Trek Marlin 4 Gen 3

£524.99

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30 days free insurance available

XS
S
M
ML
L
XL
XXL
XXS

What Trek Says

Marlin 4 is a trail-worthy daily rider that's perfectly suited for everyday adventures, on and off the trail. It features a trail-savvy frame with a suspension fork, 8-speed Shimano ESSA shifting and mounts for a rack and kickstand that make it an ideal choice for trail riders or anyone looking for a comfortable, stable commuter with the ruggedness of a real mountain bike.

  • Will my bike have a curved top tube?Smaller frames have a top tube that dips down as it approaches the seat tube. This design makes for a lower standover height, which is good for shorter riders because it allows them to straddle their bike more easily. Larger frame sizes have a straight top tube because taller riders with longer legs typically don’t have the same issues with standover height.

Features and benefits

What you get
Why it matters
01

A roomy aluminium frame for confident trail riding

An Alpha Silver aluminium frame with internal derailleur and dropper post routing, plus a curved top tube on sizes XXS and XS for lower standover.

The long reach and slack front end make you feel sure-footed downhill and help you find grip on climbs. Routing is ready if you later add a dropper seatpost, which lowers your saddle on the move.

02

Suspension fork to soften roots and rocks

An SR Suntour XCE 28 coil-sprung fork with preload adjustment and 100 mm of travel (80 mm on XS), or an SR Suntour XCM 30 with 100 mm and hydraulic lockout on XXS.

It takes the sting out of roots, rocks and potholes, keeping you in control and your hands fresher. It's a simple, fairly heavy fork with little to tune, but there's no air pressure to check before rides.

03

Simple Shimano 1x8 gearing for steep climbs

Shimano Essa 1x8 gearing with a 30T narrow-wide chainring and an 11-45T cassette.

With one shifter and no front derailleur, you simply click up or down, and the big 45T sprocket gives you an easy gear for steep climbs. The narrow-wide ring helps keep the chain on over bumps.

04

Hydraulic disc brakes for control in all weather

Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm and 160 mm rotors on sizes M to XXL and 160 mm rotors front and rear on XXS to S.

A light squeeze of the lever gives strong, consistent stopping in mud and rain, so you can let the bike run on descents and still slow down exactly where you want.

05

Grippy tyres on wheels matched to your size

Bontrager Montrose Comp tyres, 2.40 in wide (2.35 in on XXS), on double-wall Bontrager Connection rims in 29 in on sizes M to XXL, 27.5 in on XS and S and 26 in on XXS.

The 29 in wheels roll over roots and ruts easily, while smaller wheels on XXS to S keep the bike nimble and in proportion for younger and smaller riders. Wide, grippy tyres add traction and cushion on loose trails.

06

Rack and kickstand mounts for everyday riding

Frame mounts for a rack and a kickstand on every size, with a 136 kg limit for bike, rider and cargo combined.

Bolt on a rack for a work bag or the shopping and a kickstand for easy parking, and you have a weekday commuter that's still ready for the trails at the weekend.

Compare the range

How this bike compares with the other 2027 Trek Marlin models we sell, from entry level up. Only what differs is shown, and Upgrades says what each bike adds over the one before it.

ModelThis bikeMarlin 4 Gen 3Marlin 5 Gen 3Marlin 6 Gen 3Marlin 7 Gen 3
UpgradesA front fork with a lockout for smooth roads and 1 extra gear.1 extra gear, a wider gear range and wheels ready for tubeless tyres.A better fork with hydraulic lockout, 2 extra gears and a lighter bike.
SuspensionFront: 100 mm SR Suntour XCE 28 (80 mm on size XS; 100 mm SR Suntour XCM 30 with lockout on size XXS)Front: 100 mm SR Suntour XCT 30 (hydraulic lockout) (80 mm on size XS)Front: 100 mm RockShox Judy (lockout)Front: 100 mm RockShox Judy Silver (TurnKey hydraulic lockout)
DrivetrainShimano Essa (1x8, 30T chainring, 11-45T cassette)
for mountain bikes
Shimano CUES (9-speed, 32T chainring, 11-46T cassette)
for mountain bikes
Shimano CUES U6000 rear derailleur (1x10, 30T chainring, 11-48T cassette)
for mountain bikes
SRAM NX Eagle derailleur (mechanical, 1x12, 30T chainring, 11-50T cassette)
for mountain bikes
Wheels29 in Bontrager Connection rims (27.5 in on sizes XS and S, 26 in on size XXS)29 in Bontrager Connection alloy rims (27.5 in on sizes XS and S)29 in Bontrager Kovee rims (tubeless ready) (27.5 in on sizes XS and S)29 in Bontrager Kovee alloy rims (tubeless ready) with Formula hubs (27.5 in on sizes XS and S)
TyresBontrager Montrose Comp, 2.40 in (2.40 in on XS-S, 2.35 in on XXS)Bontrager Montrose Comp, 2.40 in (29 in on M-XXL, 27.5 in on sizes XS and S)Bontrager Montrose Comp, 2.40 in (27.5 in wheels on sizes XS and S)Maxxis Rekon, 29x2.40 in (27.5x2.40 in on sizes XS and S)
Weight14.90 kg (size M)15.10 kg (size M)15.00 kg (size M)14.15 kg (size M)

Frame is the same on all of them.

