trek marlin 6 upgrade

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Fork upgrade for Trek Marlin 6

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I've had my Marlin 6 since Sept/Oct. 2020. Many have said that the stock fork (suntour xct30) isn't the best fork for that bike. Do you have any suggestions for a new fork that fits into the requirements for the Marlin 6?  

Moving this discussion to the beginner's corner forum, because i am a beginner after all.  

I upgraded my suntour fork with a rockshox Judy.  

Since your fork is a straight 1 1/8" steertube and as such your options will be limited probably your best bet is to use the Suntour fork upgrade program. The following link will give you all the info. Upgrade Program Many on here have done that and have been happy with it.  

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2022 Trek Marlin 6 Review

• by Riding With Ryan (Official)

In this 2022 Trek Marlin 6 review I’ll explain why this is the best beginner XC mountain bike on the market. When you are cross country riding, or even trail riding, having fast and snappy handling is extremely important. A geometry that supports a good climbing posture and efficient pedaling are also top priorities. The 2022 Trek Marlin 6 has all of the above, and more!

If you are considering the 2022 Trek Marlin 6 as your next mountain bike there are a lot of things you need to know. The features, available upgrades and accessories on the Marlin are great, but don’t forget about maintenance. Take care of your chain and keep the bike clean to ensure a long lifetime. (Read: Bike Chain Lubricant Guide )

2022 Trek Marlin 6 Features

The Blendr Stem on the Marlin 6 ranges in length from 50-90mm depending on frame size. When paired with a 720 mm handlebar you have amazing handling ability at high speeds.

It may be important to some knowing the top tube comes curved on the extra-small and small frame options. It is not enough to make the bike look like a stagger or lowstep (step-through) frame. That curve is great for shorter riders looking for a comfortable stand-over height.

Aesthetically the Trek Marlin 6 looks amazing. It comes in some really cool color options and accessories with colored features really add to the style. I’m partial to the Nautical Navy with Orange accessories, grips and bottle cage.

Commuters will also love the Trek Marlin 6 thanks to several mounts available for accessories like racks and bags. The Shimano drivetrain provides smooth shifting, and the bike can stop on a dime thanks to hydraulic disc brakes.

Must Have Trek Marlin 6 Accessories

I’m a big fan of immediately upgrading the touchpoints on a bike. Those touchpoints are the pedals, saddle and grips. For pedals, the RaceFace Chesters ( Check Price on Amazon Here ) are popular. Ergon saddles have never let me down, but they might not be the right price point for the average Marlin 6 rider. Head to your local bike shop to see what feels good.

Whether you take a hydration pack with you mountain biking, or not, you need to add a bottle cage to your bike. There will be plenty of bike rides where a hydration pack is too much. It’s also nice to have a water option with some electrolytes in it. Even when I take my Osprey hydration pack, having a water bottle with electrolyte tablets is a must. Putting those things in a hydration pack makes future fill ups taste funny since you can’t clean a hydration pack the way you can a water bottle. Besides, not having a bottle cage on your bike looks ridiculous.

The final must have accessory on a Trek Marlin 6 is a phone or computer mount. For phone mounts, consider the type of cycling you will do. Pick the phone mount that will secure your phone, but not be a distraction on your handlebars. If you really want to look legit, ditch the phone mount and add a GPS computer on an aero stem mount.

Trek Marlin 6 Upgrades

There are several upgrades you can do to enhance your experience on the Trek Marlin 6 as parts begin to wear down. For starters, the SR SUNTOUR fork keeps the price of this bike down, but an upgrade will likely need to take place within the first few years of use. The RockShox Recon RL is a popular choice.

Another upgrade is adding a chain tensioner. While the new 1x drivetrain drops the chain a lot less than Marlin 6 bikes from previous generations, it still isn’t perfect. A chain tensioner will help keep your Trek Marlin 6 shifting like a dream even over rough terrain. The tensioner acts like a clutch similar to what comes in a high end derailleur.

Another part worth upgrading when the time comes is the tires. The XR2 tires that come stock on most Marlins are fine, but I prefer something more aggressive like the Bontrager SE5. Another option is choosing from a wide variety of Maxxis tire options. According to Trek 2.2″ is the maximum tire width the frame can handle.

Trek Marlin 6 Dropper Post

A dropper post is a seatpost that moves up or down. They operate similar to an adjustable height office chair. When descending downhill at high speeds you want your saddle down to prevent the saddle from bucking you over the handlebars. While climbing you want your saddle at the appropriate height to maximize your pedalling efficiency. The Trek Marlin 6 dropper post compatibility is based on your seatpost width.

