2021 Trek Marlin 5 Mountain Bike | The best Marlin 5 yet?
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- The Trek Marlin 5 is the most popular entry level Trek mountain bike. Priced at $569.99 it meets budget needs while still offering riders some fun on mountain bike trails. Is the 2021 model improved over the 2020 which was hampered by a freewheel with a limited gear range?
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Trek is proven quality plus you get the local shop treatment.Those two things plus you are supporting local businesses means in my book it’s the way to go! Best Marlin 5 yet!!
I just picked up my 2021 Marlin 6 a week ago as an upgrade from my hyper carbon x 29er that broke after the second day of use and so far it is my favorite bike that I have owned
are you happy with it ? what do you ride ?
If you're looking at price/value it's always good to remember what else comes with a bike store bike...free maintenance and assembly, which does matter
What does the maintenance include? And how many times can I do it? I mean if there's something wrong with the back wheel or something, I can just go to the store and they will fix it?
I have a 2017 marlin 5 and it’s still rocking the trails I love it can’t wait to upgrade to the fuel ex5 when I can find one but the marlin got me into riding and was a great tool to teach me the fundamentals.
We recently bought the Trek Marlin 6 for my dad, he picked the red one. This was his first bike, and we thought him how to ride it! He caught on very fast (as in he can ride paved bike paths within a week of getting on his Marlin), and he loves the sport. I plan to teach him the basics of MTB by mid spring.
My thoughts on the 6 are: the components are good, no glaring issues so far. The fork (with the lockout, very useful) is good, though we haven't taken the bike on any "real" MTB trails yet. Drivetrain is smooth and quiet (thanks to the Shimano Altus, 2x8). I have changed the original 80mm stem out for a Wake brand 40mm one, he like it a lot more, it puts him in a more relaxed position, and further back. Additionally, we've switched the saddle twice, the original one has just a brick in disguise 😂😂!
All in all, it's a great bike, the biggest down side I see is the price. As I said, the parts are good, but not $700+ good. At that price I would like to see a 1x drivetrain, or a better fork. If not, the price should be around $650 in my opinon.
Edit: Personally, I would prefer my CO-OP (REI's bike brand) DRT 1.1, I love the color, the geometry is good (as far as I can tell), it has a ST Suntor XCM fork (with pre-load adjustment), 3x7 Tourney drivetrain (which I dearly hate 😂😂), a cassette not a free wheel, very similar to the Marlin 5, but with a REI coupon, instead of buying it for $550, we got it for $500!
I still ride my 2015 Marlin 5. I just repainted it and upgraded the forks.
I have the same bike as you, not ridden it for around 2 years but have recently got back into trail riding. What forks did you upgrade to?
I went with suntour xcr air for the first upgrade. Recently just started using RockShox Judy silver tk
I just got my Marlin 7 a few days ago; well worth the extra money!
I’d really like to see a micro shift drivetrain and a 1x on the Marlin. If Schwinn can do it.... what about Trek?
I don’t now for sure but trek most likely uses better parts then the Schwinns. For example the Schwinn uses mechanical disc brakes from an unknown brand and the marlin uses hydraulic disc brakes. If you go through all the different parts the marlin will most likely have a lot better parts over all.
@@toddsamjr7454 yes but why can't the Marlins go 1x?
@@tomward8057 more money involved in the rear drive train. Tho it would be worth the extra money in the higher up marlins
YES. Just sold my 2020 I got months ago as it wasn’t really focused on mob for me. Straight head tube, 3x, 7 spd. Rear derailleur, tourney front and rear etc. honestly would rather have had an Axum if it wasn’t only in a size large.
@@MazdaMiata-gt8kw what I was acting is the Axum has a couple really good parts but jade really bad parts over all. It is like a rockhopper elite vs a norco storm 1. On first glance the storm has 1-11 and a dropper for 950. The rockhopper had 1-10 and no dropper just at first glance. But when you look deeper the norco sacrifice other parts to get them. Where the rockhopper had all around good parts.
I feel like they are still behind the curve when it comes to competition, like the similar specialized fuse with better parts and modern geometry for a similar price
A similar price? Bud the fuse is minimum of 1250. The Marlin 5 is minimum 530. They are not only vastly different in pricing but in intended use and geometry too. The Marlin is an entry level XC bike, the Fuse is a true trail bike.
