Trek Marlin

Pros

• the trek marlin is a good starting bike I see alit if people start with it as well as I did but I have the 2025 model. I’ve had some problems with it but all togheter the bike is pretty tough and it took very big hits and nothing really...
• If you want a mountain bike look for a Trek Marlin or Specialized Rockhopper or something similar
• My son got his Trek Marlin around that age I think. They're not bad.
• I'm also in SoCal and started riding a couple years back on a Trek Marlin. I think that all of those things are very very good upgrades for the Marlin.
• but otherwise i would look at trek Roscoe/Marlin/procaliper or Canyon Grand Canyon, they might cost a bit more but you get what you pay for.

Cons

• I am hoping to avoid what happened with the Trek Marlin when I first got into MTB and grew out of that bike within a couple of months.
• The Marlin will have limited upgradeability with a straight head tube, non boost spacing and quick release skewers.
• Something I've learned AFTER I ordered my Marlin: 1. Rear wheel has a hot new standard called 'boost spacing', which is 148mm. Marlin is 135mm which limits my upgrade options. 2. Your steering tube can be straight or tapered (tapered i...
• I recently got a Trek Marlin, as Roscoes were out of stock in my local shop, and have been rising easy trails.
• Just a note on Trek Marlin (which I have owned for a month so far): 1. It does't meet your req for thru axles. 2. Otherwise it's reasonable, but you're likely going to 'outgrow' it very soon.