Marlin+
Origin
Marlin+ is the electrified version of Trek's best-selling Marlin hardtail platform, launched in 2023 to bring Trek's mainstream entry-level MTB into the e-MTB category at a price point well below the Fuel EXe and Powerfly. The bike uses a Bosch Active Line Plus motor (50 Nm torque, smooth and quiet rather than overpowered) paired with a CompactTube 400 Wh integrated battery — small by 2026 standards, which limits range and steep-climb capability but keeps weight (~21.3 kg) and price down. Geometry is modern entry-level trail: 29-inch wheels on larger sizes, 120 mm RockShox Recon Silver fork, and a dropper post on the Marlin+ 8. Marlin+ is sold alongside the non-electric Marlin (Gen 3, 2023+), which is widely regarded as one of the best sub-€1,000 hardtails on the market. Most Marlin+ buyers are commuters, casual fitness riders, and trail-curious newcomers — not serious off-road enthusiasts.
Specifications
- Frame
- Alpha aluminium (butted, hydroformed); Alpha Silver on Marlin+ 6, Alpha Gold on Marlin+ 8
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- Shimano Deore 1×12, 32t chainring, 510% range (Marlin+ 8); lower-tier 1x on Marlin+ 6
- Brakes
- Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc, 203 mm rotors front and rear (Marlin+ 8)
- Wheels
- 27.5" (XS/S) or 29" (M/L/XL), tubeless-ready rims
The verdict
- Outstanding, near-seamless Bosch Active Line Plus motor integration — quiet, natural pedal feel with a smart AUTO mode that reacts to climbs and headwinds
- Exceptional efficiency for its battery size: ranked 8th in Eco out of 260+ e-bikes tested by Electric Bike Report, yielding ~115 km Eco range
- Strong value: full RockShox Recon Silver RL air fork, Shimano Deore 1×12, 4-piston brakes, dropper post and 5 frame sizes at a competitive price
- Trail-capable and genuinely fun — stable, grippy 2.6" Bontrager tyres and proper trail geometry for an entry e-MTB
- Five frame sizes (XS-XL, 27.5"/29") fit riders from ~145 cm to ~196 cm
- Small 400 Wh battery limits range and steep-climb stamina — reviewers report ~90 min ride time before low-battery mode; range extender costs extra
- Heavy for the category at ~21.3 kg, awkward to lift, carry or transport on a rack
- 50 Nm is the weakest motor in Bosch's e-MTB lineup — underpowered for serious or sustained technical climbing
- Boxy, 'hefty' frame aesthetics and dated tube shaping criticised by reviewers
- Included nylon platform pedals are poor for off-road and need upgrading
Who it’s for
Related models
Want one?
Find this bike on the marketplace, or compare notes with riders already on one.