The 2022 Trek Marlin 6 will need a 31.6 mm dropper post. You can find droppers with travel ranging from 60-150mm. Of all the available upgrades you can do to your mountain bike, adding a dropper post should be priority number one.

If you enjoyed this 2022 Trek Marlin 6 review, please let me know by leaving a comment down below.

8 thoughts on “2022 Trek Marlin 6 Review”

I’m interested in the dropper seat post but from what I understand the dropper seat post cable will flow into the frame up front and come out the bottom of the frame under the crank. Unfortunately the 2019 Marlin bikes had the capability of running the rest of that cable upward from there and maintain the cable inside the frame but the newer Marlins they got rid of that feature. If you make mention of this feature upgrade does that mean you’ve done it and if so how did you do it ?

I’ll be posting a video within the next few weeks adding the dropper to my sons bike. It can be done, in fact it is done, I still need to edit the footage though.

Any update on that video? I’d be interested in seeing & learning about that mod

Someone stole my camera case with all my SD cards. I haven’t replaced anything yet so not sure when I will be posting videos again.

Also interested on putting dropper post in Marlin 6 ’22.

I’m interested in Trek frame sizes. For instance, if I want a Trek 19.5 frame size, what size should I buy?

A 19.5 is a large with Trek.

Thanks for your reply. Some other people also recommend I buy this one with an “L” Alpha size, which is recommended for people with a height of 5’9.7” to 6′ 2″.

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• Marlin 6 Gen 3

Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3

Marlin 6 is the perfect ride for progressing your skills on the trails. Its updated slacker frame geometry makes it easier to control on descents while the upgraded suspension fork takes the edge off bumpy trails. Integrated rack and kickstand mounts make it easy to add accessories to this versatile steed. It's right for you if... You want a trail bike that's dialed for building confidence on the dirt, and versatile enough for commuting to work or school. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame with modern trail riding geometry and internal routing that keeps cables protected and keep the bike looking sleek. A 100mm RockShox Judy front suspension fork that cushions rocks, roots, and bumps in the trail, 10-speed fuss-free Shimano CUES shifting, and the serious stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes. The final word Marlin 6 is an ideal trail bike for riders who want to progress on the dirt and want a bike that can keep them rolling off of the trail, too. Why you'll love it - Marlin Gen 3 gives you serious trail capability, with big tire clearance and slack, confidence-boosting geometry that keeps you stable from singletrack to city - Its RockShox fork gives you 100mm of suspension for turning rocks and roots in the trail into smooth-sailing - Rack and fender mounts make it easy to accessorize, so your mountain bike can double as a rugged commuter - Internal routing makes it easy to add a dropper post that lets you lower your saddle on the fly for more confident descending - Marlin models in sizes XXS and XS have a curved top tube and lower standover height that makes it easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount Features: 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. Fit for every rider 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. High-tech, high-value 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. Shimano CUES 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 chains, cassettes, and chainrings. Shimano LINKGLIDE LINKGLIDE technology has been specifically engineered for incredible durability while still delivering smooth and decisive shifting – along with a great pedaling experience. Available exclusively on Shimano CUES drivetrains. Upgrade your pedals and love your bike more Pedals are two of the five touchpoints that connect you with your bike, and even though this bike comes with a pair, upgrading to pedals that boost control and grip will greatly improve your ride. See the pedal guide and find the best pedals for your riding style. We recommend flat pedals for simple versatility. Wheel size: - Size XX-Small: 26-inch - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – XX-Large: 29-inch

All measurements provided in cm unless otherwise noted.

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2022 Trek Marlin 4

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame hardtail crosscountry bike with mid-range components and mechanical disc brakes. Compare the full range

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Not only is the Trek Marlin one of the most searched bikes on our website, it's also Trek's best selling mountain bike! And for good ...

Watch Review

Riders can expect updated geometry, a new frame, increased tire clearance and a rear axle system that "enhances stability," Trek said.

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Feb 2023 · Oscar Huckle

Can the Marlin compete with the bigger players?

Lots of frame sizes

Excellent tyre choice

Dropper seatpost

Upgrade potential

Roomier seated position would be preferred

Quick-release rather than thru-axle

Rattly internal cable routing

This cheap mountain bike is the perfect gateway drug to your next (trail riding) addiction.

Wide range of gears with 2x9 drivetrain

Wheels and tires aren’t tubeless-ready

Jun 2019 · Alan Muldoon

The first of two 29er to make it into the sub 500 category, the Trek Marlin 6 certainly didn't behave like a fish out of water.

Top-rate frame quality, available in seven sizes Independent Shimano shifters

Cable and chain rattle. Rear tyre is too skinny

Last updated August 15 Not listed for 612 days

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