Not a valid comparison.
I think you mean the Specialized Pitch not the Fuse? Pitch has equivalent drivetrain/brakes/fork as the marlin 5 but with modern geometry for $520. There is also a 1x microshift advent model Pitch for a bit more. I would always pick the Pitch over the Marlin (or rockhopper) for a dedicated mountain bike.
@@shoeonhead i meant the rockhopper. but even that and the pitch are more modern, trek still is turning road bikes into mountain bikes these days.
I bought a 27.5 Trek Marlin 6 in 2017 and I'm very still impressed and happy with it. It's a great work horse. The key is the quality frame. I updated all the component parts to my specifications. I would highly recommend any Trek Marlin and upgrade around their great frames.
I know this comment isn’t related to the video but Thank you. You have changed my outlook on all big box bikes. At first I thought they are just bad but you have made me realize they have there place and people that would benefit from them so thank you!!!!
The trek finish definitely is something that must be appreciated in person. The odd thing is that the higher end the bike, the less I notice or pay attention to a nice finish unless it's messed up.
I had the 2020 marlin7 as my first real mountain bike, and i loved it.
I was literally just watching you’re Hyper CarbonX 29er video, thinking about what other bikes are going to be reviewed😂😂
Edit: My cousin has one, and I had a 2020 Marlin 6, for the price point, they’re amazing for beginners!
Factory orange has been a best-seller in the shop I work at. The Marlin 5’s were among the most sold we had this year just behind the Verve’s and the FX’s
Love that color! I too think Trek has always had good welds and paint jobs. On my 1997 7000zx, the welds and paint was one of the best amongst my bikes.
Only if bike companies added a tapered head tube at cheaper costs...
Pandemic or no pandemic, this sport made my wallet empty,
As they say, a bike a day makes my wallet go away...
Thank you Kevcentral, you are one of the main reasons, why I started mountain biking.
Kev, love the channel. Looks like the Marlin5 a great start for someone getting in mtn. biking ... and also one IXF crankset, Shimano 11 spd. shifter, derailleur/11-46 cassette (or sunrace?) and rockshox recon silver from being a total ripper. If someone wanted to go tubeless later Stans has that wheelset covered.
I was lucky and found one at a local trek shop near Portland Oregon after spending a hr calling around. I'm loving it it was well worth what I spent
If your looking for a budget mtb, i suggest the cannondale trail 5.
My wife has a Marlin 5 and I have a Marlin 7 and I must say they are overall great bikes.
Good looking bike and great initial review. I think a GT Aggressor Pro at 479 plus some hydraulic brakes may be a contender?
DSG would likely void the warranty with the added brakes. Since it would be the same price I would go for the lbs service and setup. I haven’t had good luck with the local DSG as far as bicycle setup and service.
I remember looking at the GT about 18 months ago for $299, then right after Christmas 2019 it was 329.
I follow both of your channels and i really got into upgrading my own 6year old DSG Nishiki Colorado at the end of 2019 after seeing KevCentral by click mistake. I think that for dudes like us that are DIY bike mechanic inclined, the GT aggressor gives the Marlin5 a good run for the money. Yes the LBS is there but there is alot of fun to be had if (both) your upgrading examples are followed.
@@KevCentral We got the No Sweat Protection Plan 3 years for $60 bucks when we bought the GT and have had no problems with any kind of warranty issues even though we started modifying it immediately. The only thing left now is the wheelset and frame but they have replaced the wheelset twice under warranty. This has been our experience with DSG and No Sweat, but others experiences may vary.
@@916timmmay If we could only go back and buy a few at that price🤑🤪😂.
I just saw a kevcentral ad for lecture right before this video.. youre making it BIG!
I have a 2019 version and that thing is awesome you inspired me to make it a project bike !
That copper color is gorgeous.
Truly fantastic video, Kev. Thank you so much for creating and posting. Not a bad bike overall. You’re right about the color. Spectacular. The welds are also incredible.
My next bike purchase
wont be until bike are easy available.But this bike under 600 is not bad for a beginner.
I like trek bikes, nice video, great work Kev!
