First Look at the All New 2023 Marin San Quentin: beSPOKE ep. 1

The Marin San Quentin has been a bike I've wanted to love ever since I bought the first generation SQ1 back in 2020. Sadly, however, there were several small factors in the frame design that I just couldn't get behind and eventually sold the bike a year later. But the story doesn't end there! Marin has once again partnered with slopestyle legend Matt Jones and together they have completely revamped the San Quentin, bringing it up to and beyond the modern standard for aggressive hardtails. Could this be your next bike? Watch the video to find out!!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:46 San Quentin Background
03:30 2023 San Quentin Geometry
07:47 2023 San Quentin Complete Bikes
12:15 Is it right for you?
#marinsanquentin #hardcorehardtail #hardtailmtb

[@compasteedee]

As someone who is from the PNW who is should for choice of amazing bike companies, Marin is my favorite bike manufacturer outside of my corner of the world. The changes on this bike are well done and make this bike even more amazing.

[@BenYorkeMrHardtail]

looks epic! I'm buying this 100P!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@MichalSzul]

Rear stiffness does not depend on axle clamping system but hub itself. If internal axle and hub construction would be stiff then with QR clamping system it would also be stiff. The only downside to QR in my opinion is necessity to reposition brake caliper every time you remove the wheel as this kind of wheel mounting introduce variance in wheel position every time it is installed.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That definitely seems to make sense, but I believe there’s quite a few studies showing otherwise. I think my biggest complaint with the 141QR standard is how hard it is to find replacement hubs if/when you damage the wheel

[@MichalSzul]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy that is a long topic ;) Just take a look at hub cross section to see what is real axle there. Then you will understand that those kind of "studies" are there to sell you stuff by making you belive that your old stuff is not good anymore.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha alright, I appreciate the input, I’ll definitely look into it!

[@b17derpy]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendyMost high end hub manufacturers (DT, Industry Nine, Onyx to name a few) have end caps you can change out. Since 141xQR is boost, all you have to do is order 12mm thru axle end caps and swap them with the QR end caps. Just make sure said hub manufacturer actually makes hubs that can do that, but the name brands usually do. So when ordering new wheels, just look for a 148 wheel with hubs that have changeable end caps and you’re golden.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

True, hope does as well! But for a rider on a budget (as I’m guessing most SQ1 buyers are) being forced to buy from a handful of high-end manufacturers is a bummer

[@jurisx85]

Yeah, I started saving for this bike the minute I heard about it’s release. It looks awsome. I do prefer 65 hta, though but no complaints.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I agree, you could always reduce the travel by 10 mm, but then you’d loose the starch increase

[@killgates9890]

This is perfect for the right kind of flex for bunnyhop and jumps

[@bxmario]

I've been on my 2021 sq1 over forked with a 160 lyrik ultimate and now thanks to this video 😂 just ordered the sq3 frame for only 549, swapping all the parts. Now I can run a longer dropper. Looking forward to the short seat tube, had a few bad cases with the sq1 frame

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’ll be sick!!! Just keep in mind you’ll need a new back wheel, or at least hub, to fit the new frame

[@bxmario]

Yeah good point. Looking at a decent wheelset/hubs with more engagement points than the old sq1 wheels for sure. Thanks and great review!

[@marin_bikes]

Awesome

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thank you!! Hope to get on the frame one day soon 🤙

[@dc1890]

41 y/o getting my first trail bike. Going crazy of what to get for my first bike. I'm looking to learn and get into trail biking, I don't know if I can make jumps as I'm a bit old and don't want to die on the tracks... just too old to break bones but my gut keeps taking me back to the SQ1. I was told to just get a full suspension and have been looking at the T6 from Polygon. Can you please advise; will I get rekt on this bike if I'm new to mountain/trail biking? Thanks so much for your videos. Been watching your reviews.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Stoked to hear your getting into riding, welcome to the family! As you’ve probably found out by now I have a bit of a bias towards hardtails, but a big reason for that is because of the added challenge and more “raw” riding feel. But if you want to get a bike that will get you up to speed quick then your friends may be right about the FS, and the Siskiu T6 is by far the best value option! My wife is actually a BikesOnline ambassador, so if you by with this link we’ll get a small kickback 🤙 bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/ZQEA0k

