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Trek’s hardtail mountain bike lineup consists of Marlin, Roscoe, X-Caliber, and Procaliber. Below, I will explain their differences and advise you on which one to buy.
The short answer is as follows:
- Marlins are good beginner mountain bikes for most people and those who want to try mountain biking. Browse Trek Marlin bikes here.
- Roscoes are the best choice if you are looking for an affordable bike for technical trails thanks to their long suspension travel. Browse Trek Roscoe bikes here.
- X-Calibers are simple yet great cross-country mountain bikes for good money. Browse Trek X-Caliber bikes here.
- Procalibers are a carbon version of X-Calibers with IsoSpeed for increased riding comfort. Prepare to pay more for them. Browse Trek Procalibers bikes here.
Keep reading for more information on the differences between them and much more.
Trek Marlin, Roscoe, X-Caliber vs. Procaliber
Here’s a closer look at these hardtail MTB families and their main features.
| Feature | Marlin | Roscoe | X-Caliber | Procaliber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $629.99 to $1,329.99 | $1,199.99 to $2,799.99 | $1,599.99 to $1,929.99 | $2,449.99 to $4,449.99 |
| Ideal for | Beginners | Beginners | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Geometry type | Cross-country | Trail | Cross-country | Cross-country |
| Suspension travel | 100mm | 140mm | 100mm | 100mm |
| Frame materials | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon |
| Wheel size | 27.5″ or 29″ | 27.5″ or 29″ | 27.5″ or 29″ | 27.5″ or 29″ |
| Tire clearance (29″ wheels) | up to 2.40″ | up to 2.60″ | up to 2.40″ | up to 2.40″ |
| More info | Trek Marlins Compared | Trek Roscoes Compared | Trek X-Calibers Compared | Trek Procalibers Compared |
| Buy | Browse Marlins | Browse Roscoes | Browse X-Calibers | Browse Procalibers |
Updated 26/04/2023
Frame & Geometry
Trek Marlin, Roscoe, X-Caliber, and Procaliber bikes are available in multiple sizes and frame materials. The entry-level bikes are made of aluminum, while the higher-end ones are made from carbon.
The Marlin, X-Caliber, and Procaliber could be classified as cross-country mountain bikes. That’s because of their XC geometry and shorter travel.
Roscoe bikes have trail geometry and longer suspension travel. So, what is the difference between these two geometries?
XC bikes have steeper head tube angles and shorter chainstays for speed and efficiency on smooth terrain and climbing.
Trail bikes have slacker head tube angles and longer chainstays for stability and control on technical terrain.
I recommend using the bikeinsights.com tool for comparing the geometries.
Wheels and Tires
Wheels and tires are among the main differences between Marlin, Roscoe, X-Calibers, and Procalibers.
All use 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. The wheel size depends mainly on the bike size, as smaller bikes come with 27.5″ wheels.
Cross-country bikes also usually have narrower tires than trail bikes. In this case, it’s a 2.4-inch vs. 2.6-inch difference.
Wider tires have more volume, so they are more comfortable, can better absorb larger bumps, and have better traction. On the other hand, they have higher-rolling resistance.
Suspension
Marlins, X-Calibers, and Procalibers have suspension travel of only 100mm, with even shorter travel for smaller sizes. This limited suspension travel is not as forgiving.
On the other hand, Roscoes have a longer suspension travel of 140mm, which is ideal for trails as it can absorb larger bumps, jumps, or drops, and allows for confident riding.
Regarding the quality of the suspension forks compared to the competition, it depends on the specific model.
Fortunately, most Trek hardtail mountain bikes have a tapered head tube, so you can upgrade the fork later.
Price
Marlins are the most affordable, while Procalibers are the most expensive due to their carbon frames and IsoSpeed.
There’s an unwritten rule that says the better the frame, the worse the components, and vice versa. This is because a better frame makes up a larger part of the price, leaving less room for components.
Compared to other bike brands, Trek is generally considered more expensive, but they offer attention to detail, a worldwide sales network, and a lifetime warranty in exchange.
