trek marlin 6 gen 3 29

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 Review

Are you in the market for a new mountain bike? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

If you’re considering the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3, you’ve come to the right place.

In this review, we will take a closer look at this popular mountain bike and help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Mountain biking is a thrilling and adventurous sport that requires a reliable and capable bike.

The Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 is a highly regarded option in the market, known for its durability and performance.

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

In this comprehensive review of the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3, we will delve into its features, performance, and overall value for money.

By the end, you will have a clear understanding of whether this mountain bike is the perfect companion for your off-road adventures.

So, let’s dive in and explore all that the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 has to offer.

– Lightweight Alpha Silver Aluminum frame provides a sturdy and responsive ride.

– SR Suntour XCT 30 suspension fork absorbs bumps and rough terrain for a smoother ride.

– 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain offers a wide range of gears for tackling various terrains.

– Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in all conditions.

– Bontrager XT3 Comp tires offer excellent traction and control on different surfaces.

– Internal cable routing gives the bike a clean and sleek appearance.

– Rack and kickstand mounts allow for easy customization and versatility.

– Comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance and peace of mind.

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One of the standout features of the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 is its frame.

It is made from Alpha Silver Aluminum, which provides a lightweight and durable construction.

This ensures that the bike can withstand the rigors of off-road riding while remaining easy to maneuver.

The frame is also designed with internal routing for cables, giving the bike a clean and sleek appearance.

The Marlin 6 Gen 3 is equipped with a 1×10 Shimano drivetrain, which provides a wide range of gear options for tackling various terrains.

Whether you’re climbing steep hills or speeding down descents, this bike has the versatility to handle it all.

The Shimano Deore derailleurs ensure smooth and reliable shifting, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead.

When it comes to suspension, the Marlin 6 Gen 3 features a SR Suntour XCT 30 fork with 100mm of travel.

This provides ample cushioning and absorbs impact, allowing for a more comfortable ride on rough trails.

The fork also has a hydraulic lockout feature, which allows you to switch between a rigid and suspension mode depending on the terrain.

In terms of braking, the Marlin 6 Gen 3 is equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.

This provides excellent stopping power and control, even in wet and muddy conditions.

With these brakes, you can confidently navigate technical descents and maintain control at high speeds.

Wheels and Tires

The Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 also comes with Bontrager Kovee rims and XT3 Comp tires.

These components offer good traction and stability, allowing you to confidently tackle various terrains.

Whether you’re riding on dirt trails or rocky paths, you can trust that this bike will provide a smooth and stable ride.

Overall, the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 is a versatile and reliable mountain bike that offers excellent performance at an affordable price.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to venture into off-road riding or an experienced cyclist seeking a budget-friendly option, this bike has everything you need.

With its durable frame, reliable drivetrain, and responsive suspension, the Marlin 6 Gen 3 is a solid choice for any mountain biking adventure.

Order yours online today and pick it up at your local Trek store, or have it shipped to your home!

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• Marlin 6 Gen 3

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3

Marlin 6 is the perfect ride for progressing your skills on the trails. Its updated slacker frame geometry makes it easier to control on descents while the upgraded suspension fork takes the edge off bumpy trails. Integrated rack and kickstand mounts make it easy to add accessories to this versatile steed. It's right for you if... You want a trail bike that's dialed for building confidence on the dirt, and versatile enough for commuting to work or school. 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. A 100mm RockShox Judy front suspension fork that cushions rocks, roots, and bumps in the trail, 10-speed fuss-free Shimano CUES shifting, and the serious stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes. The final word Marlin 6 is an ideal trail bike for riders who want to progress on the dirt and want a bike that can keep them rolling off of the trail, too. Why you'll love it - Marlin Gen 3 gives you serious trail capability, with big tire clearance and slack, confidence-boosting geometry that keeps you stable from singletrack to city - Its RockShox fork gives you 100mm of suspension for turning rocks and roots in the trail into smooth-sailing - Rack and fender mounts make it easy to accessorize, so your mountain bike can double as a rugged commuter - Internal routing makes it easy to add a dropper post that lets you lower your saddle on the fly for more confident descending - 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: Will my bike have a curved top tube? Smaller frames have a top tube that dips down as it approaches the seat tube. This design makes for a lower standover height, which is good for shorter riders because it allows them to straddle their bike more easily. Larger frame sizes have a straight top tube because taller riders with longer legs typically don’t have the same issues with standover height. Fit for every rider Marlin comes in seven frame sizes to suit riders of any height, and Smart Wheel Size ensures you’re on the fastest wheel that fits. The smallest sizes even come with short-reach brake levers and narrower handlebars that give smaller riders better comfort and control. High-tech, high-value Marlin looks and feels great. It’s packed with features usually found only on more expensive bikes, like a stylish frame with internal shift cable and brake hose routing, which can help your cables last longer by protecting them from the elements. Shimano CUES Inspired by rider demand for trouble-free drivetrain longevity and performance, Shimano CUES offers a new foundation for versatility and durability across a range of both electric and standard bikes. CUES features Shimano’s new LINKGLIDE drivetrain technology for significantly increased life on wear items like chains, cassettes, and chainrings. Shimano LINKGLIDE LINKGLIDE technology has been specifically engineered for incredible durability while still delivering smooth and decisive shifting – along with a great pedaling experience. Available exclusively on Shimano CUES drivetrains. Upgrade your pedals and love your bike more Pedals are two of the five touchpoints that connect you with your bike, and even though this bike comes with a pair, upgrading to pedals that boost control and grip will greatly improve your ride. See the pedal guide and find the best pedals for your riding style. We recommend flat pedals for simple versatility. Wheel size: - Size XX-Small: 26-inch - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – XX-Large: 29-inch

