Down-country, light trail, touring and gravity e-bikes - there is no segment in the full-suspension e-MTB sector that Trek has not covered. Now the Americans are closing the last gap in their portfolio: with the E-MTB Hardtail Marlin+, they are presenting an e-bike version of their Marlin mountain bike model, which is as popular as it is affordable.
Trek Marlin+: Bosch Active Line and small battery
Unusual: The Americans are equipping the e-hardtail with the Bosch Active Line Plus, which until now has mainly been used in trekking and city bikes. According to the product managers, however, the power unit is very well suited to the intended area of use: "It is quiet and smooth, and it does not overtax bikers." Another advantage: The Active Line Plus is significantly cheaper than the more powerful Bosch counterpart, the CX. As a result, Trek can offer the Marlin+ at a relatively favourable price: the Marlin+ 8 costs 3299 euros, the Marlin+ 6 2799 euros, which is primarily intended for everyday use.
Since the weaker motor draws less battery and the weight remains within limits, Trek combines the Active Line Plus with the new Bosch CompactTube battery, which with its 400 Wh capacity was actually developed primarily for Bosch's SX light motor. The battery is permanently installed, but those planning longer tours can top up the energy reservoir with a 250 Wh range extender.
E-MTB hardtail Trek Marlin+: uncomplicated and suitable for everyday use
The price and motorisation are indications that Trek is not targeting an overly sporty clientele with the Marlin+. According to the manufacturer, the E-MTB hardtail should be uncomplicated and versatile for both everyday and off-road use. The aluminium frame of the Trek Marlin+ 8 houses a Rockshox Recon Silver suspension fork with 120 millimetres of travel, while thru-axles at the front and rear should ensure precise handling. Attachments for useful everyday features, such as mudguards and pannier rack, are of course on board. The 2.6 inch wide Bontrager tyres indicate that short rides on unpaved paths are not taboo for the Marlin+. Thanks to the so-called "Smart Wheel Sizing", every frame size of the Marlin+ is paired with the optimum wheel size: XS and S frames are fitted with 27.5-inch wheels, while frame sizes M to XL come with 29-inch wheels.
The facts about the Trek Marlin+
- Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
- Battery: Bosch Compact Tube, 400 Wh, removable
- Range extender: 250 Wh
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Suspension travel: 120 mm (frame size XS: 100 mm)
- Wheel size: 29 inch (frame size XS: 27.5 inch)
- Aluminium frame
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 21.84 kilos (Marlin+ 8; EMTB measured value), 22.20 kilos (Marlin+ 6; manufacturer's specification)
- Price: 3299 euros (Marlin+ 8), 2799 euros (Marlin+ 6)
Unusual combination: Bosch Active Line Plus motor and CompactTube 400 battery
The centrepiece of the Marlin+ is Bosch's Active Line Plus motor. The Active Line motors are the entry point into the Bosch LineUp. With a maximum torque of 40 Nm, the normal Active Line drive is designed for use in the city and for easy tours. The Active Line Plus offers 50 Newton metres and should therefore also be equipped for somewhat crisper climbs in off-road use. With the league of power motors á la Bosch Performance Line CX However, the unit is certainly no match for its performance. Its real advantages are its tame disposition, the associated lower energy consumption and the fact that it is quite quiet.
The motor receives the necessary energy from a 400 Wh Bosch CompactTube battery permanently installed in the frame. For weight reasons, the decision was made not to use a removable battery. The 400 Wh is more than enough for everyday use. The manufacturer promises "up to four hours of long rides". And in conjunction with the 250 Wh PowerMore Range Extender from Bosch, the riding time with electric assistance can be extended by a further 60 per cent.
When it came to the display, the Trek product managers decided in favour of the Bosch Purion 200 - i.e. a step switch and display in one control element. The most important riding data is shown on the small display and four support levels can be selected. The wealth of information and the colour display are a real highlight in this price range. A practical AUTO mode intuitively adapts the motor support to the terrain, conditions and the rider's feedback - certainly helpful for e-bike beginners so that they are not distracted from the route by too much manual labour.
The geometry of the Trek Marlin+
Long chainstays, long wheelbase, long reach - the Trek Marlin+ is definitely not designed as a playful trail bike. Smooth running and riding safety were obviously the top priorities in the specifications. The generous reach for a hardtail and the modern steering angle also fit in with this. And there are certainly no problems with a rising front end on steep climbs thanks to the 485 millimetre chainstays.
The most important geo data of the Trek Marlin+ (size L)
- Wheelbase: 1251 mm
- Reach: 470 mm
- Stack: 635 mm
- Steering angle: 66.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 73.7 degrees
- Chainstay length: 485 mm
Two models: The Trek Marlin+ 8 is also designed for off-road excursions
Like the non-electric Trek Marlin, the Marlin+ is also designed to impress with its versatility. Accordingly, both Marlin+ models have mounting points for pannier racks, mudguards and bike stands. This gives you the choice of using the Marlin+ as a mountain bike or converting it into an all-terrain commuter bike. However, only the more expensive Marlin+ 8 is actually equipped for trail use anyway - with Rockshox Recon Silver RL suspension fork, dropper post, four-piston disc brakes and 12-speed Deore drivetrain. The € 500 cheaper Marlin+ 6 only has a Suntour steel suspension fork, two-piston Tektro brakes and a 9-speed drivetrain.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
