I just bought a Trek Marlin 6 S gen 3 in the olive drab and I've only road it once so far, but it was and is the smoothest bike I've ever rode. Glad I got away from the Walmart specials. I feel like this bike will last me for ever. Awesome!!!
@@ragnarlothrbok001i had one a few years ago when i got into it as a teen and think i am buy a new gen to get back into it had the last one for a few years 🤟
The Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 is so amazing, too. Trek changed it to a straight carbon fork in the front, which may not be appropriate for everyone, but for those of us who don’t need suspension, its really amazing and another incredible “just one bike” option, especially for general commuting or “around town” riding.
Thats an interesting change. They definitely made it more of a mountain bike. It is almost like a roscoe but without the thru-axle. It is much more trail worthy like this.
1:12 I had the 1st Gen GF Marlin 01was bike messenger bike for me. Then I upgraded to GF DS 8.4 I love the hybrid for urban riding charity ride etc. mines is 2015…👀 2023(4) Marlin.
Just sold my Marlin 6 (Rage red to black fade). Beautiful bike and nicely equipped from the factory but I just couldn’t get comfortable on it. No matter what adjustments I made…..that long reach can be a pain in the neck supper shoulders. I mean that literally. As far as MTB’s, she’s heavy too and really makes you work to get going.
I like how you break it down as a true jack of all trades bike as far as features and capabilities go. I’ve enjoyed my 2019 Marlin 7 but have always felt the previous stock configuration was basically a rugged hybrid and that riding trails on it felt sketchy. The upgrades I’ve made are similar to where the Gen 2 Marlin 7 was but I’m really curious about the changes to the geometry. That said, I also like the Roscoe 7 - at least on paper. I think that that would be a better choice for beginner dedicated MTB riders.
I agree on the rugged hybrid thing. Without any upgrades it's sketchy on even light blue trails. I just upgraded from a 2021 marlin 6 (same as 2019 i think) to a roscoe frameset and the difference is huge. The roscoe frame is way less flexible on my local rock rolls, the steeper head angle is more stable and confidence inspiring, and if you get a roscoe as a complete bike the 2.6 tires provide a much more cushy feeling than you'd think. This new marlin is totally fine for beginners and is pretty improved from the last gen. However, it still doesn't have a tapered head tube and lower tiers don't have a dropper which is essential for any trail with elevation.
@@Prodiod thanks. I should have upgraded 2 years ago instead is doubling the price of the bike on upgrades in addition to the cost of maintenance. I’m on my bike’s third bottom bracket because fine contaminants get in and shred them out from the inside but I don’t think they were meant to be ridden that hard. To be fair, I ride in all four seasons though, from ice and rock salt and slush in northeastern winters to dry and dusty summer heat.
I had been riding for years and when I recently had to turn in a broken Superfly full suspension I swapped all of my parts onto a second-generation Marlin. That said I ride that bike on the trails very hard and it would be interesting to see what these changes in this generation. if you're serious about biker and they are blowing out the generation two, go all-in it's a great mountain as well
I'm curious about the XT3 tires. I have a Marlin 7 Gen 2 and swapped the XR3 tires for Continental CrossKings and the bike rides a lot quieter and faster on pavement and still decent on hardpack. Anyway, I also put PNW Range bars on mine for a bit of rise, and it's a really comfortable bike. I just feel confident riding it as an all around. My other bike is an FX3 and that bike scares me if I hit a bit of gravel trail, tires are just too narrow. I also like this slacker geo, feel more confident I'm not going over the handlebars, however it does mean it doesn't turn very tight. I was fine with the Gen 2 geo, but I haven't tried a Gen 3 yet.
I wanted to buy a grey 3rd gen used for 700$ (originally it was 1100$ where I live becasue of the 27% VAT). It Had RockShox forks, the same 1x10 drivetrain, MT200's front and rear, Maxxis tires, it was lovely. They sold it before I could even make an offer.
James, my man! This is the bike I sought when I bought the Dual Sport 2. I returned it and repurchased the Marlin 5. If what you're reporting is true, it may be perfect for the paved weekend bike trails. I also believe that Trek maybe introducing too many bikes, too soon! By the time the cash-register closes your purchase it's outdated or improved by another model. These are the tire sizes that I wanted on the Dual Sport 2. 🤣
I wished they offered 26” or 27.5” for all frame sizes. And rim brakes. Smaller wheels make it very flickable. And rim brakes are just easier to maintain in my opinion, but not good for tubeless setups or muddy riding.
Event the bikes at walmart use a adapter for the headtube to go back to a straight steerer. So what would you want an adapter for 99.5% of riders, or the very few who would change the headtube to either run a tapered adapter at that point, or just upgrade into another bike as most would?
