2022 Santa Cruz Highball vs 2023 Trek Marlin Gen 2
The XXL is the Trek Marlin Gen 2 size closest to your XL Santa Cruz Highball. 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 2
Compared with the Santa Cruz Highball in XL, the Trek Marlin Gen 2 in XXL places the top of the head tube 4 mm lower and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 4 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −4 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- ±0 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- −4 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- ±0.0°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- +12 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Santa Cruz Highball, XLTrek Marlin Gen 2, XXLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Highball XL | Trek Marlin Gen 2 XXL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 480 | 480 | ±0 mm |
| Stack | 634 | 630 | −4 mm |
| Head tube angle | 69.5 | 69.5° | ±0.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 73.0 | 73.0° | ±0.0° |
| Effective top tube | 674 | 673 | −1 mm |
| Chainstay length | 426 | 438 | +12 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1177 | 1173 | −4 mm |
| BB drop | 56 | 58 | +2 mm |
| BB height | 314 | 311 | −3 mm |
| Standover | 756 | 804 | +48 mm |
| Seat tube length | 530 | 559 | +29 mm |
| Head tube length | 130 | 120 | −10 mm |
Differences are the Trek Marlin Gen 2 minus the Santa Cruz Highball. Full charts: 2022 Santa Cruz Highball, 2023 Trek Marlin Gen 2.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz HighballTrek Marlin Gen 2
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 | Santa Cruz Highball | Trek Marlin Gen 24 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | not listed | Trek Alpha |
| Fork | not listed | SR Suntour XCE 28 |
| Shifter | not listed | Shimano Altus EF500 |
| Derailleur | not listed | Shimano Tourney TY300 |
| Cassette | not listed | Shimano TZ500 |
| Chain | not listed | KMC Z7 |
| Crankset | not listed | Shimano Tourney TY301 |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | VP BC73 |
| Pedals | not listed | VP 536 |
| Wheelset | not listed | Bontrager Connection |
| Tire | not listed | Bontrager XR2 Comp |
| Hub | not listed | Formula DC20, Formula DC-31 |
| Rim | not listed | Bontrager Connection |
| Brake | not listed | Tektro MD-M280 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Bontrager Alloy |
| Stem | not listed | Bontrager Comp |
| Grips | not listed | Bontrager XR Endurance Comp |
| Seatpost | not listed | Bontrager Alloy |
| Saddle | not listed | Bontrager Arvada |
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