2023 Trek Marlin Gen 2 vs 2022 Santa Cruz Highball
The XL is the Santa Cruz Highball size closest to your XL Trek Marlin Gen 2. 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 Santa Cruz Highball
Compared with the Trek Marlin Gen 2 in XL, the Santa Cruz Highball in XL places the top of the head tube 4 mm higher and 14 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 18 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +4 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +14 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +18 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- ±0.0°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- −12 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Trek Marlin Gen 2, XLSanta Cruz Highball, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Trek Marlin Gen 2 XL | Santa Cruz Highball XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 466 | 480 | +14 mm |
| Stack | 630 | 634 | +4 mm |
| Head tube angle | 69.5° | 69.5 | ±0.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 73.0° | 73.0 | ±0.0° |
| Effective top tube | 659 | 674 | +15 mm |
| Chainstay length | 438 | 426 | −12 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1159 | 1177 | +18 mm |
| BB drop | 58 | 56 | −2 mm |
| BB height | 310 | 314 | +4 mm |
| Standover | 769 | 756 | −13 mm |
| Seat tube length | 521 | 530 | +9 mm |
| Head tube length | 120 | 130 | +10 mm |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Highball minus the Trek Marlin Gen 2. Full charts: 2023 Trek Marlin Gen 2, 2022 Santa Cruz Highball.
Where each sits in its class
Trek Marlin Gen 2Santa Cruz Highball
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 | Trek Marlin Gen 24 Gen 2 | Santa Cruz Highball |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Trek Alpha | not listed |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCE 28 | not listed |
| Shifter | Shimano Altus EF500 | not listed |
| Derailleur | Shimano Tourney TY300 | not listed |
| Cassette | Shimano TZ500 | not listed |
| Chain | KMC Z7 | not listed |
| Crankset | Shimano Tourney TY301 | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | VP BC73 | not listed |
| Pedals | VP 536 | not listed |
| Wheelset | Bontrager Connection | not listed |
| Tire | Bontrager XR2 Comp | not listed |
| Hub | Formula DC20, Formula DC-31 | not listed |
| Rim | Bontrager Connection | not listed |
| Brake | Tektro MD-M280 | not listed |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Alloy | not listed |
| Stem | Bontrager Comp | not listed |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp | not listed |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Alloy | not listed |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada | not listed |
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