Frameset

Frame
Sizes XXS, XS: Alpha Silver Aluminium, curved top tube, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5 mm ThruSkew
Sizes S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL: Alpha Silver Aluminium, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5 mm ThruSkew
Fork
Size XXS: SR Suntour XCM 30, coil spring, lockout, preload, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel, 26" wheel SR Suntour XCM 30, coil spring, preload, hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 26'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel
Size XS: SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 42 mm offset for 27.5" wheel, 100 mm QR, 80 mm travel SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 80mm travel
Size S: SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 42 mm offset for 27.5" wheel, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 42mm offset for 27.5'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel
Sizes M, ML, L, XL, XXL: SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 46 mm offset for 29" wheel, 100 mm QR, 100 mm travel SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 46mm offset for 29'' wheel, 100mm QR, 100mm travel
Headset
Semi-integrated, 1-1/8''

Wheels and tyres

Tires
Size XXS: Bontrager Montrose Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 26x2.35''
Sizes XS, S: Bontrager Montrose Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 27.5x2.40"
Sizes M, ML, L, XL, XXL: Bontrager Montrose Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29x2.40"
Front hub
Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 100x5 mm
Rear hub
Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5 mm
Rims
Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20 mm width, Schrader valve

Drivetrain

Rear derailleur
Shimano ESSA U2000
Crank
Sizes XXS, XS: ProWheel alloy, 30T narrow-wide steel ring, 160 mm length
Sizes S, M, ML: ProWheel alloy, 30T narrow-wide steel ring, 170 mm length
Sizes L, XL, XXL: ProWheel alloy, 30T narrow-wide steel ring, 175 mm length
Bottom bracket
Threaded cartridge
Cassette
Shimano HG300, 11-45, 8-speed
Chain
KMC Z8.3, 8-speed

Brakes

Brakeset
Sizes XXS, XS, S: Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc
Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc
Power BH-M286TF hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotor
Power BH-M286TF hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotor Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc
Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc
Power BH-M286TF hyd
Sizes M, ML, L, XL, XXL: Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
Power BH-M286TF hydraulic disc, 180 mm rotor
Power BH-M286TF hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotor Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
Power BH-M286TF hyd
Brake rotor
Sizes XXS, XS, S: Tektro, 6-bolt, 160mm
Sizes M, ML, L, XL, XXL: Tektro, 6-bolt, 160mm
Tektro, 6-bolt, 180mm

Cockpit

Handlebar
Sizes XXS, XS: Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 690 mm width
Size S: Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 720 mm width
Sizes M, ML, L, XL, XXL: Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width
Stem
Sizes XXS, XS, S: Bontrager Comp, 31.8 mm, 7-degree, 35 mm length
Sizes M, ML, L: Bontrager Comp, 31.8 mm, Blendr compatible, 7-degree, 50 mm length
Size XL: Bontrager Comp, 31.8 mm, Blendr compatible, 7-degree, 60 mm length
Size XXL: Bontrager Comp, 31.8 mm, Blendr compatible, 7-degree, 70 mm length
Grips
Trek Line Comp, nylon lock-on

Seating

Saddle
Bontrager Verse Short, stainless steel rails
Seatpost
Size XXS: Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 300 mm length
Sizes XS, S, M: Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 330 mm length
Sizes ML, L, XL, XXL: Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 400 mm length

Accessories

Pedals
Nylon platform

Weight

Weight
M - 14.90 kg / 32.85 lbs
Weight limit
This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider and cargo) of 136 kg (300 lb).

Please note: Manufacturers can sometimes change the specification of the products from time to time.

Trek Marlin 4 Gen 3 geometry diagram
MeasurementXSSMMLLXLXXL
Frame size number14.5"15.5"17.5"18.5"19.5"21.5"23"
Wheel size27.5"27.5"29"29"29"29"29"
A Seat tube (cm)34.037.042.043.545.050.054.0
B Seat tube angle73.8°73.8°73.4°73.4°73.4°73.4°73.4°
Effective seat tube angle74.0°74.0°74.0°74.0°74.0°74.0°74.0°
C Head tube length (cm)9.010.010.511.011.513.515.0
D Head angle66.5°66.5°66.5°66.5°66.5°66.5°66.5°
E Effective top tube (cm)55.157.961.563.164.767.870.7
F Bottom bracket height (cm)31.331.330.830.830.830.830.8
G Bottom bracket drop (cm)4.54.56.06.06.06.06.0
H Chainstay length (cm)43.343.343.843.843.843.843.8
I Offset (cm)4.24.24.64.64.64.64.6
J Trail (cm)11.011.011.011.011.011.011.0
K Wheelbase (cm)109.2112.1116.3118.0119.7123.0126.1
L Standover (cm)65.869.274.775.977.179.181.6
M Reach (cm)39.041.544.045.547.049.552.0
N Stack (cm)56.357.260.961.461.863.765.1

If you're new to mountain biking, this is a bike you can take well beyond the towpath. The Gen 3 frame is roomy, with a long reach and a slack front end, so you feel balanced and confident downhill and find traction on climbs. Wide, grippy tyres and hydraulic disc brakes make bridleways and forest tracks great fun, and there's internal routing for a dropper post when you want one.

