My Trek Marlin 5 front brake line broke after a simple lay-down crash. I really don't like how fragile the disk brake components are, so I was wondering if the front fork could hold a caliper brake kit. The fork does have this hole in it for mounting stuff.

Just switch to cable operated disc calipers, I use TRP Spyke and they're definitely better than rim brakes.
That hole is probably only suitable for mounting a light/reflector, maybe a mudguard.

What grumpus said. It's expensive but you can get a stainless steel braided brake line, quite tough.

Also, neither that frame nor the fork have the mounts for v-brake/cantilever brakes and those rims won't be designed for rim brakes.

OR, get a different, older bike with v-brakes.

that hole you see is for mounting a fender... not sure if i'd trust that for a brake.. some fork bridge designs might be beefy enough.

you'd need a BMX rear caliper brake to fit that thickness... most larger front calipers have a longer bolt to mount them in the crown or the lower section of a unicrown fork's steerer tube

the Tektro R559 calipers are well loved... but are SHORT pull, side pull type brakes, so get the correct lever/s to match, or you WON'T like the results..

check the rims on your bike... they may not have actual Brake Tracks, as mentioned elsewhere!

i'd just find some Avid BB5 or BB7 mechanical cable disc calipers.
be aware that they come in two pull ratios... long/MTB pull, and short/Road pull.



and frankly, hyd. hose fails are really rare. was it routed inside of the fork leg, as it should have been?
if the failure was higher in the run, then ANY hose or cable would have gotten messed up.

Not all hydraulic brake installs are created equal.

it's a standard low-mid MTB hard tail bike.

https://thebikeshop.com/2025-marlin-5-gen-3/

I used the TRP spyke brakes on a Trek 520. They work well, but you should make sure to use the compressionless brake housing. Without it, they can be spongy.

Yes indeed. The OP giving up on the hydraulic brake because the hose broke (after a crash) reminds me of me, at age 17, getting two flats in one day, after which I put the bike away in a snit and didn't ride again for a couple of years.

He had a once-in-a-lifetime failure. He can now repair the hose and ride the bike for the rest of his life, secure in knowing that the hose will never again fail.

The answer is no for so many reasons. Basically I wouldn't put any money towards a Trek Marlin except the absolute basic needs to keep it safe till I figure out my next bike. The bike is a very basic bike designed to look more like a mountain bike but perform more like a heavier cheapie hybrid. MT200s some of the best cheap brakes out there and work well and rarely have a lot of issues however a crash can change anything at any point and is not a reason to get rid of a system because of it (except replacing the damaged parts with like parts).

Most of the mechanical disc calipers are going to be more expensive than the MT200s or are going to suck using tiny pads and poor actuation. They simply aren't worth it. I would just put new hoses on the MT200s or get a new set and be done with it and start saving towards a mountain bike or whatever bike you are looking for.

But the main one is that you're a bike snob, and you can't help trying to upsell someone who came here for advice fixing/modifying his bike. Bicycle shaped objects are a problem for mechanics, but this is not one of those it's an entry level hardtail. So it's not going to win any races, but it's perfectly adequate for fitness and fun riding on or off road. Yes cheap Shimano hydraulic calipers work fine, and cost less than alternatives, but if you lose confidence in a bike it ceases to be fun, and that seems to be what happened here - give the guy some alternatives, and maybe some prices, and let him decide, don't just tell him he's doing it all wrong.

Disc brakes aren't fragile.

No.

Main reason (s) are:

1.) calipers are a step backwards.
2.) A bike designed for disc brakes is not going to accept old caliper style brakes due to lack of a place to mount them.

Who is upselling? I sold nothing I suggested keeping the same brakes and saving up money there was no sale transacted or pushing for a particular product or anything like that. I also said nothing snobbish just truth about the bike. It has a cheap coil fork and cheap parts on it not designed around mountain biking that is not snobbery just facts about the parts. Also facts that a rim brake won't work on a bike like that.

The only thing one needs to do is just replace the broken parts and move forward. The alternatives are expensive or worse than the MT200s so why would anyone suggest something different than just fixing what is broken or getting a replacement set of MT-200s? That seems silly and counter-productive.

The bike was in a slow speed lay it down crash, and the front brake stopped working shortly after. No damage was visible, however the hose can now be pulled out of the fluid reservoir by just tugging gently. Considering how minor the crash was, it gives me a low opinion of the Shimano MT200. But I'm no expert, so I appreciate the honest answers.

1.. "calipers" is a term used with almost all brake systems. Drum, band, and paddle brakes being exceptions.
2.. many bike frames and/or forks are designed to accept two or more brake styles.
3.. "Disc brakes" are a smaller rotor version of rim brakes... and both use "calipers".

My mistake...Cantilever brakes are step backwards. That's what I meant to say.

What bikes out there accept both disc brakes and cantilever brakes? None that I have seen in the last 10+ years.

uuummmmmmm, when did Shimano MT200s enter the thread?
the Trek Marlin uses Tektro brakes.

i've tuned many Marlins, both Gary Fishers and Treks... fun bikes, every one of them.

i won't comment on your known snobbery.

Can I replace the Tektro with Shimano MT200s?

i have at least 4 within 20 feet of me right now.
look closer.

and Johnny E was talking about sidepulls for his bike, not canti or v brakes.

see: "tektro r559" as an example.

When I looked up specs for one of the versions of it and it stated MT200s. Maybe the current model uses Tektro but from information I found probably on their website in the past has been MT200s. Regardless though MT200s are a good cheap brake and one I recommend to a lot of people because they are decent brakes for the price and that price is pretty low and they use common pads.

What snobbery? Because I am honest and don't fawn over a bike with parts not designed for mountain biking being built up and sold as a mountain bike? If that helps you sleep at night go for it. I was honest just replace the parts and save up money towards a more sensible bike. If you think that is snobbery you clearly are out of your element or just are trying to blow smoke and I don't do that and don't believe in the practice. My parents taught me honesty is the best solution sorry you didn't get that lesson it is a good one to have.

They make Marlins with air forks and decent components I probably wouldn't own one because I have zero interest in paying Trek prices for a bike that can be anywhere from $100-300 cheaper from a brand like Specialized or Marin or Jamis or someone like that.

every Marlin5 from 2025, back to 2020 uses Tektro.
i checked... you should too.
https://mtbdatabase.com/bikes/2020/t...trek-marlin-5/

insult yourself.

Well I had some specs pulled up last night that showed MT200s either way MT200s are great brakes for the price. Tektros are fine brakes as well. Either way get some new hoses or whatever parts are needed or just get a set of MT200s it is pretty simple and doesn't need more.

I am good on insulting myself I have higher self esteem!

I have 8 bikes in the garage ranging from 2016 to 2023. They will not accept any other brake system accept disk brakes.

i have 60+ bikes here, and at least 4 within 20 feet of me are designed to use post mount or disc type brakes.
i didn't bother accessing the others.
smh.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...=teal_bluedark

You could always consult Trek, who confirm the MT200s are stock on the current model.