Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2

Trek’s 2022 “Marlin 8 Gen 2” model stands out thanks to its well-thought-out design and high-quality components. Priced at 1,024 EUR, this mountain bike offers a solid spec and a robust ride. The frame is made from Alpha Silver aluminium and features internal cable routing as well as a disc brake mount on the chainstay. It also includes luggage rack eyelets and a kickstand mount. With a 135 x 5 mm quick-release axle, the frame is well-suited to a variety of riding scenarios. The maximum load capacity is 136 kg, whilst the bike itself weighs 13 kg.

The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliable braking performance at both the front and rear. The brake discs are fitted with a 6-hole mount and have a diameter of 180 mm at the front and 160 mm at the rear. The gear lever is a SRAM SX Eagle with 12 speeds, enabling precise and versatile gear changes. The RockShox Judy Silver fork with Solo Air suspension offers 100 mm of travel and features adjustable rebound damping. The hydraulic TurnKey lockout also allows for easy adaptation to different riding conditions.

The pedals are VP-536 nylon platform pedals, which provide a secure grip. The crankset consists of an SRAM SX Eagle with a steel chainring (30 t.) and a chainline of 49 mm. The crank arm length is 175 mm. The cassette is an SRAM PG-1210 Eagle with a 11–50-tooth range, also 12-speed. The handlebars are aluminium Bontrager bars, 720 mm wide with a 5 mm rise. These are complemented by Bontrager XR Trail Comp grips with nylon clamps.

The stem is a Bontrager Comp, Blendr-compatible, with a diameter of 31.8 mm, a 7-degree angle and a length of 90 mm. The headset is semi-integrated and measures 1 1/8". The wheelset consists of Bontrager Kovee hollow-section rims, which are tubeless-ready and have an internal width of 23 mm. The hubs are Formula DC-20 LW aluminium hubs with a 6-hole disc mount.

The saddle is a Bontrager Arvada with steel rails and a width of 138 mm. The seatpost is also made of aluminium, has a diameter of 31.6 mm and an offset of 12 mm, with a length of 400 mm. The bike’s packaging dimensions are 21 mm wide, 79 mm high and 148 mm long.

The frame geometry offers a reach of 47 mm and a stack of 63 mm. The seat tube length is 52 mm, whilst the top tube length is 66 mm. The head tube angle is 70 degrees and the seat tube angle is 72 degrees. The head tube has a length of 12 mm and the chainstay length is 44 mm. The standover height is 77 mm and the wheelbase is 116 mm.

In summary, the Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 offers a balanced combination of stability, comfort and performance, making it an attractive choice for mountain bike enthusiasts.