If you love to regularly ride around the block or along a clear trail, these two bikes should be in your top picks. We take an in-depth analysis of Marin and Trek.
I have an idea to get on the trail and burn the fat on these glutes. I know I will need a versatile bike. This bike should be capable of good performance whether on the smooth or medium rugged territory.
Components such as a bike’s fork, wheels, tires, and overall design affect the effectiveness and efficiency of the bike.
So, as I hunt across town and the web for my preferences I have come to a point of dilemma. Marin and Trek bikes are quite similar but their differences lie in their inner characteristics and components.
Understanding what one has over the other will help guide my final decision.
What is the difference between Marin and Trek?
Marin |
Trek |
|
Stem |
Marin 3D forged alloy |
Bontrager Elite |
Fork |
RockShox Recon RL |
Checkpoint Carbon disc |
Cranks |
SRAM SX Eagle |
Shimano 105 |
Brakes |
Shimano MT201 hydraulic |
Shimano hydraulic disc |
Saddle |
Marin Speed Concept |
Bontrager Montrose Comp |
Wheel |
Marin Aluminum tubeless compatible |
Bontrager Tubeless Ready |
Shifters |
SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed |
Shimano S505 |
Price |
Marin vs Trek: How do they compare?
Frame
Marin Bikes feature a monocoque one-directional fiber at the front while Trek has a sleek and lightweight frame providing far much better cushioning from road vibrations.
Cables have been routed internally through the front triangle. These cables are the link to brakes, gears, and the dropper post.
You get a rear axle with a BOOST and a 73mm bottom bracket. This gives you great slack in head angle, a steeper seat tube, and a fair height in the bottom bracket.
Made with a 29-inch wheel, Trek bikes are made for speed. It has steep geometry offering 100mm of rear travel which is tastefully shorter than Marin. A stiff carbon frame can carry substantial weight while going fast over rough terrain.
This bike’s frame has a 70-degree head tube angle which is steep and doesn’t do anything for the bike’s smooth running. To create a lighter and stiffer bike, the Trek has an added wider main pivot that bears on the single-pivot and boosts rear end spacing.
Control
Marin provides great travel at 125mm which is more than Trek’s which gives the rider 120mm. travel gives riders better control of the bike.
Marin bikes use the Shimano SLX and XT mix making up the 12-speed drivetrain. You also get parts that are pairable with an SLX shifter.
Using Micro Spline freehub, you can connect an SLX 10-51 tooth cassette and a 32-tooth chainring. The bike uses the Maxxis Minion tires both at the front and rear wheel.
To stop your ride, Shimano’s four-piston brakes both at the rear and fore are reliable and effective. Lastly, the tubeless tires guarantee traction that can overcome any terrain.
Trek is built with grippy handlebars to eliminate any slippage or instability in control. With the weight of the bike under control, riders can get a good handle of their bike in all situations which boosts riding confidence.
With lesser weight, the bike also feels faster though this can only be attested by pro cyclists rather than regular riding to and from home.
Components
Trek has a four-pivot suspension fork which minimizes anti-rise effects and this is matched in the Marin bike.
A threaded bottom bracket is featured in Marin bikes which makes it easy to run maintenance and also improves the quiet operation of the bike. With the SRAM Eagle drivetrain, you should be capable of handling sharp ascents, descents, and performing sprint to the finish line.
Trek’s wheels are Bontrager Tubeless-ready type which makes them super protective of the tires and resistant to punctures.
Users who like to adjust their tires will appreciate Trek’s larger clearance that can fit up to 35mm. The frame being light also adds to the bike’s ease of transportation and makes it ideal for travel or vacation.
The tires are all-terrain LT2 Comp Hard-Case which are puncture-resistant and it comes with tubeless rims. Other features are the ergonomic handlebars and the DuoTrap S app for wireless ride data monitoring and reporting.
Cranksets featured are the Shimano MT210 46/30 chainguard with Shimano Acera shifters that give you quick gear shifting with up to 9-speeds available.
Marin vs Trek: A Comparison Overview
Marin Review
[amazon box=”B07DDB765F” template=”horizontal” ]This brand of bicycles offers a range of different models including road, triathlon, cruiser, and track.
Their road bikes are available in Aero, Race, and Endurance models. Aero bikes work perfectly against the wind providing aerodynamic capacities.
Race bikes are stiff and light while Endurance bikes are varied in design. Mostly made of carbon, the bikes have a smooth ride even over rugged terrain.
To minimize fatigue in long races, the front triangle and carbon fork supplement cushioning from vibrations.
Bottom brackets have been threaded making for quieter operation and easier bike maintenance. Using the SRAM drivetrain, the Felt bikes are easily adjustable and can go as fast or as slow as you like.
Pros
- Great chassis
- Maxxis Ardent-Ready tires
- RockShox Recon Solo Air fork
- Threaded bottom bracket
Cons
- Fork wanting
Trek Review
They produce a range of bicycle types from triathlon, mountain and road bikes. Trek’s designs are custom-built for women with specified accessories.
Trek Mountain bikes have 29 or 27.5-inch wide tires enabling them to traverse through varied terrain and they could either be hardtail or full suspension.
Road bikes from this brand perform well in a range of situations be it in racing or for long-distance cycling. Trek has designed different styles that fit specific riding types.
Most Trek bikes have an H1 or H2 type of geometry that both provide a lower and longer riding position. Maintaining this form enables riders to go longer distances more bearably.
Pros
- Hydraulic lockout function
- Ease of accessorizing
- Wide gear range
- Internal cable routing
Cons
- No kickstand
- Paint easily scratches off on gravel rides
Conclusion
Marin bikes are smooth, stable, and reliable in riding. It being a tad bit shorter than the Trek makes it a great candidate for control and handling. Race bikes are stiff and light while Endurance bikes are varied in design. Mostly made of carbon, the bikes have a smooth ride even over rugged terrain.
Trek bikes pay attention to their presentation and designs which is why they always create models that are compatible with millions of people. Road bikes from this brand perform well in a range of situations be it in racing or for long-distance cycling. Trek has designed different styles that fit specific riding types.
Verdict: So, which is better- Marin or Trek?
Marin bikes are better than the Trek bikes. This is based on the fact that the Marin bike comes featuring a Recon RoxShox fork that promises stability and explosive movements through the trails.
On the Marin, you should enjoy an upright riding experience with adequate control and balance.
FAQ
Why should I opt for a four-bar suspension fork?
It is a very sensitive fork that offers riders lots of traction for greater acceleration and braking power.
What is a threaded bottom bracket?
This bracket uses shells with internal threading that holds the parts together.