Sponsored Ads

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review| Electrifying A Popular MTB

Part of Trek’s mission statement reads,”We…change the world by getting more people on bikes.” Electrifying an affordable hardtail mountain bike is certainly a step in the direction of achieving that goal.

If you recognize the Marlin name, that’s because the Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular hardtail mountain bikes. The “+” designation is what they give their electrified models. With the Marlin+ 8, Trek begins with an aluminum frame adds a Bosch Active Line Plus motor powered by a CompactTube 400 battery. They chose an affordable but full-featured RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and 4-piston Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

Most of the e-bikes we review come in a single size, or maybe step-over and step-thru frames (which often have the same reach due to battery size), but Trek produces the Marlin+ 8 in five sizes, which should be great news for riders at either end of the bell curve of height—both more petite riders and big and tall shoppers. Our large frame test bike fit me like a glove.

Help us get to better know what matters to YOU in e-bikes! Please answer this ONE (1) poll question!

Should We Embrace the Domestic Bicycle Production Act?

A new bill seeks to foster growth in domestic production of e-bikes. Earl Blumenauer, democratic representative from Oregon has introduced legislation meant to encourage manufacturing and assembly of both bikes and e-bikes. Blumenauer is founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus and is one of the most vocal supporters of cycling in Congress.

The Domestic Bicycle Production Act seeks to flatten the investment necessary for manufacturers to produce bikes and e-bikes on U.S. soil.

Three parts compose the bill. The first part would suspend tariffs on components for 10 years. By reducing the cost to import components like brakes, handlebars, derailleurs and wheels, it should encourage domestic bicycle assembly. The second part creates a domestic, transferrable e-bike production tax credit, which would create a financial incentive for companies to produce e-bikes domestically. The third part would create what is being called the U.S. Bicycle and E-Bicycle Manufacturing Initiative which would make low-interest, 12-year loans for companies to set up or expand manufacturing in the U.S. by buying capital equipment.

Have You Seen This? “Worlds First Virtual Axis Bicycle Seat”

Bicycle seats have been compared to date repellant, Medieval torture devices and a cheap form of birth control. They get about as much affection as a traffic jam. That’s because a saddle needs to support your rear end while still allowing your legs to move, which is about as easy as trying to put a pair of jeans through the laundry—while you’re wearing them.

Ataraxy BSC is a new U.K.-based company with a fresh idea on how a bike seat can function and just how comfortable a seat can be. They call the Ataraxy a “virtual axis bicycle seat.” What that means is that the seat, which is split into two halves, actually moves with the rider. The two halves slide backward and forward on an arc meant to conform to the rider’s hip movement when pedaling. According to the product description, the seat’s movement transfers the rider’s weight from their hind quarters to their legs.

Ataraxy means tranquility of mind, and this seat is meant to set the rider at ease.

Sponsored Ads: