Aluminium hardtail mountain bike Trek Marlin 5 red: Shimano Altus 2x8, hydraulic brakes, 27.5in wheels, 13.98 kg

Trek Marlin 5 Radioactive Red: the entry-level mountain bike with a double chainring

The second-generation Trek Marlin 5 is an Alpha Silver aluminium hardtail with a Shimano Altus 2x8 drivetrain, an SR Suntour XCT 30 fork with lockout and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, weighing 13.98 kg in size M according to Trek. Offered here in size S, it rolls on 27.5-inch wheels suited to riders from 1.55 to 1.65 m. Its Radioactive Red finish, a vivid, almost fluorescent red, stands out from afar on a trail.

Technical specifications

Who is it for?

For the teenager moving up to a proper mountain bike, for the smaller rider who wants a safe bike for weekend trails, or for anyone looking for a tough bike to ride to school, college or work. It suits newcomers to mountain biking who want simple, reliable kit that is inexpensive to maintain.

The LVR workshop view

Alpha aluminium, Trek's expertise. At Trek, the Alpha name covers a family of aluminium alloys available in several grades. This second-generation Marlin 5 uses Alpha Silver, an aluminium Trek reserves for its entry-level mountain bikes: stiff, resistant to knocks and easy to live with, with more traditional tube shapes than the current generation.

Put simply: this previous-generation Marlin 5 is lighter on the scales than its successor and keeps a double chainring that gives close ratios on the road. On the other hand, it needs a little more adjustment than a single-ring set-up and its 2.20-inch tyres are narrower.

The 36/22 double chainring is a solution you see less and less, but it has its advantages: close gaps between gears, welcome on the road, and a small 22-tooth chainring that makes dirt climbs easier. The left-hand lever takes a little learning; we take the time to explain it when we hand the bike over.

The Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic brakes are a real plus at this level: they need less effort at the lever than mechanical brakes and stay easy to modulate on the rocky descents of the hills around Béziers. The 2.20-inch Bontrager XR2 tyres favour efficiency; for more grip in the garrigue, a wider tyre can be fitted.

Which Marlin should you choose?

Our take: this second-generation Marlin 5 is the lightest in the table in size M. The third-generation Marlins move to a single chainring and 2.40-inch tyres; the Marlin 7 adds an air fork and a dropper post.

Your questions

Why buy from LVR Cycles? In our Béziers workshop, we set the saddle height and levers to suit you, then look after the drivetrain and brakes.

Please note that the specifications may be changed without prior notice by the manufacturer, based on the availability of components and other factors.