How Trek is Surprisingly Deterring Customers

In this video I will be talking about the difficulties when choosing a mountain bike and talking about the trek marlin series. Also talking about the new trek Roscoe 6.
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[@theridewithlance]

Too many choices results in analysis paralysis, then total confusion about what to get, too the point that the buyer my just drop the idea of getting into mountain biking.

[@synergytech7323]

Just choose all you like and rotate riding.

[@dynodyno6970]

That is what I was going through, what ultimately decided for me was certain bikes having a 200$ delivery charge regardless of which bike I chose, which made me feel I might as well spend more on actual bike. Ended up getting the trek roscoe 8 for $1600 on sale from trekbikes + free shiping and assembly at my local trekkshop.

[@jojaysta]

@@dynodyno6970how do you like your 8 so far? Trying to decide between the 7 and 8…

[@dynodyno6970]

@@jojaysta it’s my first mountain bike ever, I do enjoy it a lot. I do admit I wonder what the Roscoe 7 feels like. If I could go back, I’d probably try and be less influenced about specs I know nothing about and give the Roscoe 7 a shot. I got a great deal on my Roscoe 8 but after riding for a while, I’ve came to the conclusion that it just feels like a bike. Sorry if that isn’t too helpful, but if cost is a decent factor I’d try the Roscoe 7 as well for sure.

[@jojaysta]

@@dynodyno6970 thanks for getting back to me. That was truly relatable and makes perfect sense to me. I’m looking for my first MTB, and money is fortunately not a factor… but I have absolutely no point(s) of comparison. Have you ever considered the Marlin 7 or 8? Like yourself, I’m getting too deep into spec comparisons with zero perspective. It’s probably best to try both at the store, but I understand that you might have not had this option. Really appreciate your input, and happy riding!

[@MM-qv5lf]

The timing of this video is ridiculously funny in my case. My wife is in the process of buying a Trek and it's exactly the Marlin 8 and Roscoe debate. We are going with Roscoe 7 and for pretty much exactly the same reasons you mentioned in this video. We were having the discussions abut this exact thing a few hours earlier today, before you released the video. 😂👍👍

[@MattyActive]

Haha that’s awesome!

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Marlin with a straight head tube is ridiculous. Zero reason for this design to still exist when even Walmart bikes have tapered tubes.

[@davidleemann7395]

There is a correction happening. There was a bike boom that drove demand through the roof. Part availability kept pricing high. Sales, as always is the last to react and drop pricing. They'll squeeze every dollar from you that they can. That doesn't mean the design aspect is the problem. The Marlin is a great entry design, pricing is not in line with the product offering. I love the Roscoe and have one, the pricing has recently been hit with "Sale" prices. This is where I believe the standard pricing should be. Walmart/box store bikes. I've gone that route with a couple kids bikes, I can tell you from experience they are still not where they should be for the price. They are better, still not good. Other brands are adjusting faster as demand declines, but trek is still a premium bike with great warranty. Keep riding Matty!

[@oldmanjeepingandbiking9621]

Wow! Last week I took a friend to a Trek store to get his first bike and we ended up looking at EXACTLY what you are talking about. We compared a Gen3 Marlin 8 (in red) to a new style Roscoe 6 (in the mat green). I saw the same things. $100 more and the Marlin was still quick release front and rear with the strait tube fork. We went with the Roscoe hands down. Only thing I see with the Roscoe is the 9 speed cues U4000 derailleur does not have a clutch which is odd considering the Roscoe is a rowdy hardtail. Ive spent quite some time researching and it will be about $200 to upgrade that while it would have only been $50 more for trek to have went with the 10 or 11 speed cues setup in the first place which DO include a U6000 derailleur with a clutch. I BTW ride the Roscoe 9 and love it

[@KineticsReborn]

Doesn't have a clutch because it's spring tension is = clutch always enabled. The way I understood it is Shimano came to understand almost everyone pretty much leaves the clutch engaged all the time. So remove the failure point. It still has a spring to keep the tension.so no worry

[@johndef5075]

A cheap chainguide worked well on my non clutch derailleur 1x. Shifted better and easier than my clutched derailleurs too.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Trek making bikes in China for $400, then pricing them at $2,000 in the US is extortionate. I'm thinking Trek has a cocaine addiction as they're behind on their bills, ruining their relationships and can't focus on anything for more than a few seconds.

