2022 Trek Dual Sport VS Trek Marlin!! What’s the Difference?

Trek Website: bit.ly/3OGJp4e
In this video I compare and contrast the 2022 Trek Dual Sport and Marlin bikes in depth. I’ve made this video previously for the 2020 bikes, but here is an updated version! This includes all 8 bikes: Dual Sport 1, 2, and 3 and Marlin 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. I cover everything about how these bikes handle in different environments and help you figure out which bike is the best for your riding style!
2022 Trek Marlin lineup: • 2022 Trek Marlin Lineu...
2022 Trek Dual Sport lineup: • 2021 vs 2022 Trek Dual...
This video also includes the following comparisons:
2022 Trek Dual Sport 1 vs Marlin 5
2022 Trek Dual Sport 2 vs Marlin 6
2022 Trek Dual Sport 3 vs Marlin 7
Follow my Instagram for in-person bike content! @talalipop_mtb
Microphone I use: amzn.to/2JnjCyU
0:00 Intro / Background
1:02 General Comparison
4:01 DS 1 vs Marlin 5
4:55 DS 2 vs Marlin 6
5:29 DS 3 vs Marlin 7
6:33 End Thoughts
The Amazon link is an affiliate link, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase from it (no extra cost to you).

[@TalalipopMTB]

Update to video: Forgot to mention the fork differences: All Dual Sports use smaller suspension forks with 63mm travel (light trail use), while the marlins use bigger ones with 100mm of travel (light / intermediate trail use)

[@andreaskavellaris8988]

This guy knows how to create a comparison analysis. Very well done and exactly what I needed.

[@richardedward123]

Great video. Nice to have reviews on entry-level options. I'd like more mention of the front chainring tooth size and gear ratios. Keep on riding. 🧡💛💚💙💜

[@obeseinthesestreets8629]

This was exactly the video I was looking for! Brilliantly executed and detailed just the way I hoped it to be!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Glad it helped :)

[@HighRoad317]

Excellent content. Appreciate the showdown!!!!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!

[@conanfa18]

Thank you for your response to my question about the dual sport 4. I watched your video again and realized that the dual sport three has an upgraded drivetrain that seems to match with the dual sport four used to be. I really enjoy your channel. It’s the only place I go for trek bicycle statistics and recommendations. Keep up the good work!!!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you so much!! Glad I could help :)

[@rsnate2930]

Man... i found your videos. They are amazing... so helpful. Thank you!

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome, I’m happy they help!!

[@nathankleber9150]

I've been looking at both these bikes so I really appreciate the comparison. 👊

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome! Glad it helps :)

[@sangramchavan4816]

Brooooooo Very very helpful for your every review . I like , share, and comment first after watching video thankyou so much bro love the video 🙂❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!!!

[@7477238]

Thanks for the video. Looking to upgrade to a Trek bike as a B Day gift to myself.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you!

[@jamesnickel4748]

Good information, thanks so much! 😄

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem!

[@yuxian20]

Very nice comparison vid! I was on the fence between these two bikes. This video pushed me towards the Marlin for commuting and eventually conversion to an Ebike years from now

[@AKiNGx]

Perfect! Liked & Subscribed

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks!

[@happyrules22]

Thanks for this comparison! It really helps. I am still looking at the Dual Sport & FX bikes, since I am not getting a Marlin anymore it seems.

[@TalalipopMTB]

You're welcome! I gotta make a comparison video for the new dual sports and FX bikes since they have changed a bit. In general FX is lighter, faster, and more like a road bike, while dual sport is more maneuverable, better for trails, and has a slightly more comfortable riding position.

[@FrenzyAfro]

Appreciate this comparison man! Answer the question as to which bike I should exactly get out of the two. Since I do Deliveroo frequently, the dual sport is a no brainer 👍🏾

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thank you for watching!! Glad it helped :)

[@sm_hassan]

Thanks for dis!

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem!

[@bluelabel222]

I ordered a marlin 5 for myself and a ds2 for my wife today. 😁 it should be here in about 2 weeks. I’m planning to do more road trails with my wife and a bit more dirt trail with my friends :)

[@TalalipopMTB]

Nice!!

