How To Choose Your First Mountain Bike as a Beginner | Trek Marlin or Trek Roscoe

In this video I will be talking about whether you should choose the trek Roscoe or the trek marlin as a first mountain bike!

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[mattj]

I think what happens to the person trying to get into bikes again after being away for a while or someone starting out is they decide to get a good bike and give themselves a "big" budget to buy one, like 500 bucks. Then they start looking at them and pass out from sticker shock. The Marlin, at least in the Trek line, is one of the least expensive "good" bikes, so they sell a lot of them. For new people getting into it, I say do tons of research, and you'll find that the components on most bikes are made by the same few manufacturers and really the main difference between the bikes is mostly the frame, which you can't upgrade. Other than that, it's whatever the manufacturer bolts on. Some suggestions: don't get too hung up on statistics. Quality components will last longer and work better, which is safer and will give you a more enjoyable ride. Air shocks work better than spring shocks, but spring shocks are fine for light duty. Good front suspension is safer, but will beat up your wrists and forearms a lot less. Again, more enjoyment, your butt is going to hurt enough, you don't want sore wrists too! Look for quality brands and models. Often to save money on the retail price the builder will put on cheap tires. Good tires can easily cost over $100 for a set, and they make a BIG difference depending on how you ride. There are tons of brands out there, I have a Giant Fathom 2, which as of a year ago at least was $1300, comes with good tires, set up tubeless, dropper post, 1x12 Shimano Deore Shadow +, not top of the line stuff, but good stuff. There are a lot of brands out there and shop a lot. Look for used stuff too, bike shops sell their trade ins and generally they'll stand by them. Tell them what you're looking for, they'll keep an eye open and let you know when they get something. You can have a lot of fun on a truly cheap bike too, I mean a $200 deal from the big box store. Just keep in mind what it can and can't do safely and stay within it's limits so you don't get hurt. In the end it's about fun!

[donnovicki]

I don't think I could ever ride again without a dropper. Best MTB invention ever.

[jaydacosta]

I'm 2 hours into owning the marlin 6 because of your videos. I'm brand new into mountain biking and I'm just trying to get in shape lol. I'm happy I found your channel because you definitely gave me some direction and things to consider 👍

[kwaktak]

I totally agree. I'm four years in on my Marlin 7 which I thought would be my "gateway" mountain bike, but after some accidents and a lot of long boring rides I now call it the "jack of all trades but master of none" mountain bike. it does a little of everything but don't expect to break any records with it - unless you want to break something else.

[jstnnixon]

Both awesome bikes, but the biggest problem I have with both are the quick-release axles. I think manufacturers should start putting thru axles on their entry bikes for better upgradeability.

[wvjeepguy]

I have a Marlin 7 and recommend others to pass on it for something else. The straight steerer tube, quick disconnect axles, and lack of dropper cable routing are all completely obsolete. There are just so many other bikes on the market that offer better options for the money.

I hadn't owned a bike in a long time and got what I could in 2020, but luckily the market is fine now with lots of discounts going on.

[jplopez]

I got the marlin first then I exchanged it for the Roscoe 6 since they didn't have any other roscoes. Can't really compare the two since I am really a beginner but so far I got no complaints with the So far the only upgrades i've done are the magnetic pedals and switched to tubeless. Once i fully heal from my recent crash I'm back to the trails again!!! =)

[goldmx]

Oh man, I had both and I agree with you completely 100% I had Roscoe 6 first, then Marlin 6 and I was so disappointed (Im always trails and jumping) Then I bought a Giant Talon 2 and Ohhh My God what a total disgrace. Finally bought a Roscoe 7 because 6 was so good and man… Best thing I did.

[lordofarcades]

I called the right store at the right time and got an order in on a large roscoe 8. Its very likely noone else in Minnesota will be able to get one this year now.

[Domintr]

Can’t wait to hit some trails with our twin 3 year old boys. They just transitioned to a pedal bike from a balance bike and are killing it. Found Prevelo a kid bike manufacturer that creates mountain bikes for littles. My marlin 6 gen 3 bike got delayed but was offered 15% discount to get the marlin 8 gen 3. Will be picking up today!! Super excited

[ashurany]

@ 53yo, I do more road biking than anything these days, but got back into mtb this past October after >15 years away. I used to love mtb and live in an area of SoCal that has some fantastic mtb bike parks and thousands of miles of trails, basically in my backyard. Picked up the Marlin 7 over the Roscoe 7 because I didn't know how much mtb I'd be doing and it seemed (read *is") a good deal. Since then, I've done a bunch of dh trail riding and if I had to do it all over again, I might have gone with the Roscoe 7, if for the dropper post already included and more travel on the rockshox. Same time, my Marlin has served me well and I'm extremely satisfied with it. Other than pedals, which I switched out immediately, the only notable upgrade I'll make is a dropper post. I'm not against further upgrades per se but I'm thinking I might spring for a good full suspension emtb, if to make the uphills less terrible. :)

[ironxmike]

LOL I’ve found your the go to channel for new comers. I got the Marlin 5 just to get a bike I can ride around town. 2 weeks in. No complaints. My coworker does road biking on a $15k bike. She warned while my bike is great to start, if you fall in love with MTB, I might wanna save to either upgrade or get a new bike . But she said it’s plenty of bike to get a lot of solid riding.

[Junior-fdux]

I’m a few weeks into owning the marlin 6.. they actually didn’t have any roscoes at the shop I went to so I didn’t get to even mess with them… that being said the marlin 6 is just what Matt said. I live on a bike path an just been bombing around on it with a little trail riding and it’s perfect. I had Gary Fisher with 27.5s and the 29s roll alot faster in my opinion and like that. This channel has been helpful to me thank you matty!

[Stephenlessard-zjtm]

I have a Marlin 7 that I upgraded.. it's like a hybrid Marlin/Roscoe.. lesser travel. Bigger 29x 2.5 tires. Perfect for trails with the boys or chasing kids. Thanks for the video

[ridingwithreggie]

You're right, you can't go wrong with the Marlin series, I'm 3 years in with my 2020 Marlin 5, but I just mainly use it to ride in the city to commute to work.

[FlamesAtft]

For my needs, ..it’s the TREK Marlin 7!! That one just does it for me! Want it for Urban Street Fightin’ + some Trails, Mt. and Bike Park experience!! (And I’ve researched TREK thoroughly for years now to get the gist on Mt. 🚵🏾‍♀️Biking!! ) I own a TREK FX2 for Fitness/ Commuting and it’s Bad Ass! Want a Domane AL4 as well!! But, this vid was helpful on certain “experienced Rider/Owner “ details!! Thanks for all your efforts! 👍🏾😎

[brianrivasoconer]

I realy wanted the rosco 8 but i did not have the money so i got the 2022 marlin 8, i upgraded discs 200 mm pedals crank brothers handelbars Deity 800 mm grips rock brothers tires maxis minon Dhf tubless ready 29×50 and short stem for the handlebars and a seat post with suspension now i really like it 👍😀🚲

[GottaJibbo]

I had a marlin 7 for years, I had a roscoe 7 and a procaliber 9.5 and I loved them all until I got a x-caliber 9, with new grips and a ergon sm saddle I'm always thinking about my next ride.

[Sea_New_Things]

Late to the party but im here and loving the channel. Currently debating on a Roscoe 7 vs 8. Leaning toward 7 and use the few hundred dollar savings to upgrade the pedals, and add a few other items to help protect the frame

[brianrivasoconer]

I HAVE Marlin 8 2022 AND itts GREAT ..i like your videos AND THINK your cool ..i usted to live in Boulder AND all over Colorado .Now México city 👍✌️😁