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2020 Marin

San Quentin 3

A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

$1,999
FrameAluminum
SuspensionHardtail, 130mm
ForkRockShox Revelation RC
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetSLX
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
San Quentin 3
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 3

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 3 6061 Aluminum, Double Butted Frame, Internal Shifter & Dropper Post Routing, External Brake, 12x148mm Thru Axle, 73mm Threaded BB

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Fork

RockShox Revelation RC, 110x15mm Boost Spacing, Fast Black Stanchions, 130mm Travel, Bolt-On Thru Axle

Travel130mm

Spring TypeAir

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

X-Fusion Manic, 1x Composite Remote, Size S 125mm Travel, All Other Sizes: 150mm Travel, 30.9mm

TypeDropper

Pedals

Nylon Platform

Grips

Marin Single Clamp Locking

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano RD-M7000, SLX GS, Direct Mount, 11-Speed

Crank

FSA Comet, Modular 1x, 32T Direct Mount Chainring, MegaTooth Technology, Boost Spacing

Shifters

Shimano SL-7000R 11-Speed

Cassette

SunRace, 11-Speed, 11-46T

Chain

KMC X-11 EL

Brakes

Shimano BR-MT400 Hydraulic Disc,180mm Centerlock Rotor

TypeShimano Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano BL-MT400 Hydraulic

Wheels
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, Centerlock Disc, 32H

Rear Hub

Forged Alloy, Quad Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Alloy Axle, 12x148mm, Centerlock Disc, 32H, Shimano Standard Freehub Body

Tires

Vee Tire Flow Snap, 27.5x2.6”, Tackee Compound, Folding Bead, Tubeless Compatible

Rider Notes
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First added October 26

Last updated September 11

Not listed for 2,076 days