You can still upgrade to a Rockshox Recon RL which is a decent air fork. Forks beyond that are thruaxle and boost, so you'd also need a new wheel. Really there's a point you're just better off buying a new bike, as you'll probably also want a boost rear and other improvements.
I really like this bike but Im worried about the top speed (you mentioned 49.77kph). I don't have any realization about 130rpm. is it annoying in flat roads.
color geometry decal tires are wider protection from chain this gen 3 is 66° head angle good in trail also downhill the older marlin almost 70° typical XC
@@grindelwald_5306 also are the suspension on them good, this is my first actual mountain bike and I am pretty good. And I plan to go on pretty decent trails but some people say the suntour xct is good and some say its bad.
@@column_s8237 the stock fork suspension is good i can jump 3feet height with my marlin 6 gen3 i did free ride and minor down hill as well thanks to 66° head angle the handling is reaaly good it was fun but im planning to change my fork suspension i want more aggresive ride i will buy suntour axon 32 130mm travel
So I checked around town and turns out, numerous bike shops here in Dallas carry this bike. So it's definitely available. Gonna go look at one today. Edit 6/18/23: went to Scheels yesterday and they had a black one on the floor and I have to say, it's a beautiful bike!! Trek has really released a fantastic bike this time around. Good job, Trek!
Event the bikes at Walmart use a adapter for the headtube to go back to a straight steerer. So what would you want an adapter for 99.5% of riders, or the very few who would change the headtube to either run a tapered adapter at that point, or just upgrade into another bike as most would?
@@Jamesthebikeguy if I need to upgrade to another bike in this situation, we can say with confidence, that this generation of Marlin isn't perfect yet. And of course you know, that other popular brands use modern frames in this price category with a tapered head tube to avoid a problems with fork upgrades and adapters. At least Cube and Merida, AFAIK. I love Trek as a brand, but this generation of Marlin still has the obsolete frame for me. BTW, i hope to see a review of the new Farley 5 on your channel with their new frame)
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
This video is the reason why I just bought a Trek Marlin 6 Gen 3 today. I’m looking forward to many miles ahead on this ride. Thanks a bunch
im tempted but i think its a little heavy at 14.5kg
how is it
@@kaizasoze3954Its that heavy Suntour fork
I just bought a Trek Marlin 6 S gen 3 in the olive drab and I've only road it once so far, but it was and is the smoothest bike I've ever rode. Glad I got away from the Walmart specials. I feel like this bike will last me for ever. Awesome!!!
are you still enjoying it ?
is it good now?
@@ragnarlothrbok001i had one a few years ago when i got into it as a teen and think i am buy a new gen to get back into it had the last one for a few years 🤟
I'm 6'6 and just bought this bike in xxl. It's the cheapest but best I could find to fit my height
The Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 is so amazing, too. Trek changed it to a straight carbon fork in the front, which may not be appropriate for everyone, but for those of us who don’t need suspension, its really amazing and another incredible “just one bike” option, especially for general commuting or “around town” riding.
I was listening , not watching 😂🤣😂
Thats an interesting change. They definitely made it more of a mountain bike. It is almost like a roscoe but without the thru-axle. It is much more trail worthy like this.
Just got mine here in France in a matte olive green. It's so sick. Love this bike.
How can a bike be sick? It's not alive, right?
*Yeah that's a PRETTY SICK COLOUR!!!* 🔥🥵🔥
@@BELIEVEhasNOPLACE-WhreTRUTHis what you got?
Isn’t it matte olive grey ?
t'a profité de la promo à 720 balles ?
1:12 I had the 1st Gen GF Marlin 01was bike messenger bike for me. Then I upgraded to GF DS 8.4 I love the hybrid for urban riding charity ride etc. mines is 2015…👀 2023(4) Marlin.
Was my first MTB. Very good bike but I needed a full suspension for my arthritis.
Clean, simple, capable, upgradible. Mahalo. 😎🤙
Just sold my Marlin 6 (Rage red to black fade). Beautiful bike and nicely equipped from the factory but I just couldn’t get comfortable on it. No matter what adjustments I made…..that long reach can be a pain in the neck supper shoulders. I mean that literally. As far as MTB’s, she’s heavy too and really makes you work to get going.
I like how you break it down as a true jack of all trades bike as far as features and capabilities go. I’ve enjoyed my 2019 Marlin 7 but have always felt the previous stock configuration was basically a rugged hybrid and that riding trails on it felt sketchy. The upgrades I’ve made are similar to where the Gen 2 Marlin 7 was but I’m really curious about the changes to the geometry. That said, I also like the Roscoe 7 - at least on paper. I think that that would be a better choice for beginner dedicated MTB riders.