[@sprungjitsu8465]

Great one👌

[@TalalipopMTB]

Thanks!

[@Metalshark100]

Awesome review, I'm looking to get the ds2 2022 for commuting but coming from only ever riding xc mountain bikes would it be okay for me to get wider bars on the ds2 as the bars at 600ml look so narrow to me. I was wondering maybe if I just cut down bars to like 680ml or 700. What would happen if I did this?

[@darwangpie-whatlieshionsha4168]

Thank you for the video, it's very useful! What is your opinion on the latest trek dual sport 3? They have taken away the front suspension. How will the dual sport 3 fit in the road/trail percentages?

[@reggiesanders1284]

Question: I presently own a 2023 Trek Dual Sport 2. The one thing I miss about the Marlin (5) are the large (tires). What's the largest tire set that could fit on the Dual Sport 2?

[@SalilBahlthemanwithauke]

I have the marlin 7 and I use it on road but somehow it feels right. Indian roads are chaotic and i love the control, grip, breaking power etc. That i get with the marlin. Also once you use a 1x10 or above its so comfortable that there is no going back to other groupsets

[@jackstandmafia8611]

Just bought a Marlin 5 from a local dealer. 56 yr old looking to get back into light trail riding.

[@Elanzer]

wouldn't be surprised if Trek discontinues the dual sport in favor of the Marlin, my local trek shop recommends the Marlin 6 when looking for a hybrid in my town full of hills, and doesn't carry the dualsport or FX at all. I got a 2022 marlin 5 as a "rugged hybrid" mainly using it for commuting and maybe the odd trail, I upgraded the drivetrain to 1x12 deore with a 34T chainring, bought some 700c-38 touring tires for commuting, it will also take up to 2.4in tire for trails without the front derailleur. This is the perfect "one bike" for me - the geometry is comfortable for commuting still, the rims are only 20mm wide so thinner hybrid tires fit good. I think instead of a dual sport you could just get a Marlin 6 and change to a 34T (frame max) chainring for more top speed if the 30T isn't enough, then put thinner gravel or touring tires on it and it'd serve you just as well.

[@michaeltamares7974]

Marlin not hybrid

[@Ediblesz]

I’m considering a step up from my Giant Roam 4. I live in Stockton (the valley) I was considering a marlin 8 but after this video I believe the DS3 is perfect for me. We don’t have trails or mountains 😢 thanks Talalipop

[@TalalipopMTB]

No problem! Glad it helped :)

[@MsApog]

Maybe Trek FX will be even better for you. Lighter and faster, with carbon fork and flatbars.

[@Ediblesz]

@@MsApog agreed. Even after even more research I’m leaning towards a FX.

[@customkush7103]

Trying to decide between these bikes but none of my local shops have what I want in stock 😔

[@ScottieBMan]

Your awesome, thanks!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Welcome! Thank you too :D

[@conanfa18]

Great Review, as always!!! Is the DS 4 no longer in production? Discontinued, entirely? I have one from a few years ago, and I think it is the best bike ever made for a single solution, every day bike for virtually, every situation. I got rid of my MTB , because the DS 4 is a capable gravel bike…and I am not a hard core MTBer any more. And on the road, the DS 4 has decent enough gear range to make decent speed on the road for training or commuting. Please let us know if TREK abandoned the DS 4, for good???

[@conanfa18]

In fact, I and my wife, both have DS 4 bikes, and we take them all over the country, in every type of cycling situation. The only time we use another bike model, is when we rent FAT TIRE bikes, for fun on snow and sand, when in the snow or at the beach. We find that the Fat Tire bikes, are the only other biking solution required, for the 10% of the time, than our DS 4 bikes are not capable. I would argue that the DS 4 could be the single bike solution for most cyclists, if they were looking for just one, fantastic, do-it-all bike. So sad, if the DS 4 is extinct 😢. Thanks, again!!! Great Channel!!!

