How To Choose Your First Mountain Bike as a Beginner | Trek Marlin or Trek Roscoe 

I think what happens to the person trying to get into bikes again after being away for a while or someone starting out is they decide to get a good bike and give themselves a "big" budget to buy one, like 500 bucks. Then they start looking at them and pass out from sticker shock. The Marlin, at least in the Trek line, is one of the least expensive "good" bikes, so they sell a lot of them. For new people getting into it, I say do tons of research, and you'll find that the components on most bikes are made by the same few manufacturers and really the main difference between the bikes is mostly the frame, which you can't upgrade. Other than that, it's whatever the manufacturer bolts on. Some suggestions: don't get too hung up on statistics. Quality components will last longer and work better, which is safer and will give you a more enjoyable ride. Air shocks work better than spring shocks, but spring shocks are fine for light duty. Good front suspension is safer, but will beat up your wrists and forearms a lot less. Again, more enjoyment, your butt is going to hurt enough, you don't want sore wrists too! Look for quality brands and models. Often to save money on the retail price the builder will put on cheap tires. Good tires can easily cost over $100 for a set, and they make a BIG difference depending on how you ride. There are tons of brands out there, I have a Giant Fathom 2, which as of a year ago at least was $1300, comes with good tires, set up tubeless, dropper post, 1x12 Shimano Deore Shadow +, not top of the line stuff, but good stuff. There are a lot of brands out there and shop a lot. Look for used stuff too, bike shops sell their trade ins and generally they'll stand by them. Tell them what you're looking for, they'll keep an eye open and let you know when they get something. You can have a lot of fun on a truly cheap bike too, I mean a $200 deal from the big box store. Just keep in mind what it can and can't do safely and stay within it's limits so you don't get hurt. In the end it's about fun!

I don't think I could ever ride again without a dropper. Best MTB invention ever.

I totally agree. I'm four years in on my Marlin 7 which I thought would be my "gateway" mountain bike, but after some accidents and a lot of long boring rides I now call it the "jack of all trades but master of none" mountain bike. it does a little of everything but don't expect to break any records with it - unless you want to break something else.

I'm 2 hours into owning the marlin 6 because of your videos. I'm brand new into mountain biking and I'm just trying to get in shape lol. I'm happy I found your channel because you definitely gave me some direction and things to consider 👍

Great video, thank you!! You definitely answered some of my questions I had!

Keep up the great work!

Can’t wait to hit some trails with our twin 3 year old boys. They just transitioned to a pedal bike from a balance bike and are killing it. Found Prevelo a kid bike manufacturer that creates mountain bikes for littles. My marlin 6 gen 3 bike got delayed but was offered 15% discount to get the marlin 8 gen 3. Will be picking up today!! Super excited

really helpful - thanks!

You’re comparing the sames bikes im going for. Thanks for the video. Leaning more towards the marlin after this video

Good information brother.

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video!!! 😝 Big noob here. Lol. Thanks for accommodating your new MTB fans. I’d love like a beginners series if you’d like to do those videos. I really appreciate all your advice since you’ve been in these shoes before! Congratulations on the 10k btw. Keep it up! 👍🏼💗

I got the marlin first then I exchanged it for the Roscoe 6 since they didn't have any other roscoes. Can't really compare the two since I am really a beginner but so far I got no complaints with the Roscoe..... So far the only upgrades i've done are the magnetic pedals and switched to tubeless. Once i fully heal from my recent crash I'm back to the trails again!!! =)

I called the right store at the right time and got an order in on a large roscoe 8. Its very likely noone else in Minnesota will be able to get one this year now.

LOL I’ve found your the go to channel for new comers. I got the Marlin 5 just to get a bike I can ride around town. 2 weeks in. No complaints. My coworker does road biking on a $15k bike. She warned while my bike is great to start, if you fall in love with MTB, I might wanna save to either upgrade or get a new bike . But she said it’s plenty of bike to get a lot of solid riding.

good vid matty wish this vid was out when i started...

I have a Marlin 7 that I upgraded.. it's like a hybrid Marlin/Roscoe.. lesser travel. Bigger 29x 2.5 tires. Perfect for trails with the boys or chasing kids. Thanks for the video

I had a marlin 7 for years, I had a roscoe 7 and a procaliber 9.5 and I loved them all until I got a x-caliber 9, with new grips and a ergon sm saddle I'm always thinking about my next ride.

Late to the party but im here and loving the channel. Currently debating on a Roscoe 7 vs 8. Leaning toward 7 and use the few hundred dollar savings to upgrade the pedals, and add a few other items to help protect the frame

I’m a few weeks into owning the marlin 6.. they actually didn’t have any roscoes at the shop I went to so I didn’t get to even mess with them… that being said the marlin 6 is just what Matt said. I live on a bike path an just been bombing around on it with a little trail riding and it’s perfect. I had Gary Fisher with 27.5s and the 29s roll alot faster in my opinion and like that. This channel has been helpful to me thank you matty!

