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Today’s Deals2022 Marin
San Quentin 3 Frame Kit
A 700c aluminum frame crosscountry frameset.
Manufacturer Price
$549| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 700c |
5'2" – 5'6"
5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'3"
None yet.
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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.
Solid geometry (good geometry is free)
MicroShift drivetrain: best shifting and most durable option below Shimano Deore
Tektro M275 brakes: reliable, easy-to-bleed, meets expectations
27" wheels make sense for the application
Vee Rubber tires aired up tubeless easily
Marin-branded i29 rims and handlebar (5° up, 9° back, 780mm wide, 28mm rise) are solid choices
Great handling, confidence-inspiring bicycle; fun on Blue and Purple-level trails
Forgiving geometry, tires, brakes, and suspension for less experienced riders
Predictable fork, brakes, and drivetrain
Easy to ride; good value for aspiring or casual riders; suitable as a gateway bike
Crankset is the only real complaint (dropped chain twice; blame chainring)
Vee Rubber tires lack traction and support; would be early upgrade in winter conditions
Basic coil SR Suntour XCM fork: heavy, not sophisticated, but predictable
No dropper post stock; reviewer added one as luxury upgrade
Size large fits slightly small; roomier stack and reach desired
No XS or XXL sizes; current sizes could benefit from longer headtubes
Not ideal for advanced riders hitting Black/Double-Black trails; would need upgrades (brakes, rubber, crankset) which approach cost of higher models
MicroShift drivetrain is clunky, shifting must be deliberate, clutch not as good as Shimano
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 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 Red / Black |
|---|---|
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 73mm, threaded |
| Headset | FSA No 57E, Semi-Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8" x 1 1/2” |
First added June 8
Last updated September 6
Not listed for 280 days