solo79

Been riding a road bike for about 6 weeks, and now got an itch for a mountain bike. Are there any major differences between the Specialized Pitch and and Trek Marlin 5 (both with 27.5 tires) or should it just come down to personal fit/feel betwern these 2. The Trek will be $500 and sspecialize is $550

jimc101

Links help here.

Their both entry level MTB's good for basic riding, the Specialized has a better spec, which do colorways you prefer?

solo79

Sorry i didnt think about links. Here they are. I perfer the looks of the Trek


Marlin 5 - Trek Bicycle

solo79

Specialized Bicycle Components

gsa103

Specialized is definitely better components, especially the 8-speed vs 7-speed Trek. Both bikes have lower end components, if you start riding seriously you'll likely wind up upgrading to a better bike, so better components shouldn't trump fit and feel.

Lanovran

Just to be sure that you're aware... The Trek Marlin only has 650b wheels in the smaller frame sizes (13.5" & 15.5") due to Trek's "Smart Wheel Sizing" concept (i.e. "ride the biggest wheel that fits, because they're faster"). It's only in the higher end MTBs, like the nicer Fuel EX and Remedy models, which offer the choice of 29" vs. 650b for the purpose of catering to differing riding styles. Since the Marlin 5 is very much a basic, entry-level bike, that kind of choice isn't deemed significant.

So, if you're short enough to fit on a 13.5" or 15.5" frame, then you'd get 650b on the Marlin; otherwise, it's a 29er.

solo79

I am 5'5"

Lanovran

Hmm... Well, it's hard to say for certain, but at 5'5", you might end up feeling a bit cramped on a 15.5" frame size. It'll vary depending on torso length vs. leg length, etc., but you might feel better on a 17.5". It would be worth trying both, if you're able.

jimc101

Totally agree with this, would also add, don;t think about getting either of these bikes with the intention of upgrading them later, being realisitc, good as they are as is, they are not good starting places for future upgrades,

n2t

why is this? Isn't something like the marlin 5 worth putting better forks on? Is the frame bad enough to where if the cheap forks on this bike go, it's not worth upgradeing? I thought the basic frame was supposed to be pretty decent. BTW, I'm 5'6 and picked up the 15.5", the next size up with the bigger tires jumps to 17.5" and I just felt that was too big. With the seat tube bottomed out, I was barely able to get it to fit..I just felt a bit smaller where I had some play was a better idea.

solo79

Everything I have read says the Marlin has a good enough frame. Why wouldn't upgrading in the future be worthwhile?

BTW I am leaning toward the Trek. After going back to the shops, I really like the people at the Trek shop. Also has the benefit of 3 locations in town. 1 which is close to my work, and the other close to my home.

The specailzed dealer was a little out of the way and not as "beginner friendly"

jimc101

Because it's an entry level bike, with a basic frame.

Being realistic, even if you put full XTR and CF parts on either of these bikes, you will still have and entry level bike as the frame will be holding it back.

Neither of these have tapered steerers, or thru axle front or rear hubs, without these, esp the steerer, the possibility of any upgrades is limited to impossible.

That said, both would make great starter bikes, if you like the sport would and wanted a better bike in the future, would look to sell complete and upgrade to a better bike at that time.

Canker

A lot of it just comes down to cost. A $500 bike has $500 bike parts on it. If you spend $300+ on a decent fork you still have $500 bike parts everywhere else. Then you will want better brakes, new wheels, and better drive train bits and in the end you will end up spending a crap load and still have an entry level frame. It just usually works out better to start on the $500 bike ride it awhile get into the sport and then figure out what kind of bike you want to step up too. Now I wouldn't say it isn't worth upgrading at all but be smart about it. Upgrade things that can be swapped over to a new bike and/or don't cost a lot like the seat, grips, handle bars, pedals, tires. If you really want a new fork try to find a used one. One advantage of having a straight steerer is it means you have a whole world of older forks to choose from and they aren't as sought after as the newer tapered forks. Should be able to score a decent used air fork for $150ish after the stock fork starts to limit you.

n2t

That's kinda what I'm wondering...seems like a lot of this bike works fine..but the forks suck. So is it worth upgrading to at least a functional fork like the Rockshox reba or some such?

Canker

forgot you went with a 27.5. That makes the used market harder especially with a straight steerer. 27.5 are still pretty new and most of the good forks that do pop up used are going to be tapered. New is pretty limited too. I didn't look hard but Jensonusa for instance sells a Reba 27.5 for $554 so probably not a great idea plus they only have with a tapered steerer. Best bet maybe going through Suntour's upgrade program. I believe you can get a radion air fork for around $200 if they make one in 27.5 with a straight steerer.

solo79

What are the details on the suntour upgrade program, amd can changing them be done by a beginners or do you need the bike shop to intall them

Latts

I just recently bought a Marlin 6 as my first MTB and I love it. Im very happy with my purchase.

Wilfred Laurier

Both look like real nice bikes. Get the one that is more comfortable.

Troggie

Where are you going to ride it? That may also sway some on what bike to use. I ride some nice trails but nothing extremely technical. I picked my bike off of feel and then talking to the locals that ride the trails and getting their opinions on what works best in the area I ride the most.

Canker

If you want to upgrade your Suntour fork- Mtbr.com

Huge thread about it over there. As for swapping them yourself that just depends how mechanically inclined you are.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...stall+new+fork

mpe104

I've tried both of these bikes in the last 2 weeks as I was in the market for a 27.5 or 29er. I did like the Specialized better as it rode smoother and the geometry fit my body better then the Trek. That being said I did not go with either of the bikes due to the fact that neither of them had a lockout on the front shock. The lockout became a non negotiable for me as I planned on doing a good amount of riding on pavement. I went with the Scott Aspect 950 (link below) and it is the perfect bike for me. That being said I did like the Specialized over the Trek but thats my own opinion. Whatever feels better and is more natural for you is the bike you should go with. let us know what you get!

https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/p...pect-950-Bike/