Marlin 5 is a trail bicycle for entry-level riders. It is perfectly appropriate for new riders, those who do not take cycling too seriously, and enthusiasts who need an all-terrain bicycle to be on and off the trails or everyday commute because of a suspension fork, 21 speeds, mounts for a rack, and kickstand.
However, this bike is not an excellent choice for an array of jumps or handles extreme terrains. If you wish to test your cycling skills and limits, you should save more money and invest in a bike featuring slightly better components. Otherwise, non-experienced riders are searching for the first mountain bike to experience thrilling trails on the gravel, the dirt roads in your area, or other terrains and cross-country trips that do not involve too many technical trail features. This Trek Marlin 5 may meet and exceed your expectations. You will be able to cover thousands of miles on this vehicle without any upgrades. How cool it is!
Talk a little about Trek. When mentioning the top bicycle manufacture, Trek is always the first appearance. This company has been operating since 1976, founded in a small warehouse in Wisconsin, the USA. Trek pays attention to its standard, quality, and design, so it continually optimizes its usage, productivity, and technology. It quickly became the global brand, the quality symbol and loved by millions of riders, from non-experienced users to top professional athletes. Trek bikes is a perfectly versatile brand from electric to fat-bikes and hybrids which combines several different manufacturers.
Performance
Trek Marlin 5 is not strictly a trail-specific bike that would feel complicated in all other settings, and it is efficient on different types of surfaces, both paved and dirt roads. It seems a pretty good choice for those who wish to have the first mountain bike or treat themselves to a brand-new bicycle as their daily workhorse and commuter. This entry-level trail bike features an excellent off-road-ready aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, burly wheels and tires, cushy front suspension, and plenty more. It is one of the best-valued models from the Marlin lineup that deliver multiple developments compared to the Marlin 4, such as better hubs, brakes, and bottom bracket.
Its large wheels, extensive tires, and capable water-powered disc brakes still make it more suitable for riders who plan to spend more time in forests and mountains than on smooth city streets. Beginner riders without high aspirations can also consider the Marlin 5 as their first trail bike or use it as an everyday workhorse to take on short urban commutes.
Specifications
- Item Weight: 14.44 kg or 31.84 lbs (with tubes)
- Speeds: 21
- Brakes: Tektro on the front wheel
- Seat Material: Rubber
- Weight support: 300 pounds (136 kg)
- Rider Height: 4’5” – 6’7” (137 – 203 cm)
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Pros And Cons For A Marlin 5
Plus
- This latest improvement of Marlin is perfectly suitable for daily commuters on any surface. It is now lighter, faster, and more productive.
- Riders are more comfortable to brake confidently with its smaller frame sizes (XS and S) feature short-reach brake levers.
- Smaller riders can easily mount and dismount because the XS and S frame sizes feature a lower stand-over height and a curved top tube.
- This Marlin 5 is a nice all-terrain bike because its rack and kickstand mounts are easy to accessorize
- Trek offers the lifetime warranty like other models in the Marlin family.
- Marlin 5 delivers a reasonable price-to-value ratio.
- Attractive colors and various sizes
Minus
- Entry-level parts by Shimano Tourney.
Sizes And Colors
Riders can find a perfect bike for their height because Trek Marlin 5 delivers seven sizes from XS to XXL, which are between 4’5” and 6’7”, approximately 137 to 203 centimeters. Beside the various sizes, Marlin 5 comes in three modern and attractive colors that include Trek Black/Lithium Grey, Dark Aquatic/Trek Black, and Factory Orange/Lithium Grey. All of them are cool and stylish.
Make sure to find the perfect size and color for your Trek Marlin 5 by checking out the Uniqlo Size Charts. These charts offer a comprehensive guide to take your measurements for the perfect fit. Additionally, you can learn how to match colors in your clothes with a color wheel which can help you coordinate your attire with your Trek Marlin 5.
Lightweight Plus Quality Design
Marlin 5 is well-known with the Alpha Silver Aluminum frame. This light, durable and comfortable frame is one of its unique selling points and can be found on other more expensive bicycles from this category. The vehicle is suitable for different riders because the frame features a 69.5-degree adaptable head tube angle, creating its sleek design, steep, slack, and comfortable geometry. Therefore, this bike performs well in all terrains, from climbing, descending to cornering, or even under wet weather. However, this stiffness may create some unease, and riders may experience an overall uncomfortable ride.
The internal routing makes the bike cables last longer, prevents them from external factors, and provides an overall clean look. A top tube dipping down as it approaches its seat is one of the significant points in the design of smaller frames like XS and S.
It makes for shorter adventurers and allows them to straddle their bikes more easily. Otherwise, the larger frames from M to XXL feature a straight top tube for taller riders with longer legs, who do not have the same matters with stand-over height.
Fork
The XCE 28 fork by SR Suntour offers a plush journey of 100 mm with a lock. Most cross-country prefer this type of fork. A nice plus for this component is its coil-spring making the bike slightly heavy, yet it can take up a preload function.
Speed And Brakes
The Marlin 5 contains features usually found only on more expensive bikes. Trek provides this bike a lightweight aluminum setting with a brake hose routing and internal shift cable. Their responsibility is to keep your cables safe and dress on it a glossy look, 21 speeds plus an ample range of gearing. Therefore, you always have the right gadgets such as a suspension fork and powerful water-powered disc brakes that beat all the bumps and rough topography.