The Roscoe is one of my favorites.
I agree on the rugged hybrid thing. Without any upgrades it's sketchy on even light blue trails. I just upgraded from a 2021 marlin 6 (same as 2019 i think) to a roscoe frameset and the difference is huge. The roscoe frame is way less flexible on my local rock rolls, the steeper head angle is more stable and confidence inspiring, and if you get a roscoe as a complete bike the 2.6 tires provide a much more cushy feeling than you'd think. This new marlin is totally fine for beginners and is pretty improved from the last gen. However, it still doesn't have a tapered head tube and lower tiers don't have a dropper which is essential for any trail with elevation.
@@Prodiod thanks. I should have upgraded 2 years ago instead is doubling the price of the bike on upgrades in addition to the cost of maintenance. I’m on my bike’s third bottom bracket because fine contaminants get in and shred them out from the inside but I don’t think they were meant to be ridden that hard. To be fair, I ride in all four seasons though, from ice and rock salt and slush in northeastern winters to dry and dusty summer heat.
I had been riding for years and when I recently had to turn in a broken Superfly full suspension I swapped all of my parts onto a second-generation Marlin. That said I ride that bike on the trails very hard and it would be interesting to see what these changes in this generation. if you're serious about biker and they are blowing out the generation two, go all-in it's a great mountain as well
I'm curious about the XT3 tires. I have a Marlin 7 Gen 2 and swapped the XR3 tires for Continental CrossKings and the bike rides a lot quieter and faster on pavement and still decent on hardpack. Anyway, I also put PNW Range bars on mine for a bit of rise, and it's a really comfortable bike. I just feel confident riding it as an all around. My other bike is an FX3 and that bike scares me if I hit a bit of gravel trail, tires are just too narrow. I also like this slacker geo, feel more confident I'm not going over the handlebars, however it does mean it doesn't turn very tight. I was fine with the Gen 2 geo, but I haven't tried a Gen 3 yet.
I wanted to buy a grey 3rd gen used for 700$ (originally it was 1100$ where I live becasue of the 27% VAT). It Had RockShox forks, the same 1x10 drivetrain, MT200's front and rear, Maxxis tires, it was lovely. They sold it before I could even make an offer.
Awesome video, great detail and to the point.
James, my man! This is the bike I sought when I bought the Dual Sport 2. I returned it and repurchased the Marlin 5. If what you're reporting is true, it may be perfect for the paved weekend bike trails. I also believe that Trek maybe introducing too many bikes, too soon! By the time the cash-register closes your purchase it's outdated or improved by another model. These are the tire sizes that I wanted on the Dual Sport 2. 🤣
Right on!
Great video man! Thanks 🙏🏼
I love the handlebars
Loving the changes, makes me want one!
I have Marlin 4 gen 2 but next bike I was looking at Fx1 or dual sport 2 Gen 4
the marlin 6 is great for hill climbing. with the big gears it has
do mountain bikes ride well on the road as well?...touring...bike packing?...cheers..price up in Canada?
In september 2023 we can have it at 699 € with the price drop here in europe - I think that's good value... but should we wait until black friday ?!
I wished they offered 26” or 27.5” for all frame sizes. And rim brakes. Smaller wheels make it very flickable. And rim brakes are just easier to maintain in my opinion, but not good for tubeless setups or muddy riding.
I have a 2023 marlin 6. Bontrager XT3 tires, are they tubeless ready?
I will mostly be riding paved roads but sometimes trail. I want more comfort on handlebars/sitting angle, so is gen2 preferred over this?
I'm in this situation as well. It seems like gen 2 will be more suitable but since I did not rode a gen 3 I cannot be sure
ditto. i'm leaning towards the gen 2 as well. what did you end up with
Even the junk at Walmart has tapered head tubes so Trek needs to fix that at some point in time as it makes upgrading forks better.
Event the bikes at walmart use a adapter for the headtube to go back to a straight steerer. So what would you want an adapter for 99.5% of riders, or the very few who would change the headtube to either run a tapered adapter at that point, or just upgrade into another bike as most would?
You can still upgrade to a Rockshox Recon RL which is a decent air fork. Forks beyond that are thruaxle and boost, so you'd also need a new wheel. Really there's a point you're just better off buying a new bike, as you'll probably also want a boost rear and other improvements.
@@minnesotastevewhy would you need a new wheel? You just need new hub.
@@repo4 This is what I hate about the internet.