[@Jc3Films]

what about the trek marlin 5 gen 3? looking at picking one up as my first mtb doing mostly trails

[@richardwebb3013]

I still ride my 2020 Roscoe 7 handling all the same trail terrain as buddies with full suspension - thousands of dollars bikes. My 67 slack, 27.5 x2.8 XR3 tires @ 18/16 psi upgraded forks, 170mm cranks, carbon bars, revgrips and X01 drive train? There is nothing this Roscoe 7 cannot handle now. And I am on an Xlg at 6'0, opting for the larger bike in between sizes. Don't care for 29 wheels. 27.5 quicker off the line and zippier. You are correct. Someone getting into mtb today? 2024 Roscoe 6 is perfect. The Marlin 8 comes with the low end SRAM NX which will wear out in 6 months easy.

[@charlesholland6851]

I’d take an Ozark Trail anyway over a Marlin of any kind

[@tymothyallen5392]

Man I just bought the 2024 Roscoe 6 in that matte keswick color you showed. Bruh it’s an amazing bike I absolutely love it. It is my first actual trail bike after not riding since 2005 when I went off to the Air Force. I picked it up a week ago and in that week I’ve already put 42 miles on it at my local trails around OKC.

[@Spacey_Tea]

Save yourself on everything and get a non name brand frame while focusing on the components that are on the frame. Almost all bike manufacturers will have a frame that's about the same geometry. Find one you like and then compare components.

[@MrTacoJay]

You think the xcaliber 8 is still a good bike for the (on sale ) price. I was looking at Roscoe 7,.. but it seems too bulky for my needs Caliber still have 141qr rear… but aside from that looks good

[@gfxman14]

Trek Marlin is the Toyota Camry of mountain bikes, just a bike, nothing special. It's definitely ran out of place within the Trek lineup and needs to be upgraded or discontinued.

[@Chasing-the-outdoors]

Love the video. Another issue are the professional reviews. If you’re new to riding, you aren’t going to notice 99% of what highly experienced people do. Makes you think a bike is “bad” when it is actually a great affordable option.

[@Durwood71]

Marlins are good bikes for commuting and cross country, but they are definitely _not_ trail bikes. I know from experience that they're not going to hold up to the repeated punishment of a chunky technical trail. I bought a Marlin 8 about three years ago, and in that time, I managed to bend the front and rear axles at least once each, cracked the rear rim, slightly bent the front fork, and, finally, slightly bent the rear triangle which permanently messed up the shifting. And I'm not even a particularly aggressive rider. So now I'm on a Roscoe 9 which is much better suited for trail riding. I bought a discounted Gen 2 Marlin 5 for only slightly more than it would have cost to buy just a Marlin frame (Gen 2 frames have been discontinued) and rebuilt it using parts from my 8, which I'm going to use strictly as a commuter and errand bike, with maybe some occasional _light_ trail riding. Like green trails and fire roads.

[@mtbboy1993]

2:34 They have way too many models, but less models in Norway. USA got the most models. And differences in components is not much, components, fork. But same goes for other brands. 3:39 That's a XC bike. but the skewers is a let down. a crappy drivetrain you can replace, so rather have cheapest possible junk drivetrain and nice fork, thru axles, then customer can select drivetrain of choice later. 3:57 Resin only rotors, is a no go, and Shimno's resin pads too, horrible bite, wear fast, I could wear it out in a month. And proper rotor and pads won't cost much extra. Tapered head tube is nice.

[@oliwerkurman9822]

I have marlin 8 gen 3 and im flying on it. Upgraded crankshaft to xx1 and it's sick.

[@mytoyota80]

Funny coz I thought Marlin are phased out. Roscoe is all I hear from Trek HT

[@sawomirkazimierczak6715]

You still can fit a tapered fork in Marlin with FSA 1.5 external cup.

[@masonwalenga]

This November I purchased the trek Marlin 8 gen 3 as a beginner bike. I feel like this bike has decent parts but could use better parts like the SRAM SX being a low entry 1x12 drive terrain to get people into a 1x12 it's an okay drive terrain but the derailer gets bumped quite a bit and I updated it to the GX derailer and chain making a big difference it comes with a Rock Shox Judy 100mm what I thought was small, but It has proved me wrong I ride this bike hard probably harder than It should be ridden and it proves to be a great beginner bike.

[@elm1sterio]

Giant is better than trek 😅

[@rustychain9518]

For 90% of the riding I do a Trek Top Fuel would be just fine…but…that last 10% is why I bought a Fuel EX.

