2025 Specialized Rockhopper vs 2025 Trek Marlin Gen 3
The XS is the Trek Marlin Gen 3 size closest to your S - 27.5 Specialized Rockhopper. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.
What changes on the Trek Marlin Gen 3
Compared with the Specialized Rockhopper in S - 27.5, the Trek Marlin Gen 3 in XS places the top of the head tube 44 mm lower and 15 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 13 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −44 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −15 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −13 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- −2.0°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- −7 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Specialized Rockhopper, S - 27.5Trek Marlin Gen 3, XSDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Rockhopper S - 27.5 | Trek Marlin Gen 3 XS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 405mm | 390 | −15 mm |
| Stack | 607mm | 563 | −44 mm |
| Head tube angle | 68.5° | 66.5 | −2.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 73.5° | 74 | +0.5° |
| Effective top tube | not listed | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 440mm | 433 | −7 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1105mm | 1092 | −13 mm |
| BB drop | not listed | not listed | |
| BB height | 310 | not listed | |
| Standover | 732mm | not listed | |
| Seat tube length | 360mm | 340 | −20 mm |
| Fork length | 505mm | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 90 | −5 mm |
Differences are the Trek Marlin Gen 3 minus the Specialized Rockhopper. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Rockhopper, 2025 Trek Marlin Gen 3.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized RockhopperTrek Marlin Gen 3
Each bike is ranked against the other XC bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
What each ships with
The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.
| Part | Specialized RockhopperRockhopper | Trek Marlin Gen 35 Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized A1 | Trek Marlin |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCM | SR Suntour XCT 30 |
| Shifter | Shimano Altus | Shimano CUES U4000 |
| Derailleur | Shimano Altus M2020, Shimano Altus M2000 | Shimano CUES U4000 |
| Cassette | SunRace 11-36 | Shimano LINKGLIDE LG300 |
| Chain | KMC X9EPT | Shimano LG500 |
| Crankset | Specialized Stout | Prowheel C10Y-NW |
| Pedals | Specialized Flat Pedal | VP 536 |
| Wheelset | Formula SP-2125 | Bontrager Connection |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak Sport | Bontrager XT3 |
| Hub | Formula SP-2125 | Formula DC-20 front, Formula DC-22 rear |
| Brake | Shimano MT200 | Tektro HD-M275 |
| Rotor | Shimano MT200 | Tektro 6-bolt |
| Handlebar | Specialized Mini Rise | Bontrager Alloy |
| Stem | Specialized Stout | Bontrager Comp |
| Grips | Specialized Trail | Bontrager XR Trail |
| Saddle | Specialized Bridge Sport | Bontrager Verse Short |
| Chainring | not listed | 30 |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | VP BC73 |
| Rim | not listed | Bontrager Connection |
| Seatpost | not listed | Bontrager Alloy |
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