Schwinn Axum DP vs Trek Marlin!! The Ultimate Comparison

[@ChrisSmith-gt6lg]

I rode my Axum all last summer. Love it. Can't wait until spring!

[@yashar9844]

Thank you for beautifully arranged comparison. I used to have one Schwinn bike which later switched to Specialized. The first few month, schwinn was a pleasure to ride, but after a year, started falling apart. Mostly derailleurs, drive train and front suspension which was totally locked and useless. But, Specialized, has been an amazing bike for last 2.5 years with NO issue so far.

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome! Glad your Specialized has lasted that long

[@TC-hl1ws]

If you ride mainly off road go with the Schwinn. Why? wider rims, 1x drivetrain, dropper post, tapered headtube. The only reason to buy the Trek is less weight which is a big deal if you plan to race or wider range of gears if you plan to ride rail trails.

[@eugene44569]

and if you are super short or super tall. because fo that wide range of sizes

[@saltygenx2743]

I use my Axum to commute, I switched the cassette to a 11-34 tooth paired with a 34 tooth chainring. That solved the speed limit.

[@joecantu5252]

Schwinn Axum DP 29'er, Just purchased this Mountain Bike, and I must say, it's a BEAST, and very well Built....... Thanx for this Awesome video.....

[@mineer-pg5sv]

Agreed you can haul ass on that thing

[@vivekchoudhary8745]

Thanks for the hardwork man. Great content

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!!

[@FreePete919]

Got my Axum on clearance for $220! Looking forward to doing more upgrades to it. Got carbon fiber high rise handle bars for a more comfortable sitting position. Going to get some better flat pedals for a little extra grip. Then I'll start with the real upgrades.

[@tuoitreomaha9096]

From where. I want one

[@timuhka2984]

Lucky lucky man

[@saltygenx2743]

I've done the same thing to my Axum, 50mm riser bars, 140mm air fork, 11-34 tooth cassette, hollow tech crank and BB with 34 tooth chainring, chester flats and CST ouster tires.

[@mdgeist472]

Schwinn is such a good value with good upgrade path of you plan to do it gradually. Geometry is good, 141 rear drop outs, tapered headtube, which are things you can't upgrade. What is surprisingly nice for the trails are the wide wheelset and big tires. They absorb so much that you are not as tired. Items that are a must to upgrade are the fork, derailleur, shorter stem, and wider handle bars. Everything else works pretty well.

[@DwFritz23]

Agreed! I would upgrade the derailleur first because it really is trash. My chain pops off way to easily. I'm actually planning on getting the Advent X groupset before I even touch the forks. I've only had the bike for 3 weeks now.

[@hamldna]

I have a 2019 X-caliber 8 (XL) and the Axum. Both have a dropper and 1x. I love both but find myself on the Axum more.

[@teddd8617]

Best Bike reviewer on every platform

[@TalalipopMTB]

Dang thank you!!!

[@JerryHeughins-os2os]

I have the axum comp x and it's pretty great, I'm upgrading the tires to maxis, and sum matching pedals I found. The cables come in and out of frame seems very efficient

[@_garo_boi_5660]

please review scott aspect 960

[@fryloc359]

I'm probably going to go with the Schwinn just because there are no trails in my area, only paved paths.

[@DoroteoVilla]

I bought my Schwinn Axum in 2020. It has gone through several upgrades and tweaks that have made it basically a low-mid range bike shop bike. I love it though because I’ve done most of the work myself and although I have more expensive bikes that ride a lot smoother (because, more money), my Axum is my go-to every day rider. If Mad Max had a MTB in it, it would be an Axum.

[@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830]

I’m $1600 deep into my Axum DP, it’s pretty damn good.

[@DoroteoVilla]

@@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830 That handle is brilliant. I wish I would have come up with it.

[@beyondmiddleagedman7240]

I went with the Kent Trouvaille over the Marlin. I can hit Marlin spec for about $100. Plus I have the advantage of tubeless with the stock tire/rim by adding some tape and stems.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Yeah that does sound like a more cost effective option honestly

[@4xprops457]

I have the 2024 Axum comp X. And absolutely love it! It has a very solid frame! A reliable and quality built bike! I plan on changing a lot of components, but will have a better bike in the than most bike shop bikes, because I can say built not bought! It doesn’t matter what you put into it. It’s what you get out of it specially in the bicycle world think about it.

[@PinkBunnySlipers]

I do agree with your assessment, and I too work (part time) at a trek bike shop. Maybe I missed it in your great video if so disregard. The Axum DP has a tapered head tube the fork however is still a straight steerer with and adaptor.

