Trek Marlin 4 Gen 3 — Hardtail Mountain Bike

Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum frame with internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mounts, and 135x5mm ThruSkew

Fork: SR Suntour XCE 28 (or XCM 30 on XXS), coil spring with preload, 80-100mm travel depending on size, wheel size matched to frame size (26"/27.5"/29")

Drivetrain: Shimano M315 8-speed shifter with a Shimano ESSA U2000 rear derailleur, 11-45t HG300 cassette, and 32T ProWheel narrow-wide crankset

Brakes: Tektro HD-M276 or Power BH-M286TF hydraulic disc brakes (size-specific), 160-180mm rotors depending on size

Cockpit: Bontrager alloy handlebar (size-specific width and rise), Bontrager Comp stem, and a Bontrager Verse Short alloy seatpost

Standout feature: Smart Wheel Sizing scales wheel size and suspension travel to frame size across seven sizes (XXS-XL), plus internal dropper post routing for future upgrades

The Marlin 4 Gen 3 is a great fit for riders taking on their first real mountain bike, or anyone wanting a dependable, well-equipped hardtail for singletrack at Hydraulink Trails or fire road climbs around Knox Mountain. Its rack and kickstand mounts and internal dropper post routing make it especially appealing to newer riders who want a bike that can double as a commuter and grow with them into more aggressive trail riding.

Our team at Fresh Air will help you find the right fit in-store at both Kelowna locations. Stop by to work with one of our experienced staff members, or call 250-763-3425.

Our team will set up your SR Suntour fork's coil spring preload for your weight, and get your Bontrager Montrose Comp tyre pressure dialled in for the mix of hardpack and rockier terrain found on local trails. We'll also handle contact point fit — setting saddle height and handlebar reach — so your pedaling position feels natural from the first ride. If you're planning to add a dropper post down the road, we can walk you through routing options on this frame. Drop into Fresh Air Pandosy (555 Groves Ave) or Fresh Air Dilworth (1656 Dilworth Drive), or book an appointment online.

Q1: What size Trek Marlin 4 Gen 3 do I need?
Trek offers the Marlin 4 Gen 3 in seven sizes, XXS through XL, with wheel size and fork travel scaled to frame size for optimal handling. Check Trek's geometry chart for exact measurements, or come into either Fresh Air location and our team will get you set up on the right size.

Q2: Is the Marlin 4 Gen 3 right for Hydraulink or Knox Mountain?
Yes — with a capable SR Suntour suspension fork, grippy Bontrager Montrose Comp tyres, and confident hydraulic disc brakes, the Marlin 4 is well suited to the singletrack and fire roads found at Hydraulink Trails and Knox Mountain, especially for newer riders.

Q3: What's the difference between a hardtail and a full suspension mountain bike?
A hardtail like the Marlin 4 has front suspension only, which means it's lighter, more efficient to pedal, and requires less maintenance than a full suspension bike. Full suspension bikes add a rear shock for more comfort and control on rough, technical descents, but come at a higher price and added weight — our team can help you decide which is the better fit for the trails you ride most.