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I have a Trek Marlin 7. I love it. Is it worth upgrading? It certainly is to me. In fact, as I write this, there is very little left on this bike that is still stock. Sure, I could have started with a better and more expensive bike...but I didn't. I started with this one.

I am making these videos because I enjoy making them... but also because I know there is someone who can benefit from them. If you are interested in converting to 1x12 and aren't sure how, or what tools you'll need, or what's compatible with your bike... like what bottom bracket do you need, etc... this could be useful information. I'm only covering my specific build, in great detail, but the information is going to apply to a lot of different bikes.

This is not an "instructional series". I'm not an experienced bike mechanic. This is more showing you what I did, and what parts and tools I used. If you want specific detailed instructions, there are some great videos by SRAM and Park Tools and others that can "teach you". With that said... my content is based off of that information... this is my "application" of what I learned from someone else. In some ways, I think I cover it better than they did...but I'm not explaining or talking.... I'm just doing.

Anyway.... The build is complete, and it turned out fantastic... SOOO much noticeable improvement. SOOOO quiet in comparison. So crisp in shifting... and I don't miss a single tooth on that 3x9 groupset.

It will take a while for me to finish the video editing... that process takes way longer than the work done on the bike. So I'll just update this thread as I finish each video.

 

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PT 1 - Introduction and Teardown of 3x9 Components

Upgrading a Trek Marlin 7 to a SRAM Eagle 1x12, and why you can't do this to a Marlin 5! This is the project overview and the disassembly of the cassette, derailleurs, and shifters.

Intro is talking head stuff... and the actual work starts at 8:30. The followup videos have a very short intro, and then go straight to work.

Here's the groupset I am installing. I have the 175mm cranks.

SRAM NX Eagle Dub Groupset
https://amzn.to/2XB6f31

This is the little torque wrench I'm using in the video, and it's pretty awesome!

Topeak Nano TorqBar DX:
https://amzn.to/2XeBnpZ

Park Tool MLP- 1.2 Chain Plier:
https://amzn.to/2XHQVBH

 

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PT 2 - Cassette Swap 9-sp Shimano to 12-sp SRAM

In this video, I'm swapping my factory Shimano 9-speed cassette for a SRAM Eagle NX 12-speed 11-50 cassette.

Here are the special tools I used in this video:

Park Tool SR-12.2 Sprocket Remover
https://amzn.to/2ZUEW1h

Park Tool FR-5.2 Cassette Lockring Tool
https://amzn.to/2IYXyrr

Park Tool HPG-1 High Performance Grease
https://amzn.to/301ADRZ

 

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PT 3 - Crankset and DUB Bottom Bracket Swap

In this video, I am removing the factory square taper bottom bracket and replacing it with the SRAM DUB bottom bracket. Then I am installing an Absolute Black 32T Oval chainring onto the NX Eagle crankset before mounting it to the bike.

Here's the groupset and other parts I am installing. I have the 175mm cranks.

SRAM NX Eagle Dub Groupset
https://amzn.to/2XB6f31

SRAM DUB BSA Bottom Bracket English Threaded (MTB) 68-73mm
https://amzn.to/2FJG680

ABSOLUTE BLACK SRAM Oval Direct Mount Traction Chainring
https://amzn.to/2J0YjAe

Here are the special tools I used in this video:

Park Tool Compact Crank Puller
https://amzn.to/2J0Xmb8

Park Tool BBT-79 Bottom Bracket Tool
https://amzn.to/2Xr5jzj

Park Tool HPG-1 High Performance Grease
https://amzn.to/301ADRZ

Lumintrail Bicycle Bottom Bracket Removal Tool Shimano ISIS
https://amzn.to/2XIp7gD

(I went cheap on the Shimano tool because I likely won't be using it again!

 

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PT 4 - FINAL ASSEMBLY - Trek Marlin SRAM Eagle GX 1x12 Conversion - Derailleur, Chain

Well... this is it... the last video in the 1x12 conversion on my Trek Marlin 7. Next stop... lets do new hubs and wheels!