[@ostermanumbrellaco.7445]

im currently saving for the trek marlin 5 2022 since it’s rack accessible and a good hybrid and starting a part time job to gather enough and it’s about $999 SGD/ $734.70 USD here in singapore. afterwards i plan to do some food delivery to earn back some of the money spent and each delivery in my delivery zone goes for about $5-6 SGD/ $3.70-$4.40 USD and im probably going to have to spend another $50 SGD/ $36.77 USD getting the bicycle rack, phone holder…etc etc

[@TalalipopMTB]

That’s a smart idea to make some money back!

[@trexmobile1]

You might be better off with a dual sport or FX from Trek to make deliveries. these bikes will be faster, more comfortable on the road and come in at around the same price point.

[@eugene44569]

maybe get a polygon

[@eugene44569]

Ur in se Asia so polygon hiest or cascade is better. Idk ifnu heard of polygon

[@eugene44569]

Or get a cheap e bike for deliveries

[@Oz1111]

Axum is $400 now and marlin 5 gen 2 is $600 and giant talon 2 about same price. I'm 6'2 so I need xl but Schwinn is only L. I'll be doing mostly road and some light mountain trails. I can do trek/giant price but rather not spend that much. Which one would you suggest to go with?

[@nc3826]

Walmart does have some great MTB options.... But fit is the most important consideration...

[@mineer-pg5sv]

L would probably be fine the large axum is a pretty damn huge freaking bike I would know I have one, but you obviously most likely already have a bike by now lol

[@karankapoor001]

Mate, please make detailed video of trek domaine AL2 disc 👍

[@Pizzaxbandit]

I found both of these for 200 bucks on marketplace. The marlin was an older model but I went with it over the schwinn. Mine came with 27.5 wheels really only reason I chose it over the schwinn plus the schwinn sold before I could look at it 😂. Both seemed like great bikes though especially for me since I’m a beginner.

[@timothy7768]

Awesome as always.. I think marlin5 would be the better deal for me only because I would want a bike shop to assemble the schwinn which then put the price right up there with the marlin 5.🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you! Hahaha

[@krisevon]

Your going to the wrong shop if they would charge you +$200 to tighten up a built Axum.

[@timothy7768]

@@krisevon no to have the bike assemble by the shop because I wouldn't trust someone from the big box store to put it together correctly. The bike shop I use I think they charge like $100 or more depending how much assembling they have to do. Proper grease and making sure shifting and etc at the bike shop, that big box store will not do they just slap them together and put them on the floor to sale.

[@krisevon]

@@timothy7768 I agree with you on the big box crappy assembly and I agree around maybe $100 for a shop to go through it right. That’s still not the $225 less cost that the Axum is vs the marlin 5. And you are getting a dropper on the Axum. I hope that the Axum forces trek etc step it up

[@bzmotoninja83]

​@@timothy7768 Could you not turn your own wrenches?

[@eugene44569]

What's the reach on the medium size

[@johnh.miller1112]

I chose the Axum DP as donor bike to add Bafang BBSHD mid-drive conversion. Nice bike for the $ Someone told me Schwinn has weak rear hub and might break? I’m willing to take the risk.

[@m.d.498]

The axum is on sale right now for 228 dollars online. Very worth it just for parts

[@QaquzyK]

hey i was wondering if I could be able to ride medium marlin 5 with 29”? I’m 5’1”

[@TalalipopMTB]

Medium Marlins are typically for riders 5’5” - 5’8” so it’s not ideal. You could ride it but it would feel bigger and less easy to control most likely

[@Madbusop718]

Wow what a great video. I guess once you upgrade to hydraulic brakes you still have a few dollars to spend on another simple upgrade.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!

[@noel4854]

Make upgrades on whatever “off brand” gear goes out first. The weight and reliability are my concerns with the Axum but at that price it’s very tempting.

[@mattmorrison9379]

Whatvis a dropper post for?

[@TalalipopMTB]

Allows you to lower and raise your seat by pushing a lever on the handlebar, and that lets you get lower to get better balance on your bike when riding on rough terrain so you don't fall off

[@horusgarcia1]

Awesome video. I really enjoyed it and stuck through all of it and even replayed some sections. I am not new to mountain bike but I like to see how MTB has progressed. Now you have dropper post in box stores, incredible. However, I feel that you left out some pointers but I can understand the time constraints. Since you work at a bike shop, and I know this is irrelevant, but buying from a bike shop supports the high end bikes. There is also a huge benefit about buying from a shop than a box store. Even Dick's is better than box stores. Also, the bike sizes makes the overall price go up too since that bike segment requires modifications for other sizes. Overall, I would pitch this to a newbie but recommend the bike shop. The best part of a bike shop is the tune ups that were included in my purchase and warranty. Maybe you can make an updated video for the next competitor to include warranties.

[@icabod9345]

Schwinn is really coming back strong proving that you don't need a +$1000 bicycle.

[@bikdav]

The problem with the Schwinn Axum that I was able to track down was that it was narrowly too big.

[@Zillionaire.]