[@archie68x]

Great value bike @ $2999 Au opposed to $4400 Au I paid for my Kona Honzo ESD but the Honzo is steel , upspect on components , adjustable chain stay & 29 “ wheels which makes it a more aggressive HT & perfect for the variety of riding including DH for me 😎🤟 As I said the Marin is a great value for money bike 👍👍

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I definitely agree on the upgraded spec and higher cost of steel tubing, but I actually prefer 27.5 as I like a more playful, DJ-like hardtail. The honzo is pretty dang rad though!!

[@Tannervmtb]

Fun fact on the dropper complaint. Almost every company making droppers sizes their bushings and post stanchion diameter based off the 30.9 size. So as far as I know, 31.6 posts are no stiffer or more reliable

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Interesting, that’s good to know! I’ve heard otherwise from some big-name reviewers, but maybe they were just speculating

[@h3g98fn]

The Oneup dropper v2 has a 30.9mm option that goes up to 240mm so that should be a good upgrade

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Oh nice, thanks for the info!

[@dkarleone3687]

Awesome changes to the geometry in my opinion. I was thinking of buying a Kona Honzo ESD but it’s kinda hard to beat that price on the SQ3 complete.

[@kbeightyseven1783]

Dude the honzo esd is a far better frame, alloy is not a good material for a hardtail

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Steel is definitely real haha! But if built well aluminum can be great too, just look at Commencal, Banshee, Trek, Nukeproof, and Specialized - all brands that make pretty rad aggressive hardtail, offered only in aluminum. The ESD is a great bike, but with the 65 mm BB drop and 63 degree HTA, it’s more of a plow bike than the playful San Quentin

[@kbeightyseven1783]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy unfortunately I don’t even look at them anymore, broke a chain stay on a Marin, and cracked a chainstay on a nukeproof, the problem with alloy is it will always fatigue and they can’t allow for any flex as that will just weaken it, for a hardtail aluminium is just a bad material, CrMo is so much stronger yet can be designed to be compliant with out any worries of fatigue. Aluminium is fantastic for full suspension, but the rear of a hardtail constantly vibrating is just a bad idea for alloy, big brands make them because they are cheap and easy to mass produce

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Sorry to hear that! I just finished building up my new steel frame today, video on that build should be out next week!

[@kbeightyseven1783]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy can’t wait 🤘

[@alexlamy1271]

I really love marin Sanquentin 3

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Such a rad bike, especially for the value!!

[@jamesallenmainieri]

Hope makes great wheels and their own adapters for 141, as well as the bontrager 108t rapid engagement

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I believe DT Swiss and Qualy Wheels as well, but that’s it

[@Sergei-ph2it]

Hello! Thank you for nice and detailed video :) I'm choosing my first bike and I'm lost of how to determine which size to choose? I'm 185cm height so should it be L or XL for this bike?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

No problem man! You’re right between sizes, just like me. On the San Quentin with the short and steep seat tube I’d recommend sizing up to the XL. I’ve got a few more videos with my experience riding that on my channel, I think they’ll be helpful!

[@Sergei-ph2it]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I see, I thought of XL too. I will check other videos! Thanks😊

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

No problem! And if you end up buying it would help our channel out if you purchase it through our affiliate link 🤙 bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/Y9DvQq

[@keken_25_pr48]

I Have a 2022) St Quentin 1 since last summer my progress riding this bike got me stoke. As a 120lbs rider i don't think the QR may affect me too much. I see all the good thing on the new one and I'm kind of jealous lol but I'm fine with my do it all Small Quentin 1 👌

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Right on, glad to hear you’re stoked on! I’ve heard the seat tube height is better proportioned on the smaller frames too, so that’s good! If and when you need to replace your back wheel I know both DT Swiss and Hope make adapters so you can run their standard boost hubs with the 141 QR. I bought a universal adapter off Amazon that slid into the 12mm hub so you could run the QR axel through it. It always sketched me out a bit, and only rode it like that for about a month until my new frame arrived, but it got the job done!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Here it is if you’re ever interested: corki 12mm to 9mm 12mm to 10mm QR Adapter Thru Axle Hub Quick Release 100/135/142/148mm Bicycle Front Wheel Hub Adapter a.co/d/2xnObp5

[@keken_25_pr48]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendyoh thanks man i was looking for some upgrade on the future so i will take a look! But so far so good. Enjoy your St Quentin!

