Comparison Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2 29 2022 frame L vs Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 29 2023 frame L

The year to which the manufacturer classifies the bicycle (more precisely, the model range that includes this model).

The significance of this parameter is that the model range is updated every year, and two bicycles with the same name, but from different years, can differ significantly in characteristics and equipment. At the same time, new models ( 2024, 2025) usually cost more, and older ones ( 2022, 2023, etc.) are sold at reduced prices.

It is worth considering that a later year of manufacture in itself does not necessarily mean more advanced characteristics - manufacturers can change them in the direction of simplification. So the model of previous years may be in no way inferior to the new bike.

The user's height recommended by the manufacturer is calculated according to several parameters. One is the wheel diameter, and the second and more important is the frame size. If everything is simple with the wheel size — it is round and always the same, then the frame size complicates the choice. Different types of bicycles have their own frame shape, so even the same size can be suitable for different heights. And this is not to mention the features of the manufacturer, who like to do everything for themselves, and not in a general manner. Therefore, the size of the frame of each bicycle has its own size and it is still better to choose a bicycle by personally “saddling” it. If this is not possible, then our point will tell you what height, according to the manufacturer, this configuration (frame + wheel) of the bike is designed for.

Front fork suspension type (if available, see "Suspension"). All shock absorption systems in bicycles work in two directions: vibration damping (damping) and impact energy absorption (cushioning). Accordingly, they have two main components: a damper and a shock absorber. Depending on the design features of these elements, the following types of depreciation are distinguished:

— Spring-elastomer. In this case, the role of a shock absorber is played by an elastic spring, and the role of a damper is played by a rod made of an elastic, well-compressible material, the so-called elastomer. This type appeared as a development of conventional spring damping systems, it is more durable, but poorly suited for low temperatures — the elasticity of the elastomer in such conditions decreases, which negatively affects the characteristics of the system.

— Spring-oil. Systems using a spring as a shock absorber and an oil cartridge as a damper. This design is somewhat more resistant to low temperatures than spring-elastomer, and in general has quite good characteristics, due to which it is quite widely used in various types of bicycles. The main disadvantage is the higher (on average) cost.

— Air-oil. Combined systems consisting of an air cylinder that acts as a shock absorber and an oil cartridge that acts as a damper. They appeared as a developmen...t of “pure” air systems, which had a serious drawback: even with high-quality maintenance, the seals wore out rather quickly, which could disable the shock absorber. Air-oil systems are more durable and easier to maintain, while being quite efficient and weighing little. The latter is especially valuable for cross-country (see "Purpose"), where it is required to combine depreciation with a low weight of the machine.

Tyre model supplied with the bike as standard. Different tyres have different purposes and characteristics; knowing the tyre model, you can clarify these points and check how they correspond to your wishes. This is especially important when choosing a machine for serious cycling.

Model of the brake used on the front wheel of a bicycle.

Knowing a specific brand of brake system components, you can find technical documentation for it or, for example, study brake reviews on the Internet. For more information about the types of brakes on the front wheel, see "Front brake".

Model of the brake used on the rear wheel of a bicycle.

Knowing a specific brand of brake system components, you can find technical documentation for it or, for example, study brake reviews on the Internet. For more information about the types of brakes on the rear wheel, see "Rear brake".

Rear rotor.

An element of a disc brake system mounted on the hub of the rear wheel of a bicycle. It is to him that the pads are pressed when the brake lever is pressed. The use of a rotor ensures high braking efficiency. And it is higher, the larger the diameter of the rear rotor. Disc rotors are available in sizes 140, 160, 180, 185, 203 and 220 mm.

The number of speeds (gears) provided for in the design of the bicycle. Each transfer has its own so-called gear ratio — in this case it can be described as the number of revolutions that the driven gear (rear, on the wheel) makes in one revolution of the leading gear (associated with the pedals).

Different gear ratios will be optimal for different conditions: for example, high gears provide good speed, but are poorly suited for overcoming obstacles, because. the effort on the pedals increases significantly and the frequency of their rotation decreases. It has been scientifically proven that a cyclist develops maximum power at a cadence of about 80-100 rpm. Thus, the presence in the bike of several speeds allows you to optimally adjust it to different driving modes and features of the tracks in order to provide optimal pedaling force and frequency of their rotation. For example, on smooth asphalt it is best to drive in a high gear, and when overcoming a rise or entering a dirt road, you can lower it in order to effectively overcome resistance.

The number of gears in classic systems is directly related to the number of stars of the system (on the bottom bracket with pedals) and the cassette (on the rear wheel); it can be obtained by multiplying two numbers — for example, 3 stars of the system and 6 on the cassette give 18 gears. However, there is also the so-called planetary hubs — there are stars one at a time, and gear shifting is carried out by a mec...hanism built into the rear hub.

Note that the optimal number of gears depends on the purpose of the bike (see above), and it is not always necessary to have several of them. So, in mountain models, depending on specialization, there can be from 8 to 30 gears, in road ones — within 20-30, and some inexpensive city bikes and most BMXs do not have a gear shift system at all.

The number of stars (gears) of different sizes in a bicycle cassette. A cassette is a part of the rear hub that interacts directly with the chain, in other words, a gear or a set of gears mounted on the hub. In classical gear shifting systems, the number of gears directly depends on the number of stars in the cassette (for more details, see "Speeds"); a single chainring is used either in single speed bikes or in planetary hubs (see System Stars for more on these).