I really like this bike but Im worried about the top speed (you mentioned 49.77kph). I don't have any realization about 130rpm. is it annoying in flat roads.
Gen 2 is better for commuting, because it is lighter, faster and has a shorter wheelbase.
Yup trek is moving the marlin away from its hybrid like status and more towards serious mtbing
What’s the difference between the gen 2?
color
geometry
decal
tires are wider
protection from chain
this gen 3 is 66° head angle
good in trail also downhill
the older marlin almost 70°
typical XC
@@grindelwald_5306 also are the suspension on them good, this is my first actual mountain bike and I am pretty good. And I plan to go on pretty decent trails but some people say the suntour xct is good and some say its bad.
@@column_s8237 the stock
fork suspension is good
i can jump 3feet height
with my marlin 6 gen3
i did free ride and minor down hill as well
thanks to 66° head angle
the handling is reaaly good it was fun
but im planning to change my fork suspension i want more aggresive ride
i will buy suntour axon 32 130mm travel
@@grindelwald_5306why are you typing like that
The Gen 2 is a good bike too, so don't feel like you have to buy a Gen 3 to be a serious biker. Both bikes will get you around in style, for sure.
I will by it ❤🇧🇩 thanks dude
What frame size is this bike?
New TREK Marlin 6 Blue Sage in size XXL for 445 euros, good enough for the price and free shipping.
Hi nice overview. Is there a preload adjustment on the fork? Is it effective?
Yes there's technically a preload adjustment but the fork is a shitter. The adjustment doesn't do much of anything.
Does Gen 3 have boost spacing and thru-axle?
Nope, same weird QRx135 rear and QRx100 front.
Nope. Not even close. Plus, it's still got a straight head tube. But it's definitely a beautiful bike!
😞
Isn't the 32 cog 1-by limiting?
For street riding, yes. But for the dirt, it's perfect.
So... Now it's gen? Instead of numbers? Is this equivalent to a marlin 6? How does that work? Good looking bike. Thank you for sharing this with us
Nope, this is still the number, although there are 3 generations of each model
@@tylerpeppy1450thanks
I got a trek marlin 6 alpine blue 2021
If that had higher bars and hybrid tyres, it would be the perfect everyday bike where i live.
Bars & Tires are easy swaps, but why not just go Dual Sport?
Buy a Salsa Rangefinder instead. Fantastic bike for $300 less.
Hi what size stanchions are on the generation 3
32 mm
Can i go 2x set up on this gen 3
Yeah
so where do you buy this bike?
So I checked around town and turns out, numerous bike shops here in Dallas carry this bike. So it's definitely available. Gonna go look at one today. Edit 6/18/23: went to Scheels yesterday and they had a black one on the floor and I have to say, it's a beautiful bike!! Trek has really released a fantastic bike this time around. Good job, Trek!
Gen 2 geometry is better for daily use
My £600 Voodoo has more kit on it than the Trek Marlin 6. Might not be as fashionable but the Thru axle makes a lot of difference to the stability.
I am almost certain that if you were to drive a bicycle blindfolded with through axle and without it, you wouldn't be able to tell them apart.
Nice bike
Straight head tube in 2023? Yeah, this is really perfect and helps to change the fork in future 😉
Event the bikes at Walmart use a adapter for the headtube to go back to a straight steerer. So what would you want an adapter for 99.5% of riders, or the very few who would change the headtube to either run a tapered adapter at that point, or just upgrade into another bike as most would?
@@Jamesthebikeguy if I need to upgrade to another bike in this situation, we can say with confidence, that this generation of Marlin isn't perfect yet. And of course you know, that other popular brands use modern frames in this price category with a tapered head tube to avoid a problems with fork upgrades and adapters. At least Cube and Merida, AFAIK.
I love Trek as a brand, but this generation of Marlin still has the obsolete frame for me.
BTW, i hope to see a review of the new Farley 5 on your channel with their new frame)
I hate those rack mount eyelets. They hit my legs at times when I am descending on trails.
How old is this guy.... 13?
Tapered head tube? ❌
Thru Axle? ❌
Hollow tech BB? ❌
Entry level mtb ✅
Ill keep my gen 2
$900 for a 32 pound hardtail 😂 my 1999 specialized stumpjumper was only 27 1/2 pounds
FIRST
🥇
= 14.6 kg for the rest of the world
It's almost like you were not able to read the metric conversion placed on the screen...
I was listening, not watching 😂🤣😂🤣
@@alantucker3014 Don't do that on the trail my friend 😅
Swap the fork for any budget air fork (raidon, epixon) and suddenly the bike weighs 13.6kg 👍