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Today’s DealsSan Quentin 2
A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
$1,459| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Hardtail, 130mm |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 |
| Groupset | Deore |
| Brakes | Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'6"
5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'3"
Summary
The Marin San Quentin trail bike is praised for its aggressive geometry and confident descending capabilities, making it a standout for steep and technical trails. Its solid build and progressive sizing cater to both less experienced riders and those looking to push limits, though some reviews note compromises in climbing efficiency and component quality. The bike's performance shines in rough conditions, with its suspension and tire setup receiving particular acclaim for handling challenging terrain.
Aggressive geometry for confident descending
Solid build and progressive sizing
Good performance in rough and technical conditions
Competitive pricing for the features offered
Engaging and fun to ride on steep trails
Compromised climbing efficiency due to weight and gear range
Basic suspension components on some models
Stock tires and brakes may require upgrades for optimal performance
Feels sluggish on flat or hard-packed trails
Limited gear range and no dropper post on entry-level models
The Marin San Quentin is an exercise in determining the logical limits of how rowdy a trail you can design a modern hardtail for
As soon as there’s any negative gradient, it starts to come alive.
With progressive, generous and a sorted specification, we couldn’t wait to do time on the new Marin San Quentin 2.
The geometry is solid because good geometry is free.
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Sep 2022
The complete Marin San Quentin 1 (SQ1) hardtail costs about the same amount of money as a top-end RockShox suspension fork and it's a fun choice for the aspiring or casual mountain biker looking for a budget-friendlier gateway rig for Blue-level trails.

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 and Dropper Post Routing, External Brake, 12x148mm Thru-Axle, 73mm Threaded BB BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Gloss Blue / Green/black |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Recon RL, 110x15mm Boost Spacing, Fast Black Stanchions, 130mm Travel, Bolt-On Thru-Axle, 37mm Offset 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, 45mm |
| Handlebar | Marin Mini-Riser, 6061 Double Butted Aluminum, 780mm Width, 28mm Rise, 5º Up, 9º Back |
| Saddle | Marin Speed Concept |
| Seatpost | TranzX, YSP18, 1x Remote, Size S 125mm Travel, Size M-XL 150mm Travel, 30.9mm Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Nylon Platform |
| Grips | Marin MTN, Closed End |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore, 11-Speed, SGS |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | - |
| Crank | Marin Forged Alloy, Integrated Steel 32T Narrow Wide Chainring, Boost Spacing |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore, 11-Speed, SL-5100R |
| Cassette | SunRace, 11-Speed, 11-51T, ED Black |
| Chain | KMC X-11 Silver and Black |
| Brakes | Shimano BR-MT201 Hydraulic Disc Brake, 180mm Rotor Type: Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano BR-MT201 Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific, 29mm Inner, Pinned Joint, 32H, Tubeless Compatible |
|---|---|
| Front Hub | Shimano HF-MT400B, 110x15mm, Centerlock |
| Rear Hub | Shimano HF-MT400B, 148x12, Centerlock, Standard Freehub Body |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co, Flow Snap, 27.5x2.6", MPC Compound, Wire Bead |
First added December 23
Last updated May 19
Not listed for 1,825 days