[@mloskot]

Josh, could you tell what is your height and which size of SQ 3 frame would/did you pick? Big kudos for the thorough review!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

For sure!! I’m 6’1”, 210 lbs kitted up. If you’re talking about the new frame I’d go XL; you’d still have the playfulness of the short chainstay and low seat tube, with the stability of the long front end

[@mloskot]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Thank you! I'm 5′ 10″ cm but with shorter arms and I'm wondering if I should go for L or size down to M. I'm currently on Marin Nail Trail 7 from 2017 and it is size M, but sizing has changed quite a bit with the advent of the modern geometries, I guess.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Sounds like you’re like me; right in between sizes. The medium will be a more maneuverable bike, making it easier for jumping/jibbing, and the larger will be more stable at high speed, and potentially more comfortable on longer rides

[@mloskot]

Thanks for the tip. All the best!

[@seth_867]

@@mloskotI’m the same height. I bought a 23 sq1. In a large. For me it feels perfect. The other comment was right. Get a med if you want a more nimble dirt jumper but if you want a do it all trail go for a large

[@mcmtb2519]

Great video, about to pull the trigger on a new Hardtail build. Unfortunately Marin website says "out of stock"

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, which is weird! I wonder if they’re still waiting on shipments to arrive-I can’t imagine them selling out that fast!

[@mcmtb2519]

I’m hoping they become available sooner than later. Otherwise I’m going to pick up the Roscoe 2023 Size M/L. I don’t use the bottle cage that’s on the post. Already measured that I could put a 170 dropper into it if I need. But like you, I treat my Hardtail like a BMX, really appreciate how low I can drop my seat on that new SQ 3

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Right on! Another option I’d recommend then is the Nukeproof Scout. It’s closer to the San Quentin in geometry and has 27.5” wheels, which if you’re looking for a more playful fee makes a pretty big difference in my opinion. They offer 4 different build options, ranging from $1,600-$3,800. Here’s the link: us.nukeproof.com/collections/hardtail?wheel_size=Wheel+Size%3A+27.5%22

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

As of right now Nukeproof lists these as out of stock as well, but seeing as they’ve been on the market for a while I’m sure you could find some good used options

[@SharrodVisuals]

Is it possible to get the San Quentin 1 and upgrade to the marzocchi bomber z2 fork on the San Quentin 3 for the extra travel down the track? Or is it incompatible. Thanks

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Definitely comparable! The frames can accept up to a 150 mm fork

[@scubby1080]

With the new geo, do you think would be a good trail bike, even if I'm not doing a lot of jumps?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

If you’re looking to do more aggressive trail/enduro riding I think it’d be great!! It might be a bit much for me general trail riding; the 64 degree HTA and burly Maxxis Assegai tires it’s speced with are definitely more suited for steep, fast terrain

[@ekims_echoes]

To say that the SQ1 frame is "essentially useless" is a bit of hyperbole because it's absolutely a worthwhile bike even with that QR 141. That said, I don't understand why they didn't do the same treatment with the SQ1 as they did with the Rift Zone 1 that can be converted form QR to thru axle.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s fair, I was definitely exaggerating the point. Still a great bike and one of the few (I’d only) truly aggressive hardtails you can get for less than $1,000. Just a bummer that the frame isn’t as future proof as it could have been

I think you can upgrade the 141qr to a 148 throu axle set up. They had the same set up on some Rift Zones (might been another model). You just bought a new hanger and a new insert on the brake side. 141qr is just 148 with different endcaps.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Interesting, sadly can’t do that on the San Quentin as the dropout is welded to the frame. I did run an axel adapter on mine for about a month when a bought a new wheel, before getting on my new frame. It worked but I was always a little nervous haha

[@Shred_Tube]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy The Rift Zone has welded dropouts too, you just need to change the hub and end caps i believe

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

True, I thought he meant there was an adapter for the frame/dropouts

[@mellissanash7517]

Do a video like this for the Kona Unit and Marin El Roy please.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Great idea, I’ll see what I can do!!

