I, therefore, opted for both front and rear lights that clip onto the bike. The Trek Marlin 4 is a leading contender at this price point. Thee are four models in total (the Marlin 4, 5, 6 and 7). … Its not a high-end mountain bike, but it isn’t meant to be. A bit of research on the bike revealed that this could be the most value for money bike to fulfil my requirements. The Trek X-Caliber cross-country range starts from £650 and tops out at £1,150. If that’s what you’re looking for and you want to get a solid, credible bicycle for the lowest possible price, it’s one of the best options available. View and share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. BEST FOR Beginner trail riders FEATURES: Shimano components, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 100mm travel, 21 speeds . That concentration probably provides more competitive component costs – big orders get better prices – and delivers solid, functional components. The Marlin 4 frame is not the lightest on the market, but the welds are clean and solid, the paint job is first class, and the frame looks like something you’d find on a much more expensive bike. Full Review. Intrigued, I decided to swap my gasoline-powered runabout to a pedal-powered one. However, it’s also the most expensive model in the Marlin line, with Marlin 4 being the cheapest at USD$490. Despite having a 21-speed Shimano setup like the Marlin 4, the Montra needed more pedalling effort. That means I am either too old to account for inflation or bicycle tech has advanced quite a bit. Good tyres. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Marlin 4 has 21 speeds with a wide range of gearing for easy riding on varied terrain. The luggage rack capacity makes this a great option for utility transport, and it’s tough enough to hop some curbs or plow through broken pavement if you feel like taking some bumps. That alloy is one of the better lightweight and high-density options for bikes, though it is a little more prone to damage than the Alpha Gold aluminum found on some other Trek bikes. Taking a combination of customer reviews from the leading retailers, such as Evans Cycles. The rack and fender mounts make it a great choice for commuters who want to get a little rad on the way to class or the grocery store. The 29” wheels hold momentum far better than our old 26”-wheeled bikes, and they roll easily over obstacles, a significant improvement. Your question has been submitted and is under moderartion. Mountain bikes can be expensive. How do all those components fit together, and what spices has Trek added to the overall recipe? Department. Manufacturer: Trek. How we test gear. Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles, the review score is built to give you an accurate impression of how good the Trek Marlin 4 2017 Mountain Bike is from real genuine owners. The bike’s steep geometry is not designed for steep descents, but if you drop the seat and move your weight back you can roll some surprisingly steep terrain. One thing I didn't like was the narrow seat. You can get many better bikes, but you’ll spend a lot more. Many credible manufacturers make solid, affordable bicycles that can serve as both entry-level mountain bikes and day to day transportation. Review of Trek Marlin 5. It won’t perform like a $5000 bike, but it will be far, far, better, than a $400 bike. If you’re thinking about buying your first mountain bike or … The ride is where it all comes together. Yes, I bought one and I have been living with the Marlin 4 for six months now. It’s not a featherweight cross-country race machine or a jump-ready enduro bike. The cycle frame is now selected according to your height (Trek offers upto seven frame sizes and 27.5 and 29-inch wheels depending on the frame size) and you can even opt for different component upgrades like tubeless tyres and disc brakes. The frame is Trek’s ‘Silver Alpha’ aluminium. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Also, the cycle frame is cold extruded and is claimed to be extremely durable. Trek Marlin 29er bikes reviews and prices. These are basic, reliable brakes that will stop you effectively. The bike handles a varying number of surfaces, thanks to its knobby tires. Hydraulic brakes allow you to deliver more stopping power with less stress on your hands. Bikes; Mountain Bikes; Hybrid Bikes; Adult Electric Bicycles; Complete Cruiser Bikes; Road Bikes; Bike Components & Parts; See All 11 Departments. The small and extra small Marlin 4 frames feature a top tube that curves down, decreasing the bike’s standover height and making it easier to straddle the bike without the frame hitting you in the crotch. Is it possible to get a similar bicycle for less?I remember my childhood days when a good bike cost Rs 6,000. The Marlin 4 comes ready to mount with a luggage rack, ideal for anything from bikepacking to carrying school books or groceries, another feature underscoring the multipurpose intent of the bike. This makes it less comfortable to ride on trails, as it doesn’t seem to perform well on drops, with limited softening. The bike uses components from major manufacturers that make some of the best parts you can buy. So if you are going up an incline, flicking down a couple of gears reduces the force required to pedal. TAGS: Hardtail of the Year. Trek produces the Marlin 4 in a wide variety of sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL. Use this chart to select your size: If you fall between sizes, you may want to select the larger size if you plan to do mainly distance riding or the smaller size if you’ll be leaning toward trail riding. Thanks for the review. The Marlin 4 frame is made of aluminum.. Trek has been making high-end aluminum frames for decades, and that experience shows in their entry-level frames. But it's an efficient daily rider, too. Trevor Raab. Avg.