This bike has a 21-speed multi-speed transmission, which means you will have the ability to customize the pedaling force flexibly on terrain with different slopes. It is equipped with a hydraulic disc brake with greater braking force and is more reliable than a mechanical brake. Trek sets up short-reach brake levers and narrower handlebars for the smaller sizes of Marlin 5. It gives smaller riders comfort and control while riding this vehicle.
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27.5- And 29-Inch Tires Plus Wheels
Following the height of riders and which setting size they choose, the Marlin 5 will be set up with 27.5- and 29-inch wheels. The XS and S frames feature the 27.5-inch wheel; otherwise, the others are 29 inches. With a 29-inch wheel, this type of bike seems to have the broadest.
Wider tires bring a lot of pros. They not only support fast riding but also produce increasing traction and comfort. Additionally, they enhance the control of cornering and handling. Plus, such tires reduce braking distances and are safer for all bikers. In general, it is a great solution to decrease its stand-over height and ensure a prettier fit for all riders.
The rims on every modification are Bontrager Connection. They are double walled, have 32 rods, 20mm in width, and a Schrader valve. All of them will take plenty of abuse. The XR2 tires by Bontrager give riders much handle on either the 27.5- or 29-inch diameter even though they are not tubeless.
Steady Bontrager Portions
Bonrtager is a part of Trek. The company produces all these components exclusively for their bikes, which means they are 100% compatible and can run without any issues for a long time. Their gears can be easily clipped directly to the stem with Bontrager technology for clean looks to maximize user-friendliness.
One of its drawbacks is that they do not taper the headset. Therefore, you have to spend much time considering if you want to upgrade the fork. The Trek features air foam plus a complete cutout for a Marlin 5 seat. It gives you an enjoyable comfort on long-day riding in different terrains, from forests, mountains, and it works well for a city ride.
Price
Talk about the price. New riders are often faced with a tough dilemma, purchasing a versatile plus comfortable city bicycle to ride or a real mountain bike to have fun and start on off-road experiences. Their investment in the Marlin 5 is considered an excellent choice. It costs just $599.99 that puts this in the budget category.
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Components And Drivetrain By Shimano
The entire drivetrain off Trek Marlin 5 is composed of Shimano parts. Even though the bike is entry-level quality, it offers more than enough in terms of performance for beginner trail riders. Compared to the previous version, derailleurs should be mentioned as the highlight improvement on this Trek Marlin 5. Particularly, the front and rear components of Shimano Tourney are not long-lasting or probable. They operate 21 gears on a 3×7 drivetrain. Nevertheless, the shifters are Shimano Altus, which is one quality class higher than Tourney.
Depending on the way you treat and take care of them, their life might last longer for years and miles. Unless you are a careful person, fall off your ride and smash them, it might cause you some problems. However, it seems not a thing that a biker planning to ride the Marlin 5 on a regular weekend or weekday journey should consider. In addition, a higher-value group set updates to Acera, Alivio, or Altus is not a huge investment.
In conclusion, Trek Marlin 5 seems a popular version of this category because the rack and kickstand mounts make it easy to accessorize and haul a load. Moreover, this bike offers a versatile array of features and modifications. It can be beneficial to both novice and expert drivers alike. On top of that, the quality of the Trek Marlin 5 delivers the best performance you can expect at this price range.
If you are a first-time buyer and have a budget of around $600, there are tons of advantages from this Trek’s bike. The highlights of Marlin 5 are its Shimano Tourney components and aluminum frame. You should pay attention to its ability to travel on any surface and in different weather conditions powered by the hydraulic disc brakes. Braking at all speeds should not be an issue with disc brakes. Generally, a huge plus for this bicycle is that it can beat all the topographic, trails, mountains, or paved roads.
Frequent Questions About Trek Marlin 5 Bike
Can we consider the Trek Marlin 5 as a mountain bike?
Yes. Marlin 5 is an entry-level trail bike offering great features adaptable for both non-experienced riders and enthusiasts.
Should the Trek Marlin 5 be a wonderful bicycle to have?
The Marlin 5 is perfect for new riders who want to have a thrilling trail experience. The bike features a durable and sturdy frame that makes it last longer and is appropriate to plenty of rough terrains. With an affordable price of around $600 for all the above features and a lifetime warranty, buying this bike is a wise option for beginner riders.
Is Trek Marlin 5 worthy?
At the budget of $600, the Marlin 5 is affordable since it features plenty of options and great performance as other expensive and professional bikes.
Can riders do tabletop jumps on the Trek Marlin 5?
The Marlin 5 is not appropriate for riders to take on any types of jumps or special riding skills because it is a part of entry-level range by Trek. In addition, the wheels and tires are not able to handle any jumps, even the small one. So, do not try it.
Can I add a child seat on Trek Marlin 5?
Yes, you can add a rear tire rack, as well as a child seat on this Marlin 5.
How much does a second-hand Trek Marlin 5 cost?
Non-experienced bikers should consider the Marlin 5 as a perfect option. The bike featuring an aluminum setting may have long-term usage due to how you take care of it.
Some purchasers may be willing to by the second-hand vehicle for a price at nearly or slightly higher than $400. In general, you are not worried of its good resale value.