Trek Marlin 5 vs. 6 – What You Should Know

Without a doubt, Trek Marlin 5 and Trek Marlin 6 have some excellent features, as both have aluminum frames and are 27.5 inches and 29 inches, respectively. If you’re stuck on choosing between both and need a comparison, then this review would give you the differences in details.

It may be a “daunting task” to pick the perfect bicycle with the market’s plethora of options. Even with only two options – Marlin 5 and 6, you may still find it pretty challenging to make a final decision. With a thorough review, I’m sure you would make a better choice.

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Review of Trek Marlin 5

Trek Marlin 5 comes at a lower price when compared to Marlin 6. This bike seems like the perfect option for various family trips, as it can handle various terrains. It is lightweight, weighing 32 lbs., and has excellent handles that give you complete control in tight corners. For a quick stop or slow down, the bike’s hydraulic disc brakes come in handy.

Hence, this bicycle would work pretty well for city streets or switchback trails. It is available in varying colorways, and bike riders can choose one with their most desired color. There’s a minor complaint, and that’s the 21 gears provided by the 3 x 7 drivetrain. This feature makes it seem different from some top modern mountain bikes. Nevertheless, it also helps reduces its weight.

Pros:

It is pretty affordable

What I don’t like:

The front suspension fork does not lock

Review of Trek Marlin 6

This bike’s design makes it pretty suitable for various purposes, even as a real mountain bike. One of this bike’s excellent features is the front fork that locks as it comes in to absorb the trails’ unevenness. Bikes that come with forks that don’t lock can pose some issues as you climb up the hill. The bike comes in two primary colors, silver and orange; so, you can pick the one you like most.

It is the perfect option for folks who want to trail riding and still need the bike to commute on flat terrains. Also, this bike comes with a different design, having a 2×8 gearing system. One issue with this bike is the wheels that seem heavy, but you would overcome this as you get used to the bicycle.

Pros

It has 2 x 8 gears
It also has a lockout fork

What I don’t like:

Costly

Trek Marlin 5 vs. 6 : Head to Head Comparison

COMPONENTS	TREK MARLIN 5	TREK MARLIN 6
Fork	Silver Alpha Aluminum	Silver Alpha Aluminum
Tires	27.5 x 2.20 inches / 29 x 2.20 inches (Bontrager XR2 Comp)	27.5 x 2.20 inches / 29 x 2.20 inches (Bontrager XR2 Comp)
Brake	Hydraulic Disc	Hydraulic Disc
Shifter	3/7 speed (Shimano Altus M315)	2/7 speed (Shimano Altus M315)
Crank	Shimano Tourney TY301	Shimano M315
Weight	31.84 lbs.	14.50 lbs.
Chain	KMC Z7	KMC Z8.3

Bottom Line

There is no doubt that MTB bikes offer great value for their cost, as they come with excellent features. Both Trek Marlin 5 and Marlin 6 are fantastic. Nevertheless, you can depend on this review for the Trek Marlin 5 vs. 6 comparisons.