Trek Marlin+: New E-Bike Version of a Trusted Versatile Ride

Trek has launched an electric version of its popular Marlin mountain bike called the Marlin+ e-bike, featuring a Bosch motor and removable battery with decent specs for versatility.

Key points:

• Trek’s Marlin is a popular hardtail mountain bike known for versatility
• Trek now released an e-bike version called the Marlin+
• It has a Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor with 50 Nm torque
• Comes with a small 400Wh removable Bosch battery
• Can add a range extender battery for more distance
• Has 120mm front suspension fork for moderate trails
• Offered in 27.5″ or 29″ wheels with wide tires
• Frame allows adding racks, fenders and other accessories
• Priced around $3,000 USD but not yet available in the US

A Boost of Power For a Trusted All-Around Ride

Trek is one of the most popular bicycle brands worldwide, known for making quality bikes accessible to all riders. The company’s Marlin hardtail mountain bike has long been a top-selling model due to its impressive versatility.

Now, Trek is releasing an exciting electric version called the Marlin+ e-bike to bring pedal-assist power to the trusted Marlin platform.

Hardtail mountain bikes like the standard Marlin feature front suspension but no rear shocks, giving them all-around capabilities at an affordable price.

The Marlin can readily shift from cross-country riding to hitting technical single tracks with ease. This makes it a favorite among recreational and commuter cyclists alike seeking one do-it-all bike.

The new Marlin+ takes the same adaptable hardtail design and adds a boost of electric pedal assist. Power comes from a Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor providing 50Nm of torque – not the strongest but enough for versatile riding. The motor integrates seamlessly into the bike’s drivetrain for a natural feel.

For the battery, Trek opted for a moderately-sized 400Wh Bosch unit removable for recharging. Riders can extend range by adding the Bosch PowerMore 250Wh external battery when needed.

The easy-to-read Bosch Purion display mounted on the handlebars provides ride data and battery level at a glance.

To handle bumps, the Marlin+ features a 120mm suspension fork suitable for intermediate trails. 27.5″ or 29″ wheel sizes are available, both with wide 2.6″ tires for stability and shock absorption. Stopping power comes from hydraulic disc brakes on all models.

Like the standard Marlin, the plus version uses a thoughtfully-designed aluminum frame accepting a wide array of accessories. Riders can fully customize their e-bike with racks, fenders, cargo bags and more to suit different needs. The Marlin+ morphs easily from weekend trail warrior to weekday commuter and beyond.

The Marlin+ fills an appealing niche as an accessible electric mountain bike retaining familiar Marlin versatility.

More expensive e-MTBs have super strong motors and long-range batteries best suited for hardcore trails. The Marlin+ hits a nice sweet spot for novice to intermediate riders who don’t require massive power.

In Europe, the Marlin+ is priced around £2,500 to £3,000 depending on the model – comparable to other quality entry-level electric MTBs. U.S. pricing and availability has yet to be announced as of early 2023.

Longtime fans of the standard Marlin will appreciate the electric version keeping the essence of a simple, adaptable hardtail.

The modest power adds speed and ease without compromising the Marlin’s all-around functionality. For riders seeking pedal assist the easy way, the Marlin+ hits a sweet spot.

Trek’s popularity stems from making e-bikes like the Marlin+ accessible to more riders. It brings the brand’s proven quality and versatility to an electric platform.

While not the most powerful e-MTB, the Marlin+ opens up electrified off-road fun and utility without breaking the bank.

This smart adaptation of a classic hardtail promises to win over new fans to Trek’s trusted pedal-assist models.