However, it ultimately depends on the specific model and price range. Some bikes may be more capable than their competitors.
Extras
The Procaliber bikes feature an IsoSpeed decoupler. It’s a technology that absorbs shock and vibrations, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.
All bikes from all these families (unlike Co-op DRTs, for example) have at least partially integrated cable routing, improving the overall appearance of the bike.
They are also compatible with fenders and racks, thanks to the additional mounting points for fenders and racks.
And lastly, they use lock-on grips that are easier to install.
Trek Marlin Bikes Compared
The following table compares all Trek Marlins. For more info, check out the Trek Marlins comparison.
| Marlin 4 | Marlin 5 | Marlin 6 Gen 2 | Marlin 6 Gen 3 | Marlin 7 Gen 2 | Marlin 7 Gen 3 | Marlin 8 Gen 2 | Marlin 8 Gen 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $629.99 | $739.99 | $849.99 | $899.99 | $1,029.99 | $999.99 | $1,329.99 | $1,329.99 |
| Available sizes | XS-XXL | XXS-XXL | XS-XXL | XXS-XXL | S-XXL | S-XXL | XXS-XL | XXS-XL |
| Suspension fork | SR Suntour XCE 28 (coil spring) 100mm travel | SR Suntour XCM 30 (coil spring) 100mm travel | SR Suntour XCM 30 (coil spring) 100mm travel | SR Suntour XCT 30 (coil spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Judy (coil spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Judy (coil spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Judy Silver (Solo Air spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Judy Silver (Solo Air spring) 100mm travel |
| Wheels | Bontrager Connection, double-wall | Bontrager Connection, double-wall | Bontrager Connection, double-wall | Bontrager Koove, double-wall (tubeless-ready) | Bontrager Connection, double-wall | Bontrager Koove, double-wall (tubeless-ready) | Bontrager Koove, double-wall (tubeless-ready) | Bontrager Koove, double-wall (tubeless-ready) |
| Wheel size | XS-S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | XXS: 26″ XS-S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | XS-S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | XXS-S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | XXS: 26″ XS-S: 27.5″ M-XL: 29″ | XXS: 26″ XS-S: 27.5″ M-XL: 29″ |
| Tires | Bontrager XR2 Comp (2.20″) | Bontrager XR2 Comp (2.20″) | Bontrager XR2 Comp (2.20″) | Bontrager XT3 Comp (2.40″) | Bontrager XR2 Comp (2.20″) | Bontrager XT3 Comp (2.40″) | Maxxis Ardent (2.20–2.40″) tubeless-ready | Maxxis Ardent (2.40″) tubeless-ready |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Tourney 3×7spd | Shimano Altus 2×8spd | Shimano Deore 1×10spd | Shimano Deore 1×10spd | Shimano Deore 1×10spd | Shimano Deore 1×10spd | SRAM SX Eagle 1×12spd | SRAM SX Eagle 1×12spd |
| Pedals | VP-536 nylon platform | VP-536 nylon platform | VP-536 nylon platform | VP-536 nylon platform | VP-536 nylon platform | VP-536 nylon platform | VP-536 nylon platform | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on |
| Brakes | Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | 14.40 kg 31.75 lbs | 13.97 kg 30.81 lbs | 14.11 kg 31.11 lbs | 14.80 kg 32.63 lbs | 13.47 kg 29.7 lbs | 14.60 kg 32.19 lbs | 13.20 kg 29.1 lbs | 14.29 kg 31.51 lbs |
| More info | n/a | Marlin 6 Gen 2 Review | Marlin 6 Gen 2 Review | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Buy | Buy Marlin 4 | Buy Marlin 5 | Buy Marlin 6 Gen 2 | Buy Marlin 6 Gen 3 | Buy Marlin 7 Gen 2 | Buy Marlin 7 Gen 3 | Buy Marlin 8 Gen 2 | Buy Marlin 8 Gen 3 |
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated 24/05/2023
Trek Roscoe Bikes Compared
The following table compares all Trek Roscoe bikes. For more info, check out the Trek Roscoe comparison.
