Aluminium hardtail mountain bike Trek Marlin 5 red: 27.5 or 29in wheels by size, CUES 1x9, 15.10 kg in M

Trek Marlin 5 Fury Red: a mountain bike that keeps pace with your progress

Bright red and a coherent spec: the third-generation Trek Marlin 5 combines an Alpha Silver aluminium frame, a Suntour XCT 30 fork with hydraulic lockout (80 mm in XS, 100 mm on larger sizes), a Shimano CUES 1x9 drivetrain and 27.5 or 29-inch wheels depending on size, for 15.10 kg in size M. Fury Red is an intense, glossy red, full of energy.

Technical specifications

Who is it for?

For the novice mountain biker who wants to improve on the trails and take part in their first organised rides, for the rider returning to sport who wants a motivating bike, or for the growing teenager moving up to an adult size. It suits sporty weekend rides as well as everyday journeys.

The LVR workshop view

Alpha aluminium, Trek's expertise. Under the Alpha name, Trek groups its aluminium alloys by level of finish. The Marlin 5 inherits Alpha Silver, built to last: thick tubes where impacts are concentrated, cables routed inside the frame so they do not rub, and routing already in place for a dropper seatpost. It is a frame that is happy to grow old with you.

In short: the Marlin 5 keeps the frame shared by the whole Marlin family and brings two real improvements over the Marlin 4: a ninth gear with a wider-range cassette, and a fork lockout, which is invaluable on the road. It weighs 200 g more than the Marlin 4 in size M, a difference you will not feel on the trail.

To progress, you need a predictable bike. The Marlin 5 has stable geometry, generous tyres and a fork that smooths out the bumps, so your first technical sections are tackled with more confidence. XS and S run on 27.5-inch wheels, more agile for smaller riders; the other sizes on 29-inch wheels, which roll over obstacles more easily.

The 11-46 cassette offers a very low gear for climbing the ramps of the Montagne Noire, and the fork lockout saves you from tiring yourself needlessly on road links. We recommend a service after the first few months of use to check cable and spoke tension. Fury red makes you want to ride, and it is easy to spot in a group.

Which Marlin should you choose?

Our take: the Marlin 5 is a good starting point for progressing. If you already know you will be looking for descents, the Marlin 7 and its adjustable air fork will speed up your progress.

Your questions

Why buy from LVR Cycles? Our Béziers team advises you on the right size, carries out the first service and points you to the finest routes in the region.

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