[@TalalipopMTB]

Yeah unfortunately Trek did discontinue the 2021 Dual Sport 4. However the Dual Sport 3 is fairly similar to that bike now. Maybe they’ll bring the DS 4 back another year!

[@hunterhobbs4374]

Make another one these videos please on the most recent year models. The new dual sports have no front suspension and thicker tires.

[@virginiascurti5036]

BTW are they keeping the Gen Framesets or getting ready to decommision then and archive?

[@reggiesanders1284]

I've been waiting for this review. I've owned the Marlin 5 and loved it. However, I wanted to go a bit faster but not road bike fast. Hence the Dual Sport. Yet, I’m having real issues deciding between the two. I’ve been a long time road rider, so the Marlin 5 became a nice weekend road cruiser. A bit chunkier, but a smooth as silk ride on a variety of surfaces. Plus, I’m getting a better workout because I’m peddling twice as much as I would on a Road Bike. For me it’s hard to go back to the roadie or up to the Dual Sport - which, to me, is basically a “anorexic” version of the Marlin 5.

[@TalalipopMTB]

You’re welcome!

[@BDawgCrypto]

Marlin 6 is the bike for me. Adding hybrid tires when commuting, but love the option to trail ride with the bigger tires.

[@TalalipopMTB]

nice!

[@Shinjihirako00]

Hey mate. you use your marlin for commute? whats the tyres you having?

[@wilsona4909]

How good are the FX and DS for climbing?

[@skipfantry5059]

Are head tube angles consistent between the two, and what is that?

[@MsApog]

Considering about Marlin or DS for a city riding I would choose TREK FX series)

[@poker_18rs92]

Can I put that pro wheel 40T front crankset ring onto my Marlin 6? If so, would that give me some more speed rather than buying a new DS?

[@TheZtreet]

What is the widest tire you can use with the factory wheels? I'm not sure but I think it's about 17.5 internal diameter

[@harrycollins5251]

Can you do the 2022 trek roscoe 7 and 8 vs the 2021 canyon stoic 3 and 4

[@7sonz]

please help me .. should i take the Dual Sport 2 or Dual Sport 3 .. if i take the Dual Sport 3 i wont lose the 50% 50% on the Dual Sport 2 ?

[@nguyenkhoa1274]

Chào Anh ! em rất thích xe có phuộc mà em lại đi trong thành phố và đường trường nhiều hơn là đường đá sỏi vậy em có thể mua Marlin 6 và thay 1 cặp vỏ xe nhỏ hơn và thay Dĩa 32T để chạy cho nhẹ và nhanh hơn được không ạ ? xin Anh cho em lời khuyên . Cám ơn Anh

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

What is your best recommendation for a first bike? Entru level

[@rick_77777]

can you make a video of the Trek FX carbon 2022 (Sport 4)

[@TalalipopMTB]

I’ll try to!

[@SEPTIPERS]

Can you please do a review with Polygon 2022 MTB SISKIU model. Thanks and God Bless

[@virginiascurti5036]

The tire/rim swapping is a good idea for a Marlin conversion or at least getting another type of tread. You said 2.35 max for the Marlin? The specs say 2.4 on the website, clearance issue? I'll never be a really hardcore trail rider so I'm long term looking to turn this into a Bike packing bike long term after gaining some trail skills. My bad the 2,4 max is 27.5 only which is what I ride.

[@TalalipopMTB]

This video was made a year ago so some things have changed. The specs on the Trek website still say 2.2 max tire for the gen 2 marlins, but that doesn't make sense since Trek themselves includes a 2.35" tire on their marlin 8 gen 2. You can fit at least a 2.35" wide tire on any size marlin gen 2 frame for sure.

[@ismailbernoivarsson6009]

as salam aleykom warmatullahi wabarakatu. i wants to buy a bicykle for bott commuter and trail , wich One you think is best?

