The Trek series bikes have been growing in popularity for a while now and with good reason. With over 40 models in different categories and price ranges, all types of riders can find their preferred bike from the huge list.
The Trek Marlin 2022 series bikes have undergone some upgrades to enhance their performance on the different trails. The Marlin 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 have had a major upgrade in their fork by giving them wider stanchions to make them stronger and stiffer with a hydraulic lockout for better dampening. Marlin 7 and 8 upgraded to tubeless-ready rims and better brakes while Marlin 6 and 7 have a more reliable drivetrain. Marlin 8 has a more superior cassette.
Table for the differences between the Trek Marlin series 2022
| Model | Marlin 4 | Marlin 5 | Marlin 6 | Marlin 7 | Marlin 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Mainly Shimano Tourney 3x7 | Mainly Shimano Altus 2x8 | Mainly Shimano Deore 1x10 | Mainly Shimano Deore 1x10 | SRAM SX Eagle 1x12 |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload | SR Suntour XCM 30, coil spring, hydraulic lockout | SR Suntour XCT 30, coil spring, hydraulic lockout | RockShox Judy, coil spring, hydraulic lockout | RockShox Judy Siver, solo air spring, rebound adjust, hydraulic lockout |
| Tire width | 2.2” front, 2.0” rear | 2.2” front and rear | 2.2” front and rear | 2.2” front and rear | 2.35” front, 2.2” rear |
| Availability | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Trek Marlin Series 2022. How do they differ?
Drivetrain
The Marlin 6 and 7 have a better and more reliable drivetrain.
Marlin 6 and 7 use the same Mainly Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain that has fewer issues which makes it more reliable, faster, and smoother than the others. Marlin 8 uses SRAM SX Eagle 1X12, Marlin 5 uses Mainly Shimano Altus 2×8, and Marlin 4 uses Mainly Shimano Tourney 3×7.
Tire width
The Marlin 8 uses lighter and more flexible tubeless-ready tires.
All the other Marlin bikes apart from Marlin 8 use tires with a 2.2” width on their front and rear wheels while the Marlin 8 uses a 2.35” tire width for its front and 2.2” for its rear wheels which makes it more aggressive and provides better traction on rough terrain.
Fork
The Marlin 8 has a lighter more adjustable fork.
The Marlin 8 has a lighter fork, a hydraulic lockout, and an adjustable knob to help your bike bounce back faster. The Marlin 6 uses the same fork as Marlin 5 which isn’t as good, but it still works better.
Verdict. So, which is better?
While all the upgrades on all the bikes allow them to perform better on different terrains, the Marlin 6 is the better bike because it has an excellent drivetrain and is affordable.
FAQ
Is Trek Marlin good for the road?
The Marlin 5 is built with an aluminum frame, Shimano Tourney parts, and hydraulic disc brakes that make it a great bike for dirt roads and commuting in different weather conditions.
Are all Marlin frames the same?
Yes, the Marlin range of bikes all share the same frame with the differences being in the level of components fitted.