I used to own a Schwinn bike, the only thing that comes to my mind about it is that it was frustratingly slow.

[@jerryramsey4236]

Dropper post, I am the only one not interested in one. I traded my 2022 M5 for a 2022 M6, Trek for me still wins!

[@bonzobanana1]

I would personally ignore the Marlin 4. It's very difficult for Trek to compete at that price point because of all their sponsorship and the more complicated logistics of selling to local bike shops. It has a freewheel so quite weak, poor high gearing and very expensive to upgrade. I think the reason you don't see that model in many local bike shops is simply they would not want to sell it based on it is components. I don't know what the mechanical disc brakes are like but surely ease of maintenance is better on them. I can sort out mechanical disc brakes quickly with normal tools but hydraulic is more complicated if not working well, bleeding etc. However hydraulic is definitely the right option for a real mountain bike expected to be used on more proper off-road trails. Comparing the groupsets I thought the Axe derailleur had a clutch mechanism and also being 1x means it has a narrow wide chainring where as normally a 2x setup would not have narrow wide chainrings and the derailleur fitted doesn't have a clutch so you would expect the Trek to drop the chain more. However I have to say that AXE groupset looks pretty awful. Is the Schwinn using a freehub or is it one of those wide range freewheels? I think I saw on a video a Schwinn bike that had a wide range freewheel rather than cassette in which case probably the same situation as the Marlin 4 being a mountain bike style back rather than actual mountain bike. I don't think Trek actually make anything themselves except perhaps for high end bikes and are reliant on other factories in Asia to make their parts so those Bontrager tyres could be simple rebrands of something like a CST tyre which perhaps the Schwinn uses as well. Lastly I wouldn't give the forks an equal status as I think Suntour forks are typically better than the generic models fitted to many walmart bikes. They could be basic zoom forks or worse. I feel the Suntour forks are better if nothing else because you can get spares for them. Ultimately I'm not keen on any of these 3 bikes they all have quite a few compromises which makes them less than ideal as proper mountain bikes. I'm in the UK but based on what is on offer I would expect a Trek bike at around $1000 to provide a good entry point with reasonable components. If you have less to spend I would look to go s/hand. I personally wouldn't even consider the Schwiin or the Marlin 4.

[@BuilttoCreate]

The Axum has a cassette. Which I can't believe the Trek Marlin 4 does not.

[@bonzobanana1]

@@BuilttoCreate I've just double checked and the UK spec Marlin 4 definitely has a freewheel. You can see the distinct copper/bronze colour of the inner gears with a painted black granny gear. Unless it varies by market. What is worse is they fit a quick release with it. Normally when you have a freewheel its better to fit a solid rear axle to help strengthen it. So the Marlin 4 is definitely more a mountain bike style bike rather than actual mountain bike. So there are even entry level walmart bikes using freewheels but have a solid axle that may actually be stronger than the Marlin 4 for absorbing rear wheel bumps etc. Quick releases are fine with cassettes though as the bearings are widely spaced on a freehub so they don't snap hollow axles like freewheels.

[@mr.sinister1279]

I have the trek Marlin 4.. no problems with it.. jus can’t go compete with a bike from “Walmart” jus cont do it laddy! Trek Marlin n Marlin 5 are jus bout the same..

[@ArmonNut4L]

I like how he laughs when he 'walmart'

[@GP-fc7jv]

So just update the Axum

[@Sangram-IND]

Brooooooo love the video thankyou 🙏🏻😊❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🙌 no matter what price and component use. Trek is Trek The feel of trek bike is not in any other bike.. Love Trek❤️

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you too!!

[@takumifujiwara3223]

Yo

[@TalalipopMTB]

Yo

[@ERICMANN71]

Sooo sad!!! I remember when Schwinn was a bike store brand bike. I never dreamed they'd go to sh*t one day.

[@gabrielash75]

I own a Schwinn Axum and it is a good value but the two components I would replace immediately are the brakes and bottom bracket. The stock brakes are inadequate on steep descents and my bottom bracket fell apart after a couple of months. Everything else works as it should although the fork is just a pogo stick but that’s next on the list of upgrades.

[@sunnybali1696]

Which bottom bracket do you recommend for the axum?

[@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830]

@@sunnybali1696 get hollow tech cranks and bottom bracket, advent drivetrain, and air fork of your choice. You’ll love it after that.

[@e.e.w.2637]

I switched my crank bearing set for a sealed unit on my Axum and lightweight pedals. It pedals really smooth now. If I can find where I bought it all I will post later. I enjoy riding this bike especially for what it cost me.

[@ricardolopezdevictoria1109]

Schwinn every day, it's time for bike manufacturers to build a better entry bike.

[@dragonnetx]

Trek 🤘🏻

[@TalalipopMTB]

:D

[@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830]

Altus sucks. At that price point, the trek should have better.