{"product_id":"trek-marlin-gen-3-frameset","title":"Trek Marlin Gen 3 Frameset","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eTrek Marlin Gen 3 Frameset\u003c\/strong\u003e is a lightweight \u003cstrong\u003eAlpha Silver Aluminum\u003c\/strong\u003e mountain bike frame built on updated geometry that's more capable and trail-confident than its predecessors. With a longer reach, slacker head angle, steeper effective seat tube angle, and a ThruSkew rear axle — a stronger, more precisely aligned retention system than traditional quick release — this frameset gives entry-to-intermediate mountain bikers a solid foundation to build on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternal routing for both the rear derailleur and a dropper post is built in, so upgrading the build over time is clean and easy. Fender mounts allow this to double as a capable commuter. The geometry scales intelligently across sizes: XXS and XS frames use a curved top tube for a lower standover height to help smaller riders mount and dismount more easily. The frame runs a \u003cstrong\u003e135x5mm ThruSkew\u003c\/strong\u003e axle standard — important to note when selecting rear wheels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiders building their first capable trail mountain bike on a budget-conscious platform\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmaller riders (XXS\/XS) who need lower standover height alongside modern trail geometry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilders who want dropper post routing already in the frame for future upgrades\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot ideal for: aggressive trail or enduro riding, riders who need Boost hub spacing, those building a suspension-focused setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to Look For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAxle standard:\u003c\/strong\u003e 135x5mm ThruSkew rear — stronger than QR but not standard Boost; wheels must match this specific standard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWheel sizing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frame is offered in multiple sizes with appropriate wheel sizing per size; XXS uses 26\", sizes increase proportionally up to 29\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadset:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-integrated 1-1\/8\" — straightforward and widely serviceable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDropper post routing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Internal routing is pre-built into the frame for a future dropper upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrame — Alpha Silver Aluminum:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trek's low-emission aluminum with updated trail geometry — longer reach, slacker head angle, steeper seat tube. Internal routing for derailleur and dropper post. Fender and kickstand mounts. XXS\/XS sizes include curved top tube for lower standover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFork — Not Included:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frame-only sale; plan for a fork that matches the 135mm or Boost front hub spacing and geometry target of your build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility — 135x5mm ThruSkew:\u003c\/strong\u003e ThruSkew rear axle is stronger and more precisely aligned than QR but uses a 135mm OLD — not interchangeable with Boost 148mm hubs. Rear wheel selection is critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRouting \u0026amp; Mounts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Internal rear derailleur and dropper post routing. Rack, fender, and kickstand mounts. Semi-integrated 1-1\/8\" headset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRider Intent Summary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBiggest strengths:\u003c\/strong\u003e Updated trail geometry, internal dropper routing, ThruSkew rear axle, fender and rack mounts, curved top tube on smaller sizes for better fit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTradeoffs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 135mm ThruSkew limits hub selection vs. Boost 148; entry-level aluminum construction; no suspension rear travel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes it different:\u003c\/strong\u003e The ThruSkew axle is a meaningful step up from traditional QR on a budget frame — it's more secure, more precise, and more durable without moving to full Boost spacing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictory's Take\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Victory Bicycle Studio, the Marlin Gen 3 Frameset is a solid starting point for newer mountain bikers who want modern geometry and the ability to grow their build over time — the built-in dropper routing and fender mounts give this more long-term utility than most entry-level alloy hardtail frames.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trek","offers":[{"title":"XXS (26\" WHEEL) \/ Matte Dnister Black","offer_id":53531142455603,"sku":"5288503","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XS (27.5\" WHEEL) \/ Matte Dnister Black","offer_id":53531142324531,"sku":"5288504","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"S (27.5\" WHEEL) \/ Matte Dnister Black","offer_id":53531142390067,"sku":"5288505","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M (29\" WHEEL) \/ Matte Dnister Black","offer_id":53531142357299,"sku":"5288506","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML (29\" WHEEL) \/ Matte Dnister Black","offer_id":53531142291763,"sku":"5288507","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L (29\" WHEEL) \/ Matte Dnister Black","offer_id":53531142488371,"sku":"5288508","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (29\" WHEEL) \/ Matte Dnister Black","offer_id":53531142422835,"sku":"5288509","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XXL (29\" WHEEL) \/ Matte Dnister Black","offer_id":53531142521139,"sku":"5288510","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0981\/3685\/0739\/files\/77071f190007dd97233613c68b1b74275629c5c1.jpg?v=1782155408","url":"https:\/\/victorybicyclestudio.com\/products\/trek-marlin-gen-3-frameset","provider":"Victory Bicycle Studio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}