[@gravelDave]

The top fuel is too heavy, as with this video coming from a Specialized background i was looking for a top fuel to replace my Epic evo but to get the same specced Top fuel was 2k more and the bike was 1.7kg heavier. I ended up getting another Evo.

[@topchoice1621]

I’ve said and thought about it for a while and I feel bike companies should ditch that rockshox RL fork and go with the marzocchi bomber it might bump up the price of the bike but not by much and is a good fork for a MTB

[@_Zane__]

$1299 for QR axles 😮

[@outerislandsurfing8755]

You goose after all these years you still have no clue

[@Truth_Spoken]

You should review that $250 Walmart gravel bike. As for Trek, I never understood why there isn’t just 1 version of the Marlin, 1 of the Roscoe, etc. would make things simpler, and would actually help with lowering prices due to the scale of economy.

[@gravelDave]

For me Specialized are the true leaders of the industry. People dont like some things about how they do business, but they never make poor bikes, their product range is much easier to understand and they still can change a premium and seem to get away with it.

[@MattyActive]

I agree, they do make pretty good bikes, I’ve actually owned one in the past. They just don’t fit my riding style personally.

[@PuffinPass]

The Marlin is a good bike if you know what you are getting into. I mean it will give you a taste of mixed use with a focus on getting you onto an actual trail. The issue is that as you advance and wear parts you realize just how limiting the design and geometry is. The fact that they are charging as much as they are for the Marlin is something that they really should address. At those prices the bottom line Roscoe is by far the better option simply because the upgrade path is so much better.

[@rudeoff]

My biggest problem with the Roscoe is how ugly most of the color schemes are /:

[@AjachMabil]

I just ordered the trek Roscoe 6 XL in store a few hours ago in the power surge colour (Lime green). I'm going into mountain biking at 38.

[@bassw1758]

Allegedly Dick's sporting goods is going to be carrying Giant soon. Big box stores, and direct to consumer is the future, bike shops are dying off.

[@Anth230]

Second time you brought that up. Not sure if that is the case. There are tons in my area. They all seem to do pretty well and we have 4-5 months of cold weather .. 😂 I have shopped at Dicks Sporting Goods before. If they get Giant they better have someone that sizes the bikes there. People constantly grab the wrong size bike if left to their own devices. Also most people still think a Nike that is over $200 is a rip off. I know and you know that is not true. But most people will ride junk and be happy with it.... 😂

[@Anth230]

@@bassw1758 what? 😂

[@vBearHerk]

I bought the Trek Procaliber 8 after years of watching your channel! It took a long time the find the perfect match for me. We have some lite trails in Spijkenisse the Netherlands. Perfect for me and the procaliber 8 I hope you can confirm that i made the right decision :D €1350 I hope my english isn’t that bad :)

[@CyprusMiddleman]

If you are having trouble deciding, head to a trek store. They are very good and guiding you in the right direction.

[@usmc82vol]

I got my Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 because of your first videos on it. You've made 15 or so new videos with different bikes and mine has turned into a Tricked Marlin 9. PNW handlebar, Maxxis tires, rockshox recon silver fork, raceface stem and pedals, diore xt brakes. I'm 280lbs and fly downhill. I'll get a roscoe when this frame breaks.

[@just4ivaylo92]

Direct to consumer is the way to go - Canyon, YT, Polygon. Significantly better value than Trek in every single category.

[@shineperishingrepublic]

I like the option of taking my direct to consumer bike to any bike shop that I did not purchase a bike from, and knowing that I will pay for any time they spend working on it, instead of supporting local people that are willing to make sure that I keep rolling.

[@hellothisisbenji]

The best thing to do is go to a local bike shop and talk about how, where, and why you are going to ride. Each component does something different better or worse and they can help you out with model specific features.

[@17even]

Completely agree with your analysis. I bought a Trek Marlin 7, gen 2 because of your channel and I still have it. I have to admit that I ONLY ride it on pavement or on minimal dirt trails but mostly on family rides around my area (Chicago burbs). Its not built for real trails IMO, that Judy fork is just for XC style riding. Thinking of adding the Orbea Laufey over the Roscoe though. It has better specs for the price.

