
The 2026 Marlin 4 Gen 3 XS MATTE DARK WEB is available at the following locations.
The item will be transferred to the location you choose during checkout.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Model | This bikeMarlin 4 Gen 3 | Marlin 5 Gen 3 | Marlin 6 Gen 3 | Marlin 7 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrades | A 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. | |
| Suspension | Front: 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) |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Essa (1x8, 30T chainring, 11-45T cassette) | Shimano CUES (9-speed, 32T chainring, 11-46T cassette) | Shimano CUES U6000 rear derailleur (1x10, 30T chainring, 11-48T cassette) | SRAM NX Eagle derailleur (mechanical, 1x12, 30T chainring, 11-50T cassette) |
| Wheels | 29 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) |
| Tyres | Bontrager 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) |
| Weight | 14.90 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.


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.

Marlin comes in seven frame sizes to suit riders of any height, and Smart Wheel Size ensures you’re on the fastest wheel that fits. The smallest sizes even come with short-reach brake levers and narrower handlebars that give smaller riders better comfort and control.

Marlin looks and feels great. It’s packed with features usually found only on more expensive bikes, like a stylish frame with internal shift cable and brake hose routing, which can help your cables last longer by protecting them from the elements.

Inspired by rider demand for trouble-free drivetrain longevity and performance, Shimano CUES offers a new foundation for versatility and durability across a range of both electric and standard bikes. CUES features Shimano’s new LINKGLIDE drivetrain technology for significantly increased life on wear items like chain, cassette and chainrings.

Starting in 2024, we began removing high-emission aluminium from our manufacturing and replacing it with low-emission aluminium made with renewable energy. By October 2025, nearly every alloy bike we make – this one included – had made the switch, driving a major drop in our footprint.

LINKGLIDE technology has been specifically engineered for incredible durability while still delivering smooth and decisive shifting – along with a great pedalling experience. Available exclusively on Shimano CUES drivetrains.

Locked suspension means your fork remains inactive, increasing pedalling efficiency. Perfect for extended road sections where efficiency is more important than bump absorption.

Going for a long ride? Rack mounts make carrying accessories a breeze.

Bontrager stem technology lets you clip your gear directly to the stem for clean looks and maximum user friendliness.

We route shift and brake cables through the frame to keep things clean and simple. And it looks great, too.

Bontrager Blendr stem technology lets you clip your gear directly to the stem for clean looks and maximum user friendliness.
Please note: Manufacturers can sometimes change the specification of the products from time to time.
| Measurement | XS | S | M | ML | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame size number | 14.5" | 15.5" | 17.5" | 18.5" | 19.5" | 21.5" | 23" |
| Wheel size | 27.5" | 27.5" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| A Seat tube (cm) | 34.0 | 37.0 | 42.0 | 43.5 | 45.0 | 50.0 | 54.0 |
| B Seat tube angle | 73.8° | 73.8° | 73.4° | 73.4° | 73.4° | 73.4° | 73.4° |
| Effective seat tube angle | 74.0° | 74.0° | 74.0° | 74.0° | 74.0° | 74.0° | 74.0° |
| C Head tube length (cm) | 9.0 | 10.0 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 11.5 | 13.5 | 15.0 |
| D Head angle | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° |
| E Effective top tube (cm) | 55.1 | 57.9 | 61.5 | 63.1 | 64.7 | 67.8 | 70.7 |
| F Bottom bracket height (cm) | 31.3 | 31.3 | 30.8 | 30.8 | 30.8 | 30.8 | 30.8 |
| G Bottom bracket drop (cm) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| H Chainstay length (cm) | 43.3 | 43.3 | 43.8 | 43.8 | 43.8 | 43.8 | 43.8 |
| I Offset (cm) | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| J Trail (cm) | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 |
| K Wheelbase (cm) | 109.2 | 112.1 | 116.3 | 118.0 | 119.7 | 123.0 | 126.1 |
| L Standover (cm) | 65.8 | 69.2 | 74.7 | 75.9 | 77.1 | 79.1 | 81.6 |
| M Reach (cm) | 39.0 | 41.5 | 44.0 | 45.5 | 47.0 | 49.5 | 52.0 |
| N Stack (cm) | 56.3 | 57.2 | 60.9 | 61.4 | 61.8 | 63.7 | 65.1 |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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24 Month Representative Example:
Purchase Price (incl. VAT) £750
Deposit £75
Loan Amount £675
Interest/Total Charge for Credit £109.32
Total Amount Repayable £859.32
Balance Payable £784.32
By 24 Monthly Repayments of £32.68
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Bank rate of interest 8.1% PA fixed
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