All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise noted.

* Subject to change without notice.

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Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 Review

• benchmark bike in this price range
• good fork provides good value for money
• 25 years warranty
• with 14,8 kg lighter than comparable bikes

OVERALL BIKE CHECK

The most importanten ratings of the Marlin 6 Gen 3 ⬤ in comparison to the competitor bikes of following categorie: (Beginners-Bike up to 800 €) ⬤ .

VALUE for MONEY CHECK

If you are keen on value for money, this is your chart. It shows you at a glance how many bike you get for 799 €.

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Je steiler der Winkel des Sitzrohrs ist, desto effizienter können Sie in die Pedale treten.

• Frame Marlin Alpha Silver Aluminum, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR
• Frame Material Aluminium
• Fork Größe: XS , S RockShox Judy, Spiralfeder, verstellbare Federvorspannung, TurnKey-Lockout, 42 mm Vorbiegung für 27,5"-Laufrad, 100-mm-Schnellspannachse, 100 mm Federweg
• Spring Unit coil
• Remote-Lockout yes
• Gearrange 327%
• Drivetrain 1x10
• Gear Lever Shimano Deore M4100, 10fach
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore M5120, langer Käfig
• Crank Prowheel C10Y-NW, Narrow-Wide-Stahlkettenblatt (30 Z.), 170 mm Kurbelarmlänge
• Cassette Shimano Deore M4100, 11-46 Z., 10fach
• Chain KMC X10, für 10fach-Kassette
• Brake Set Hydraulische Scheibenbremse Tektro HD-M275, 180 mm Scheibendurchmesser
• Brake Rotors 180/160
• Rims Bontrager Kovee, Hohlkammerfelge, Tubeless Ready, 28-Loch, 23 mm Innenweite, Presta-Ventil
• Front Hub Formula DC-20, Aluminium, 6-Loch
• Rear Hub Größe: M , ML , L , XL , XXL Formula DC-22, Aluminium, 6-Loch-Scheibenaufnahme, 8/9/10-Freilaufnabe von Shimano, 135 x 5 mm-Schnellspannachse
• Tires Front Größe: XS , S Bontrager XT3 Comp, Drahtwulstkern, 30 TPI, 27.5 x 2.40
• Tires Rear Größe: XS , S Bontrager XT3 Comp, Drahtwulstkern, 30 TPI, 27.5 x 2.40
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, Stahlstreben, 138 mm Breite
• Seat Post Größe: ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager aus Aluminium, 31,6 mm, 12 mm Versatz, 400 mm Länge
• Stem Größe: M , ML , L Bontrager Comp, 31 8 mm, Blendr-kompatibel, 7 Grad, 50 mm Länge
• Handle Bar Größe: M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager aus Aluminium, 31,8 mm, 15 mm Rise, 750 mm Breite
• Handle Bar Width 750
• Head Set Semi-integriert, 1 1/8"

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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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Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 13.5"", 14.5", 15.5", 17.5", 18.5", 19.5", 21.5", 23"