[@Stockfish1511]

Choosing bikes of Trek is easy if you get into it and start learning. For beginner i would say take Marlin 8. Its a great beginner bike. If you want full suspension if think you should look at what kind of riding you would do. If you consider casual trails and some enduro then fuel ex it is, If you choose enduro and moderate trail then Slash it is. Difference between the numbers is Aluminum and carbon and each version come from different level of specs. Take slash aluminum versions have top model Slash 8 but its still moderate specs for their high end stuff. However this still is a great bike and wouild do fine for anyone. Then you have their carbon bikes that have improved geometry and specs. They start at 9.7 then 9.8 and 9.9. Those number variants have same frame but different cost and specs. 9.7 - mid range specs with high end frame, can be upgraded in the future. Usually comes with SLX components which are still pretty good. 9.8 XT - (the one i recommend) High end components that have great value to performance and you dont overpay for gimmick. 9.8 GX AXS - Still good value, but i think XT gives better value for the cost because Better shifter, casette, cranks and breaks. 9.9 XTR - This are their high end specs and everything is just top of the line. If you look at this, you already know your stuff. Here you get high end performance slightly higher than 9.8 XT setup but usually its stuff like saving few grams and a bit of looks. Its maybe 5-10 percent better than XT variants at seriously higher price. Unless you are top rider i dont recommend this. 9,9 XX and XO bikes - Unless its an ebike i dont recommend this. They are just overpriced as hell and are not worth the money. XTR with hyperglide+ and offers insane performance and much lower price and you still get all the same stuff. You are paying insane money for wireless stuff. Can be good for ebikes though to avoid chain snap, but XTR still has great shifting so still no problem and XTR is lighter. Those 9. numbers apply to most of their mountain bikes like fuel ex, top fuel and ebikes like rail, fuel exe. If you dont go for full suspension and want a hardtail. I recommend marlin 8 or Roscoe. Both are good for start. Price might be issue though For me i would say buy cheap hardtail to see if you like the sport. If you do i go for high end 9.8 bike. Ive got 9.8 Slash. It went for 8000 dollar, but its a killer of a bike. Never looked back once and this 1 year i had it was the most fun bike experience. I planing to get rail sometime, but will keep this bike because its incredible.

[@bikdav]

I don’t think that Walmart will substantially “destroy” the independent bike shop brands. There’s the issue of service after the sale (A BIG ISSUE). Walmart doesn’t offer that.

[@kwaktak]

Quality of the initial build should also come into play. I would think twice about bombing down a trail in a bike built by a guy who knows nothing about building them.

[@Anth230]

Plus the overall quality of the Bikes. They are not going to get quality bikes no matter what people think. People that shop at Walmart just grab them off the shelf without thought to size or type. They just look at color... 😂....cheap big box store bikes can have some fantastic paint jobs. That is what draws people in ...and the cheap price... 😂

[@Durwood71]

With few exceptions, Walmart "mountain bikes" have stickers on them warning you they are not made to be ridden on mountain bike trails.

[@bassw1758]

Direct to consumer is going to be what finishes off the local bike shops.

[@Anth230]

@@Durwood71 Exactly...

[@madtownangler]

Walmart wasn't very big when I was growing up. Kmart was much bigger back then believe it or not. My grandpa had already bought me a Schwinn when I first learned to walk. It sat around for a few years before I was allowed to ride it. Back then we had bike shops were Schwinn was the main bike that sold there

[@mattj6676]

This is where marketing and reality collide. Trek needs a bike they can offer in the $500-$600 price range because that's what people shop at when starting to look at bikes. If they don't have that option, folks will just go to Dick's or Walmart and that's it. In truth, the Roscoe is a much better mountain bike, but then in reality, there's some marketing in there as well as many folks just ride on greenways or dirt roads and don't need that. The more upright nature of the Marlin is more comfortable to ride as essentially a gravel bike, which is what most folks really need.

[@inthebush3]

Totally agree

[@afteryourburial]

recently sold my 23 gen 2 marlin 6 so i can upgrade to a slash 7, i fell for the exact thing you described. wanted a bike i could upgrade over the years and found myself realizing the bikes limitations and buyers remorse set in pretty quick. from what I've seen the slash 7 seems generally more than capable of anything you can throw at it. i think for where i live (ontario Canada, pretty flat mostly) an enduro bike should have more than enough to handle the local trails and the few downhill parks (which aren't to crazy)that i plan to hit in a year. But again, it sucks i had to go through a bike to fully realize this and I'm sure I'm not the first to run into this issue.

[@travisgibson5545]

I really feel like the Marlin introduced me to the game. Most young bikers (experienced or beginner) have heard the name Trek. It's a desirable brand. And the Marlin, (also my first buy) is the quickest way into the scene. Had I known what I do now I would have also gotten a different setup. But the Marlin got me interested. Helped me to learn and upgrade. (Things I wouldn't do on the full squish now) I love it for what it is but completely agree and respect your channel for what you reveal about the company and its flaws. Hopefully they last but with your input, understand if they don't. Love the footage man!

