Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

The 2023 Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 is a versatile mountain bike available for €599. It features an Alpha Silver aluminium frame with a curved top tube, internal cable routing and a disc brake mount on the chainstay. The frame also features luggage rack mounts, a centre stand mount and a 135 x 5 mm quick-release axle. The maximum load capacity is 136 kg, whilst the bike itself weighs 13 kg.

Braking performance is provided by Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes at both the front and rear. The rear derailleur consists of Shimano Altus M315 components, which include an 8-speed shifter and a front derailleur with a clamp diameter of 34.9 mm. The fork is an SR Suntour XCT 30 with a coil spring, adjustable spring preload and hydraulic lockout. It offers 80 mm of travel and is designed for 27.5" wheels.

The crankset is a Shimano M315 with a length of 170 mm and chainrings of 36 and 22 teeth. The cassette is a Shimano 8-speed with a range of 12–32 teeth. The drivetrain is completed by a KMC Z8.3 chain. The handlebars and stem are made from aluminium by Bontrager, with a width of 690 mm and a length of 50 mm respectively, and a semi-integrated headset.

The Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 is fitted with Bontrager XR2 Comp tyres, available in sizes 29 x 2.20 for larger frames and 27.5 x 2.20 for smaller frames. The wheelsets consist of Formula aluminium hubs and Bontrager Connection rims with an internal width of 20 mm. The saddle is a Bontrager Arvada with steel rails and a width of 138 mm, mounted on an aluminium seatpost with a diameter of 31.6 mm.

The bike’s geometry comprises a reach of 38 mm, a stack of 56 mm, a seat tube length of 34 mm and a top tube length of 54 mm. The head tube angle is 69 degrees and the seat tube angle is 74 degrees. Other dimensions include a head tube length of 9 mm, a chainstay length of 44 mm, a standover height of 66 mm and a wheelbase of 105 mm.

Overall, the Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 offers solid specifications and versatile use at an attractive price.