"WARNING- you must be off the bike to change the setting on the fork. Upside to the fork though it locks out completely so while climbing it does wonders. But at the same time It does feel very different than a 26 when doing so. Choose this bike because i got a very good deal on it do to a scratch :)

I think for the money trek should come up with different fork/adjustments, kinda a pain in the _ _ _. Components are what they are.....

Luckily the fine people at quick service, in Bridgeport Ohio gave me a great deal."

"This is my first bike in almost a decade, so i would call it my entry level bike. Only had it just over a week and have fallen head over heels (not literally) in love with her. The saddle while slightly uncomfortable at first, i have gotten used to. Haven't taken her on any rough trails yet, looking forward to it though. Very happy man indeed."

"I purchased this bike in march and here in Minnesota it was still icy, first day i had it i crashed and not a single thing moved or broke. This bike is very strong and handles much better than i expected having owned several higher end specialized 26ers id say the marlin handles better and is better quality except the headset (please fix that Trek!) I would say try the hardrock 29er and this bike you will definitly notice the difference trek owns!"

"I use this for personal fitness training. I'm building up to 60 miles per ride and I ride around 2-3 times a week. I was split between this and the GF Utopia as I do around 70% road 30% light off road.



I'm very happy with this bike as I think I made the right choice. It goes like a rocket and is very stable downhill and can climb really easily. I'm pretty happy with all the components especially the shock lockout as this does make a difference when on the road.



I've changed the seat to a Brooks B17. In addition I've also changed the pedals as the supplied pedals suck and I'm looking to change the front deraileur as it seems to need re-adjusting far to much for my liking, but hey! This is a value bike some components are going to be a little bit below expectations. These can always be upgraded when time and money align themselves.



For this money you just can't go wrong with this bike. It's my first 29er and now there's no going back I love it! If you want to break into the 29er riding and want a great value rugged bike then this is for you... BUY IT!"

"This bike rides really well. The 29s are worthy of the hype, I think. It's very smooth over rough terrain.



Also, with a pair of lycra shorts, I think the seat is great! I've only noticed discomfort towards the end of a 20 mile ride. That's not bad at all and I'm fine with that.



Negatives: The frame doesn't have any clearcoat or anything over the decals. I already have a small scratch in the white on my bike after a week. No wrecks or anything, I think my wedding ring did it.



The seals on my shocks also came up after a ride. I pushed them back down easily enough but for the money I paid, I didn't like having to do that.



After about 60 miles, I took it back to the LBS to have everything adjusted. My back wheel was out of true, but that was my fault.



I also had problems with my chain coming off, front AND rear. Happened about three times. I'm hoping the LBS fixed this with their adjustments; it was most likely their fault anyway.



I love having the bike and I think it rides great. I wish it had a more durable paint job on it though and wish the fit and finish was a tad better. After all, this isn't GF or Trek's cheapest bike. I shouldn't have to be tapping seals back in with a screwdriver and hammer after two rides.



Overall, despite some very small irks, I'm satisfied and proud of my bike."

"I purchased this to change up my cardio routine for summer football training. Being a big guy, 6'2 220 it was nice to have a bike to feel balanced. The bike is very well balanced, the tires are nice and grippy, and the weight of the bike isnt bad.



Cons:



Pedals: Seriously? the pedals are way to small, especially for people that have size 13 feet.



Paint: Bike Fell Once while up against a rock and fell, chipped the paint, scraped the decals. I know this isnt a show bike but hit it with a clearcoat at least. My 07 4500 had a better paint job than this.



Fork/Suspension: Feels cheap, Good play in the shocks, but for 600 plus, at least get a name brand shock, Fox, Rock Shox.



Overall: Bike is a nice entry level 29er and the first ive own. The paint job need some work, as well as the pedals, for the money the bike is solid, just upgrade the pedals, and tell trek usa (China) to put a clearcoat on."

"Love the frame. Never had a chance to use the shimano cranks, I had the shop put my raceface ride cranks on when i got the bike (personal preference). The only things I would change are the forks, rockshox tora would be perfect. and hydraulic disk breaks would be nice, shimano makes good ones at a good price. and get better pedals, I busted them off my first ride (keep in mind i ride hard). In all I love the bike. Big bang for your buck."

"I just got this bike and its the best mtb I'ver ever owned.This it my first real bike. I've been riding cheap department store bikes my whole life. And i wanted a real bike. The 29r wheels are awesome! If you think this bike is heavy then you must be on a carbon bike or you have forgotten how heavy a department store bike is. The Marlin 29r is half the weight of my 26in department store bike. Got the awesome green color. My only complaint is the peddles are a little small. But this bike is awesome and its a billion times better than the bikes I've owned before. I can't wait to hit the trails."

"I've had this beast for about a year and boy does it ride well! The frame and geometry are top-notch and the brakes are amazing. The derailleurs need constant adjustment and the tires slide too easily but other than that a great find for myself. I go hard on my bike and it's held it's own. It fell down a 20ft steep hill into a tree and only scratched the paint - if Chuck Norris were to have a bike it would be the MARLIN!!!"

"i love this bike its durable it need a better rear derailleur be sides that it awesome love it just love it!!"