10k subscribers!!!

Both awesome bikes, but the biggest problem I have with both are the quick-release axles. I think manufacturers should start putting thru axles on their entry bikes for better upgradeability.

I been wanting a Marlin 6 from my local Bike Works shop.

I realy wanted the rosco 8 but i did not have the money so i got the 2022 marlin 8 , i upgraded discs 200 mm pedals crank brothers handelbars Deity 800 mm grips rock brothers tires maxis minon Dhf tubless ready 29×50 and short stem for the handlebars and a seat post with suspension now i really like it 👍😀🚲

@ 53yo, I do more road biking than anything these days, but got back into mtb this past October after >15 years away. I used to love mtb and live in an area of SoCal that has some fantastic mtb bike parks and thousands of miles of trails, basically in my backyard. Picked up the Marlin 7 over the Roscoe 7 because I didn't know how much mtb I'd be doing and it seemed (read *is") a good deal. Since then, I've done a bunch of dh trail riding and if I had to do it all over again, I might have gone with the Roscoe 7, if for the dropper post already included and more travel on the rockshox. Same time, my Marlin has served me well and I'm extremely satisfied with it. Other than pedals, which I switched out immediately, the only notable upgrade I'll make is a dropper post. I'm not against further upgrades per se but I'm thinking I might spring for a good full suspension emtb, if to make the uphills less terrible. :)

I have a Marlin 7 and recommend others to pass on it for something else. The straight steerer tube, quick disconnect axles, and lack of dropper cable routing are all completely obsolete. There are just so many other bikes on the market that offer better options for the money. I hadn't owned a bike in a long time and got what I could in 2020, but luckily the market is fine now with lots of discounts going on.

Oh man, I had both and I agree with you completely 100% I had Roscoe 6 first, then Marlin 6 and I was so disappointed (Im always trails and jumping) Then I bought a Giant Talon 2 and Ohhh My God what a total disgrace. Finally bought a Roscoe 7 because 6 was so good and man… Best thing I did.

This has been a hard call for me. I got a Marlin 6 last year to start mountain biking and loved it! I like the diversity but learned I love hitting trails the best. Haven't had time to get out this year yet and now that I'm looking to get out, was thinking of upgrading to the Roscoe. I just don't want to give up the diversity of the Marlin.... In a perfect world? I'd have the money for the Roscoe AND a dual sport to cover everything lol

I have a 2017 Marlin 7 I got second hand and so far I’ve spent over $900 (AUD) and planning to spend another $900 but also upgrading it a lot. I do a lot of jumping and trail riding and it hasn’t done too bad.

Had to sub!

You're right, you can't go wrong with the Marlin series, I'm 3 years in with my 2020 Marlin 5, but I just mainly use it to ride in the city to commute to work.

Bro I just bought the Marlin 6 that you have this week.

Good stuff and unfortunately they don't have a Roscoe 7 any more but that marlin 8 is a really sweet bike with high end upgrades

With that music in the background, I was expecting barry white to start talking about making love at any moment lol

I HAVE Marlin 8 2022 AND itts GREAT ..i like your videos AND THINK your cool ..i usted to live in Boulder AND all over Colorado .Now México city 👍✌️😁

I have a 2020 Roscoe 7 and I love the 27.5+ tires! But I have also bought a complete wheelset of used budget Bontrager 29 Covee wheels with new 29x2.35 Bontrager XR2 fast rolling tires in LBS. This way I have two bikes in one by just swapping the wheelsets. It is a completely different bike depending on wheelset mounted. I prefer 27.5+ because it is more fun to ride especially on heavier or rockier terrain and are also more comfortable. The 29s are faster and climb better on smooth terain. Also the 29 Covee rear hub (i think it is bontrager's) works better or at least it sounds better than Formula rear hub on Line 27.5 wheels that many riders had to replace (I should probably have to replace it soon). The original 27.5 Bontrager Line wheels look so cool with it's 40 mm width. :D Pros for 2020 Roscoe 7: playful bike, easy to ride, climbs good; looks good; not too progressive for an average biker; it has a dropper seat post. Cons for 2020 Roscoe 7: rear hub is garbage; rear axle (boost 141QR) limits* you when searching for a new wheelset (* not a a problem if You are not too picky and find help in LBS); boost 141QR is apparently "not so stiff"** as boost 148 through axle (** I had no issues so far). Would I buy Roscoe 7 2020 again? I don't know. I would probably go for a similarly speced bike with a rear boost 148 thru axle. Some bike that could be used with 27.5+ and 29 wheelsets. But I won't sell my Roscoe soon. It is too much fun to ride. :) And I keep tweeking it with new parts. :D P.S.: 27.5+ tires diameter is closer to 29 tires than to "normal" 27.5 tires diameter.

