Hey everyone!
I’m new to trail riding and mountain biking but not entirely new to cycling. I used to ride a road bike regularly in Scottsdale, Arizona, mostly on bike paths—anywhere from 20 to 50 miles a day. I haven’t ridden in a few years, but I remember how addicting it was, and I’ve been itching to get back into it!
I recently moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and I’ve noticed there are way more mountain bike trails here than bike paths. So, I decided to try something new and get an all-purpose bike that I can ride on both trails and paths.
On 12/31/2024, I picked up a Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 for a smoking deal at $580. I’ve since learned about the Marlin 5 Gen 3 (and even the Marlin 6 Gen 3), which have some upgraded components. A local bike shop (LBS) suggested I consider upgrading, and now I’m torn. I’m still within Trek’s 30-day return/exchange policy, so I’ve got some time to decide.
For context:
• I’ve already taken the bike on a few trails (mostly green and blue), and I’m enjoying it so far.
• I’m not sure if I’ll ever tackle huge jumps or gnarly downhill runs, but I used to BMX as a kid. I enjoyed bunny hops, catching air, and small jumps—but nothing crazy like flips.
• I really hate the chain slap on the Gen 2 and haven’t found much use for the front derailleur.
• I love the look of the Volt Green fade-to-Miami Blue paint job on the Gen 2, and honestly, that’s holding me back from upgrading, haha.
I’d love some advice from experienced riders:
1. Will the Marlin 5 Gen 2 hold me back as a new rider on trails?
2. Is upgrading to the Gen 3 or even the Marlin 6 Gen 3 worth it, or will it not make a noticeable difference for someone at my skill level?
3. Are there any major drawbacks to sticking with the Gen 2 if I mostly ride blue trails, bike paths, and the occasional green trail but also might want to hit some smaller jumps?
I plan to ride mostly trails but also want the flexibility to use the bike on paths. I’ve realized that switching up tires can make a big difference depending on the scenario, so that’s not a dealbreaker for me.
I’d really appreciate your input and advice as I figure this out! Thanks in advance, and happy riding!
by SpankDatJippo
3 Comments
If you can stretch your budget, get the Marlin 5 or 6 Gen 3 – if for nothing else so you can have a 1×10 drive train and lose the front derailleur. This will let you install a dropper post in the future if your riding progresses to tougher trails.
I’d even go as far as to suggest the Marlin 7 Gen 3 or Marlin 8 Gen 2 as those come with a 1×12 drive train and air springs in the forks which are significantly nicer than the low end coil spring fork and allow you to adjust the spring rate to your weight.
Regardless I see plenty of folks shredding on Marlins so you really can’t go wrong. Happy shopping!
1: The gen 2 stock and geometry hold you back more than the gen 3 due to the gen 3 having better composites and a much more trail capable frame, but as a new rider it will work, but you’d find the limits on the bike much faster.
2: I think since you can return the gen 2 and exchange it for a gen 3 I’d say it’s 100% worth it, the difference in geometry can make riding much more fun and if you don’t intend to upgrade it comes stock with better parts and a 1x drivetrain.
3. Not really, the difference is just one of them is good and the other one is better.
Side note; the new gen 3 supports routing for internal dropper post, which can be helpful overtime.
Despite the fact the gen 3 is better in almost every way, I ride a gen 2 and still have a lot of fun with the bike, but I just feel like the bike was very limited so I just upgraded every part on it anyways
I’ve got about a $1000 budget. I have been looking all over for a Marlin 7 or Marlin 8 gen 2 but I cannot seem to find one in a Large anywhere on the market. I have picked up a Large on the gen 2, I feel like I could go with a XL but I dont want to chance it considering I can tweak a few things like riser bars, spacers, or stem to make the bike fit perfect.