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Size: XXS, XS, Alpha Silver Aluminium, curved top tube, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5 mm ThruSkew; Size: S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Alpha Silver Aluminium, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5 mm ThruSkew
• Fork Size: XXS, RockShox Judy, coil spring, preload, TurnKey lockout, 42 mm offset for 27.5"" wheel, 100 mm QR, 80 mm travel; Size: XS, S, RockShox Judy, coil spring, preload, TurnKey lockout, 42 mm offset for 27.5" wheel, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, RockShox Judy, coil spring, preload, TurnKey lockout, 46 mm offset for 29" wheel, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel
• Hubs Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5 mm QR
• Wheels Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless-Ready, 28-hole, 23 mm width, Presta valve
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Size: XXS, Bontrager XT3 Elite, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, wire bead, 60 tpi, 26x2.35""; Size: XS, S, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60 tpi, 27.5x2.35"; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60 tpi, 29x2.35"
• Chain Shimano LG500
• Crank Size: XXS, XS, FSA Alpha Drive, 30T, 160 mm length; Size: S, M, ML, FSA Alpha Drive, 30T, 170 mm length; Size: L, XL, XXL, FSA Alpha Drive, 30T, 175 mm length
• Bottom Bracket FSA , 73 mm, threaded cartridge, 122.5 mm spindle
• Rear Derailleur Shimano CUES U6000 GS
• Shifters Shimano U6000, 10-speed
• Brakeset Size: XXS, XS, S, Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc, short reach; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Size: XXS, XS, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 690 mm width; Size: S, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 720 mm width; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Verse Short, stainless steel rails
• Seatpost Size: XXS, Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 300 mm length; Size: XS, S, M, Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 330 mm length; Size: ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 400 mm length
• Stem Size: XXS, XS, S, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 35 mm length; Size: M, ML, 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; Size: XXL, Bontrager Comp, 31.8 mm, Blendr compatible, 7-degree, 70 mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on

Q: How much is a 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3?

A 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 is typically priced around €899 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 6 Gen 3?

The 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 have?

The 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2024 Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 should I get?

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Specialized Rockhopper Vs Trek Marlin: Which Is The Best Hardtail?

The budget hardtail bike battle, Specialized vs Trek, two big brands that have been around forever.

Which one is the best bike for you?

In this article, we are going to compare their highest-end quality bikes together alongside their budget and mid-range models. As each brand offers quite a few bike builds for each model.

The Specialized Rockhopper bike is a heavy-hitting yet lightweight bike that boasts exceptional performance and versatility, regardless of the model or size.

This bike continues the Rockhopper’s 30-year tradition of striving for excellence and refusing to settle for anything less than the best. The frame is made of butted aluminum and comes with modern gearing, versatile geometry, and class-leading equipment.

Additionally, the Rockhopper offers innovative sizing and custom Rx Tune suspension, ensuring that it provides the best fit and handling performance for every rider, regardless of their measurements. The bike comes in different sizes, each paired with the optimal wheel size, further ensuring a perfect fit.

With performance-focused components at every level, such as RockShox forks, tubeless-ready rims and tires, 1x drivetrains on the Expert and Elite, and dependable Shimano parts, the new Rockhopper is an excellent choice for any occasion.

The Trek Marlin bike has always been a popular choice for new riders and seasoned pros alike, but now it’s better than ever.

With a revamped design that offers more trail confidence and sleek looks, this bike is ready to take you on any adventure. Its geometry is perfectly dialed to give you a confident, planted feel when navigating steep and bumpy trails, while still being easy to pedal back up for another lap.

A new Thru-Skew axle provides better rear wheel security, and full-length, full-coverage guards protect your frame and keep your ride quiet.

With big 2.4˝ tires that elevate traction and an upgrade-ready frame, this bike is ready for any challenge.

Plus, it’s available in every size from XXS to XXL, so every rider can find a well-fitted bike with Smart Wheel Sizing that scales the wheel size with the bike size for comfortable standover height.

The Trek Marlin bike truly is a bike for everyone.

But which bike is the best fit for you? That’s the question we’re here to answer! In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the Rockhopper and Marlin , comparing their features, benefits, and capabilities.

We’ll help you choose the perfect ride for your goals, whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a new challenge or a beginner who wants to explore the world on two wheels.

Introducing the Specialized Rockhopper

As mentioned in this article on the best budget hardtail mtb for bike adventures the Rockhopper Expert is a popular bike amongst fellow bikepackers. Considered a cross-country mtb with 100 mm travel and weighing around 30 lbs or 13.6 kg.

It is a bike that has been around for 30 years resulting in the constant redefining of the relationship between value and performance.

The Rockhopper has somewhat of a cult following. If you are after an affordable cross-country mountain bike this might be the one. They have even cheaper options, however, the Expert is preferred if you are looking to go on bike adventures.

When it comes to long-distance endurance events this is a rather popular steed of choice!

Introducing the Trek Marlin

We have reviewed the Trek Marlin previously and here’s what we had to say.

The Trek Marlin 8 is a trail bike designed to boost your confidence on any singletrack, while also being equipped with features for everyday use. The perfect choice which competes directly with The Rockhopper Expert as a potential budget hardtail mtb for bike adventures.

With updated geometry, this bike gives you more control on challenging trails without compromising on comfort or convenience.

The Marlin 8 is built to last, thanks to its 12-speed SRAM shifting and upgraded RockShox air-spring suspension fork.

This progressive trail bike is perfect for building skills and taking on daily life, with premium features in all the right places.

Whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising around town, the Trek Marlin 8 is a bike that will help you progress and build your skills for years to come.

Price – Rockhopper vs Marlin

When it comes to price the Rockhopper offers the most affordable price with the entry-level Rockhopper model starting at $560 and the most pricy option at around $1,400. While the Trek Marlin ranges from $629 to $1,440

Weight – Rockhopper vs Marlin

The  Specialized Rockhopper weighs around 30 lbs or 13.6 kg  while the  Trek Marlin weighs around 31.51 lbs or 14.29 kg (this is for each bike’s highest-end model).

All different build options and models weigh differently. But from the numbers above we can see that the Rockhopper is approximately 700 grams lighter. And it makes total sense as this is the bike best for fast and aerodynamic riding

Tire Clearance – Rockhopper vs Marlin

When it comes to tire clearance the Trek Marlin fits up to 29er × 2.4″ mountain bike tires. While the Rockhopper has room for up to 29er x 2.3″ tires.

The Marlin comes stock with Maxxis Ardent (27.5 x 2.4″ or 29 x 2.4″ tires). While the Rockhopper comes with Ground Control (27.5 x 2.3″ or 29 x 2.3″ tires).

Gearing – Rockhopper vs Marlin

When comparing the high-end models, the Rockhopper and Marlin both feature an SRAM SX Eagle groupset which means an 11-50T cassette combined with a 30T crank resulting in a 17.45″ granny gear and 79.41″ largest gear for riding down hills. (this is when running a 2.3″ tire, you can expect this gear ratio to be slightly different with the Marlins 2.4″ tires) But this would be a small difference.

Suspension – Rockhopper vs Marlin

Suspension is where these bikes slightly differ again.

Both the high-end models feature the RockShox Judy fork, however, for some reason, the fork on the Trek Marlin has 80mm of travel while the Specialized Rockhopper has 100mm and all the other bike models, both for the Marlin and Rockhopper all have 100mm of travel.

The entry-level models for both bikes have the Suntour XCE28 fork and the mid-range models slightly differ. With the Marlin featuring a RockShox Judy and the Rockhopper with a Suntour XCM fork.

Handlebars, Seatpost, and other specs – Rockhopper vs Marlin

When it comes to handlebars both the Marlin and rockhopper have a 15 mm rise for Medium sizes and up with a 5 mm rise for the smaller frames.

The main difference when it comes to seat posts is that the Trek Marlin 8 Gen 3 has dropper posts while the Rockhopper doesn’t and all the other models we compared are all rigid.

Geometry – Rockhopper vs Marlin

Geometry can play a big part in the difference between how a bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike.

Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!

Here is where we see most of the differences in bikes. All the measurements below are in mm and are for both medium-sized bikes.

The main geometry specs that can paint the picture of the type of bike we are looking at are; stack/reach ratio, trail, chainstay, and wheelbase.

Firstly the stack/reach ratio for the Marlin is average when compared with other hardtail cross-country mtb with 1.44 vs 1.42 for the Rockhopper which is somewhat aggressive.

Suggesting that the Marlin is a more upright bike, in comparison, the Rockhopper is slightly more aggressive.

Chainstay is rather close with only 2 mm in difference with the Marlin boasting 438 mm vs the Rockhoppers 440 mm chainstay.

Along with this, the wheelbase length is 18 mm longer on the rockhopper. considering the chainstay is slightly longer also. I would argue that the Rockhopper may be the better bike choice, especially when it comes to geometry for bike adventures. The numbers mean in theory that it is the better-suited bike to allow for better-suited riding with gear loaded on the bike.

Now we’ll look at the trail. This tells the story of how each bike will corner and what the handling is like upfront.

Both trail measurements for the Marlin and rockhopper are considered very high. The Rockhopper has a 9.8 mm higher trail. When compared to the Marlin this means the Rockhopper in theory would have a slower, but calmer, steering response.

However, the Marlin is still rather high. But when compared together this favours the Rockhopper again as the more superior bike when it comes to bike adventures and carry gear. Especially in situations where you are climbing technical trails and need precision when steering.

Bikepacking – Rockhopper vs Marlin

The fact that bikepackers alike seem to have this cult following when it comes to the Rockhopper means that personally, I would recommend this bike over the Trek Marlin .

Even if the Marlin comes with a dropper post and the Rockhopper is rigid. And 1″ larger tire clearance on the Marlin .

When it comes to geometry it’s obvious that the Rockhopper is the superior bike out of the two.

And it’s also a bonus that the Rockhopper is slightly cheaper across the board.

To me, it’s a no-brainer to get a Rockhopper especially if you’re looking for a hardtail mtb for your next epic bike adventure.

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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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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Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

• Marlin 6 Gen 2 - 2022, Small