[@basedpatriotLT]

what if we put hybrid tires on the marlin + lock the suspension? That would make as good for roads as dual sport? (i asked before seeing that you answered later in the video : ))

[@Elanzer]

This is what my trek shop suggested, since my town isn't suitable for the dual sport (too many hills). Marlin 5 still has a decent top end. The 5 and 6 use the same 20mm width rims and I've run 700c-38 marathons on mine - makes the bike very fast and the rims aren't so wide they'd be damaged from commuting with narrower tires. I think if you took a marlin 6 and put a 32T (or maybe 34 if it would fit) chainring on it, with gravel tires out would be an excellent commuter. The 1x deore drivetrain is a massive upgrade all around over the marlin 5's 2x8.

[@Shinjihirako00]

@@Elanzer Did you run marlin 6 on hybrid tyres?

[@sm_hassan]

Marlin 6 is for me

[@TalalipopMTB]

:D

[@SaadKidwai]

Thank you

[@TalalipopMTB]

You're welcome!

[@SaadKidwai]

@@TalalipopMTB 😁

[@tactimod]

Ace which is better Ds3 or marlin 7 Riding in the city and some trails

[@kevinl9369]

marlin 7

[@pondermtbquestioneverythin2080]

Good video but I take my marlin on dou le black trails often and I've yet to break it lol so they are trail bikes lol

[@tiffy5498]

Hi there, what is the difference between 2023 Dual sport 3 and 2022 dual sport 3? I dont see any difference on the website except the year change 2022 to 2023. I am waiting for the new one to come out. At lease with better color, but all are exactly same UGLY colour like 2022.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Yeah there aren’t any differences since the new Dual Sports have not been released yet. I covered this topic in my latest video! (the 2023 Trek Marlin Gen 2 video)

[@robertpoljak]

Hi everyone i am thinking about buying Dual Sport 2 but i am not sure about Altus/Acera groupset. I like both front chainrings 46/30 and rear cassette 11/36, its just what i need, but my concern is regarding the quality of acera/altus group. Can anyone give some info?

[@dvn1337]

This new altus is really good. I think for normal using (and not crazy trails) it will be more then enough for you. 46/30 is sweet spot for going all around - you can go pretty fast in the city and if you will need to climb you can always switch to 30 on front. Overall I would choose 2 over 3 (plus there is a big problem with getting deore, so if you break something in DS3 it will be even harder to replace). Also you can always upgrade everything after 2-3 years of happy riding.

[@robertpoljak]

@@dvn1337 tnx for your answer!

[@takumifujiwara3223]

I think you forgot to mention the fork differences.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Oh wow you’re right. I’ll add that in an update comment right now. Thanks for telling me!

[@sm_hassan]

😍😍😍

[@virginiascurti5036]

Well the removed the suspension on these there is a lot less to overlap.

[@dhess34]

Maaaan I wish I’d seen this video before I got my Marlin 5. I love it, but I’m 70% road, 30% trails, and a Dual Sport probably would’ve been better for me.

[@TalalipopMTB]

A dual sport would likely be better but at the end of the day it’s still doable and not bad on a marlin. Worst case you could throw the thinner tires on there, but if you don’t personally feel like it’s slow then you should be fine riding the marlin

[@dhess34]

@@TalalipopMTB True! I do love the Marlin, and I’ve had loads of fun on it. When I eventually need to swap out the tires I plan to try more Dual Sport-y tires. I guess the nice thing about the Marlin is that I can run true MYB tires *or* more gravel-oriented thinner tires; the Dual Sport can’t run both.

[@dhess34]

@@TalalipopMTB Regardless, I have 6-7 Trek bikes in my garage, so it’s hard to complain! All that matters is getting out and enjoying some riding!

[@Not_Sure_]

Can you do a review between FX vs dual sport ?

[@MsApog]

FX has narrower tires, less amortization and comfort. But FX is significantly faster, a little bit lighter and more agile. Perfect as a city commuter. I had a DS3 and my fork was almost always blocked.

[@disaar3679]

I'm so underwhelmed by all of treks frame colors.

[@TalalipopMTB]

Have you seen the new top fuel 9.9?

[@mastershift18]

got the same weight so

[@thomaswuertzer3791]

Hey first

[@takumifujiwara3223]

Yes