Commuting in the week and trail riding at the weekend is exactly what it's built for. There are mounts for a rack and a kickstand, so carrying a work bag is easy, and the wide tyres and suspension fork smooth out potholes, kerbs and gravelly canal paths. Hydraulic disc brakes give you strong, predictable stopping in the wet, which matters in traffic.

Simplicity is the big win: one shifter on the right, no front gear mechanism to adjust and a chainring shaped to hold the chain on bumpy ground. You still get eight gears with a wide spread, and the easiest is lower than 1:1, with the back wheel turning less than once per turn of the pedals, so you can sit and spin up steep, loose climbs.

On most sizes, from S up to XXL, you get 100 mm of travel, plenty to take the sting out of roots, rocks and rutted bridleways. Size XS has 80 mm, while XXS has 100 mm with a lockout to firm it up on smooth roads. The coil spring has preload adjustment, so you can stiffen it a little to suit your weight.

For commuting and first trails, the 4 does the job on the same Gen 3 frame as the whole range. The 5 adds a fork lockout and nine speeds, the 6 a RockShox fork and tubeless-ready rims, the 7 twelve speeds and less weight. If a better fork matters, choose it now: the straight steerer and quick-release axle limit which forks will fit later.

It comes down to where you ride. The Marlin is Trek's cross-country style hardtail, as happy on the commute with a rack fitted as it is on bridleways and mixed trails. The Roscoe is the dedicated trail hardtail, with a longer fork, slacker front end and wider tyres for riders who spend most weekends on steeper, rougher trails.

Size by height, with your inside leg as the tie-breaker. M fits 165 to 177 cm (5 ft 5 in to 5 ft 10 in), L 177 to 188 cm (5 ft 10 in to 6 ft 2 in) and ML sits between at 173 to 180 cm (5 ft 8 in to 5 ft 11 in). XL and XXL cover taller riders.

They're one of the Marlin's big strengths. Sizes start at XXS for riders from 135 cm (4 ft 5 in), and the XXS, XS and S frames roll on smaller wheels so the bike stays in proportion to the rider. The two smallest sizes also get a dipped top tube for easy standover, shorter cranks and narrower bars, so younger riders feel in control from the first ride.

Every Marlin 4 we sell gets a free first check at your nearest Bicycle Chain store, due within 6 weeks, or around 3 weeks if it's your daily commuter. If anything feels off sooner, book in straight away. After that, we recommend a service every 6 months if you ride regularly, or every 12 months for occasional use, to keep it running smoothly and holding its value.

As the first owner, you get a lifetime warranty on the frame when you buy from an authorised retailer. Trek's own parts, the alloy-rimmed wheels and the paint are covered for 2 years, while parts from other brands, such as the fork and gears, carry their maker's warranty. Wear and tear, crash damage and modifications aren't covered, and claims go through an authorised retailer with proof of purchase.

More reasons to buy from us

We price match all products on a like for like basis.

To qualify the item must be available in stock with a UK supplier and any additional costs taken into consideration.

i.e delivery charges, buyers premium, assembly charges.

Call us on 01823 252499 before you make your purchase to enquire about price matching a product.

Please read our full price match policy.

With all bike sales you will receive an informational bike pack that contains a 15% Off accessories voucher inside.

This voucher is redeemable at your nearest Bicycle Chain Store.

We currently have stores in Yeovil, Taunton, Bridgwater, Weston-Super-Mare and Hereford.

This is part of our 'Support Local Business' initiative, where we want to see local riders supported by their local bike shops.

We hope to see you in store soon.

When you buy a bike from us in the store or come to collect your Click & Collect order we will adjust your new bike to fit you.

This includes adjusting saddle height, saddle position and where possible adjusting the brake levers / gear shifters.

We will also adjust any accessories you have purchased with your bike where applicable.

When you buy a bike from us you will get a free service at your nearest Bicycle Chain store within 6 weeks of taking delivery of your bike.

The free service is put in place to make sure the bike you have purchased is running correctly and to adjust out any cable stretch that happens to any new bike.

The type of bike you have bought and the type of riding you have planned will affect how soon you need to book your free service.

  • Light use - 6 weeks
  • Daily commuting / moderate use - 4 weeks
  • Hard / aggressive use - After the first 2 rides

However if you experience any issues at any time you should stop riding your bike and book your bike in for its free service immediately.

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