I got a marlin 7 all i do is trails, but did put a dropper post, better fork and wider tires and its perfect. Im debating on getting a new bike though but i beat the crap out the marlin its a 2018 and does very well

I haven't looked into the Roscoe, but I'm thinking based on my research that the Roscoe is more trail/downhill and Marlin is more xc. However, Marlin gen 3 appears to be more trail/downhill than gen 2 because the geometry changes as well as some components.

I have a marlin 4 gen 2 but thinking on upgrading to the 7

So I’m wondering about the Marlin 6 vs Roscoe 6. My budget is no more than $1200 so I’ve been eyeballing the Roscoe 6. I’ve been biking for about 5 years so not necessarily a “beginner” but I also don’t do heavy trails or go to actual bike parks, I prefer leisurely “cross country” style rides over doing jumps and fast downhill stuff. So I’m not sure what would be best to get vs those 2? Or even Marlin 7? The specs and stuff is all so confusing to me!

Hey, Matty! Really enjoying your videos as I am getting back into mountain biking after a couple of decades. My last bike was a Trek Y22 carbon fiber. I am much older now and won't be attempting to do what I did back then...I am torn between the Marlin 6 and a Rockhopper Comp. Think I'm leaning to the Marlin 6 largely due to your videos. They're the best I've seen. As a Razorback fan, I couldn't help but notice your Razorback 2018 T-shirt in one of your videos. Did you play your college ball there? Thanks again for your great Marlin 6 videos!

Thanks, that really helped me choose. Is the Marlin crank/chain set larger for better commuting?

ty

Broo a beast its marlyn 8

Also, the Roscoe 7 (2022) comes with 29" tyres except for the XS frame. The price is £1400. In my opinion, if you are willing to spend so much on a hardtail then why not spend a bit more to get a full suspension.

Would you recommend the new 2024 Roscoe 6 or 2021 Roscoe 7? Is the 7 with the 27.5 still an upgrade over the newer 6 with 29s?

I got Roscoe 6 great bike

i'd say that a mistake I made was getting a marlin 5, realized that I was riding really hard in my area, more than the shifting or the derailleur could handle. also the coil fork and since I'm light, i couldn't use all the fork. I upgraded to a roscoe 7 mostly because of the clutch on the derailleur, dropper post, and the smooth airfork.

Love my Roscoe. Nice comparison

I recently bought a marlin after 15 years away from mountain bikes, it seems you don't get much for your money spec wise these days but I agree wholeheartedly with you about it. The forks do the job but are not brilliant. I use it for everything including the odd jump but the forks need upgrading and I have put deore on it.

Which is the best MTB bike marlin or treck

I grabbed a marlin 6 and tacoed the front wheel doing technical stuff in the first two weeks. Took it back to trek and they gave me a full refund toward a Roscoe. That being said I’m 6’9” and 275lbs so idk if the parts on the marlin were up to the task of dealing with my stature on technical trails

I picked up the specialized rock hopper comp as my first bike and that's a cross country bike I needed a trail bike and when I took it on a trail going down hill was scary no dropper seat post. I'm getting the Specialized Stumpjumper comp alloy next

I just got into Mountain biking and never ever owned one. 2 weeks ago I purchased a Rampar one. My first outing I fell in love riding so I decided to return it and upgrade. Purchased a Marlin 7 gen 3 and honestly it really didn't do anything the Rampar did in my opinion. Returned the marlin7 gen 3 and purchased a gen 3 marlin 8 in red, which should be here by this Fri. No more returns lol.

How about Roscoe 6 of 2024 is it worth

What better tell me please Trek Roscoe 8 or Trek Fuel EX 5 ? can you make the video. Thanks !)

I could have swore I saw you on Desert Classic Trail at South Mountain today ?!

Which Maxxis tyre did you upgrade your marlin 6 with?

Jus asking before I buy am I able to upgrade the 100 front shock travel to better?

I just ordered my first mountain bike, I went with the marlin 8. It's worth noting that it's about half the price of the roscoe 8

I’m still deciding on either the Marin SQ2 or the Trek Roscoe 6/7 and can’t seem to decide! I haven’t tested either and I’m relying on videos. Anyone have any input on which I should go with?

Marlin is an OK bike if you don't weigh over 220 and like to occasionally ride and not push your riding limits.I went from a Marlin and skipped the Roscoe amd went straight to a Trek Stache 7 because at the time the Roscoe still didn't have thru axles.The quick release wheels,the fork,brakes and lack of dropper make the Marlin not very capable of progressing into the sport.I have upgraded everything on my my Marlin but the the frame and wheels flex so much that my front wheel always rubs the inside of my fork under load no matter how true the wheels is.Just don't waste your money on a Marlin 6 because the frame is just not worth upgrading especially if you are a heavier rider.

