2021 Trek Marlin – Everything you need to know
2021 Trek Marlin - Everything you need to know
The 2021 Trek Marlin is a quality entry-level hardtail mountain bike. The updates it has had over its predecessor means that the new version is the best Trek Marlin yet.
It is an ideal bike for kids, commuters and those new to mountain biking. The 2021 Trek Marlin has proper mountain bike geometry, which is rare for entry-level mountain bikes. This makes it stand out from other bikes in this price bracket, as you can actually ride it on the trails and have fun. However, you need to be realistic about its capabilities. This is not the type of bike that you want to start hitting big jumps or very technical alpine terrain. But, if you are looking for a fun bike to take on relatively mellow trails, cross country rides or gravel tracks, the 2021 Trek Marlin is definitely up to the job.
Frame
All the 2021 Trek Marlin models have the Alpha Silver Aluminium frame. The 2021 Trek Marlin is a little lighter than the 2020 version, bringing it even closer to the X-Caliber, which is Trek’s cross country race bike. It has internal cable routing to protect the cables and to give it a nice and tidy look. If you decide to upgrade to a dropper seat post, the internal cable routing is ready and waiting for it too.
Other Upgrades and Features
The 2021 Trek Marlin range has had some subtle changes. That is apart from the Marlin6, which is exactly the same as its predecessor, other than the new colour.
All of the 2021 Trek Marlin bikes have more colour options. This may not be your priority, but the new colours look really nice, and they have an excellent finish to them.
To make servicing the 2021 Trek Marlin easier, they are fitted with a threaded bottom bracket. This makes it easy to replace, and they creak less than push-fit versions.
The 2021 Trek Marlin 7 is more expensive than the 2020 version. Part of this reason is that Trek has fitted it with an upgraded RockShox Judy fork. This fork has a better feeling and dampening over the 2020’s XC30 fork.
All the models in the range come with 100mm forks, disc brakes and a simple, durable drivetrain.
The Marlin 7’s drivetrain has also been upgraded to a Shimano Deore 10 speed. This upgrade makes it a 1×10 setup, which means that it will run smoother and you are less likely to drop your chain on bumpy terrain.
You get a much better range of gears with the 2021 Trek Marlin 7 over the 2020 version. This is because the cassette is an 11-46 tooth item, giving you easier pedalling on steeper climbs.
These features are a similar style to what you would find on a cross country race bike. This means pedalling is smooth and efficient. It will cope with trail centre trails with no problem.
One notable feature that the 2021 Trek Marlin has (as do all Trek bikes) is the lifetime warranty. This adds value for money to an already well-priced bike.
Things to Consider When Choosing
- The Trek Marlin is a hardtail bike aimed at people that want a bike for transport, as well as for having fun off-road on a budget. For riders that are planning on using it for just trail riding, the 2021 Trek Marlin should be fine, and you will have a lot of fun on it. But very rough terrain or downhill trails will be tricky.
- You may find that you want better pedals. The ones you get are pretty basic, which is relatively standard practice for new bikes.
- Smaller frame sizes come with short-reach brake levers. These make it easier for riders with little hands to brake.
2021 Trek Marlin 5
The 2021 Trek Marlin 5 is the entry-level version of this hardtail. It is suited to riding daily as a commuter, but it also works well on the trails. This versatility makes it a good value for money bike at £440. Therefore, if you are looking for a reliable commuter bike that can hold its own on an off-road trail, this is worth considering. The light frame and efficient drivetrain make this an easy bike to pedal, while the hydraulic disc brakes give it plenty of stopping power.
The fact that the Marlin 5 comes with a kickstand should give you an idea of what it is designed for. But, it is a low priced mountain bike that is suitable as a mode of transport, no matter what the surface you are riding on is.