[@MattPula]

The name recognition of Trek really can't be understated. When I got into MTB last year I did a ton of research and ended up going with a Canyon (Grand Canyon 7) for my first bike. My wife wanted a bike too but insisted on getting a Trek because it was the brand she recognized the most and always had in the back of her head as the bike brand she wanted if/when we ever got "nice bikes" - she ended up going with the Marlin 6 even though it cost basically the same as my Canyon but had worse components and upgradability. It worked out for her because she didn't end up getting into it as much as I did, and basically just rides it around the neighborhood - but it is kind of a bummer that if she HAD gotten more into it, we would have been severely limited on the kinds of upgrades we could do to the bike. Like, imo upgrading parts is kind of a big component of mountain biking as a hobby, so it's pretty lame that one of the biggest brands in MTB makes their entry bikes so limited in this regard. I guess if you get into the hobby Trek would rather you just buy an entirely new bike from them instead of upgrade the entry-level stuff.

[@sjanzeir]

Marlin 5 Gen 2 would be my choice, size medium, in azure blue. I'm old school: I prefer a 2x drivetrain and eight speeds are the practical, real-world choice. Even though I'm _only_ 5'3", I've learned first-hand the medium-size Gen 2 fits me far better than the small- and medium-size Gen 3. Being a beginner, though, I'm still not sure how I'd feel about having to handle 29" wheels.

[@Boydmv90]

I just got a marlin 6 Gen 3 and sometimes wish I got the roscoe 6

[@smokeycanuck8058]

New sub, like your stuff brother.

[@kris8165]

My first "better" bike was Trek! My first 29er,was also Trek,10 years ago! I agree with everything said here about the new Trek bikes...There are better options out there! I can't afford Roscoe,or Xcaliber, unfortunately...😔 Anyway, greetings from Kris from Croatia 😎

[@l1Longshot1l]

Damn I’m in the market for my first mountain bike in years and was looking at the same two bikes. Was going to get the Marlin 8 gen 3 but now I don’t know. Still very confusing for me

[@juliemartin2614]

Roscoe

[@putafaceonit]

I’m considering the Roscoe. I was looking at the new 2024 Roscoe 6 but do you thinking should spend the little extra money and get the Roscoe 7. Please help me make a good choice.

[@EfferusZangetsu]

After an almost 18 year long pause from riding a bike (used to have a GT Timberline set up for munching miles on the street) I was looking for bike with which I could go ride with my kids on forest trails. The amount of options and the prices blew me completely away. I was completely lost until I asked a work colleague who is heavy into mountainbiking. He pointed me towards Commencal Meta HT as a good relaible option for my intended use and without breaking the bank. Can't wait for it to arrive.

[@daniellarson3068]

I'm not a bike expert. Just the same the question was raised whether a big box store like Walmart could sell good mountain bikes. I figure, "why not?" A bicycle is just a machine. Walmart for example sells TVs which are certainly more complex than mountain bikes. They also sell computers. Lawn mowers are more mechanically complex and they sell those. Why shouldn't big box stores sell mountain bikes of equivalent functionality as a bike shop? They should be able to charge more money for these bikes and with their economy of scale still sell them for less.

[@justinkaz]

we dont have the upadated Roscoe 6 here in Czechia. I asked at my local Trek store about it and the guy there told me "dont think its coming here and if it does, then in 2025". Now im stuck going through bikes like you mentioned: Mariln 8 gen 3 - Roscoe 7 - Kona Honzo - Stoic 2 - Orbea Laufey..... So much to choose from but everything I mentioned will be a huge upgrade to my /my dads actually/ old Schwinn.

[@galaxiedance3135]

You know what.. I don't really care about the options. I just want a decent bike that I cant destroy by pedaling hard. I can make any bike work and I can get stronger and stronger so that I can keep doing more with it! Think about it, when you give a bike to your child. They're happy and they have fun with it. They don't care about options, they get on it and go. I'm the same way. I did happen to buy my son an amazing bike. It's all aluminum and the lightest 16" bike in the world (as far as I know) when I bought it many years ago. That's a bonus but the rest, he didn't care, It was his favorite color and that's all he cared about. Being light and having good brakes and strong parts was nice for me because 8 years later my 2nd son is using it. I just bought new tires, a nicer seat post, lubed the Chain with Ceramic lube, completely detailed the bike so it looks truly like nobody used it... Clay Bar, polish, everything. It's mint! I know that this bike will be good for my Grand kids too! The brand is Spawn. They make great bikes for kids.. I find them to be better than other companies. Even the forks are custom made from the manufacturer specifically to work properly with the lighter weight of the kids intended to use the bikes.