My 2021 Roscoe 6 Upgrades: SRAM GX Drivetrain SRAM Dub Bottom Bracket SRAM GX AXS Upgrade SRAM Eagle AXS Rocker Controller Paddle Upgrade SRAM Code R’s SRAM Matchmaker SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS Chain (Rainbow) Rockshox Reba RL Rockshox Reverb AXS Avid G2 Centerline 200mm (2) Bontrager Line Comp 40 TLR Wheels (2) Bontrager 108T Hub Upgrade Bontrager Elite Internal Cam Skewer Bontrager XR4 27.5 x 2.8 (2) Bontrager TLR Upgrade (2) Bontrager Line Pro Carbon 35 Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro 35 0 Degree Stem Rockshox MTB Fenders (2) Rockshox Ultimate Maxle (QR Axle) Ergon GFR1 Grips Ergon SM Pro Saddle Shimano PD-M520 Pedals (Clipped) OneUp Composite Pedals (Flats) Lizard Skins Neoprene Chainstay Protector (2) Garmin Varia RTL515 Garmin UT800 Garmin Edge 530 Garmin Edge Remote Garmin Edge MTB Mount Dubbs Aluminum MTB Headset Cover (USA Flag) So, anyone needing anything, let me know…. 🇺🇸

Would trek roscoe 8 be better then cannkndale fs series mtn buje?

Tks Bro! Spoken with heart & honesty 'Roscoe series) seem's 2 be a machine to "Tackle" the 👣 trials the way yoù want a bike to perform.. !!! Same 😮 as before, good advice for a price of Roscoe 8.... thoù we all want the real deal to conquer it's limits when put to test oñ riding... Who want's to use a 'Marliñ' series when it doesn't come up with the spec & it's capability to perform all your requirements. Look ☆☆ {Marlin} 6 & even 27.5, and up from that..are all super bike's 😊 but play around test & research, and do your homework well?? on purchasing a bike ... you will be sorry when you realise did I really get right ✅️ bicycle 🚲 Keep cool 😎 Everyone 🎉 stay safe. Irl/ Ď.

Do I get marlin 6 gen 2 or do I get gen 3 marlin 6 or gen3 marlin 7 or just buy a roscoe 6... Do I feel the difference by huge amount for the difference I am paying? Is the tappered headtube huge for beginner. I am thinking of buying a single bike for a long run...sorry for making it a reddit post

Hello. Can you help me? I have Trek Marlin 5. What will be better if I upgrade Marlin. I will install on it a Rockshox Recon 130 mm, 11 speed Deore, 35 mm stem. Or is it better to sell it and buy Roscoe? If I do upgrade, how much different will it feel to riding the Roscoe? It may be much more comfortable there due to the geometry of the frame.

what about trek xcaliber? do you recommend it?

What would you choose *Polygon Xtrada 6 or Trek Marlin 6* 🤔

I can't decide between the Marlin 8 Gen 3, Roscoe 8, or the Specialized Fuse Comp 29. Can you give me thoughts on your experiences with them. Im in Arkansas and mainly riding cross country and greenway

How does the Rosoes compare to the gen3 Marlin 8?

For my needs,..it’s the TREK Marlin 7!! That one just does it for me! Want it for Urban Street Fightin’ + some Trails,Mt. and Bike Park experience!! (And I’ve researched TREK thoroughly for years now to get the gist on Mt. 🚵🏾‍♀️Biking!! ) I own a TREK FX2 for Fitness/ Commuting and it’s Bad Ass! Want a Domane AL4 as well!! But, this vid was helpful on certain “experienced Rider/Owner “ details!! Thanks for all your efforts! 👍🏾😎

Well… I’m. It gonna lie… i have been riding a Walmart bike I inherited for the past couple of months and I was a day away from going to the state and buy a Marin 9… after watching a couple other videos and this one I’m gonna wait a little bit longer and get a Roscoe 8 😅

Roscoe 7 is the better bet overall.

I baught a marlin 5 last week and my wife wanted to get a bike so i got her a marlin 6 and going to swap drivetrains with her and take her 1x hahah likited suply of bikes lately so all i could find is the 5 in my size and her size i can still swap what i want then upgrading to a rockshocks

Sometimes I feel I bought the wrong bike. Not because of need , My bike is just fine for my needs. I have a 2022 Marlin 7. I want the Roscoe but reality is, 90% of the time I’ll be riding around with the wife and at 50 years old I probably shouldn’t be taking a bike to its limit.

If the choice is for a mtb, it's the Roscoe. The Marlin is a glorified hybrid.

27.5 tires 🤮