I watch your videos over and over and over and over. I've learned a lot. I even did all the upgrades on my Boundary by myself! Im loving all your videos! Keep em coming!!! Are you doing a follow up video on the Boundary?
Yep. It will 1-2 small changes
I'm a Cannondale guy for road bikes, but Trek's really coming through with their budget bikes. My first real road bike was a Trek 1.5 (which morphed into their 2.1 line later). NICE riding frame, but Cannondale stole my heart after that first bike. However, I'll be getting a Trek for an MTB. I'm just not sure if it's going to be a Marlin 5 or a Roscoe 7. Both are solid value bikes. I hate orange, but damn...that gorgeous Trek orange looks more like gold and I agree, Trek's knockin' it out the ballpark with their finishes. Either way, if I'm spending more than $200 on a bike, it better look like it's more than just a Walmart bike with marginally better components. Trek wins.
Can't wait for your marlin 7 review as it is what I plan on purchasing
Great video kev, I personally really like keeping up with this range of bike and how the quality is progressing. It's not something I see alot of. I think it's a great value!
I’ve had mine in aquatic blue and black for 3/4 of a year. Put a new fork and a dropper on it, but everything else in amazing.
I’m a bit late to comment but
I just finished it and can’t wait to see more. Love the channel. Keep it up
Buddy has the orange man it's a strikingly beautiful color.
When Trek updated this frame in 2019, they really put it over the top for upgradability (modern geometry, dropper post-compatible , zero stack head tube that can use as adapter to take tapered forms). However, I find the main limiting factor of the 135 QR rear limiting. That likely would be my only reason for taking an Axum over this. That boost spacing will at least make upgrading wheelsets in the future easier. That’s just how I see it. And it takes bigger tires. Since the Marlin uses the entry level of Aluminum, frame weight is likely not too different.
I did find my marlin trek to have great trail capabilities which I never thought in the parking lot test
Oh I am so getting one of those when I end up destroying my Bca sc29 project or take the components from my sc29 and put em back on my trek 2011 Katai.
That tourney derailleur doesn't go with the bike,everything else is perfect.
Those cranks are great they don't come loose as they are both 50nm torqued. On my marlin 6 it's the only 135mm rear end that doesn't move in the dropouts!
Hey kev, do you ever do any videos of you doin the trails where u jump and do drops of any sort? Or you just like doin smooth style riding
A friend of mine bought a 2021 Marlin 5 recently. I think it's worth noting that the freewheel body is a 7 speed Shimano HG type, so you would probably still need new hubs if you wanted to upgrade to a more modern drive train, which is a little annoying. I haven't really looked into replacing the freewheel body with a new one yet
Bought the 2020 marlin7 last year and then went and upgraded the entire drivetrain to box 3 with ixf
that orange color is beautiful
Very good quality no fuss bike. I own 2020 model and enjoy it.
i just got a m5 and it was a dream to ride, smooth and felt like a 4wd when i rode through a river. great bike 4 da price at 800 aud
Now that's one sharp ride 👍
How about a review on a Giant Talon? The closest Trek Dealer is more than 2 hours away; the
giant dealer is 45 minutes. I really enjoy your channel and have been a subscriber for about 2 years; I currently ride a1997 Giant Yukon and am ready to upgrade.
No giant dealer close
I have a giant talon 3 and absolutely love it it has a lockout on the stock fork but I have replaced it with a sr suntour raidion, with this upgrade along with a new cassette the giant talon 3 is a beast
Thanks for sharing
A couple years ago the local bike shop said the new tariffs on imported goods added about $100 to the $400-500 bikes, which were the biggest sellers and keeping the lights on, pushing many people back to Walmart. Maybe the new administration will roll back some of those tariffs, or at least encourage more companies to make some more parts in America.
12-32 is good but from my own experience with 7 speed cassette, you do not need more than 7 unless you are a climbing maniac. I am switching to 9 speed microshift this year which I will be pairing with 11-40T sprocket and recently I found out that a local online store just dropped the price of the microshift 3x9 (shifters+fd+rd) to a cool $15 shipped.
Sweet colour on that frame. I've personally found with those Tektro 275 brakes, they may need a 'burping' after a month or so of riding if they start to feel squishy. They're also compatible with Shimano's B01S resin pads, which are sometimes easier/cheaper to find.
