Marin San Quentin 1 Review
- Price: $999
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Vee Tire Co. Flow Snap, 27.5×2.6″
- Gear: 1×9
What we like about it: The overall configuration and price are perfect for beginners for trail riding.
What we don’t like about it: The 1×9 shifting range may not meet the needs of some riders.
Rating: (4.6/5)
As an off-road rider, who wouldn’t want to ride a cool-looking bike in the wilderness? That’s the charm of adventure, and the Marin San Quentin 1 can fulfill people’s dreams. It’s a hardtail mountain bike with an impressive appearance, and I’m looking forward to its performance during rides.
Now, let’s analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Marin San Quentin 1, as well as compare it with other versions. At the end of the review, we’ll also compare it to several other top bike models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Marin San Quentin 1 is an exceptional hardtail mountain bike that performs exceptionally well during off-road rides. To test it out, I bought a plane ticket and booked a hotel at Beech Mountain Bike Park.
At the park, I chose the Black Bear Upper trail, which spans 1,306 feet and has a continuous downhill slope with a 289-foot elevation drop. The trail consists of grassy sections, forested areas, and mostly dirt and gravel surfaces. Additionally, there are some longer undulating sections that put the front fork to the test. All in all, these challenges made for an exciting ride.
Off-Road Riding
I must admit, the microSHIFT RD-M9195M performed smoothly, allowing me to adjust the gears to different ratios for optimal riding speed on different terrains.
While descending, as an experienced rider, I adjusted my posture and shifted my weight back to prevent accidents. I continuously adjusted the hydraulic disc brake’s braking force to maintain a speed that wasn’t too fast or too slow, ensuring both adventure and safety.
Next came the uphill and jumping sections, which truly tested my balancing skills. I stood up, adjusted the Marin Mini-Riser to the lowest gear ratio, and powered through the inclines.
In the air, the Marin MTN grips helped me maintain a firm grip on the Marin Mini-Riser handlebar. I shifted my weight back and immediately adjusted my posture to absorb the impact. The 130mm suspension greatly reduced the impact, allowing for impressive jumps.
Ahead was a twisty and winding path. I controlled the Marin Mini-Riser handlebar and, with my experience, maneuvered through each turn, finding the optimal points of exertion at every entry point. I completed each corner with confidence, thanks to the Marin San Quentin 1.
Is that all?
The Marin MTN grips have comfortable grooves that provide a secure hold without causing hand fatigue from vibrations or injuries from friction. Additionally, the Marin Speed Concept saddle is designed for comfort, ensuring minimal pressure and reduced squeezing in sensitive areas while seated.
Furthermore, the bike is equipped with Vee Tire Co. Flow Snap tires. With their Top40 compound, they offer excellent traction and grip, improving rolling efficiency and providing exceptional cornering performance. I enjoyed a comfortable ride on various terrains and had no worries about slipping during turns.
Specification
The Marin San Quentin 1 is an excellent off-road bike with a 2 Series aluminum frame featuring a tapered headtube, 3D-forged dropouts, IS brake mounts, and semi-internal cable routing. It’s a sturdy bike with a sleek appearance.
Furthermore, it’s equipped with a 1×9 microSHIFT RD-M9195M rear derailleur, providing smooth gear shifting. It also has 130mm of front travel, offering good suspension performance.
The Vee Tire Co. Flow Snap tires provide powerful traction and grip, allowing riders to tackle challenging terrains with ease.
Video
Other Versions
After multiple tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike, and it proves to be an outstanding hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have specific requirements for performance or components. Therefore, we conducted further research on similar bikes.
Marin San Quentin 2
The San Quentin 2 features a RockShox 35 Silver fork, which has better damping than the Suntour XCM fork on the San Quentin 1. However, the RockShox 35 Silver fork has excellent rebound adjustment.
Additionally, the Quentin 2 is equipped with a 1×11 drivetrain, offering a wider gear range and smoother shifting compared to the 1×9 drivetrain of Quentin 1. It also has 140mm front travel, providing slightly better suspension performance than the 130mm of the Quentin 1.
Furthermore, the seatpost of the Marin San Quentin 2 has a dropper, allowing for seatpost height adjustment to avoid leg contact during standing acceleration. On the other hand, the seatpost of San Quentin 1 is rigid.
Moreover, it has a larger Stack/Reach Ratio of 1.36, providing better extension and a more comfortable riding experience. Therefore, if you prioritize a more comfortable ride, the Marin San Quentin 1 is highly suitable for you. If you desire stronger suspension performance, the Marin San Quentin 2 would be a better choice.
What do we like about it?
- The overall configuration and price make it ideal for beginners in off-road riding.
- The 2 Series aluminum frame with semi-internal cable routing is sturdy and visually appealing.
- The relaxed headtube angle combined with the steep seat tube angle provides a great climbing and descending experience.
- The outstanding DJ-style appearance is sure to appeal to more riders.
What don’t we like about it?
- The 1×9 gear range may not meet the needs of some riders.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Marin San Quentin 1 can be ridden well by both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the braking system of this bike?
It has a Tektro M275 Hydraulic disc braking system.
- How many color options are available for this bike?
It comes in Gloss Grey / Black/blue and Gloss Tan / Black/red color options.
- How to choose the right size?