Specifications
| Weight | M – 14.44 kg / 31.84 lb (with tubes) |
| Frameset | |
| Frame | Alpha Silver Aluminum, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 100mm QR, 100mm travel |
| Wheels | |
| Front Hub | Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR |
| Rear Hub | Formula DC-27, alloy, 6-bolt, 7sp freehub, 135x5mm QR |
| Rims | Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, schrader valve |
| Tires | Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29×2.20″ front, 29×2.00″ rear |
| Drivetrain | |
| Shifters | Shimano Altus M315, 7 speed |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Tourney TY300, 34.9mm clamp, down swing, down pull |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Tourney TY300, long cage |
| Crank | Shimano Tourney TY301, 42/34/24 |
| Bottom bracket | VP BC73, 73mm, threaded cartridge |
| Cassette | Shimano HG200, 12-32, 7 speed |
| Chain | KMC Z7, 7 speed |
| Pedals | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Components | |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width |
| Seatpost | Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset |
| Handlebar | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise |
| Stem | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on |
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1-1/8″ |
| Brakeset | Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc |
2021 Trek Marlin 6
At £530, the 2021 Trek Marlin 6 is a bit more of a proper mountain bike than the 5. It is actually an entry-level cross country bike. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use it as a commuter. To make it a good commuter, it comes with the mounts for a kickstand, mudguards and rack.
It has a wide range of gears for fast and easy pedalling on any surface you need to ride on.
This version of the Marlin has a suspension lockout feature. This means you can stop the suspension bouncing when you are riding roads or climbing, to make pedalling more efficient.
Specifications
| Weight | M – 14.50 kg / 31.97 lb (with tubes) |
| Frameset | |
| Frame | Alpha Silver Aluminum, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 51mm offset for 29″ wheel, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel |
| Wheels | |
| Front Hub | Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR |
| Rear Hub | Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135×5 mm QR |
| Rims | Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, schrader valve |
| Tires | Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29×2.20″ front, 29×2.00″ rear |
| Drivetrain | |
| Shifters | Shimano Altus M315, 8 speed |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Altus M315, 34.9 mm clamp, top swing, dual pull |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Altus M310 |
| Crank | Shimano M315, 36/22 |
| Bottom bracket | VP BC73, 73 mm, threaded cartridge |
| Cassette | Shimano HG31, 11-34, 8-speed |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3, 8-speed |
| Pedals | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Components | |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width |
| Seatpost | Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset |
| Handlebar | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise |
| Stem | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on |
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1-1/8″ |
| Brakeset | Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc, short-reach lever |
2021 Trek Marlin 7
The 2021 Trek Marlin 7 is a mountain bike that is at home on a commute as it is in a cross country race. It has a higher quality fork and components to reflect its racing ability. This is the flagship model of the Marlin range, with a RockShox fork equipped with a lockout and 1X10 drivetrain.
This bike is designed to take on long distances over smooth and rough terrain, either for fun or for racing. Priced at just £660, makes it an excellent value for money mountain bike.
Specifications
| Frameset | |
| Frame | Alpha Silver Aluminum, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR |
| Fork | RockShox Judy, coil spring, preload, TurnKey lockout, 100mm QR, 100mm travel |
| Wheels | |
| Front Hub | Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 5x100mm QR |
| Rear Hub | Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5mm QR |
| Rims | Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, schrader valve |
| Tires | Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29×2.20″ front, 29×2.00″ rear |
| Drivetrain | |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M4100, 10 speed |
| Front derailleur | – |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Deore M5120, long cage |
| Crank | FSA Alpha Drive, 28T steel ring, Boost |
| Bottom bracket | FSA, 73mm, threaded cartridge |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M4100, 11-46, 10 speed |
| Chain | KMC X10, 10 speed |
| Pedals | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Components | |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width |
| Seatpost | Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset |
| Handlebar | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise |
| Stem | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| Headset | Semi-integrated, 1-1/8″ |
| Brakeset | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
Are You Going To Buy A 2021 Trek Marlin?
Are you going to take the plunge? Maybe you have your own experiences with riding a Trek Marlin. Please let me know int he comments section below.
i have recently purchased a marlin 7. it doesnt comue until august. im 35 and havent rode a mountain bike seriously since i was in my teens. im getting older and further from good shape so i decided it was time. i apreciate the piece i read on the drop seat. i had no idea there was such a thing. completely makes sense. My end goal is be riding downhill courses once im comfortable and in shape. If you have any other upgrades that would help me i would appreciate it. Thanks, Mike
Hi Mike.Its great that you are getting back into mountain biking. I think the best thing to do, is maybe spend money on coaching before accessories. Obviously a good helmet is essential, but there are other ways to protect yourself while riding. A good set of knee and elbow pads are great confidence boosters too.