[@brenmtb]

for the price of a firsthand trek you could get a used full suspension trail bikes at are in good condition. If you wanted a trek youcan get a fuel usedfor way less then a 1000 and 29 wheels only downside is 120mm front back travel

[@richardvankastle359]

I think a long-standing issue with bike companies is calling budget XC bikes "mountain bikes". They all do it. A bike with a cheap coil fork, quick release skewers and weak brakes shouldn't be ridden on legit trails.

[@intrepidbiped]

My 'new' bike is a 2011 Rocky Mountain Slayer 70 which I snapped up for $900. The last owner swapped the 26" wheels for 27.5s and it's absolutely perfect for me. Good travel, insanely good climbing, and 31lbs. Worth noting is that I live in Nelson, BC where blues are equivalent to double or triple blacks in most other places. Over $1000 for a hardtail is ridiculous to me personally. No reason to buy a new bike... ever.

[@flyfishsodak]

Anyone else watch these videos on 1.5x speed? lol

[@Azav312]

I watch everything in 1.75

[@flyfishsodak]

@@Azav312 Lol nice

[@johnmausteller]

Specialized fuse comp. Try it out. Hard tail. Jams.

[@CJGrand1]

Anything but the big three (trek, giant, spesh). Better bikes than what they offer from other brands.

[@brycevallie3545]

The x-caliber would be the upgrade from the Marlin. The Roscoe has a completely different use case

[@seanassen5174]

Is the trek Roscoe 6 2021-2023 still good a good bike in 2024?

[@seanassen5174]

The 2022 one

[@MattyActive]

I wouldn’t get anything less than the 2024.

[@victorcaballero1507]

marlin 8 is great for a beginner who like to ride and doesnt care about trails. I ride only city and the trek marlin 8 gets it done.

[@scottgiebler5858]

I just bought a marlin 7 on sale at Scotty Cranmers shop after considering getting a walmart Ozark trail and upgrading it a little but this bike has most of those parts I'd want for similar money. I picked it up to ride gravel paths and easy to intermediate bike trails with my 3 year old son on his stacyc since he cant keep up with our dirtbikes on sandy NJ single track. I may consider a dropper post and go tubeless but I'm more than happy with it as is. I haven't had a brand new mtb ever, it feels like a something from the future compared to what I was riding trails with before 😅

[@MASHLEY69]

I agree. The Marlin is very much over priced. But I believe it still has a place. Beginning riders, especially younger riders. Need something to learn the basics on and something to beat on. But not at $1k+. The most expensive Marlin should be around $700 with the dropper post, air fork and a decent budget drivetrain. The other marlins should be around $400 with the coil fork. No dropper included. I just bought the Roscoe 9 on Saturday. Your channel gave me all the confidence to make the purchase knowing it can handle a lot! I can keep my siskiu T7 and the now Roscoe 9 and have all the bike I will ever need for any situation. I’m going to sell off my Marlin 6, and Roscoe 6 and I think I’ll be set for a good while. Appreciate you man!! Thanks for ALL the content

[@marcfreshart]

Yeah i feel like the big companies can make their entry level bikes with better basic parts and more standard frame geo in the $700-1200 range.

[@reddevilzz10]

Great review, I'm going to the trek store tomorrow to buy myself and my wife either the Marlin 8 gen 3 or the Roscoe 7 and this video was very helpful. Could you please let me know the name of the Smith sunglasses you wearing bro?

[@MattyActive]

I’m wearing the smith lowdown XL 2 from sportrx.com They are prescription sunglasses

[@canaanwilliams122]

All I see is don’t do it and it’s a picture of the exact bike/color combo I want🤦🏿‍♂️😂😂😂

[@Sydnyparkerjones]

A mediocre frame with great wheels , is better than a high dollar frame with crappy wheels.

[@guitarlessonsnow3431]

I mostly agree, but there is a place for XC geo. Here in the Midwest, I ride my tricked out Rockhopper more than my slack, 150mm full suspension bike, although we have a few trails where that bike works. What’s needed is a Marlin with thru axles and tapered headtube,Ike a BMC two stroke or Specialized Chisel.

