 6 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2019 Trek Marlin 6 weigh?

A 2019 Trek Marlin 6 weights M - 14.71 kg / 32.43 lbs (with tubes).

Q: What size wheels does the 2019 Trek Marlin 6 have?

The 2019 Trek Marlin 6 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2019 Trek Marlin 6 should I get?

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Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database.

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2018 Trek Marlin 5

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

Manufacturer Price

For This Bike

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

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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This cheap mountain bike is the perfect gateway drug to your next (trail riding) addiction.

Wide range of gears with 2x9 drivetrain

Wheels and tires aren’t tubeless-ready

Read Review

Jun 2019 · Alan Muldoon

The first of two 29er to make it into the sub 500 category, the Trek Marlin 6 certainly didn't behave like a fish out of water.

Top-rate frame quality, available in seven sizes Independent Shimano shifters

Cable and chain rattle. Rear tyre is too skinny

Dec 2015 · Guy Kesteven

Violently uncontrolled fork and blunt frame lead a list of reasons that Trek’s Marlin is best kept away from real off roading. Buy if you're a glutton for punishment looking to get into mountain biking

Size-specific wheels, range of paint jobs available

Punishingly stiff frame and handlebars, undamped fork, some poor finishing kit

Last updated February 15 Not listed for 2,277 days

• Marlin 5 Women's