2021 Marin San Quentin 1 and San Quentin 24 First Look and Test Ride 

Thanks for your nice message Armando! That’s awesome to hear about you and your dad going on diving and outdoor adventures. Appreciate it and be safe

@@BikingRoots You are welcome , brother .

Thanks for the comment, yeah I agree they are good looking! Hope people have fun on them

Thanks, appreciate the comment. Yeah he had fun coming out with me and helping. Yeah more people showed up on the way out but we went when it was super hot! Still fun. Take care

Thanks! Yeah I think so too

Oh no way! That’s sweet. Maybe we will see him out there! More trails being built past the jumps. Take care

Thanks for the comment and that’s awesome man. Do it! It’s fun but can get stressful when people are depending on you, problems happen, and you have to brainstorm and be creative. Totally worth it though!

Thanks

It’s definitely very stressful for bike shops during Covid

Congrats on the new san quentin! Yeah with the 1x9 drivetrain and the beefy frame it does feel nice for the price. Hope you enjoy it

Hey guys! Thanks for your comment! Yeah they are pretty sweet. Sadly, only one color this year. Ok, I’ll tell Garrett! Take care you guys and see you soon

Thanks for the opinion, yea I agree as well!

The last upgrade I did was a Rockshox Recon which was around $350 I believe. You need a new tapered headset so plan on another $60 for that. Sometimes you can find Manitous or even Suntour Raidons for less.

Thanks! I will tell him, he will appreciate that! We all need to ride again soon

Right on, thanks for the vote!

Sweet, congrats man! Hope you like it.

@@BikingRoots love it man. Amazing deal!

Oh awesome, congrats to your son! It’s a sweet bike. Ahh... that makes sense, good to know, thanks for letting me know!

Awesome! Congrats on the new ride and upgrades! Hope you have fun with it. Thanks for the comment

How good it the suspension bro?

@@arturo_garza_4069 Its good for a newby or intermediate (like me). I am hesitant to go on a hard drop. The coil is bit stiff. The lock out works good. I live in desert/mountain area and the trails are a bit rocky. hardest trail ridden (once) has been a black diamond.

How did u order it....through a bike shop or straight off there website

@@theoutdoorsman5727 ordered through a bike shop in NE Florida

Nice! Congrats! You’ll love it. We haven’t received any SQ 2s yet but just got our 1st SQ3 yesterday so hopefully they are coming soon. Take care

@@BikingRoots right on man thx

@@BikingRoots Would be great if it was reviewed on the trail and compared to the other two! Once again, great video!

Agreed!

Thans! Appreciate it!

@@BikingRoots You're welcome :) maybe you would enjoy to watch my riding videos too! 🤘

Oh nice! Yeah, it can be fun when it isn’t all washed out lol

@@BikingRoots i am looking for a Marin SQ1 Large frame, cant find them locally!!! is driving me crazy! HOU TX

What color are you looking for? I have 1 large san quentin 1 left in the silver/charcoal color. Let me know!

@@BikingRoots preferably blue, but ill take the grey one of you have it

@@BikingRoots how do i pay you? it is 27.5 right? all of them are to my knowledge, and can you install a cushcore or minesweeper on the real tire and turn it tubeless at the rear? i have the cushcore and themine sweeper at home

Coil shocks can be good and effective on higher end forks for the guys doing huge jumps. On the lesser bikes, it is less expensive to manufacturer. Only the teal/pink color has the light tan sidewalls. The silver and the other trims have just black sidewalls

Sorry, yeah we had a couple come through the shop but they were pre-sold and so I didn’t have a chance to get on one to ride. The color is sweet though, has a bit of a color shift grey and green going on. Hopefully I can get one soon. Stay tuned

It was a medium in the video. For me it feels a bit small BUT I have a longer torso and shorter legs. I prefer the size of the large for me at 5’8 so for your height you probably would too UNLESS you just want a small bike to throw around. If that is the case, go medium

@@BikingRoots same here, I’m 5’9 and thinking of getting large next year. My skill level is coming into intermediate so I will stay on fast flowing trail first. Just like to have stable bike to go down hill. If you like to whip the bike wicked cornering them medium - might be the way to go.

i have this bike and just to let you know its listed by marin as a teal and pink. my favourite colour scheme

@@mitch_st1809 Awesome colour scheme 🤘🚲

Good question. Yes, it would be a fun bike on normal trails as well as the bike parks. Most trail bikes are getting more aggressive head tube angles anyways so I think you’ll be fine with what you want to use it for. Good luck!

