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Today’s Deals2020 Marin
San Quentin 2
A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
$1,349| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Hardtail, 130mm |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 |
| Groupset | NX |
| Brakes | Tektro Hydraulic Disc |
5'2" – 5'6"
5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 5'11"
5'9" – 6'1"
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.
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
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
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 MagazineAs soon as there’s any negative gradient, it starts to come alive.
BikeRadarWith progressive, generous and a sorted specification, we couldn’t wait to do time on the new Marin San Quentin 2.
MBRFeedback?
View all reviews
Nov 2020 · McCoy
Tough as Nails
Oct 2019 · Tom Marvin
Compromised spec, but the descent-focused geometry starts to shine on steeper terrain
Aggressive geometry makes it a confident descender
Wide rims give tyres good volume and shape
High weight and limited gear range compromise climbing potential
Spec choice
Jan 2019
What happens when a brand known for its outlandish value makes an outlandish hardtail?
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.
Progressive sizing and geometry.
Needs 2.6in tyres and a dropper.
| Frame | Series 3 6061 Aluminum, Double Butted Frame, Internal Shifter & Dropper Post Routing, External Brake, 12x148mm Thru Axle, 73mm Threaded BB BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Recon RL, 110x15mm Boost Spacing, Fast Black Stanchions, 130mm Travel, Bolt-On Thru Axle Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | External Sealed Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | FSA No 57E, Semi-Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8" x 1 1/2” |
| Stem | Marin 3D Forged Alloy, 35mm |
| 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 Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Nylon Platform |
| Grips | Marin Single Clamp Locking |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX, 11-Speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | FSA Comet, Modular 1x, 32T Direct Mount Chainring, MegaTooth Technology, Boost Spacing |
| Shifters | SRAM NX, 11-Speed |
| Cassette | SunRace, 11-Speed, 11-46T |
| Chain | KMC X-11 EL |
| Brakes | Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotor Type: Tektro Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific, 29mm Inner, Pinned Joint, 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, 12x148mm, 6-Bolt Disc, 32H, Shimano Standard Freehub Body |
| Tires | Vee Tire, Crown Gem 27.5x2.3", Dual Control Compound |
First added October 26
Last updated September 11
Not listed for 2,076 days