[@_Justinriceism_]

I need a $250 gravel bike find

[@MattyActive]

I actually bought it today and it’s SOLID! Worth every bit of $250.

[@orology]

Do a video on Diamondback. You have great reviews.

[@oterosocram25]

I bought an XCaliber 9 and I really like it, but and I should’ve gone with a Roscoe

[@besomewheredosomething]

Nope, Nope, Nope. I used to love Trek, have multiple Trek bikes, but won't buy them outright anymore. For $1,299.99 you can get a Deore Spec'ed, Tapered Headset, through-axle, boost, and full suspension Polygon. Now way in hell should ANYONE pay $1,299.99 for that bike.

[@mtbboy1993]

4:49 I definitely agree, if going for a trek hardtail this is a much easier to ride bike, due to the trail geometry. But I would still not buy a Trek. Maybe if it's a great deal second hand. But I don't know if quality has improved lately. But if I were to get a trek hardtail it would be the Roscoe.

[@snowman22ism]

Choose what fits your budget. Get the best bike you can afford for what you want to do.

[@張振宏-b3z]

Hi, I just came across this video when I was searching for information about the first beginner trail bike. I have limited budget, so that’s why I’m considering Trek marlin 7 gen 3. The bike shop is having a promotion for this model only for 530 USD. Do you recommend buying it?

[@bobmajew53]

I just bought a new Marlin 4.2 because I like the "Living Coral color. Considering it's going to be converted into a dropbar trail bike with SRAM Xx front , XO rear, Rival shifters, a 27.5" ehub rear-wheel drive, the original 29er front and add an existing Canyon S15 suspension seatpost - maybe I'll get some Judy Silver Air forks, and be ready to go. Nobody makes the bicycle I want so it doesn't matter if it's a Marlin 4 or 8 but the motor requires QR dropouts - so the Roscoe won't do it.

[@No_ReGretzky99]

I'm getting a Roscoe 8 for 600 bucks my buddy who is a bike shop mechanic for 20 plus years is going with me❤❤❤❤

[@cedricclamaran]

My god that Marlin... Spending 1k to get qr AND straight steerer? No thanks

[@MichaelMassacre83]

Bought a marlin 5 within a week right brake started failing because of trash components, I’d be better off with an ozark trail braking system than what they slap on this bike, don’t get me wrong the rest performs but I’m so pissed about the brakes

[@joshfullbright7678]

Make sure you stick with the 2024 Roscoe as the older Roscoe 6 has a different frame.

[@No_ReGretzky99]

Tomorrow I'm picking up Trek Roscoe 8 for 600 bucks I'm taking my buddy who is a bike mechanic for 20 years ago with me I'm getting into bikes again after a couple of your break I've always raced Motocross but always had mountain bikes I'm a Wheelie guy

[@synergytech7323]

Ok, I think Walmart bikes have their place as with Dick's and so on. I like and buy more Treks than any as their site is comprehensive to navigate and understand the positioning of what sort of riding and aesthetics of a bike at different price points and features for a broad range of people. I have several Treks from the Supercaliber to the Slash and study the industry to find the mid to lower price points reasonable to my budget. I bought some Walmart bikes for a teen and kid who left them outside in the rain and they rusted. As I can leave my Marlin out in the rain no rusting or cable seizing. Compare the grades of aluminum, components, and screws. The top Marlins are lighter than the lower Marlins as the grade of aluminum is different. Marlins are XC bikes as Roscoes are hard tail for trails before you get into full suspension. My Marlin 7 is my go-to as it is my cheapest and looks great with its paint job. My Roscoe 8 with its 40mm rims and 2.8 tires is my next go-to when wanting something tuff. So I also have a Marlin 5 for my girlfriend and I was amazed that she was on my tail during a ruff trail ride on my Fuel Ex 8. I like the choices that bike manufactures give for different budgets. It was a doctor told me not to let money be a reason keeping me from what I want. Money can be made, experience what you want while you can in your life time. I buy Walmart bikes for friends who just want to ride and don't care about the art of bikes. Currently thinking about that 2023 Remedy 8 for the that Dark Prisma paint job or a BMC Twostroke 01 TWO. I like frame designs and colors. I'm a bike collector.

[@TuckerC1]

i think another big discussion is the fact that for the same price as a marlin 8 (maybe slightly more) you can buy a full suspension polygon with the same/better features or one of their new carbon hardtails aswell

[@dragonflygenetics420]

Wal mart huffy...😂

[@dragonflygenetics420]

There was one huffy everybody wanted when I was a kid, it was the huffy Sigma...