@@BikingRoots Thanks a lot for the answer ! After looking around i think i'm gonna settle for a bigger bike, meaning longer chainstay & 29" wheels since i like riding fast and smooth trails ! Cheers

Ha! Yeah some love it, some hate it!

Thanks, sorry for late reply. You can tape them and make them tubeless with a presta valve and a screw adapter (to secure it from play since it has shrader size hole in rim). Good luck!

@@BikingRoots Awesome video! Can you go tubeless on the Marin San Quentin 24’s stock tires? I believe they come with “Vee Tire Crown Gem, 24x2.6”, Wire Bead.”

@@iflores79 Hello, thanks for the question. You'd technically have to go to tubeless tires (maxxis maxes some that I've used on some of kid's bikes). You'd also need to tape the rims, add tubeless valve, and sealant. You should be good to go after that

Great question that I need to find out the answer to. My first reaction would be no because compared to the Hawk Hill 1 which they state is upgradeable to boost and comes with spacers on the end of the axle, the San Quentin does not unfortunately. I’ll investigate further though

The Rift Zone was a size Large and the Hawk Hill was a small.

I would think very soon. We’ve received a few but I’m hoping in the next few weeks we will see more

Thanks for your comment. Yeah the fork is super heavy and I agree you’ll want to change it. If you are considering a dropper as well than I would consider the San Quentin 2 since it has the Recon, thru axle in the back, and a dropper. As far as a size, I’m 5’8 as well and I actually prefer the large in the San Quentins. The reach is better for me (I have a longer torso and shorter legs). Unless however you guys want a smaller bike that you can throw around, then the medium will work. If you are able, I’d go pedal at least one of the sizes around to decide. Hope it helps and good luck!

@@BikingRoots Yeah I think I would prefer a shorter cockpit on the medium. Do you by any chance know the inside diameter of the rims it comes with, doesn't seem to be any info about them.

Sorry, I do not yet. Need to throw it on a scale. Will do it soon

@@BikingRoots thanks very much

Haha! I know, I haven’t been either and I think it is starting to die off but you still see them every now and then and I apparently like them for some reason!

@@BikingRoots First of all, thanks for a great video! Secondly, does the the tan color fade over time, or with tubeless sealant leaks? I find it has a beautiful retro look.

Thanks for the questions. I think he only weighs like 55 lb or so. I believe we did like 40psi so not much at all. Yes we went with a manitou markhor 26” 100mm travel. It slacked it out but has been fun and much easier for him to get the front wheel off. Similar to judy in my opinion. Dont think they have a judy air 26 or i would buy a bunch since they should be cheaper than manitou

@@BikingRoots thanks for the info. We're actually looking at that exact Manitou as an upgrade to our kiddo's 24" bike.

Thanks, unfortunately I do not believe it is. It is a different setup than what they have on the Hawk Hill (which they state is upgradeable and comes with spacers for the frame). The San Quentin 1 did not have the spacers and just had a normal quick release mount so not sure how it could work. I’ll double check though

It is a medium. Fits a little small for me at 5’8. But if you want a smaller bike then it could work or go for the large if you want to stretch out a bit more

@@BikingRoots Amazing how everyone prefers different sizes. I'm 5'11" and returned a large SQ3 for a medium! No crazy ape index or anything either (arm span is 6')

@@Eric-md7lz yes, very interesting. I think if you want to easy manuever aggressive going corners and likes the bike to whip and throw them around then, medium would be the size to go but if you want just stable in rough terrain and sensible in corner then I think go for large. This just my honest opinion. I think...

