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Today’s Deals2022 Marin
San Quentin 1
A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with modest components.
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Manufacturer Price
$1,099| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Hardtail, 120mm |
| Fork | Suntour XCM |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 9 |
| Groupset | microSHIFT |
| Brakes | Tektro Hydraulic Disc |
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 riders looking to tackle steep and rough terrain. However, its performance on climbs and mellow trails is compromised by its weight and basic fork. The bike offers solid value with its durable components and geometry that supports skill progression, though some spec choices may require upgrades for optimal performance.
Aggressive geometry for confident descending
Solid value with durable components
Geometry supports skill progression
Wide rims for good tire volume and shape
Stable in the air
High weight limits climbing potential
Basic fork with trail chatter
Spec choices may require upgrades
Feeling of laziness on mellow terrain
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.
BikeRadar"...it's nice that I know I can recommend the San Quentin as a gateway bike to an aspiring or casual rider and know that as they develop their skills and confidence there's not a Blue-level trail out there that they won't be able to enjoy on this bike."
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Oct 2023
Riders have been asking Marin to release a 29" version of their flagship hardtail, the San Quentin, for years, and they finally did!
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.
Great handling, confidence-inspiring bicycle
Solid geometry
MicroShift drivetrain is durable and good shifting for the price
Tektro M275 brakes reliable and easy-to-bleed
Marin-branded i29 rims and handlebar are solid choices
Easy tubeless setup
Crankset is the main complaint
Fork is basic, heavy, and not adjustable
Tires suitable for dry conditions only, would need upgrade for wet
No dropper post included
Size range lacks XS and XXL, reach and stack could be longer/taller
Chainstays are not size-specific
Chain dropped twice due to chainring
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?
| Frame | Series 2 6061 Aluminum, Double Butted Frame, 141mm Open Dropout, 73mm Threaded BB BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Colors: Gloss Grey / Black; Gloss Teal / Pink/black |
|---|---|
| Fork | SR Suntour XCM32 Boost 15x110mm Spacing, 120mm Travel, Lock Out, 27.5", Bolt-On Thru-Axle, 47mm Offset Travel: 120mm Spring Type: Coil |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed Cartridge Bearing, Square Taper |
| Headset | FSA No 57E, Semi-Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8" x 1 1/2” |
| Stem | Marin 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 Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Nylon Platform |
| Grips | Marin MTN, Closed End |
| Rear Derailleur | MicroShift RD-M9195M, 9 Speed, With Clutch |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | - |
| Crank | Marin Forged Alloy, Integrated Steel 32T Narrow Wide Chainring, Boost Spacing |
| Shifters | MicroShift SL-M9195-R, 1x9 with Bearings |
| Cassette | Sunrace, 9 Speed, 11-46T |
| Chain | KMC X-9 |
| Brakes | Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc Brake, 180mm Rotor Type: Tektro Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Marin, Double Wall Alloy, 29mm Inner, Pinned Joint, Disc Specific, 32H Tubeless Compatible |
|---|---|
| Front Hub | Forged Alloy, 110x15mm, Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Alloy, 141mm Width, Disc, 32H, Shimano Standard Freehub Body |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co, Flow Snap, 27.5x2.6", MPC Compound, Wire Bead |
First added June 8
Last updated October 1
Not listed for 1,325 days