by Can you take the trek marlin bikepacking successfully?
Is it a viable bikepacking bike?
Are XC bikes like the Marlin best for bikepacking?
Trek Marlin Bikepacking Pros
The Trek Marlin weights just 30.35lbs
(The Trek Marlin is light durable mountain bike and features many mounting points for carrying gear.
This comes in the form of rack mounts, that provide fixing points to mount a rack of your choice. In addition to the standard rack mounts, you’ll get two mounting points for fixing water bottle holders to the frame.
The Trek Marlin weights just 30.35lbs (Trek Marlin 7, Size M), considerably light for an entry level aluminum mountain bike. This makes it ideal for long distance rides and rides where significant climbing is required.
The energy saving suspension lockout feature on the higher models gives you a near rigid fork that aids climbing and helps you conserve energy.
Lastly the Blendr stem system allows you to clip compatible gear directly to the stem, giving you a cleaner look, greater use of space and a user friendly cockpit setup that gives you one less thing to worry about during long distance rides.
Marlin Vs Trail bikes for Bikepacking
The Trek Marlin is a well balanced XC frame lends itself well to long rides
The Trek Marlin is a well balanced XC frame lends itself well to long rides. The seating position lends itself better for flat terrain riding than is typical for more trail oriented bikes. The flat handle bars give you the advantage over trail riser bars for maximising your climbing efforts with improved front traction.
The added advantage is the lighter weight in comparison to trail bikes. This translate to improved travel distance to energy output. Moreover are the benefits in those moments where you’ll find yourself carry the bike over obstacles.
In addition the slimmer tires found on the Trek Marlin requires less pedalling effort for long distances while giving comparable grip and good cushioning off-road at the lower speeds you’ll likely be travelling for long distance.
Trek Marlin Bikepacking Gear and Upgrades
Treks large frame triangle can fit even the largest of frame bags
The Marlin frames allow for racks to be fitted giving you the opportunity to carry large bags comfortably.
Treks large frame triangle can fit even the largest of frame bags, and the wide handle bars give you many options for bottle cages and smaller bags.
For more frame bag ideals check our list for 12 of the Best Triangle Frame Bags for Mountain Bikes.
Suggested upgrades for bikepacking:
Tire Upgrades
An upgrade to the tires can improve your grip and rolling resistance
The extra weight from the bags will make greater demands on the strength of the wheels. Stronger wheels will improve the stability of the bike and give you greater confidence in their ability to absorb impacts.
An upgrade to the tires can improve your grip and rolling resistance over the standard Bontrager XR2 tires equipped on the Marlin. Moving over to high rolling tires will reduce the level of effort required to keep you going. In all, they’ll improve your potential travel distance and are especially useful when carrying greater loads.
Maxxis high roller tires are major upgrades that provide great quality rolling tire with excellent cornering grip and proven performance.
Grip Upgrades
The Marlin’s stock grips can quickly become uncomfortable because of their uniform shape and lack of girth. Upgrading to a more ergonomic design can reduce hand pain and fatigue. Fat grip can increase comfort drastically especially those with larger hands.
The Ergon GA2 grips conform to the natural shape of your hand allowing for improved grip endurance for long rides. They allow your hands to move freely in the places you need and give maximum grip in the places you need it most.
