Marlin+ 6 Is Trek's Electrified Spin on a Classic, but It's Forbidden for North America

Folks, take a nice long look at the images in the gallery and really let what we see sink in. Yes, what we have before us is nothing more than an electrified Marlin hardtail, and if you know anything about the non-electric lineup, then you know that this has always been one of Trek's more affordable cycling options, until now.

I say "until now" because, for a while, a Marlin wouldn't top $1,200, but with the inclusion of electronic components, Trek has had to beef up the price. After all, new frames need to be built to support the added weight and dynamics of e-drive.

With that in mind, we're currently seeing the Marlin+ 6, the least expensive of two newly unveiled machines, as selling for around £2,500. Yes, British Pounds, because for the moment, this one doesn't seem to be available to US riders. That equates to roughly $3,200, so if you end up falling in love by the end of this article, be sure to calculate shipping into all that.

But what makes this puppy so special? That's exactly what we're here to find out, and all that starts with the backbone of any bicycle: the frame. Luckily for us, and it keeps costs down to a minimum, Trek uses its Alpha Platinum aluminum mix to give future riders a rather solid MTB.

For example, the top tube drops nice and low toward the seat tube, offering clearance on drops, and the internal cable routing keeps everything snag-free. From here, depending on the frame size you choose, up to 29-inch tires can be used, but I love a mullet setup, and an SR Suntour XCM with up to 120 mm (4.7 in) is also in place.

Sure, it's not the sort of bicycle that you'll be catching airtime with - a medium-sized frame also weighs 49.5 lbs (22.5 kg) - but for those of us who are looking for a proper initiation into e-biking, this might be the one for you.

That so-called initiation is also offered by one of the industry's oldest players, none other than Bosch. While Trek has been experimenting with an array of e-component manufacturers, Bosch has always been a staple in Trek's history, and here we're offered an Active Line Plus that can pump out a reasonable 50 Nm of torque.

Take it from me: if you've never hopped on an e-bike, 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) from a mid-mounted motor is more than enough to maintain the smiles on your face, even surprise you once in a while. That powerhouse will be tapping e-juice from a 400 Wh CompactTube battery that's been integrated into the down tube, so there won't be any way for you to double your range with an extra battery pack, nor is a peak range mentioned on the manufacturer's website.

However, I did a bit of research for us, and according to Bosch's range calculator, this particular setup, when on an MTB and sporting knobby tires, achieves a max range of 90 km (56 mi) at a speed of up to 18 kph (11 mph). At 25 kph (15.5 mph), that number drops to 77 km (48 miles). Again, these are rough estimates as ride conditions are sure to differ from one ride to the next. A range extender can be added.

Now, there's one important side to the Marlin+ 6 that I'm glad Trek didn't drop. As I explored this hybrid EV, I noticed cargo mounts tattered all over the frame. Not only are some of these to be used for water bottles and whatnot, but they can also be used to load up the 6 with cargo-carrying features.

What does this mean for you and me? It means that we can still take those long rides to the edge of town and camp out overnight. With a bit of practice as to when you should be accessing electric assistance - mainly on climbs or to get up to speed - you should have no issues taking those 48 miles and stretching them a bit.

Another benefit of features like the rear cargo rack is their use in an urban setting. Throw on those groceries or laptops and do your daily bidding. Sure, this one's an MTB, but it's a hardtail, so riding around town and directing all that energy into the rear wheel is a win in every rider's book. Fork lockout further improves this experience.

As for the remainder of the drivetrain, Trek has chosen to go with Shimano's fresh Cues setup, the one that's meant to replace countless existing drivetrains from Shimano's lineup. All that's tuned to the sounds of 1x9 speeds and braking is handled by Tektro, with a pair of hydraulic chompers and 203 mm (8 in) rotors, which is more than enough stopping power.

So, what are we left with? Well, as always, a decision. While it may be very difficult for you to understand how this bike handles just by sitting around on the couch or an office chair, one way to see if it's the right ride for you is to head down to a local dealership that may have one in stock, and go from there; Americans may need to wait a tad longer.

Just be warned, if this is your first e-bike, bring along some that checkbook Trek is, well, Trek, and they've been crafting and tuning bikes since the 70s; this one is bound to be fire.