I have one of these and mines slightly different than yours. I have a small frame and there was a sticker saying it was made in Cambodia. You mentioned in your video that the front rotor was 180 mm. However on my bike both front and rear are 160. The fork is the same but with only one coil in the right side. The left is empty as far as I know since there’s no preload adjuster. Also my cassette is slightly different with the highest gear being an 11 tooth instead of a 12. Other than that the bike would be exactly identical and 100% awesome
That color is beautifull.
The exciting thing about the lower end models is they get better every year.
Exactly! They get everything that worked from the years prior model above.
$570 seems a little high. In New Zealand they seem to be $439 USD before sales tax. Nice bike though.
Just got mine for $600 at a local shop but I was fine with it because I haven't been able to find anything in stock anywhere
I got this same exact bike in size M and wifey has the women's version. Great bikes.
Good thing it has a rear cassette, it would be a no brainer to convert to 1X with more decent components. And the color is great too.
I'm a fan of that color on a bike.
I've enjoyed learning on this bike and I've upgraded it to a nice hard tail trail bike. Replaced the fork, drivetrain and gone to 2.4 tires front and back. Also, short stem. Its perfect for my home trails.
What year is your trek? I got mine I think I’m 2016 my marlin 5. I want to upgrade the fork and was thinking about upgrading the drive train? Which group set did you put onto your marlin 5? Also, would I be able to increase my tire sizes as well without worrying about rub?
@@zandercraghead5355 I'm not sure if 2016s have the same frame and specs. But I had to buy a new rear wheel with a hub to accommodate an 11 speed cassette. I went with the Box 9, 3 drive train kit. And I put a Bolany 100mm air fork on. Also changed out my crankset to a 31t oval chain ring. If you go to a 1X drivetrain, you should be able to accommodate a 2.35 to 2.4 tire width front and back.
How much did all of that cost would you say? Would it be better to just get a bike with all those components new?
@@zandercraghead5355 probably buy new. But with COVID I couldn't find what I wanted, so I just upgraded what I had.
Thank you, one of my local bike shops said any bike they ordered would take probably until June 2022.
Hey Kevin, I think another bike that you could look at is REI Co-op DRT 1.1 its hydraulic brakes, does have 3x7 drivertrain and straight tube but could be something to review
I have that exact bike..... however I made some upgrades as I ride it pretty hard..has a rockshox recon, pnw dropper post, 1x10 with 30 tooth up front and shimano deore 10 speed out back, shimado deore clutched derailer, and maxxis ardent tires... it takes a beating.
Paint job is great on this Marlin, but honestly, believe the new Specialized Pitch 27.5 at $520 is a better buy. Although, not as nice of paint job, but has the new 2x8 Tourney groupset. Has shimano MT200 brakeset, 27.5 wheel/tire set with Schrader valve's. All else is same as this Marlin, and paint jobs on it are a personal preference. I like this Marlins paint better, but the Metalic Crimson/Rocket Red on the Pitch looks interesting, but not as shiny.
I have a trek marlin 7 and with the 1x I feel like I got my money’s worth.
I love it! Except for the price increase.
Nice bike bro ♥️ ride safe
I think the Walmart bikes are getting to the point, from a value/quality perspective, that when I look at Marlin or GT type bikes, I have to say if I'm going to upgrade my Walmart bike (Boundary) are these other bikes providing $250-350 more value/better parts than I'm going to get from the Walmart bike? Otherwise I don't see why I would consider the others other than for the name or style.
Seatpost, seat, wheels, etc, really decent looking quality finishing kit. Looks like the only real budgeting Trek did was the Tourney and [expectedly] the fork. Good for easy upgrade potential.
The choice to stick with Shimano Tourney over other brands (and maybe get a slightly better drivetrain for same price) is a bit unfortunate, but maybe Trek thinks the Shimano name sells.
Nice! My 2019 Marlin 5 got stolen so now I’ve got a 2021 on order.
You gotta put it inside
You should try to review a budget vitus hardtail, they aren't that much more but have such better components for the price!
I’m trying to get in mountain biking and I’m choosing either the trek marlin 5 or the giant talon 2. I’m not sure witch on to get.
Trek looks better imo but Giant has a little better components.
