A Bosch motor, air-spring suspension fork and 12-speed drivetrain make this no ordinary entry-level eMTB.
If the name Marlin sounds familiar, it’s because it’s one of Trek’s most popular hardtail mountain bike lines. The “+” designation signifies Trek’s electrified models, and with the Marlin+ 8, Trek combines its well-loved aluminum frame with a Bosch Active Line Plus motor powered by a CompactTube 400 battery. The bike also features a full RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, and 4-piston Shimano hydraulic disc brakes—all carefully chosen to balance affordability with performance.
While many e-bikes we review come in just one size or offer step-over and step-thru options with similar reach dimensions, Trek has taken a different approach. The Marlin+ 8 is available in five sizes, a welcome detail for riders outside the average height range. Whether you’re a more petite rider or on the taller side, there’s likely a Marlin+ 8 that fits you perfectly. Our large frame test bike felt like it was made for me.
Trek clearly understands what riders want in an eMTB. Despite aiming to keep this bike more affordable, they didn’t skimp on features. Tubeless-ready tires and rims, along with a dropper post, and solid suspension fork show that this bike isn’t just about appearances—it delivers where it counts.
At the core of the Trek Marlin+ 8 is its Bosch motor, which shines in both subtle and high-demand scenarios. Whether you need a noticeable boost or seamless integration with your pedaling, the motor excels. Its intuitive “set it and forget it” functionality is a standout feature.
There’s a lot to unpack with this e-bike. Let’s dive into how the Marlin+ 8 performed in our battery of tests.
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