On the climb, the motor was willing, able, and mid-pack in our results, mixing it up with other lightweight mid-powered bikes. It was a few seconds slower than a Pivot Shuttle SL and faster than a very light Levo SL. The Bosch motor on this Trek Marlin+ claims 50 nm, similar to the Pivot and Specialized. The noise level was average and the range was typical for a mid-powered bike with its 400wh battery. Similar to the Orbea Rise, this Trek accepts a Bosch 250wh extender battery mounted on the downtube.
We also tested its trail abilities on a few descents. Our conclusion was rowdy descents are beyond its sweet spot. But intermediate trails and singletrack are right up this bike’s alley. Ebike hardtails don’t have the benefit of suspension to dampen the hits of a heavier frame/motor/battery so the Marlin+ addresses it with a few tricks. First, it uses new 29er tires of larger sizes to cushion rough terrain. Next, it uses thin, higher-end aluminum for better ride quality. And finally, it uses a 400wh battery (instead of the typical 700wh) to lighten the load.
The downsides of this bike include the large motor compartment, calling attention to itself. It also has a very high resistance when backpedaling, leading to an unnatural riding sensation. Another downside is the seat angle is a bit slack, with long chainstays. This reveals a multi-purpose design for the more casual rider.
The upsides include the price, of course, starting at $2700. The package is quite capable with good brakes and nice tires with good cushioning air volume. The 250wh extender battery is ahead of its time. And the rattle-free descending performance of the motor is a delight.
Geometry:
On the climb, the motor was willing, able, and mid-pack in our results, mixing it up with other lightweight mid-powered bikes. It was a few seconds slower than a Pivot Shuttle SL and faster than a very light Levo SL. The Bosch motor on this Trek Marlin+ claims 50 nm, similar to the Pivot and Specialized. The noise level was average and the range was typical for a mid-powered bike with its 400wh battery. Similar to the Orbea Rise, this Trek accepts a Bosch 250wh extender battery mounted on the downtube.
We also tested its trail abilities on a few descents. Our conclusion was rowdy descents are beyond its sweet spot. But intermediate trails and singletrack are right up this bike’s alley. Ebike hardtails don’t have the benefit of suspension to dampen the hits of a heavier frame/motor/battery so the Marlin+ addresses it with a few tricks. First, it uses new 29er tires of larger sizes to cushion rough terrain. Next, it uses thin, higher-end aluminum for better ride quality. And finally, it uses a 400wh battery (instead of the typical 700wh) to lighten the load.
The downsides of this bike include the large motor compartment, calling attention to itself. It also has a very high resistance when backpedaling, leading to an unnatural riding sensation. Another downside is the seat angle is a bit slack, with long chainstays. This reveals a multi-purpose design for the more casual rider.
The upsides include the price, of course, starting at $2700. The package is quite capable with good brakes and nice tires with good cushioning air volume. The 250wh extender battery is ahead of its time. And the rattle-free descending performance of the motor is a delight.
Geometry:
On the climb, the motor was willing, able, and mid-pack in our results, mixing it up with other lightweight mid-powered bikes. It was a few seconds slower than a Pivot Shuttle SL and faster than a very light Levo SL. The Bosch motor on this Trek Marlin+ claims 50 nm, similar to the Pivot and Specialized. The noise level was average and the range was typical for a mid-powered bike with its 400wh battery. Similar to the Orbea Rise, this Trek accepts a Bosch 250wh extender battery mounted on the downtube.
We also tested its trail abilities on a few descents. Our conclusion was rowdy descents are beyond its sweet spot. But intermediate trails and singletrack are right up this bike’s alley. Ebike hardtails don’t have the benefit of suspension to dampen the hits of a heavier frame/motor/battery so the Marlin+ addresses it with a few tricks. First, it uses new 29er tires of larger sizes to cushion rough terrain. Next, it uses thin, higher-end aluminum for better ride quality. And finally, it uses a 400wh battery (instead of the typical 700wh) to lighten the load.
The downsides of this bike include the large motor compartment, calling attention to itself. It also has a very high resistance when backpedaling, leading to an unnatural riding sensation. Another downside is the seat angle is a bit slack, with long chainstays. This reveals a multi-purpose design for the more casual rider.
The upsides include the price, of course, starting at $2700. The package is quite capable with good brakes and nice tires with good cushioning air volume. The 250wh extender battery is ahead of its time. And the rattle-free descending performance of the motor is a delight.
Geometry:
On the climb, the motor was willing, able, and mid-pack in our results, mixing it up with other lightweight mid-powered bikes. It was a few seconds slower than a Pivot Shuttle SL and faster than a very light Levo SL. The Bosch motor on this Trek Marlin+ claims 50 nm, similar to the Pivot and Specialized. The noise level was average and the range was typical for a mid-powered bike with its 400wh battery. Similar to the Orbea Rise, this Trek accepts a Bosch 250wh extender battery mounted on the downtube.
We also tested its trail abilities on a few descents. Our conclusion was rowdy descents are beyond its sweet spot. But intermediate trails and singletrack are right up this bike’s alley. Ebike hardtails don’t have the benefit of suspension to dampen the hits of a heavier frame/motor/battery so the Marlin+ addresses it with a few tricks. First, it uses new 29er tires of larger sizes to cushion rough terrain. Next, it uses thin, higher-end aluminum for better ride quality. And finally, it uses a 400wh battery (instead of the typical 700wh) to lighten the load.
The downsides of this bike include the large motor compartment, calling attention to itself. It also has a very high resistance when backpedaling, leading to an unnatural riding sensation. Another downside is the seat angle is a bit slack, with long chainstays. This reveals a multi-purpose design for the more casual rider.
The upsides include the price, of course, starting at $2700. The package is quite capable with good brakes and nice tires with good cushioning air volume. The 250wh extender battery is ahead of its time. And the rattle-free descending performance of the motor is a delight.
Geometry:
Ramblas ADV Ebike
www.aventon.com
May be it is the color in the first photo of this article. In all honesty and in a world full of ebikes, it is hard for a hardtail ebike to be unique, let alone for it to not be considered a crime to not have full suspension. You pointed out correctly that e hardtail category is hardly attention grabber.
I think the big companies can work harder trying to rebrand e hardtail. Something like a SC Skitch, a true e-hybrid that can double up as a hardtail, or a full fat capable e hardtail would give a better “unique” selling point than trying hard to market a hardtail with motor as a mtb.
This of course is a personal opinion. YMMV.
Ramblas ADV Ebike
www.aventon.com
May be it is the color in the first photo of this article. In all honesty and in a world full of ebikes, it is hard for a hardtail ebike to be unique, let alone for it to not be considered a crime to not have full suspension. You pointed out correctly that e hardtail category is hardly attention grabber.
I think the big companies can work harder trying to rebrand e hardtail. Something like a SC Skitch, a true e-hybrid that can double up as a hardtail, or a full fat capable e hardtail would give a better “unique” selling point than trying hard to market a hardtail with motor as a mtb.
This of course is a personal opinion. YMMV.