Wait i just got a kev add on a kev vid😂😂
Ha!
Your right - I bought one for the wife and she adores it - particularly the colour.
I love his bike reviews🤝
My dream bike
The 2020 Marlin 5's did come with cassettes just some of the older 2020 versions had freewheels. My Marlin 5 came with a cassette.
The last few Marlin 5s my local bike shop got all had freewheel.
My 2020 also came with a cassette, maybe they switched at some point mid 2020
@@KevCentral that's weird because even on the site it listed as cassette. My shop got all cassettes here in Philly
Always loved treks marlin series
I have a 2021 Marlin 5 and it does not have those tires it also is made in Cambodia
Just bought one like it 👍
Currently the best entry level mountain bike is the one you can actually get your hands on right now imo
Upgrade!
Upgrade!
Upgrade!
Ha!
@@KevCentral Hi Kev, do you know if the marlin 5 connection wheel will take 8-10 spd cassette. Cheers
At this point I see the Marlins as a walk in and walk out with a bike kinda bike. I feel more can be hade from diff manufactures. But for a guy walking into a bike shop and wanting a bike this fits that bill.
Just bought my daughter this.
Hi Kev, do you think it’s worth getting the 2022 model of the marlin rather than the 2021?
I'm looking at the blue and green logo one just now thinking of getting back in the game and might be a good first starter for £450 UK don't like.the video of having SR Suntours again though only thing really putting me off as it's a must change really as soon as you get it! There usless!
I was looking for that exact bike forever can’t find it anywhere I’m size XL
Contact Spinning Spoke in Florence, AL
I was struggling between Marlin 5 and the Big9 / 15 from MERIDA... The second won, because the grey satin/mate finishing, low factor of weight, and other things; TREK is still expensive and is Made in China (I know there are good companies with HQ workhand) and MERIDA is Made in Taiwan, their home country.
Look at vitus bikes. 27.5 or 29 1by air for for 500. Trek needs to catch up.
i dont really keep up with all the bikes and what comes on them. BUT im surprised that its a 3 speed in this day and age. ALSO it could use 11/42.Once i put one on my bike it was night and day...And the fork is of lesser quality.Maybe beef it up a bit Trek..Square taper bb as well AND also quick release? Every bike should come with through axles now.They are just more sturdy and tighten up the feel of the bike...hummm...maybe your walmart bikes are looking better and better to some now..lol..I like the finish of the bike. The color is "ok" but i would prefer a real solid bright orange or pumpkin orange..if i were in the market,I would not be looking at this one..thanks for another video..
That is a beautiful colour😍
One thing I still dont understand is why they didnt go with a tapered steerer tube. Otherwise than that not bad parts with a solid trek frame.
I don’t think they’ll be able to hold off long at the rate other companies are going tapered
That head tube can be converted to tapered by replacing the headset. Reseach EC44
But still even the marlin 7, thats a 800 dollar mountain bike without a taper, and like Boustris said you can add a headset, but why not just make it stock?
Worth note that that would be an external taper.
Awesome color!!
I bought a bontrager stem for my bike atleast a year ago and it had the same sticker
I'm looking at the GT Avalanche or the marlin 5 any reason to choose one or the other
I love mine!!!!!!!!!
I was just looking at these the other day, Th Axum seems to be going DP only for $600. I was thinking the Marlins start looking like a more sensible buy. Add a $120 dropper post and a $60 IXF crankset and you're at $750. Add a $100 set of mt200 brakes to an Axum and you're at $700.
I started out with affordable jamis mountain bike. I was just looking to upgrade a few things. Next thing I knew I running everything Shimano xtr lol
Nice bike for around the neighborhood, bike paths or around campus. If someone is going to get a 21 speed then why not just go with a big box 21 speed bike. I do think it's time to get with the 1x times. If I were to get a Marlin it would be the 7. I did enjoy the video nonetheless.
I’m been looking the gravity bike or a Jamis trail x but not sure yet still looking and comparing both are around 500 .
I own a Marlin 5 and it was a fantastic first bike, but now I need to change the transmission to be able to go higher. I was thinking about Sram Nx Eagle with 12 shifts. My question is, do I need to change the rear wheel to fit this cassette? Best regards...