The Trek Marlin 4 Gen 3 2027 is the entry point into the Marlin range and into mountain biking generally — aluminium frame, coil fork, 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes.
WHO THIS BIKE SUITS
You're trying mountain biking for the first time and don't want to commit to a big spend before you know if it's for you.
You want a straightforward, low-maintenance bike for towpaths, canal paths and gentle trails.
You want hydraulic disc brakes as standard, not the cable-operated brakes some bikes at this price still use.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
If you're already fairly confident on a bike and know you'll be riding proper trails, the Marlin 5 or 6 give you a better fork and more gears for not a huge amount more.
WHERE IT SITS IN THE RANGE
The Marlin 4 is the entry point into Trek's Marlin hardtail range — the simplest fork, the fewest gears, and the lowest price. Every step up the Marlin range from here adds fork quality and drivetrain range.
Full Marlin Gen 3 range: Marlin 5 — Marlin 6 — Marlin 7.
HOW IT RIDES
Fork
The SR Suntour XCE coil fork is basic but does the job for gentle trails and towpaths — it won't feel plush on rough ground, but that's not really what this bike is built for.
Drivetrain
An 8-speed setup keeps things simple to use and easy to maintain — there's less range than the higher Marlins, so steep, technical climbs will feel harder, but for flat and rolling terrain it's untroubled.
THE FINAL WORD
The Trek Marlin 4 Gen 3 2027 is where we'd point someone who wants to find out if mountain biking is for them without spending big first. Come in and we'll help you work out whether this or one of the higher Marlins suits how you're actually planning to ride.
We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colours, materials and pricing. Due to supply chain issues, compatible parts may be substituted at any time without notice. Bike and frame weights are based on pre-production painted frames at time of publication. Weights may vary in final production.
Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminium, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mount, 135x5 mm ThruSkew
Headset: Semi-integrated, 1-1/8"
Bottom bracket: Threaded cartridge
Fork: SR Suntour XCE 28, coil spring, preload, 42 mm offset for 27.5" wheel, 100 mm travel
Shifters: Shimano M315, 8-speed
Rear derailleur: Shimano ESSA U2000
Crank: ProWheel alloy, 30T narrow-wide steel ring, 170 mm length
Cassette: Shimano HG300, 11-45, 8-speed
Chain: KMC Z8.3, 8-speed
Brakeset: Tektro HD-M276 hydraulic disc
Rotors: Tektro, 6-bolt, 160mm
Rims: Bontrager Connection, double-wall, 32-hole, 20 mm width, Schrader valve
Front hub: Formula DC-20, alloy, 6-bolt, 100x5 mm
Rear hub: Formula DC-22, alloy, 6-bolt, Shimano 8/9/10 freehub, 135x5 mm
Tyres: Bontrager Montrose Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 27.5x2.40"
Handlebar: Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 720 mm width
Stem: Bontrager Comp, 31.8 mm, 7-degree, 35 mm length
Grips: Trek Line Comp, nylon lock-on
Saddle: Bontrager Verse Short, stainless steel rails
Seatpost: Bontrager alloy, 31.6 mm, 12 mm offset, 330 mm length
Personalised Bike Consultation
Not sure which model is perfect for you? Our expert team at All Ride Now in Midhurst, West Sussex is here to help you choose with confidence.
- Will you be riding mainly on or off-road?
- Do you prefer an upright or sportier riding position?
- Are you looking for longer range, lighter weight, or a more comfortable feel?
Through a friendly consultation – in-store, by phone, live chat or email – we’ll help you narrow down your options and find the bike that best fits your needs.
