The Trek Marlin 6 is a popular choice for riders venturing into the exciting world of mountain biking. As a versatile cross-country mountain bike, the Marlin 6 offers a blend of affordability, performance, and Trek’s renowned quality, making it an excellent option for beginners and experienced riders alike seeking a reliable and fun hardtail. Let’s dive into the specifications and features that make the Trek Marlin 6 a standout in its category.
Exploring the Trek Marlin 6 Specifications
The Marlin 6 is built around a lightweight and durable Alpha Silver Aluminum frame, featuring internal routing for a clean look and protection of cables. This frame is designed with mountain biking in mind, offering a comfortable and responsive ride on various trails.
Frame and Fork:
- 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. Travel varies by size to ensure optimal geometry:
- XS: 80mm travel, 42mm offset for 27.5” wheel
- S: 100mm travel, 42mm offset for 27.5” wheel
- M, ML, L, XL, XXL: 100mm travel, 46mm offset for 29” wheel
- Maximum Fork Travel Compatibility: 100mm (XS & S: 490mm axle-to-crown, M & up: 509mm axle-to-crown)
This combination provides a sturdy and responsive foundation for tackling trails, with the hydraulic lockout on the fork offering added efficiency on smoother surfaces or climbs.
Wheels and Tires:
The Trek Marlin 6 is designed to roll efficiently and confidently over varied terrain. Wheel size is optimized for each frame size, ensuring the best fit and handling for all riders.
- 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
- Rear Skewer: 152x5mm QR
- Rims: Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20mm width, Schrader valve
- Spokes: 14g stainless steel, black
- Tires: Bontrager XR2 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi. Size varies by frame size:
- XS, S: 27.5×2.20”
- M, ML, L, XL, XXL: 29×2.20”
- Maximum Tire Size: Frame: 29×2.20″ (XS & S: 27.5×2.40″), Fork: See manufacturer specifications
The Bontrager XR2 Comp tires are a great all-around choice, offering good grip and rolling efficiency for various trail conditions. The double-wall Bontrager Connection rims add durability for rougher rides.
Drivetrain and Components:
Shifting and pedaling efficiency are crucial for enjoying your time on the trails. The Marlin 6 features a reliable Shimano drivetrain that provides smooth and consistent performance.
- Shifters: Shimano M315, 2-speed and 8-speed configuration for a total of 16 speeds
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus M315, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus M310
- Crank: Shimano M315, 36/22T chainrings. Crank arm length varies by size:
- XS, S, M: 170mm length
- M, ML, L, XL, XXL: 175mm length
- Bottom Bracket: VP BC73, 73mm, threaded cartridge
- Cassette: Shimano HG31, 11-34, 8-speed
- Chain: KMC Z8.3, 8-speed
- Pedals: VP-536 nylon platform
- Maximum Chainring Size: 1x/2x: 34T, 3x: 42T
The Shimano Altus components offer dependable shifting performance, while the wide-range 8-speed cassette provides gears for tackling climbs and descents.
Components:
Comfort and control are enhanced by quality components. Trek has equipped the Marlin 6 with Bontrager parts known for their durability and rider-focused design.
- Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width
- Seatpost: Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset. Length varies by frame size to accommodate different rider heights.
- XS, S, M: 330mm length
- M: 360mm length
- ML, L, XL, XXL: 400mm length
- Handlebar: Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise. Width varies by size for optimized handling.
- XS: 690mm width
- S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL: 720mm width
- Grips: Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on
- Stem: Bontrager Comp, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7-degree. Length varies by size to fine-tune rider position.
- XS: 50mm length
- S: 60mm length
- M: 70mm length
- ML, L: 80mm length
- XL, XXL: 90mm length
- Headset: Semi-integrated, 1-1/8”
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor (front), 160mm rotor (rear)
- Brake Set: Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor
The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in all weather conditions, a significant advantage on varied trails. Bontrager components ensure a comfortable and controlled riding experience.
Weight and Sizing:
- Weight: M – 14.50 kg / 31.97 lbs (with tubes)
- Weight Limit: 136 kg / 300 pounds (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo)
Geometry:
Trek provides detailed geometry charts to help you find the perfect Marlin 6 size. The geometry is designed for a balanced and efficient cross-country riding position, suitable for both climbing and descending.
| Size (inches) | Size | Wheel Size | Reach (mm) | Head Tube Angle (degrees) | Head Tube Length (mm) | Effective Top Tube Length (mm) | Standover (mm) | BB Drop (mm) | Chainstay Length (mm) | Fork Offset (mm) | Front Center (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Rider Height (cm) | Rider Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.5″ | XS | 27.5″ | 343 | 73.5° | 90 | 543 | 705 | 376 | 438 | 42 | 611 | 1049 | 147-155 | 4’10”-5’1″ |
| 15.5″ | S | 27.5″ | 368 | 73.5° | 90 | 555 | 728 | 385 | 438 | 42 | 628 | 1066 | 155-165 | 5’1″-5’5″ |
| 17.5″ | M | 29″ | 419 | 73.5° | 90 | 595 | 743 | 418 | 438 | 46 | 671 | 1109 | 165-173 | 5’5″-5’8″ |
| 18.5″ | ML | 29″ | 444 | 73.5° | 90 | 611 | 750 | 434 | 438 | 46 | 687 | 1125 | 173-180 | 5’8″-5’11” |
| 19.5″ | L | 29″ | 470 | 73.5° | 100 | 631 | 747 | 451 | 438 | 46 | 707 | 1145 | 180-188 | 5’11”-6’2″ |
| 21.5″ | XL | 29″ | 521 | 73.5° | 120 | 652 | 750 | 466 | 438 | 46 | 729 | 1167 | 188-195 | 6’2″-6’5″ |
| 23.0″ | XXL | 29″ | 559 | 73.5° | 135 | 670 | 783 | 480 | 438 | 46 | 747 | 1186 | 195-203 | 6’5″-6’8″ |
Who is the Trek Marlin 6 For?
The Trek Marlin 6 is ideally suited for:
- Entry-level mountain bikers: Its affordability, reliable components, and user-friendly geometry make it a fantastic starting point for those new to mountain biking.
- Recreational trail riders: The Marlin 6 is capable and comfortable for tackling a variety of trails, from smooth paths to more challenging singletrack.
- Riders seeking versatility: With rack and kickstand mounts, the Marlin 6 can also serve as a capable commuter or adventure bike for light touring.
- Value-conscious buyers: The Marlin 6 offers a great balance of quality and price, providing Trek performance without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: The Trek Marlin 6 – A Solid Foundation for Mountain Biking
The Trek Marlin 6 stands out as a well-rounded and capable hardtail mountain bike. Its thoughtful component selection, durable frame, and confidence-inspiring geometry make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the trails. Whether you’re just starting your mountain biking journey or seeking a reliable and fun bike for everyday adventures, the Trek Marlin 6 is a worthy contender.
