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2020 Marin

San Quentin 1

A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with modest components.
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Manufacturer Price

$899
FrameAluminum
SuspensionHardtail, 120mm
ForkSuntour XCM
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 9
GroupsetAltus, Acera
BrakesTektro Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
San Quentin 1
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

24 mph

San Quentin 1

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'6"

MD

5'4" – 5'9"

LG

5'7" – 5'11"

XL

5'9" – 6'1"

Rider Fit Notes
  • 5'5", size MD, Just right
  • 5'11", size LG, Fits large
Reviews

Summary

The Marin San Quentin trail bike is a mixed bag, offering aggressive geometry and confident descending capabilities, but with some compromises in climbing efficiency and component choices. It shines in steep, rough conditions, with a stiff frame and wide tires providing extra grip, though it can feel sluggish on hard-packed trails. The bike's progressive sizing and geometry make it engaging on technical trails and jumps, but some riders may find the stock setup lacking for everyday trail riding.

Pros
  • Aggressive geometry for confident descending

  • Stiff aluminum frame and wide tires enhance grip

  • Progressive sizing and geometry improve technical trail performance

  • RockShox suspension works well for the price

  • Good value for its sub-$2,000 price point

Cons
  • High weight and limited gear range hinder climbing

  • Stock components like brakes and tires may need upgrading

  • Feels slow on hard-packed and mellow terrain

  • Basic fork with some trail chatter

  • No clutch mechanism on the rear mech

Key Quotes
The Marin San Quentin is an exercise in determining the logical limits of how rowdy a trail you can design a modern hardtail for
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
As soon as there’s any negative gradient, it starts to come alive.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
With progressive, generous and a sorted specification, we couldn’t wait to do time on the new Marin San Quentin 2.
MBR logoMBR

Feedback?

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Mountain Bike Action
Mountain Bike Action Bike Test: Marin San Quentin 3 Trail Bike

Nov 2020 · McCoy

Tough as Nails

Read Review

BikeRadar
Marin San Quentin 1 review

Oct 2019 · Tom Marvin

Compromised spec, but the descent-focused geometry starts to shine on steeper terrain

Highs
  • Aggressive geometry makes it a confident descender

  • Wide rims give tyres good volume and shape

Lows
  • High weight and limited gear range compromise climbing potential

  • Spec choice

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Tested: Marin San Quentin 3—Machete or Kitchen Knife?

Jan 2019

What happens when a brand known for its outlandish value makes an outlandish hardtail?

Read Review

MBR
Marin San Quentin 2 review - MBR

Oct 2018 · Alan Muldoon

With progressive geometry, generous sizing and a sorted specification, we couldn’t wait to do time on the new Marin San Quentin 2.

Highs
  • Progressive sizing and geometry.

Lows
  • Needs 2.6in tyres and a dropper.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Series 2 6061 Aluminum, Double Butted Frame, 141mm Open Dropout, 73mm Threaded BB

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Fork

SR Suntour XCM32 Boost 15x110mm Spacing, 120mm Travel, Lock Out, 27.5", Bolt-On Thru Axle

Travel120mm

Spring TypeCoil

Bottom Bracket

Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Square Taper

Headset

FSA No 57E, Semi-Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8" x 1 1/2”

Stem

Marin 3D Forged Alloy, 45mm

Handlebar

Marin Mini-Riser, 6061 Double Butted Aluminum, 780mm Width, 28mm rise, 5º Up, 9º Back

Saddle

Marin Speed Concept

Seatpost

Marin Alloy, 30.9mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Nylon Platform

Grips

Marin MTN, Closed End

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Altus, 9-Speed, Shadow Design

Crank

Marin Forged Alloy 1x9, Hollow Spindle, Steel 32T Chainring, 104mm BCD

Shifters

Shimano SLM3000 9-Speed w/Optical Display

Cassette

SunRace, 9-Speed, 11-36T

Chain

KMC X-9

Brakes

Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotor

TypeTektro Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Marin, Double Wall Alloy, 29mm Inner, Pinned Joint, Disc Specific, 32H Tubeless Compatible

Spokes

14g Black Stainless Steel

Front Hub

Forged Alloy, 110x15mm, Sealed Cartridge Bearing, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H

Rear Hub

Forged Alloy, Quad Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Alloy Axle, 141mm Width, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H, Shimano Standard Freehub Body

Tires

Vee Tire, Crown Gem 27.5x2.3", Dual Control Compound

Rider Notes
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First added October 26

Last updated September 11

Not listed for 2,076 days