Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices
Today’s Deals2022 Marin
San Quentin 3
A 27.5″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with upper mid-range components.
Compare the full range
Manufacturer Price
$2,239| 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 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."
NSMBFeedback?
View all reviews
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!
Sept 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 for the price
MicroShift drivetrain is best shifting and most durable option below Shimano Deore
Tektro brakes are reliable and easy-to-bleed
Marin-branded i29 rims and handlebar are solid choices found on higher-priced models
Confidence-inspiring handling on blue and purple trails
Forgiving geometry for less experienced riders
Easy to set up tubeless
Cheap crankset (dropped chain twice)
Basic coil SR Suntour fork lacks adjustability and weight savings
Vee Rubber tires lack traction and support for aggressive riding
No dropper post included
Size range lacks XS and XXL
Reach could be longer, stack could be higher
Chainstays not size-specific (425mm on all sizes)
Not suitable for black or double-black trails without upgrades
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 |
|---|---|
| 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 | Vee Tire Co Attack HPL, 27.5x2.5", Top 40 Tubeless Compatible |
First added 8 June
Last updated 30 November
Not listed for 202 days