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2022 Marin

San Quentin 20

A 20″ aluminum frame mountain youth bike with modest components and tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
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Manufacturer Price

$759
FrameAluminum
SuspensionHardtail, 80mm
ForkSuntour XCM
Wheels20″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 8
GroupsetAltus, microSHIFT Mezzo
BrakesTektro Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Handling
nimblestable
San Quentin 20
Other Mountain Youth 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)

16 mph

San Quentin 20

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
One Size

3'8" – 4'5"

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.

Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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

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
"...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."
NSMB logoNSMB

Feedback?

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99 Spokes
Testing the New 29" Marin San Quentin!

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!

Watch Review

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.

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • 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

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

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Series 2 6061 Aluminum, 20” Wheels, Disc Specific, 135mm Dropouts

ColorGloss Blue / Green/black

Fork

SR Suntour XCM 24 BOOST, 80mm Travel, 110mm Axle Spacing

Travel80mm

Spring TypeCoil

Bottom Bracket

Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Square Taper

Headset

FSA No. 57E

Stem

Marin Alloy, 35mm

Handlebar

Marin Riser, 31.8 clamp, 30mm Rise, 590mm Width

Saddle

Marin Kids MTB

Seatpost

Marin Alloy, 30.9mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Kids Specific Nylon Pedal

Grips

Marin MTB

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Altus

Front Derailleur

-

Crank

Forged Alloy, Narrow Wide 30T, 140mm

Shifters

MicroSHIFT TS39, 8-Speed, Thumb-Tap

Cassette

Shimano 8-speed, 11-32T

Chain

KMC X8

Brakes

Tektro HD-J285 Kid's Specific Hydraulic Disc

TypeTektro Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Tektro Kid's Specific Short Reach Lever for Hydraulic Brake

Wheels
Rims

Marin, Double Wall Alloy, 25mm Internal

Front Hub

Forged Aluminum, 32H, Disc Specific

Rear Hub

Forged Aluminum, 32H, Disc Specific

Tires

Vee Tire Crown Gem, 20x2.6”, Wire Bead

Rider Notes
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First added June 8

Last updated July 9

Not listed for 1,410 days