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Trek Marlin Range Guide: Marlin 4, 5, 6, 7 and Marlin+ 8 Compared

If you have been looking for one hardtail that can handle weekend trails, towpaths and the ride into work, the Trek Marlin is the bike we point people towards again and again. It is one of the UK's most popular mountain bikes, and we have now brought the whole range together on one page: the Trek Marlin range at Les's Cycles. There you can compare every model, check sizes and see live prices and stock.

Why the Marlin is so popular

Every Marlin hardtail shares the same Gen 3 Alpha Silver Aluminium frame, with trail-friendly geometry, internal cable routing and mounts for a rack and kickstand. Trek's Smart Wheel Size matches the wheels to the frame: 27.5" wheels on XS and S frames and 29" from Medium up, so smaller and taller riders both get a bike that fits. As you move up the range you get a smoother fork, more gears and a few useful extras.

The Marlin range at a glance

  • Trek Marlin 4 Gen 3 – £525. The place to start, with an SR Suntour coil fork, Shimano 8-speed gearing and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. Sizes run from XXS to XXL.
  • Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 – £625. Adds a lockout fork, Shimano CUES 9-speed gearing and Shimano hydraulic brakes for longer rides.
  • Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 – £850. A RockShox Judy fork, Shimano CUES 10-speed and a dropper post make this the Marlin for riders who want to push on.
  • Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3 – £1,000. The top hardtail, with an air-sprung RockShox Judy Silver fork, SRAM Eagle 12-speed and 2.4" Maxxis tyres.
  • Trek Marlin+ 8 – £2,650. The electric Marlin, with a Bosch Active Line Plus motor, a 400Wh battery, a 120mm RockShox air fork and four-piston Shimano brakes.

You can see every colour side by side on the UK's best selling mountain bikes page, along with a "Choose your Marlin" comparison.

Marlin+ 8: the same bike, with a boost

The Marlin+ 8 keeps the easy-going Marlin character and adds Bosch assistance, so steep climbs and longer loops feel well within reach. It uses a sturdier Alpha Gold Aluminium frame, a simple Bosch Purion 200 display and mounts for a rack, mudguards and kickstand. That makes it just as handy for the commute as it is in the woods. It comes in Fury Red Lithium Fade and Purple Flip Black Fade.

Which Marlin should you choose?

For towpaths, bridleways and getting about town, the Marlin 4 or 5 is a great fit. For more technical trails, the Marlin 6 and 7 add RockShox suspension and a dropper post. If you want help on the hills, go for the Marlin+ 8. Still unsure? The comparison and sizing chart on our Trek Marlin range page make it easy.

Sizing help, Cycle to Work and delivery

Pop into our shop at 365 Long Road, Canvey Island for a sizing check, or send us your height and inside leg and we will recommend a size. You can buy any Marlin through Cycle to Work, and we deliver across the UK or you can collect from the shop.

Ready to ride? Shop the full Trek Marlin range and find your next bike today.

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