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2021 Marin

San Quentin 2

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

$1,459
FrameAluminum
SuspensionHardtail, 130mm
ForkRockShox Recon Silver RL
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetDeore
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
San Quentin 2
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 2

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'6"

MD

5'4" – 5'9"

LG

5'7" – 6'0"

XL

5'10" – 6'3"

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

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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

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
The geometry is solid because good geometry is free.
NSMB logoNSMB

Feedback?

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NSMB
The $1100 (USD) Marin San Quentin 1 Hardtail

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.

Read Review

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 and Dropper Post Routing, External Brake, 12x148mm Thru-Axle, 73mm Threaded BB

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

ColorGloss Blue / Green/black

Fork

RockShox Recon RL, 110x15mm Boost Spacing, Fast Black Stanchions, 130mm Travel, Bolt-On Thru-Axle, 37mm Offset

Travel130mm

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

TypeDropper

Pedals

Nylon Platform

Grips

Marin MTN, Closed End

Groupset
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

TypeShimano Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano BR-MT201 Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
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

Rider Notes
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First added December 23

Last updated May 19

Not listed for 1,825 days