Today, Trek unveiled its newest electric mountain bike, the Trek Marlin+, Isn’t this a captivating electric hardtail mountain bike in its own right, also offering one of the most affordable Bosch-powered mid-drives available?
The Marlin+ retains many of the beloved features from its non-electric counterpart, including its 120mm front suspension, 2.6-inch tires, and either 27.5-inch wheels on smaller frame sizes or 29-inch wheels on larger frames?
While it’s true that this e-bike stands out from the acoustic Marlin generating widespread buzz at present. Here is the rewritten text: That’s a Bosch e-bike drive system featuring their Lively Line Plus mid-drive motor, CompactTube 400 battery, and Purion display.
Here: The motor produces a respectable yet not excessively forceful 50 Nm of torque, providing just enough assistance to smooth out inclines while still requiring the rider’s physical input to effectively power through. The 400Wh battery is fully encapsulated, making it remarkably lightweight and allowing the bike to achieve an enhanced environmental profile, although it cannot be removed for recharging. The connection is facilitated seamlessly on the bicycle via a discreet attachment situated immediately above the engine.
For individuals seeking greater versatility, the integration of a 250Wh auxiliary battery can augment capacity by a substantial 60%, thereby extending the range to accommodate longer excursions.
While the true value lies in its affordability, Trek’s Marlin+ starts at an impressive US $2,699, making it a compelling option. The market now showcases not just affordable Trek e-bikes, but also a range of budget-friendly Bosch-powered e-mountain bikes.
Electrek’s Take
Sure, it’s Bosch’s entry-level motor. Compared to larger batteries, this one is relatively small. And sure, it’s a hardtail. While it’s undeniable that this is a Bosch-powered Trek, it still offers the benefits of pairing a renowned drive system with a reputable bicycle manufacturer, providing a versatile and comprehensive cycling experience. The primary advantage and assistance come from native bike retailers, which not only provide test drives but also welcome you back whenever you need service.
While this entry-level eMTB stands on its own, hardtails have long been the bread and butter of mountain biking. When entry-level full-suspension mountain bikes initially emerged, a few passionate enthusiasts viewed them as heretical innovations.
This appears to be an efficient approach for acquiring a high-quality Bosch-powered electric mountain bike without breaking the bank, which would otherwise require a significant investment of $4-5k.
