Search for the Trek Marlin+ 6 and you’ll find two of them on Trek’s site: the original Marlin+ 6 and the newer Marlin+ 6 Gen 2. Both were $2,999.99 on Oct 28, 2026, and both are Bosch-powered hardtail trail bikes. The Gen 2 gets a little more torque and is a little lighter. The original comes in more sizes and had more of them in stock. This page covers both so you can pick between them. I haven’t ridden either one. The closest bike I’ve filmed is the Aventon Ramblas, another Class 1 mid drive hardtail, and I’ll compare them below. Everything here comes from Trek’s product pages, checked on Oct 28, 2026 and linked at the bottom.
What the Marlin+ 6 is
Trek’s Marlin is its entry-level hardtail mountain bike, and the Marlin+ adds a Bosch motor to it. Trek says the electric version keeps the same geometry as the regular Marlin. It’s a Class 1 bike: pedal assist only, up to 20 mph, with no throttle listed. That means it’s allowed on more trails than a throttle bike, but always check local rules. Our e-bike classes guide explains the differences.
Original or Gen 2?
The two bikes share a lot: a Bosch Active Line Plus motor, a 400Wh Bosch CompactTube battery, a 120mm SR Suntour XCM 34 air fork with lockout, a Shimano CUES 9 speed drivetrain, 203mm brake rotors, a TranzX dropper post, the same price and the same 300 lb total weight limit.
Where they differ:
- Torque. The Gen 2 is rated at 60 Nm, the original at 50 Nm.
- Weight. Trek lists the Gen 2 at 48.73 lb and the original at 50.49 lb, both in size M. Trek notes that the original’s figure includes tubes.
- Brakes. The original uses Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic discs, and the Gen 2 uses Tektro HD-M3120 hydraulic discs.
- Sizes. The original runs XS to XL, and the XS has a curved top tube and a 100mm fork. The Gen 2 runs S to XL.
- Small details. The Gen 2 adds a Bontrager Line Dropper remote and a Trek Verse Short Trail saddle.
- Stock. On Oct 30 and again on Nov 3, 2026, the original was in stock online only in Fjord Blue, size XL, and the Gen 2 wasn’t in stock online in any option. On Oct 28, more original sizes and one Gen 2 (Dark Star, L) had been listed in stock.
If you need an XS or S, or the Gen 2 isn’t in stock in your size, the original makes more sense. If you can get a Gen 2 in your size, you get the stronger motor and a lighter bike for the same money.
Motor and battery
The Active Line Plus is Bosch’s quieter, lower-power mid drive. Trek describes it as smooth, quiet and natural feeling. At 50 or 60 Nm, it gives less help on steep climbs than the 75 Nm Performance Line on the Marlin+ 8 Gen 2 or the 100 Nm motor on the Ramblas.
Neither Marlin+ 6 page gives a range figure. The 400Wh battery is smaller than the 540Wh to 800Wh batteries on Trek’s pricier e-MTBs, and Trek offers an optional 250Wh PowerMore range extender. A standard Bosch 2A charger is included, and the controls are Bosch’s Purion 200, a small color display and remote in one unit. Trek also lists adaptive assist, which adjusts the support as your speed changes.
Trail parts
The SR Suntour XCM 34 fork has an air spring and a lockout, so you can firm it up on pavement. Gearing comes from Shimano’s CUES 9 speed with an 11 to 46 cassette. The tires are Bontrager Montrose Comp at 2.4 in, on 27.5 in wheels for the smallest sizes and 29 in wheels for the rest.
The TranzX dropper post travels 150mm on the M and 170mm on the larger sizes. Trek doesn’t list a dropper for the Gen 2 in size S.
Everyday use
The frame has mounts for a rack, fenders and a kickstand, so the Marlin+ 6 can also be a commuter or campus bike. Trek’s Gen 2 page mentions a rack and mudguards designed for the Marlin+, sold separately. The speed sensor is built into the frame, and the stem is Blendr compatible for clip-on accessories (every Gen 2 size, and M and up on the original).
How it compares
Against the Aventon Ramblas, which I filmed: the Ramblas is also a Class 1 mid drive hardtail with no throttle, a 12 speed SRAM Eagle drivetrain, 29 x 2.4 in tires and a dropper post. Aventon now sells it as the Ramblas ADV and lists a 100 Nm motor, a 708Wh battery and about 54 lb. On paper, the Ramblas has far more torque and battery, while the Marlin+ 6 is about 4 to 5 lb lighter, has an air fork and comes from a brand with local dealers.
Trek’s own Marlin+ 8 Gen 2 is $3,999.99 and moves to a 75 Nm Bosch Performance Line motor with a 540Wh battery and a RockShox fork. That’s the step up if you want more climbing power.
FAQ
Have I ridden the Marlin+ 6?
No, neither version. This page is based on Trek’s product pages, checked Oct 28, 2026.
Which version should I buy?
If your size is available, the Gen 2 has 60 Nm instead of 50 Nm and weighs less for the same $2,999.99. The original comes in more sizes, including XS, and had more of them in stock online on Oct 28, 2026.
Does it have a throttle?
Trek doesn’t list one. It’s a Class 1 pedal assist bike that helps up to 20 mph.
How far does it go?
Trek doesn’t give a range for either version. The battery is 400Wh, and a 250Wh PowerMore extender is available.
Can I add a rack and fenders?
Yes. Both frames have rack, fender and kickstand mounts.
Pros and cons (from the specs and sources)
Pros: Bosch mid drive on a hardtail under $3,000; air fork with lockout; dropper post; 203mm rotors; rack, fender and kickstand mounts; Gen 2 adds torque and loses weight at the same price; original comes in XS.
Cons: 400Wh battery and no range figure; 50 or 60 Nm is modest for steep climbs; no throttle; 300 lb total limit; Gen 2 out of stock online on Oct 30, 2026; no dropper listed for the Gen 2 in size S.
Who it’s for
On paper, the Marlin+ 6 fits newer trail riders who want pedal assist on singletrack and fire roads, and who may also commute on it, without paying for a full-power e-MTB. Riders who want more climbing help or a bigger battery should look at the Marlin+ 8 Gen 2.
Price
$2,999.99 on trekbikes.com as of Oct 28, 2026. The Marlin+ 6 Gen 2 was also $2,999.99.
“He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.” 2 Samuel 22:34 (ESV)
