Trek Marlin+ 8 Review

The Trek Marlin+ is the electric version of the incredibly popular hardtail mountain bike, the Marlin. Coming in at $3499, the Trek Marlin+ 8 is the top spec offering of this hardtail eMTB.

The Marlin+ is affordable, playful, and ultra-versatile. Although designed for hitting the trails, the Marlin+ has mounting points and accessories that could transform this into the ideal bike packing or commuting rig out there.

While the price point may not be the cheapest on the market, it’s undoubtedly an incredible deal from Trek and the quality components it comes with. There is a Marlin+ 6 for $2699 with some component changes for those that may not need everything the 8 has to offer.

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Features
Aluminium frame, with tapered head tube, internal routing, rack, mudguard and kickstand mounts
The 2-in-1 remote and display
29” wheels in the medium size and up (27.5” for XS and S)
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
TranzX 100mm dropper seatpost

Spec

• Bosch Active Line Plus 50Nm motor with Bosch Purion 200 computer
• 400Wh Bosch CompactTube
• RockShox Recon Silver RL 120mm travel forks
• Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR tubeless ready tires
• (XS,S) 27.5 x 2.6; (M-XL) 29 x 2.6
• Shimano Deore 12-speed
• Shimano MT4100 4-Piston; 203mm rotors
• ~50lbs
• $2699-3499
• XS-XL

Geometry. The Marlin+ has a perfect balance of playful and aggressive geometry while retaining a comfortable riding position to ride for hours on end.

Versatile. Thriving as an entry level electric mountain bike, the accessory mounting options and wider tires makes it great for bike packing and as a capable commuter.

Value. Starting at $2699 for the Marlin+ 6 and $3499 for the Marlin+ 8, performance components combines with a quality frame and overall build for an incredible value from a premium brand.

Fairly Heavy. Weighing in at close to 50 pounds, the Marlin+ shares a similar weight to the Trek Rail (a full power full suspension eMTB) and is a few pounds heavier than the Fuel EXe (SL full suspension eMTB). 

Shy on peak power. Bosch makes some of our favorite mid drive systems, the ActiveLine Plus however is noticeably underpowered compared to the PerformanceLine drive unit found in the Rail.

Our first impression of the Trek Marlin+ in the Trek lineup of eMTB’s is a entry facing eMTB for anyone looking to get into mountain biking for the first time.

For most on a 29″ wheel setup and the 2.6″ wide tires, the Marlin+ is in control and has plenty of grip while maintaining much of the forgiveness that modern mountain bikes have to offer. A dropper post and aggressive hardtail geometry are a gateway to riding the trails on a bike that can absolutely rip.

The Bosch system is extremly intuitive and the Auto mode takes a lot thinking out of the equation to allow the bike to be ready for whatever comes your way. With 50Nm of torque, the ActiveLine Plus motor has plenty of acceleration and PAS for a fun day of riding whether that be on the trails, trekking or commuting.

I did find the threshold of performance from time to time on sustained climbs for multiple miles. While riding solo there isn’t much to be noticed, but if riding with a group of other eMTB’s that may have more more powerful performance tuned motor’s you will find yourself drifting on the backend. Here in a group setting is where I found the 400Wh battery to leave you wanting more juice. Bosch and Trek teamed up to make sure you can still get that extra boost with an additional 250Wh range extender. Of course that add’s a few more pounds, but is a great addition to the Marlin+ especially for the big days in the saddle.

As avid mountain bikers we found the Marlin+ to be very capable on the trails. If the need for a full suspension mountain bike is outside of your riding style or what your local trails offer, the Marlin+ is a premium contender for all day fun in the saddle.

While the Marlin+ is a progressive hardtail eMTB for trail riding, we can’t help but consider it as an ideal flat bar eBike for bike packing and touring. The Bosch drive unit has the right power delivery and incredible battery management to make riding with gear efficient and manageable. Of course you may be hunting for a charging spot along your route, but we’ve ventured on many multiday eBike trips and you’d be surprised as to how and where you can find power along the way.

Ultimately, the Marlin+ has the capacity to be the do-it-all bike for so many riders. From commuting, to hitting the trails, the Marlin+ is a versatile eMTB. Loaded up with racks, fenders and gear or stripped down for a minimal trail ride, the Marlin+ is a Swiss Army knife of eBikes.

The Marlin+ is a great reminder of the excitement of mountain biking and what an eMTB can offer for getting out on the trails.

If you’re looking to venture from the road and get out on some trails without the commitment of a full suspension eMTB, the Marlin+ is a versatile and capable eMTB to be the perfect do-it-all electric bike.

Supported by a top of the line Bosch drive unit and Trek’s aggressive hardtail geomotery, the Marlin+ is more than capable on most trails. Super aggressive trails with an abundance of rocks and roots will come with the demands of full suspension and a greater skill level. Blue and green trails are a prime element for the Marlin+ to improve your skills and even venture into jumps if that’s a future you see for yourself.

I can’t speak more highly of the efficiency of the Bosch drive system. Auto is a newer feature from Bosch and where I found myself spending the most time riding. With thousands of calculations and measurements being taking in the background, Auto manages the power output to keep you prepared. Additionally, Bosch manages power delivery in a much more intuitive and impressive way, outperforming most other drive units on the market. If you’re looking to take matters into your own hands and customize the PAS modes, Bosch’s “eBike Flow” app is highly useful and has countless features that enable you to customize the performance of your bike.

All in all, the Trek Marlin+ is a fantastic gateway bike that packs performance and quality into a incredible value. As a word of caution if you’re looking for a lightweight eMTB to start your journey, the Marlin+ may not be the right bike, but from our time in the saddle hoping for less weight was few and far between.

Price: $3499
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Weight: ~50lbs
Website: trek.com