The Marlin 8 is a race-ready mountain bike that won’t dig too deep into your wallet. The smooth, lightweight RockShox suspension fork, tubeless-ready wheels and wide-range 1x drivetrain make this model an ideal choice for newcomers to MTBs looking for a fast cross-country hardtail that also competes against our higher-end race Mountain bikes can exist.
It’s the right bike for you if…
You want a race-ready mountain bike that shines with parts upgrades that make the biggest difference in performance, like a lighter, higher-quality suspension fork, a wide-range 1x drivetrain, and tubeless-ready wheels.
You get this equipment
A lightweight frame with internal cable routing, a supple RockShox Judy Silver fork with Solo Air spring and TurnKey hydraulic lockout, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, Tubeless Ready Bontrager Kovee wheels and a no-fuss 1×12 drivetrain that eliminates the need for a front derailleur and thus contributing to a tidy look and easier operation. Thanks to the 11-50 cassette with a wide range of gear ratios, you have all the gears you need to climb the steepest climbs and race down fast descents.
Our last word
The tubeless ready wheels, the RockShox suspension fork, the wide range of gear ratios and the high-quality parts make it the best bike for MTB beginners who don’t want to do things by halves for their money. This bike is also fully suitable for extended trail adventures and XC racing.
Why you will love it
- This is one of our most popular bikes – and with good reason. An unbeatable price for added versatility in a fully race-ready mountain bike that can also be equipped for the daily commute thanks to rear rack mounts
- The RockShox fork’s Solo Air spring is lighter than a coil spring and can be easily adjusted to a specific rider weight
- A tubeless setup reduces the overall weight of your bike and the risk of a flat tire
- With the 1x drive you have all the gears you need
- Marlin models in frame sizes XXS to S come with a curved top tube and a lower standover height to make it easier for smaller riders to get on and off
Features
Does my bike have a curved top tube?
On smaller frames (sizes XXS to S), the top tube is slightly curved just before the seat tube. This design provides a lower standover height, which benefits smaller riders when getting on and off. The larger frames (from size M) come with a straight top tube, as taller riders usually have no problem with the standover height.
A fit for every rider
Marlin comes in seven frame sizes to suit riders of any height, and Smart Wheel Size ensures you’re on the fastest wheel that fits. The smallest sizes even come with short-reach brake levers and narrower handlebars that give smaller riders better comfort and control.
Lots of technology, attractive price
The Marlin not only looks good, it also handles great. It’s packed with features typically only found on more expensive bikes, such as the stylish frame with internal cable and brake line routing to protect the cables from the elements.
Suspension fork lockout
Locked undercarriage means the fork remains rigid, increasing drivetrain efficiency. Perfect for longer road stages where efficiency is more important than absorbing hits.
Luggage Rack Eyelets
Going on a big tour? Luggage rack eyelets make transport tasks a breeze.
Blendr stem
Bontrager stem technology lets you attach your gear directly to the stem for a clean look and maximum ease of use.
Internal trains
We lay the brake and shift cables in the frame – a simple and clean affair. And it just looks good!
Rear side stand mount
Chainstay mounts allow for the installation of a jiffy stand that supports bikes of all sizes and stays out of the way when not in use. Gone are the days when you always had to lay your bike down or lean it against it.
Technical specifications
*Unless otherwise noted, features apply to all sizes
frameset
framework | Alpha Silver Aluminium, internal routing, chainstay disc brake mount, rack mounts, kickstand mount, 135x5mm QR |
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*Fork | Size: XXS , XS RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring, rebound adjust, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 27.5″ wheels, 100mm QR axle, 80mm travel |
Size: S RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring, rebound adjust, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, 42mm offset for 27.5″ wheel, 100mm QR axle, 100mm travel |
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Size: M , ML , L , XL , XXL RockShox Judy Silver, Solo Air spring, adjustable rebound, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, 46 mm offset for 29″ wheels, 100 mm QR axle, 100 mm travel |
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Max compatible fork travel | 100mm (XS & S: 490mm axle-to-crown, M & up: 509mm axle-to-crown) |
impellers
VR hub | Formula DC-20 LW, aluminium, 6-bolt disc mount, 5 x 100 mm QR |
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rear hub | Formula DC-22LW, 6-hole disc mount, 8/9/10 freewheel hub by Shimano, 135 x 5 mm QR axle |
rim | Bontrager Kovee, double wall rim, tubeless ready, 28 holes, 23 mm inner width, Presta valve |
*Tires | Size: XXS Maxxis Ardent, Tubeless, EXO casing, foldable bead, 60 TPI, 26 x 2.40 |
Size: XS , S Maxxis Ardent Race, Tubeless, EXO casing, foldable bead core, 60 TPI, 27.5×2.35″ |
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Size: M , ML , L , XL , XXL Maxxis Ardent Race, Tubeless, EXO casing, foldable bead core, 60 TPI, 29×2.35″ |
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Size: M , ML , L , XL , XXL Maxxis Ardent Race, Tubeless, EXO casing, foldable bead core, 60 TPI, 29×2.20″ |
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Max tire size | Frame: 29 x 2.20 (XS & S: 27.5 x 2.4) Fork: To the manufacturer |
drive
shifter | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
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rear derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle |
*Crank | Size: XXS SRAM SX Eagle, steel chainring (30T), 49 mm chain line, 155 mm crank arm length |
Size: XS , S , M SRAM SX Eagle, steel chainring (30 teeth), 49 mm chain line, 170 mm crank arm length |
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Size: ML , L , XL , XXL SRAM SX Eagle, steel chainring (30 teeth), 49 mm chain line, 175 mm crank arm length |
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bottom bracket | Truvativ Powerspline, threaded cartridge bearing, 73 mm case width, 118 mm shaft length |
cassette | SRAM PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50 teeth, 12-speed |
Chain | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
pedal | VP-536, nylon platform |
Max chainring size | 1x/2x: 34T, 3x: 42T |
components
saddle | Bontrager Arvada, steel stays, 138mm width |
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*Seat post | Size: XXS Bontrager, alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 300mm length |
Size: XXS Bontrager Alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 300mm length |
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Size: XS , S , M Bontrager, alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length |
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Size: XS , S , M Alloy Bontrager, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length |
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Size: ML , L , XL Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 400mm length |
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Size: ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 400mm length |
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*Handlebar | Size: XXS , XS Bontrager made of aluminum, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 690 mm width |
Size: S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Bontrager made of aluminum, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 720 mm width |
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handles | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon clamp |
*Stem | Size: XXS Bontrager Alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 35mm length |
Size: XXS , XS Bontrager Alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr Compatible, 7 Degree, 50mm Length |
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Size: S Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 60mm length |
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Size: M Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 70mm length |
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Size: ML , L Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 80mm length |
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Size: XL , XXL Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm clamp diameter Blendr compatible, 7 degrees, 90mm length |
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tax rate | Semi-integrated, 1 1/8″ |
brake | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake |
*Brake disc | Size: XXS , XS , S , M , ML , L , XL , XXL Shimano RT26, 6-hole disc mount, 160 mm |
Size: L , XL , XXL Shimano RT26, 6-hole disc mount, 180 mm |
Weight
Weight | M – 13.20 kg / 29.1 lbs (with hoses) |
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Max weight | This bike has a maximum weight limit (bike, rider and load) of 136 kg. |
We reserve the right to change the product information provided on this site at any time without notice, including changes in equipment, specifications, models, colours and prices. The prices shown are the manufacturer’s recommended retail prices.
Bike and frame weights are based on pre-production painted frames at time of publication. Actual weight may vary.
Article: 22-MARLIN 8