Trek is one of the top bike brands in the world, their products are well received and have a solid quality. Today we’ll take a look at one of their entry level mountain bikes, the Trek Marlin 4.
This is a product that existed on the market for years, and the newest version of Trek Marlin 4 is the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2.
Who is it for & is it worth to buy
This is a mountain bike targeting entry level riders. If you are new or have little experience, this should be a good choice.
It performs well and is suited for many scenarios from trail riding to compus commutering.
For the main parts, we can see the aluminum alloy frame, a front coil spring fork, a 21 speed Shimano shifter, and disc brakes; those configurations should be enough for an entry level mountain bike.
The price is not expensive nor cheap, for a big brand you just got the exact value for the money. And the trek marlin series is well designed with a solid quality. If you are new to bikes there is nothing wrong with picking the big brand.
Features & Details
Frame
The main frame is made of aluminum alloy, it is much lighter than steel, but not good enough than the carbon fiber. However, the carbon fiber is too expensive and can only be seen on the high end products, for an entry level bike the aluminum frame is a common design and works well.
The most distinguishing feature of the trek marlin series is they have a stylish frame with internal shift cable and brake hose routing, such design can help the cables last longer by protecting them from the outer environment, keeps things clean and simple with aesthetic looks.
And the products have seven frame sizes to fit different sizes of people, you should not worry if you are a small person or too tall.
Weight
The total weight is about 31.75 lbs(14.40 kg), this is common for a mountain bike, if this is your concern then you should take a look at the road bikes.
Fork and Seatpost
The trek marlin 4 has a coil spring front fork, it can absorb the bumps and shocks from different terrains. You should feel it is very comfortable while riding or traveling.
The main frame is very deliberately designed, with the top tube dips down when it reaches the seat tube. This gives you more freedom to lower the seat down, which is good for riders that are not tall.
Shifter
Shifters are important for mountain bikes to conquer different terrains. The Trek Marlin 4 comes with a 21 speed shifter, more specifically, it is the Shimano Altus EF500.
Shimano is the top brand for Derailleurs, almost every professional bike using their products.
Hubs
It uses a Novatec A186SBT Track Hubs, Novatec is a well known brand and has a good quality and running great, however, you should keep in mind that it is vulnerable for water and always avoid it on rainy days.
Tires
They are using the Bontrager XR2 Comp. Bontrager is also a brand for Trek itself. The tire is not bad with solid quality.
Brakes
The Trek Marlin 4 comes with a mechanical disc brake, which is good enough for many cases, and also good for such a price tag.
However, many people expect a hydraulics disc brake, you can find it on the Marlin 5, which is a little expensive.
Mounts
It has many mount points for you to install additional gears, like the rear kickstand mount, and the rack mounts that can be used to add a rack to carry accessories.
Blendr stem
This is a technology or an integration system for you to install gears like lights for computers on the bike’s stem. With well designed stems, you can install the accessories clean and easy.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Big brand and Solid quality
- Curved top tube to fit every rider
- Stylish frame with internal cable routing
- Blendr stem
- Shimano 21 speed shifter,disc brake and coil suspension fork
- Trek’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- Moderate price
Specifications For The Trek Marlin 2 Gen 2
| Weight: | 31.75 lbs(14.40kg) |
| Frame Material: |
Aluminum |
| Front Fork |
Front Suspension Fork (Coil Spring) |
| Brake: | Mechanical Disc(Tektro MD-M280 & Tektro MD-M281) |
| Shifter | Shimano Altus EF500, 7 Speed (total 21 speed with front and rear derailleur combination) |
| Sizes |
XS(27.5” wheel),S(27.5” wheel),M(29” wheel),ML(29” wheel),L(29” wheel),XL(29” wheel),XXL(29” wheel) |
Is trek marlin 4 a good bike?
Yes, to some extent, this is a solid bike with considerable features, the trek marlin series is a brand that existed on the market for years and endured the examination of time.
Maybe it is not the cheapest, and maybe it does not have many advanced features, as designed for entry level, this is a bike with all the features you can expect and performs well. The design and quality is above the average.
What’s the difference between trek marlin 4 and 5?
Trek marlin 5 is a little expensive than the trek marlin 4, and it is considered to be targeting a much higher end(although still entry level for professionals) than the marlin 4.
The main difference is the marlin 5 featuring a 24 speed shifter, and for the trek marlin 4 it is 21 speed. And more specifically, the rear shifter, Shimano Altus M315(8 speed) vs Shimano Altus EF500(7 speed)
The other major difference is the brakes, marlin 4 using a mechanical disc brake and the trek marlin 5 gen 2 having a hydraulic disc brake.
Does the trek marlin 4 have hydraulics?
Unfortunately, the trek marlin 4 comes with a mechanical disc brake, instead of the hydraulics. This is an entry level mountain bike, you’ll not see too many advanced features on it.
Final Thoughts
The Trek Marlin 4 is a great mountain bike with solid quality, and trek is a big brand with lifetime warranty. It can be used for trail riding, daily commuter, and recreational exercise.
This is an entry to mid level bike, although it is not the cheapest one, it has a good quality that can be guaranteed. if you are new to mountain bikes you can just pick it.