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Today’s Deals2021 Marin
San Quentin 3
A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
US$2,239($3,131)| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Hardtail, 130mm |
| Fork | RockShox Revelation RC |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | SLX, Deore |
| Brakes | Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
157cm – 167cm
164cm – 174cm
171cm – 182cm
179cm – 188cm
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
BIKE MagazineAs soon as there’s any negative gradient, it starts to come alive.
BikeRadarWith progressive, generous and a sorted specification, we couldn’t wait to do time on the new Marin San Quentin 2.
MBRThe geometry is solid because good geometry is free.
NSMBFeedback?
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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.
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?
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 Red / Black |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Revelation RC, 110x15mm Boost Spacing, Fast Black Stanchions, 130mm Travel, Bolt-On Thru-Axle, 37mm Offset Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Bottom Bracket | Mega EXO 73mm BSA |
| Headset | FSA No 57E, Semi-Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8" x 1 1/2” |
| Stem | Marin 3D Forged Alloy, 35mm |
| Handlebar | Marin Mini-Riser, 6061 Double Butted Aluminum, 780mm Width, 28mm Rise, 5º Up, 9º Back |
| Saddle | Marin Speed Concept |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 1x Composite Remote, Size S 125mm Travel, All Other Sizes: 150mm Travel, 30.9mm Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | Nylon Platform |
| Grips | Marin Single Clamp Locking |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore, 12-Speed, SGS |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | - |
| Crank | FSA Comet, Modular 1x, 32T Direct Mount Chainring, MegaTooth Technology, Boost Spacing |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore, 12-Speed, SL-7100R |
| Cassette | Shimano, Deore 12-Speed, 10-51T |
| Chain | KMC X-12 Silver and Black |
| Brakes | Shimano MT420, 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc Brake, 203mm Rotor Type: Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano MT4100 Hydraulic Lever, I-Spec EV Compatible |
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, 29mm Inner, Sleeved Joint, Disc Specific, 32H, Tubeless Compatible |
|---|---|
| Front Hub | Shimano HF-MT410B, 110x15mm, Centerlock |
| Rear Hub | Shimano HB-MT410B, 148x12mm, Centerlock, Microspline Freehub Body |
| Tires | Maxxis Assegai, 27.5x2.5", 3C MAXX TERRA, EXO, Tubeless Compatible |
First added December 23
Last updated April 6
Not listed for 1,868 days