In this TREK MARLIN 7 REVIEW, we will take about its features, design, comfort, and much more. This will give a clearer picture for your purchase. The Marlin 7 is a sleek and modern aluminum frame ideal for beginner and experienced cross-country riders. It features an elegant and contemporary look that’s easy to look at, and it’s also got the kind of precise steering that you’d expect from a high-end racing bike. Its RockShox XC30 fork delivers good performance even on some of the most challenging trails in the region.
See Also: Trek Hybrid Buyer’s Guide: Bikes Review
Although it’s not a new concept, the two chainring design on the Marlin 7 is a good compromise for bikes with a nine-speed drivetrain. It allows riders to fit a smaller number of rear cogs and maintain the same performance. Compared to the 32 x 50 and 22 x 36 gear configurations on other bikes with 12-speed drivetrains, the two chainring design on the Marlin 7 is straightforward to maneuver. The most extensive gear on the Marlin 7, the 36 x 11, also outpaces the 32 x 10 offered with a more expensive 12-speed gearbox, giving you more go-fast gearing. Smaller gear jumps are an added benefit of a 2x drivetrain, making this a good choice for an entry-level mountain bike.
See Also: Complete Review Of Trek Domane AL 2
The Shimano Gear System
Shimano Altus shifters and a front derailleur are combined with the superior Shimano Acera rear derailleur in the 2 x 9-speed drivetrain. Because the rear derailleur bears the brunt of the shifting stress, pairing a higher-quality rear derailleur with lower-cost shifters is a solid approach to retain drivetrain performance while keeping overall costs down. Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes provide the amount of control required for pushing your boundaries on fast descents.
Tubeless tires are not required to ride trails, but they improve the experience by allowing you to use lower tire pressure without the worry of pinch flats. The bike is equipped with aluminum Bontrager Connection hoops and aluminum quick-release hubs wrapped in Bontrager XR2 Comp tires. Tubeless compatibility is not available on these wheels. That shouldn’t be a deal-breaker because it helps keep the final price low, and any reel can convert to tubeless.
Lowering the anxiety lessens the bumps and enhances traction. After reading this TREK MARLIN 7 REVIEW, if you’re ready to take the plunge. Then any local bike shop should be able to advise you on the most cost-effective approach to going tubeless.
See Also: Trek Domane SL5 – Is It Worth The Hype?
The Design
When you look at the geometry of this bike, you can see that it is incredibly race-ready. While we joke in this TREK MARLIN 7 REVIEW that you need excellent looks to run fast. Nice looks will only get you so far if your bones aren’t in good shape. The 73-degree effective seat tube angle is the first thing that comes to mind. With a 69.5-degree head angle and 1159mm wheelbase (for our size XL test bike), you get a bike that’ll be aggressive and agile in tight singletrack while remaining stable when barrelling downhill at high speed.
You’ll find these design elements on considerably expensive bikes built for high-level competition. Don’t let that demotivate you from recreational activities. It’s ideal for that. It works equally well as a weekend cruiser or entry-level racing machine.
See Also: Trek Domane SL4 Review – Is It Worth $2.4K?
Quality Components
The Marlin 7 is a low-cost mountain bike with the heart of a racehorse. Unlike some budget bikes that appeal to recreational riders, this one is intended for entry-level riders looking for an affordable motorcycle capable of heavy riding and racing. That was obvious from the very first pedal strokes. This bike can grow with you as your addiction, ambition, and skill set expand. All thanks to the aggressive style of the sharply sloping top tube and the aggressive fit. The components can be upgraded over time, and the metal frame will last through numerous seasons of use.
This bike accomplishes precisely what you’d want when riding hard in the woods. The Marlin 7 is surprisingly adept at tackling highly rocky and tricky trails. As it has agile steering and superb shock absorption from the coil-spring RockShox XC30 suspension. It tracks well in quick sweeping curves, albeit it was more challenging to keep the line on uneven terrain due to the high tire pressure–I rode this bike without the tubeless conversion. It’s not the lightest XC bike at over 31 pounds, but it’s still soft and lively enough to clear knee-high logs. If it sounds like I enjoyed riding this bike, that’s because I did. The Marlin 7 is a worthy contender for new NICA racers and dirt-curious riders.
See Also: Trek Marlin 5 Review : Should You Buy It?
Conclusion
The Marlin 7 costs Rs 52,099. Which is comparable to the Marlin 4 in specific ways, but the extra kit takes things to the next level. And I have to say. The bike looks fantastic in its bright orange paint job. Is the Rs 18,000 premium over the base model justified? It is most certainly if you’re an intermediate rider who spends most of your time hunting trails. The bike performs better than the Marlin 4 because of the broad handlebar, quality suspension, brakes, and gears. However, the machine might have better tires for improved traction and a more comfortable seat and handlebar grips. If you limit your riding to mostly city use and occasional trails. Then the Marlin 4 is a better choice and a complete all-rounder in all aspects on a budget.
Enrico has been a motorcycle enthusiast for all his life. Having ridden all sorts of motorcycles, he particularly enjoys naked bikes and sportbikes. A marketing and communications specialist by profession, Enrico has worked with some of the Philippines’ biggest companies ranging from consumer goods to information technology.