| Roscoe 6 | Roscoe 7 | Roscoe 8 | Roscoe 9 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.99 | $1,649.99 | $1,999.99 | $2,799.99 |
| Available sizes | XS-XL | XS-XL | XS-XL | S-XL |
| Suspension fork | SR Suntour XCM 32 (coil spring) 120mm travel | RockShox Recon Silver RL (SoloAir spring) 140mm travel | RockShox 35 Gold RL (DebonAir spring) 140mm travel | Fox Rhythm 36 (Float EVOL air spring) 140mm travel |
| Wheels | Alex MD35, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Line Comp 30, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Line Comp 30, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Line Comp 30, tubeless-ready |
| Wheel size | 27.5″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ |
| Tires | Bontrager XR3 Comp (2.80″) | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue (2.60″), tubeless-ready | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue (2.60″), tubeless-ready | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue (2.60″), tubeless-ready |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore 1×10spd | Shimano Deore 1×12spd | SRAM NX Eagle 1×12spd | Shimano XT M8100 1×12spd |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on |
| Brakes | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT6120 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | 15.88 kg 35.01 lbs | 14.30 kg 31.53 lbs | 13.54 kg 29.86 lbs | 13.13 kg 28.95 lbs |
| Buy | Buy Roscoe 6 | Buy Roscoe 7 | Buy Roscoe 8 | Buy Roscoe 9 |
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated 26/04/2023
Trek X-Caliber and Procaliber Bikes Compared
The following table compares all Trek X-Caliber and Procaliber bikes. For more info, check out the Trek X-Caliber and Procaliber comparison.
| X-Caliber 8 | X-Caliber 9 | Procaliber 9.5 | Procaliber 9.6 | Procaliber 9.7 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599.99 | $1,929.99 | $2,449.99 | $3,099.99 | $4,499.99 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Available sizes | XS-XXL | S-XXL | S-XL | S-XXL | S-XL |
| Suspension fork | RockShox Judy SL (air spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Recon Gold RL (DebonAir spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Judy SL (Solo Air spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Recon Gold RL (DebonAir spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Reba RL (Solo Air spring) 100mm travel |
| Wheels | Bontrager Kovee, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Kovee, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Kovee, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Kovee Comp 23, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon, tubeless-ready |
| Wheel size | XS, S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ |
| Tires | Maxxis Ardent Race (2.35″), tubeless-ready | Maxxis Ardent Race (2.35″), tubeless-ready | Bontrager XR2 Team Issue (2.20″), tubeless-ready | Bontrager XR2 Team Issue (2.20″), tubeless-ready | Bontrager XR2 Team Issue (2.20″), tubeless-ready |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore/XT 1×12spd | Shimano XT/SLX M8100 1×12spd | Shimano Deore M6100 1×12spd | Shimano XT M8100 1×12spd | SRAM GX Eagle 1×12spd |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, lock-on | ESI Chunky, slip-on |
| Brakes | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT4100 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT4100/MT410 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT501/MT500 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | 13.05 kg 28.78 lbs | 12.75 kg 28.11 lbs | 11.88 kg 26.21 lbs | 11.43 kg 25.21 lbs | 10.44 kg 23.02 lbs |
| Buy | Buy X-Caliber 8 | Buy X-Caliber 9 | Buy Procaliber 9.5 | Buy Procaliber 9.6 | Buy Procaliber 9.7 |
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated 26/04/2023
Trek Hardtail Mountain Bikes FAQ
Conclusion
Should you buy Trek Marlin, Roscoe, X-Caliber, or Procaliber?
It depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider:
- The Marlin is the most affordable option if you’re on a tight budget.
- Roscoe’s longer suspension travel is better if you want a bike that can handle bigger bumps and jumps.
- The X-Caliber is a good option if you want to balance affordability and performance.
- And if you’re a serious rider looking for top-of-the-line-like performance for a reasonable price, the Procaliber is the way to go.