[@-S-777]

Too much gloom;-) checked a lot obikes and oredered a Procaliber 6 yesterday.

[@marcinkwiatek4861]

Im watching Your Channel from Poland for 3-4 months, i want to buy a bike and that will be 100% Trek, but i have problem with decide which model . My heart want Roscoe beacause i have a lot mountain and forest tracks nearby but Procaliber seems to be better on normal roads and long trips could you try to explain maybe with someone from Trek store + and - of all Trek hardtails

[@ashurany]

I was away from mtb for about 8 years (after 22 years of riding). Decided on the Marlin 7. Great bike, but I hadn't checked closely enough to realize that trek had removed the ability to internally route a dropper post, which they had on their gen 1 marlins (or at least on 7 and above). Caused me to sell the bike within a year.

[@mertersun]

I couldnt understand. Marlin 8 has a internal cable routing for a dropper post, they are the same frame with Marlin 7 (gen 3)

[@ashurany]

@@mertersun Yeah, made no sense at all. I know some folks drilled holes themselves, but that voids the warranty. Apparently trek smartened up w/the Gen 3s. It was a great budget-friendly ht otherwise.

[@mertersun]

@@ashurany I thought that plastic cap is for the hole that is not used. Are you sure that there is no hole beneath that plastic piece?

[@ashurany]

@@mertersun Not sure which plastic cap you have in mind, but the 'missing' hole in the Gen 2s would be toward the bottom back of the seat tube so that you can run the dropper cable around the bottom bracket and into/through the down tube.

[@mertersun]

@@ashurany Exactly, this is why I said Gen 3 in my first message. So, Gen 3 has this hole on down tube that enables interior cable routing, unlike Gen 2.

[@devon12346]

My problem with marlins is the entry level ones aren't really that good component wise and upgradability like the marlin 4 has a shimano tourney and a freewheel my friend wants to get an entry level mtn bike but honestly the ozark trail ridge from walmart is more upgradable and cheaper and honestly might be better with the 1x9 setup

[@lastpme]

Walmart bikes are not the target audience for people into cycling. Walmart bikesare great for riding around the neighborhood or maybe a college student get around campus.

[@MusicCR123]

I got the 2023 marlin 7 gen 3 I've been throwing trails at it and Urban MTB it's handled it well better then I thought it would, I was looking at the rescoos but at the time didn't have the cash for them

[@bgdaddy42069]

this is so funny my sisters husband wanted an ebike. we went to a few bike shops and trek was one of them but trek was the worst all they wanted to sell us was an emtb for 5k plus not friendly at all. all the other bike shops where way more laid back

[@TheCdM1981]

I don’t know. I had no issue picking a trek. Matter of fact I think specialized has even more options than trek. I researched everything down to weight and what I was going to do with it and decided I wanted an FX sport and later decided I wanted the 6. And that was the end.

[@tmayberry7559]

Of course you think the Roscoe 6 is good since you have one. Trek should get rid of the words gen 2 and 3 that's the confusing part. 😡

[@Seenit_420-_-]

Im looking into new bikes with my dad because mine got stolen 😔 when I was on vacation it was a cannondale trail 7 can’t remember what it was called but I put it through a beating 😂 my dad owns a trek rockhopper but we are thinking of getting new trek bikes

[@brianrivasoconer5543]

I have marlin 8 2 gen ..the 3 gen is much more heavy and the rear axel is only for this bike so it would be harder to replace , so im happyer with 2 gen

[@kwaktak]

You make many good points. I feel like the low end Marlins and the Dual Sports overlap, as do the higher end Marlins and XCalibers. Really though, after 5 years of riding I feel like my Marlin is just a rugged hybrid.

[@qibble455]

How much was the Rosco 6? Compared to the Marlin it seems a way better bike but how much more is it than the Marlin 7?

[@JAvellino669]

You're totally right about the high-end Marlin against the cheapest Roscoe. I also wish you could buy the frame in any color that they are made in! I just need a frame, but want the bright green that's only available on the Roscoe 6.

[@danemoreno88]

Does the Roscoe have all the things you said missing off the marlin ?

[@shaunwilson5005]

For the price i run a 2023 roscoe 6 olive green i cant get enough of the looks and the comments bad side is just the single 10 gears ……. Oh and the tyres my next upgrade is either the goodyears or the maxxis gum wall

[@MattyActive]

You can easily convert it to 1x11 and the bike definitely looks sick in person! I saw one on the trail yesterday