Thanks for your comment and so sorry for the delayed response. Hmm, I would say geometry wise if you want a more aggressive headtube angle and shorter chain stays, then the SQ1 would be an advantage. The drivetrain and brakes would be close to similar. Your bobcat 5 has a better Rockshox Silver fork than the XCM Suntour that comes on the SQ 1. I wouldn’t upgrade the new Bobcat 5, I’d probably keep what I have for now and save up for a San Quentin 2 (like $450 more or so). Have fun in Lancashire and hope it gets a bit warmer! Take care

@@BikingRoots Yeah think the SQ2 is a better option. Don’t think anywhere has any stock till March/April 2021 unfortunately. But I’m keeping an eye out. Bobcats still running strong so not in a rush. Unfortunately it’s not stopped raining for three days. Yellow weather warning for heavy rain and flooding till Monday morning ☹️

Yeah, we hear that a lot! Some people love it and others not so much! At least there were two options

@@BikingRoots very true...

Nice congrats! It depends what crankset you are looking to do honestly since diameters will very. Recently I’ve used Shimano, FSA, generics, SRAM DUB, they all fell about the same, DUB feeling maybe a bit smoother and higher quality (for $38). To go to DUB though, you’ll need a DUB crankset (which we’ve done a few on San Quentins and work great).

@@BikingRoots thanks for your very helpful advice Mate, with Regards to Dub, is there a specific BB that I need to look for? Measurements and everything?

Just look for the DUB English threaded (spacing is for either 68/73mm wide) San Quentin is 73 I believe and you just need the 4.5mm spacer on the drive side outer. No inner spacers from my memory

Sorry for the delayed response, crazy busy this week. I will have my wife measure my son since I’m at the shop right now and get back to you. He’s 10 now but is short for his age. He was just over 8 when he went to his 24” bike (an old Cannondale) and it was big on him then but it had gears and he made it work and had fun.

Just heard back. He is currently 54” or 4’6

My boy is 54” or so. He is shorter compared to other kids his age though so a 24” could work but if you can get a XS, then it may be more future proof. We just got in a Marin Hawk Hill Jr 24 which can be changed to a 26” so he should be good for a few years but being full suspension it is a much higher price point. I’ve heard good things about Mammoth and hope to go some day. Good luck and have fun!

@@BikingRoots awesome vid, could the San Quentin Jr also pull off 26” wheels?

Greetings Singapore! Thanks for the comment, sorry for the delayed response. The San Quentin 1 has 120, the 2 and 3 have 130mm. I’ve had customers throw a 140 on them and like it. I’d say you are safe 10-20 mm above stock (I wouldn’t go more than 140 personally). Makes a slack bike super slack and raises your BB so may throw of the handling.

@@BikingRoots Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated. 🤟🏻

Nice, congrats! Depending on your budget. The Rockshox Recon is the most affordable option in the $265-375 range. If you want or are able to up your budget the Rockshox Revelation or Marzocchi Z2 are also good options in the $515 or so range. I'd also consider maybe looking for some takeoff forks in your local area or on pinkbike or ebay. Sometimes you can get them for way cheap and they are brand new or lightly ridden. Keep in mind you'll need to change out the lower bearings since it uses a reducer crown race for the straight steerer fork to a tapered head tube. You can just do the lower bearings or if you want, just buy a new fsa z headset and get better cleaner performance. Good luck!

@@BikingRoots Awesome Thank you! I did find a rockshox sektor but it's 15x110 mm boost and 130mm travel and 51mm offset would that work it says 27.5/29

Thanks for the question. It depends I’d say on the style of riding he is doing honestly. Even if he grows a couple inches but likes to jump and have a smaller bike he can throw around, he may stay on the 24 for a while. If he’s doing longer rides though and more trail riding than jumping, I’d say a couple more inches and he may start to outgrow it. You’ll know when you are starting to get close to the max on the seat post or he just looks hunched over on it. Unfortunately I’m short and so my boys will probably be short too! He’s 11 now and still has some growing to do before we move him to a small or xs 27.5 bike. We have him on the Rift Zone Jr 24 right now which is nice because it can be upgraded to 26” wheels so as soon as he gets a bit taller, we’ll swap them out. Hope it helps some. Good luck!

Thank you for responding. I appreciate your opinion.

