Trek has announced the release of the latest version of its best-selling mountain bike, the Marlin. This updated budget-friendly hardtail features a longer wheelbase, slacker head angle, and other modern design features that should make it a great first “real” mountain bike for aspiring mountain bikers.

Trek Marlin Gen 3 Highlights

• Updated Sizing
• Longer, slacker geometry for more confident handling
• Internal cable routing
• Front and rear thru-axles
• Gen 3 Marlin Pricing: $899 – $1,299.99
• Available now
• For more information, visit https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/marlin

The revamped Marlin features a new Alpha Silver Aluminium frame that gets modern trail bike updates, like a slacker head tube, longer reach, and wider bars to elevate confidence when tackling more difficult terrain. Its frame is paired with a 100mm fork to soak up roots and rocks and can even be upgraded to a 120mm fork on sizes XS and up as riders progress and want more from their ride. The new frame also increases tire clearance, so riders will be able to roll with beefier, 2.4″ tires that boost grip and soak up rough trails.

Securing the rear wheel is a new Thru Skew rear axle that ups wheel security. It secures into a closed dropout system for a safer, simpler, and stronger ride while retaining the existing 135 mm rear hub standard. Plus, riders can stash the Thru-Skew’s removable lever for added wheel security and a cleaner look while riding.

To enhance the overall aesthetics and functionality, all new Marlin bikes feature updated internal cable routing, resulting in a cleaner appearance. The internal foam tubes simplify cable routing and minimize cable rattling during rough rides. Additionally, the new Marlin is equipped with a full-coverage chain stay guard, which serves the dual purpose of dampening chain slap noise and protecting the frame from scratches and impacts.

Trek Marlin Gen 3 Geometry

Furthermore, Trek is expanding the Marlin line by introducing an additional XXS size option, catering to shorter riders and growing children. The company has implemented its Smart Wheel Sizing technology across all Marlin models, ensuring optimal fit and riding comfort. Smaller frames will feature a curved top tube to improve standover height and accommodate smaller wheel sizes, starting from 26˝, with the wheel size increasing proportionally as the frame size grows.

For budget-conscious riders, the previous generation of the Marlin, including Marlin 4 and 5, will still be available. Meanwhile, the upgraded frame and latest technology will be featured in the Marlin 6, 7, and 8 models.

Trek 2023 Marlin Frequently Asked Questions

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What is different about the new frame compared to previous versions?

• Modern, trail-ready geometry with a slacker 66.5-degree headtube, longer reach, steeper seat tube angle, shorter stock stems, and wider stock bars.
• Eight unique frame sizes to fit an even wider range of riders. 26” XXS, 27.5” XS-SM, 29” MD-XXL
• Standard 135mm dropout spacing, but with an all-new ThruSkew rear axle mated to a closed dropout that is safer, simpler, and stronger. Includes a removable lever.
• A subtly dropped drive-side chainstay increases rear tire clearance to 2.4” on all sizes when set up 1x.
• Improved cable routing compatible with internally routed dropper posts and foam tubes to silence cables.
• Full-coverage chain stay guard to quiet chain slap.

I don’t like those updates and I want the old Marlin back! 

The great new features listed above are only available on Marlin 6, 7, and 8. Price-sensitive customers will be happy to know that Trek is carrying forward the existing Marlin frameset onto the more entry-level Marlin 4 and 5.

Do any frame sizes have curved top tubes for lower standover?

Yes – XXS and XS have curved top tubes with stand-over heights of 650mm and 658mm, respectively.

Can you upgrade to a fork with a tapered steerer?

Yes, but you’ll need a new headset. To run a tapered steerer, Trek offers the FSA Orbit headset PN 5304967, which has an external lower bearing cup.

 How much dropper post-insertion does each Marlin size have?

Does ThruSkew require a unique wheel or hub? 

No. ThruSkew uses a standard 135mm hub, so you get the benefits of a thru-axle in the simplicity and value of an easily replaceable or upgradable 135mm wheel.

What type of bottom bracket does the new Marlin use?

BSA 73mm (threaded)

Is the Marlin compatible with 30mm spindles cranksets? 

Yes, but check compatibility between your 30mm BB of choice and 30mm crank of choice.

What is the max rear rotor size?

Frames XS-XXL can accommodate a 180mm rotor with an adapter. XXS has a max of 160mm.

What are the max chainring sizes and chain ine? 

1X : 32T (49mm chain line) or 1X : 34T (52mm chain line), 2x: 36/22 (52mm chain line)

Where is the internal dropper routing? I don’t see a hole in the seat tube…

Internal dropper post housing starts its journey from the drive-side hole near the headtube, runs through the downtube, above the bottom bracket, and finally through the seat tube to the dropper. This task is most easily accomplished with the bottom bracket removed.

Is the Trek Marlin tubeless compatible? What additional parts are required?

Marlin 6, 7, and 8 come with tubeless-ready Kovee rims but not tubeless valves and rim strips.  The Marlin 8 includes Maxxis Ardent tubeless-ready tires, Marlin 6 and 7 do not come with tubeless-ready tires. Marlin 4 and 5 do not come with any tubeless-compatible wheels, tires, or rim strips.

Can you mount a kickstand and rack on the Trek Marlin?

Yes. The Marlin has mounts for an integrated cargo rack as well as a kickstand. Trek recommend the Bontrager Integrated Rear Mount Adjustable Kickstand.

Can I put a front derailleur on the new Marlin?

Yes, but the frame doesn’t have routing for both a front derailleur and an internally routed dropper post, so you’ll have to choose. Note that a front derailleur reduces rear tire clearance to 2.2” on all sizes.

Are all sizes compatible with a water bottle?

Yes! Note that XXS, XS, and S sizes do not have a seat tube bottle mount. This is to allow for deeper seat post insertion.