• 9 months ago
Trek is considered one of the most respected bicycle brands the world has ever seen. Since its inception in 1976, Trek has set the standard in nearly every cycling category and continues to be a driver of innovation in the rapidly growing e-bike segment even today. Many new electric bikes have emerged in recent years, and in 2024 Trek is going back to basics with the Marlin+ electric mountain bike.

The Trek Marlin has long been a staple in Trek's model lineup. Considered the jack of all trades in the MTB world, Marlin appeals to both novice and advanced riders thanks to its versatility and approachability. When it comes to the electric MTB world Trek has some heavy hitters like the Trek Fuel EXe 9.5 carbon fiber electric enduro bike. With the Marlin+, Trek hopes to lower the barriers to entry in terms of price and performance, while also offering cyclists a two-wheeler with reliable Trek quality.

The simple construction of the Trek Marlin+ is worth more than the sum of its parts. Starting south of $3,000, it's capable of going pretty much anywhere other fancy electric mountain bikes worth three or four times the price can go. Since it packs components from some of the most reliable OEMs in the industry, it certainly serves as the perfect gateway drug for a cyclist looking to get into e-bikes. For starters, it's powered by Bosch's mid-drive motor, more specifically its 250-watt Active Line Plus.

With 50 Nm (about 37 pound-feet) of torque, the Marlin+ isn't as powerful as other e-bikes powered by the more premium Performance Line CX with 85 Nm (63 pound-feet). However, it makes up for this with an impressive amount of technology for a natural-feeling pedal assist. Trek has an interesting feature called Auto Mode; here the motor provides adaptive pedal assistance based on the rider's speed. This means drivers don't need to manually adjust the assist level and just pedal harder to signal to the engine that they want to go faster.

The whole affair is powered by a compact 400-watt-hour battery built into the bike's frame. Its slim proportions retain the Marlin's distinctive clean hardtail look, making it easy to overlook the fact that this is actually an e-bike. Trek claims estimated ride time is two to four hours, while the optional 250-watt-hour range extender can increase ride time by up to 50 percent.

Depending on the trim level you choose, the Trek Marlin+ is equipped with premium components such as hydraulic disc brakes, a front suspension fork with up to 120 millimeters of travel, and a Shimano drivetrain with Cues for Marlin+ 6 or Deore. For Marlin+ 8. Like the non-electric Marlin, accessibility and affordability are at the heart of the Marlin+; so it retails for just $2,699 for the Marlin+ 6 and $3,499 for the more premium Marlin+ 8.


Source: https://www.rideapart.com/news/707298/trek-marlin-plus-emtb-launch/

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