Marin San Quentin Hardtail Review: The Good Life Behind Bars | 2024 Value Bike Field Test

Review - With its dirt jump-inspired geometry backed up by a solid spec choice, the Marin San Quentin promises to be a riot on the trails. How did it handle the wet trails of Squamish, BC?

The 2024 Pinkbike Value Bike Field Test is supported by Ride Concepts:

More Pinkbike videos:

Hardtail Nirvana: Devinci Kobain Review | 2024 Value Bike Field Test

Revealing The 6 Bikes We Tested For The 2024 Value Bike Field Test

There's A New Generation Coming For The Top Spot | Bielsko-Biala Story of The Race With Ben Cathro

Subscribe for more content from the pulse of mountain biking.

[StreetComp]

I bought a 2023 San Quentin 2 with 27.5 wheels for $1399 as my first real mtb after quick test rides of a few hardtail bikes so I can’t really compare it but it’s been bulletproof through some hard riding and shifting. One unusual thing I really like is how low it rides, makes me feel more comfortable since trail riding is new to me

[spidah]

My 2021 Marin San Quentin 3 was, and is my first MTB, it's a fantastic way to get into the sport. It's gotten me through massive bike park jumps as well as rooty, rocky, technical trails. Definitely a perfect do it all bike. Nice to see how they've made some slight but meaningful adjustments on the new one, but I plan on riding mine till it breaks in half.

[TheDavidjakeson]

"If you're in the air, there's no bumps" - Kaz, 2024

[shreditaus]

I bought one of these and replaced my full sus and DJ bike for a single bike quiver, I’m pretty sure I got the last XL frame in Canada, couldn’t get a built kit, and the build I did I’m so happy with, agree with the poor paint quality, and chainstay protection issues. But I also can say this thing rides amazingly, I’ve got a 160mm Lyrik on at the moment and it rides brilliantly on flow, tech, rides well in the pump truck and dirt jumps, super happy for it to be my only bike for the next phase of travel in my life 🤙🏼

[GuamBombs]

I just got an SQ3(27.5) as my first bike last week so the timing of this video was awesome for me, lol. Stoked to hear great things about it, makes me feel way happier about my decision. I did swap to a 50mm riser bar though, I felt a little too forward biased, grew up doing motocross so I think I’m used to a more upright position. Obviously this is personal preference but the bike feels really comfortable for me now.

[WesMacaulay]

Great review format. Having Henry voice over with the outline of the review is brilliant 🤙

[derekulrich]

I picked up the 2022 version in orange used. Hadn't ridden MTB since 2010 or so. This is such a fun bike, I have a blast every time I get out on it. Climbs fairly well, descents are a blast.

[flyfreak]

Henry, Dario, and Mike?? The monotone holy trinity 😍 😍 😍

[jackmast]

I absolutely love my San Quentin for all of these reasons, it’s the only bike I own and it’s great for jump lines/flow as well as making trail rides really fun and playful. My main complaint is the weight, which feels heavy for a hardtail. However I do have the previous model in the lower trim level (2), so component spec may play into the weight.

[bxmario]

Have the 27.5 version and threw a lyrik ultimate 160mm on it but took off the heavy assegi tires for some faster rolling tires and the bike is a blast. Super low seat tube lets you throw a 200mm dropper so you have a ton of room. This bike is just as fun as my dual suspension.

[vrwgqq]

huge win for Marin, great company that has for years has provided great fun at a great value.

nothing about this is DJ geo lol. Its more enduro, all mountain - I know, I own both a la bomba and a rootdown but glad to hear it is designed with a higher bb to to be poppy, light and efficient, while supple. Kinda amazing for alu.

Looks like a great frame to build off of - maybe the most well rounded hardtail in the market?

In actuality, I wish this was more of a common option... as I don't know how many OEM bars, stems, grips, wheel sets, etc, get tossed out the minute the bike is purchased.

With this having such a steep seat tube angle (77) which is INSANE on a hardtail, I believe it's built to add 10->20MM more fork in the front, just need to be careful to find one that has good progression so you don't end up like a stapler. - Me? I'd go with a fox 36 or Lyrik, which isn't going to give you the arm pump/fatigue that a zeb/38 will.

[noodleheadable]

Got one last year in 27.5 wheels. Swapped the rear tyre to an Aggressor. Fun as

[auomauom]

i have the 2022 model with the 65 degree headtube. it's definitely a do it all bike. the frame compliant is pretty damn stiff imo, and not something you'd want ride for too long.

[paests]

How does it handle compared to the 2022 San Quentin given the change in frame geometry?

[debayan]

Why is the white colour version looks so different from the red ? It almost appears that the white has the least head angle than the red also, the top tube looks more straight downwards than the red .

[johnykryll]

Wish the guy with the glasses would clear his damn throat.

[ish]

I almost bought one when they were still 27.5 but I couldn't find the tan black colorway. I still keep my eye out for those frames.

[scstinger]

I have the 2023 27.5 version of this bike and never really liked it as it always felt so slow and harsh. So I put some faster rolling tires on it and got rid of the god awful Maxxis Assegai’s! Now I absolutely love the bike and I never ride my full suspension anymore lol!

[brianpeterson]

The biggest question is... What's under the black tape on Dario's laptop?

[hardmtnbiker]

I think people “under-value” what a hardtail is capable of doing on aggressive trails. Especially when you put beefy tires that are 2.5 or 2.6 with Cushcore or some other insert to add compression and take off the edge.