Trek's best-selling budget mountain bike gets an e-MTB boost

Trek Marlin+ bike.

Trek has taken the Marlin, one of its most popular mountain bikes, and fitted it with an e-MTB motor to create the Marlin+. This new budget e-MTB will come in two versions, both of which are equipped with a Bosch motor suited for riding on and off-road,

The new Trek Marlin+ shares the same updated geometry and features as the Gen 3 Trek Marlin which was updated last year. Where the Marlin+ differs is its mid-drive motor and integrated battery which help give this hardtail electric mountain bike some extra oomph up the hills.

The Marlin+ offers new riders a versatile hardtail mountain bike (Image credit: Trek)

Trek has fitted the Alpha Silver Aluminium Marlin+ frame with a Bosch Active Line Plus motor. Inside the downtube is a 400Wh battery which can offer 2-4 hours of run time on a full charge (depending on conditions, climbing, and modes) which can be extended using Trek's PowerMore 250Wh range extender. The motor is capable of putting out 50Nm of power and is controlled via a 2-in-1 remote and display to make mode selection and battery status easy. 

The Marlin+ comes in five different sizes, the two smallest sizes use 27.5in wheels while M to XL has larger 29in wheels. Geometry is aimed at balancing comfort and trail performance with a 66.5-degree head angle and 74-degree seat angle. Reach is 440mm for a medium and the 485mm chainstays should give the bike a stable ride feel.

On the trail a 120mm suspension fork (100mm on the XS) and 2.6in tires will improve comfort and control while the rack and fender mounts mean it will be equally at home cruising around the city on your daily commute.

Trails or town, the Marlin+ has everything you need (Image credit: Trek)

Pricing and specifications

The Trek Marlin+ is available now in two different builds, with the Marlin+ 8 priced at $3,499 / £3,000 and the Marlin+ 6 at $2,699 / £2,500. Check out the specs below, or head over to Trekbikes.com for more information. 

Trek Marlin+ 8

Marlin+ 8 comes in Purple Flip to Black Fade or Mercury (Image credit: Trek)

• Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum 
• Fork: SR Suntour XCM 34, 120mm 
• Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
• Controller: Bosch Purion 200
• Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400 Wh
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Bar: Bontrager alloy
• Stem: Bontrager Comp, 35mm
• Seatpost: TranzX JD-YSP18, 100mm (XS,S) / 150mm (M,L,XL)
• Brakes: Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Wheels: Bontrager Line TLR 30
• Tires: Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR, tubeless ready
• Size: XS-XXL
• Claimed Weight: M – 21.30 kg/46.96 lb (with TLR sealant, no tubes)
• Price: $3,499 / £3,000

Trek Marlin+ 6

The Marlin+ 6 comes with Shimano's nine speed Cues drivetrain (Image credit: Trek)

• Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum 
• Fork: SR Suntour XCM 34, 120mm 
• Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
• Controller: Bosch Purion 200
• Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400 Wh
• Drivetrain: Shimano CUES U4000, 9-speed
• Bar: Bontrager alloy
• Stem: Bontrager Comp, 35mm
• Seatpost: Bontrager Alloy, dropper compatible
• Brakes: Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc
• Wheels: Bontrager Connection
• Tires: Bontrager XT3 Comp, tubeless ready
• Size: XS-XXL
• Claimed Weight: M - 22.45 kg / 49.5 lbs (with tubes)
• Price: $2,699 / £2,500