It has an 11-46t cassette so you are looking at a 418% range. Is that what you were looking for?

Oh awesome, yeah it is a sweet bike. Weighs just over 29lbs with the plastic pedals. Not bad but it is tough

@@BikingRoots thank you so much for that info. Hoping my local Marin dealer has em in stock soon.

@@BikingRoots The 24" version weighs 29lbs? That can't be right?

We unfortunately can’t ship per Marin policy, but there are lots of other online dealers that can ship. If you are in Houston area though, come see me or visit our website to see what we have. Thanks!

Yeah, it looks good. We had a couple last week but they sold quick. Check out our instagram @bikingroots for some photos. It isn’t a chrome finish but a silver with a gloss clear coat. It isn’t matte

Thanks man will do

Thanks, yeah it looks pretty good. Not to my knowledge. You may be able to squeeze one up front and go mullet style but I don’t think the back has enough room. I’d say ride that one until they fit on a small adult San Quentin

Fork is ok for beginners who may not know what other forks feel like. For me I notice the weight and the performance right away and if it was my bike, would change it out ASAP if I had time and the cash of course

I like them a lot and I have confidence that it can take some abuse. It isn’t the lightest thing out there but in this case that’s a good thing because it’s build to be a lot tougher than your average hardtail

Not that I know of right there. Your best bet is probably to drop in to Sugarland Trails down South, Anthills to your East, or Bridgeland up to your North

@@BikingRoots thanks dude I’m new to Texas so I’m trying to find some spots to ride.

Nice, glad you like it. Yeah it sure does have that 80s-90s vibe! Yes it is upgradeable to 130 and yes if you are going to upgrade anything on it I’d go with probably a Rockshox Recon or if you are able to find a Manitou or maybe a good Suntour Air fork. It will need to be a tapered head tube and boost thru axle. Also, will need to upgrade the headset to a tapered headset (go sealed) since it comes with a loose ball reducer headset and not tapered. Good luck

@@BikingRoots Thank you so much for useful and detailed answer!

Medium frame

Ha! Nice

130mm

Specs say 120 for the 1 and then 130 for the 2 and the 3. The 1 looks a bit more but haven’t measured it exactly

Haven’t weighed it yet, sorry! She isn’t light but she is tough. I’ll weigh soon and post

I would agree with you there. I wish they would offer more color options as well. I guess to reduce costs they have to stick with one or two colors depending on the model. Maybe in the future they can have some other options. We shall see

Medium frame and I’m 5’8. I prefer the large personally but have a longer torso

@@BikingRoots nice I’m 5,11 you think large would be the size for me ?

Large would fit nicely. Xl probably a bit too big

@@BikingRoots was thinking maybe medium but unsure how much of a jump in size to a large it is

Just over 29lbs. Not too light but could be heavier and it is built very tough to handle some abuse

@@BikingRoots ty

@@BikingRoots from any like "best kids bike" thing i can find online, their #1 concern always seems to be weight, and 29lbs is like adult bike weight for a lot of bikes. but then in those same reviews, the ones they say go for still weigh 25-27lbs. it kind of makes my head spin... is 2-4 lbs really going to make that much difference? seems like 46t low gear would help making the climbs easier regardless of weight. i'm looking at this one and the nukeproof cub scout 24 (27lbs). nukeproof only goes 42t. is that weight difference completely pointless???

Currently no. We have a bunch on order with a pretty long waiting list for them. If you are local, contact us and we can add you. Thanks

5’8”. Med is a bit small for me, large feels about right but I have shorter legs and longer torso

The Teal/pink color combo comes with the light tan sidewalls, the charcoal does not, just black

@@BikingRoots thankyou

Sorry for the delay! Yes of course come on by if you still need it

Yup, I hear ya. That’s why I mentioned the Bayview Trail which runs $440 is perfectly fine for “most” kids. There are some out there though that need a more performance because they are competing and want to keep doing it for a while. Yeah, it can be tough to budget bikes for all the kiddos at each stage! Take care

Biking Roots yeah I get the competing thing if the kids are getting more advanced

Ha! I like it but I like bright colors. Some of our customers like it and others don’t.