The size chart is as follows:
These sizes are only general guidelines and the true fit may vary from person to person. The easiest way to find your size is best to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | LG |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | All New Series 2 6061 Aluminum, Double Butted Frame, Internal Cable Routing, 141mm Open Dropout, 73mm Threaded BBBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, ThreadedColors: Gloss Grey / Black/blue; Gloss Tan / Black/red |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCM34 Boost 15x110mm Spacing, 130mm Travel, Coil Spring, 27.5″, Bolt-On Thru-Axle |
| 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 |
| Pedals | Nylon Platform |
| Grips | Marin MTN, Closed End |
Groupset
| 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, 1×9 with Bearings |
| Cassette | SunRace, 9 Speed, 11-46T |
| Chain | KMC X-9 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Tektro M275 Hydraulic |
Wheels
| Rims | Marin Aluminum Double Wall, Disc Specific, 29mm Inner, Pinned Joint, 32H, Tubeless Compatible |
| Front Hub | Forged Alloy, 110x15mm, Sealed Cartridge Bearing, Disc, 32H |
| Rear Hub | Forged Alloy, Quad Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Alloy Axle, QR type, 141mm Width, Disc, 32H, Shimano Standard Freehub Body |
| Tires | Vee Tire Co. Flow Snap, 27.5×2.6″, MPC Compound, Wire Bead |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Cannondale Habit HT 2 | Click View | (F) WTB Vigilante, 29×2.5″ (R) WTB Vigilante, 29×2.4″ | 1×10 | Aluminum | MicroSHIFT Advent X |
| GT Avalanche Expert | Click View | Vittoria Barzo, 27.5/29 x 2.25″ | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Nukeproof Scout 275 Race | Click View | Schwalbe Magic Mary, Snakeskin, TL Easy, Addix Soft, 27.5×2.6” | 1×10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Canyon Stoic 2 | Click View | Schwalbe Hans Dampf 2.35″ | 1×10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
Marin San Quentin 1 vs Cannondale Habit HT 2
The Cannondale Habit HT 2 features 29″ wheels, providing better traction. On the other hand, the Marin San Quentin 1 has 27.5″ wheels, which offer greater maneuverability.
The Cannondale Habit HT 2 is equipped with a dropper seatpost, allowing for a lowered seat height when standing up for acceleration, preventing leg interference with the seat.
Furthermore, the Cannondale Habit HT 2 has a 1×10 drivetrain. Compared to the 1×9 drivetrain on the Marin San Quentin 1, the former offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting.
So, if you prefer smoother shifting, the Cannondale Habit HT 2 is well-suited for you. If you prioritize a more versatile wheel size, the Marin San Quentin 1 would better meet your needs.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Habit 4 A Good Bike? [Cannondale Habit 4 Review]
Marin San Quentin 1 vs GT Avalanche Expert
The GT Avalanche Expert offers only 120mm of front travel, which provides slightly less suspension effect compared to the 130mm front travel of the Marin San Quentin 1.
However, the GT Avalanche Expert features a 1×12 drivetrain. In contrast to the 1×9 drivetrain of the Marin San Quentin 1, the GT Avalanche Expert offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting.
However, it’s worth noting that the GT Avalanche Expert is nearly $400 more expensive than the Marin San Quentin 1. So, if you have a limited budget and prioritize better suspension performance, I would recommend the Marin San Quentin 1. If you prioritize smoother shifting, the GT Avalanche Expert would be a better choice for you.
Learn More: Is GT Avalanche Sport Worth Buying? [GT Avalanche Sport Review]
Marin San Quentin 1 vs Nukeproof Scout 275 Race
The Nukeproof Scout 275 Race offers superior suspension performance with its 140mm front travel and a wider gear range and smoother shifting with its 1×10 drivetrain. However, the Marin San Quentin 1 provides Nylon Platform pedals, which offer convenience to riders as they don’t need to search for suitable pedals after purchasing the bike.
Additionally, the Nukeproof Scout 275 Race has a Stack/Reach Ratio of 1.37, which is larger than the 1.36 Stack/Reach Ratio of the Marin San Quentin 1. A larger Stack/Reach Ratio provides better flexibility for riders and a more comfortable riding experience.
Therefore, if you prioritize a more comfortable ride, the Nukeproof Scout 275 Race would better suit your needs. If you prefer a one-stop solution without the need for additional purchases, I would recommend the Marin San Quentin 1.
Learn More: Is Nukeproof Dissent 275 RS Splendid? – [Nukeproof Dissent 275 RS Review]
Marin San Quentin 1 vs Canyon Stoic 2
The Canyon Stoic 2 offers two wheel size options: 27.5″ and 29″. The 29″ wheels provide better rollover capability, while the 27.5″ wheels offer more agility. Having both wheel size options gives riders more choices.
Additionally, the Canyon Stoic 2 features an excellent 1×10 drivetrain and superior suspension performance with its 140mm front travel. It also has a larger Stack/Reach Ratio and head tube angle, providing a more comfortable riding experience and greater maneuverability.
However, if you’re a beginner, I would consider the Marin San Quentin 1 to be a suitable choice both in terms of price and performance as you transition to the next level.
In summary, if you prioritize a more comfortable ride and want the option of different wheel sizes, I would recommend the Canyon Stoic 2. If budget is a concern, the Marin San Quentin 1 would be a better fit.
Learn More: Is Canyon Stoic 2 Worth Buying? [Canyon Stoic 2 Review]
Summary
Above is our review of the Marin San Quentin 1. This excellent hardtail mountain bike offers a great riding experience for off-road cycling.
Considering the factors mentioned above, we have given it a high score of 4. If you’d like to explore more bike information, feel free to check out our other reviews.
Lastly, if you enjoy our content, please share it with your friends. If our content has been helpful to you, you can subscribe by clicking the email subscription button below.