[@mellissanash7517]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Thank you!

[@mtbboy1993]

0:16 I see what you mean with the seat tube and top tube. Way too high, for some reason some brands keep having worse standover height on bigger bikes. I did not look up the other sizes. but if I were to buy one I would have. you definitely made the right choice by selling it. I hope the weird top tube and seat tube thing brands do on some sizes will end, aim for short seat tube, low stand over. I think Marin did a mistake, they just worked with the ridder on one size, got that dialed for him, then other sizes were compromised. They should add a normal brake mount instead of flat mount. also replaceable barrel nuts, so you can replace them, and won't ruin threads in the brake mount posts on the frame. But this is a rare feature, only few bike brands have it, and only few big brands did it on just few bikes. Nicolai has done it for years. Cube did it on a XC bike once, but they don't anymore.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

They’re actually post mount brakes, just mounted inside the rear triangle

[@mtbboy1993]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy yea but still not optimal. but I guess it's less exposed.

[@arthurarsekey6634]

Have a Titus Loco Moto titanium hardtail which looks identical shape to that - 77 degree seat angle, 62 degree head and 150 mm travel fork. It rides better than my full suss in every department.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice! Those look so rad, and such a great value for a titanium bike!

[@arthurarsekey6634]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy best mountain bike I have ever ridden

[@TrailFeatures]

The 141qr drops make *no sense* when Marin already solved this problem with the Riftzone 1 where they have a thread in adapter that converts a 148 dropout to a 141. Like, just use that.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s cool! Didn’t know that was the case, thanks for letting me know!

[@josehurtado7822]

I know you have a rsd middle child ( or am I wrong ?😂) I ready like your video (thank you) and I would like to know what would you choose the rsd md v2 or the Marin San Quentin 3 ?? And why? please . I hope I’m not asking a lot 😂 but I’m looking for purchase any one of them so I need some help to take a desition. I have never rode any of them

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I do! Tell me a little more about what you’re looking to do with the bike/your riding style/budget and I’ll let you know!

[@josehurtado7822]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I’m willing to pay 3000 or less 😂 for a bike . I have a ripmo af. It’s such a nice bike does good in uphill, super good in downhill (the best) it’s a good all around mtb . This time I’m looking more for something more fun something more lively and light weight . I’m living in Las Vegas. Where is more Gnarly, rock and dry but still fun. Im looking more for jumps, wheelies, Manuals , jumps kind of BMX style … so I was thinking about purchase the Ripley af, but I do prefer a Hardtail … I hope 🤞 make sense what I’m trying to explain 😂 I would say I’m looking for a second bike in case something happens with my Rimpo af , but you never know probably I will love to ride something more lighter and more playful .

[@Bueller611]

@jose hurtado i also have a ripmo af... i ride a Norco Torrent (aggressive steel hard tail) for tamer trails and its way more fun than a full suspension.

[@josehurtado7822]

@@Bueller611 exactly that what I’m looking for . Something a little bit more lighter in uphill just a little bit you know !! Because again I love the ripmo specially when I go to bootleg canyon and I do Boy Scout, Girl Scout, pow , snake back .sooo norco ?? 🤔

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Oh man, both of those bikes would be a great fit for you then! I think I’d have to give it to the Middlechild though, it’s definitely the more versatile bike, it can fit 27.5 or 29” wheels and has sliding dropouts to adjust the chainstay length, which you can shorten all the way to 415 millimeters, making it feel like basically a dirt jumper haha. You can get 5% off by using the code Josh5%off on the RSD website. You’ll love either bike though, let me know what you end up going with!

[@Jaxon-r3u]

Ordered the sq3 i had the 2021

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice!! Did you get the 27.5" version or the new 29" model?

[@mtbboy1993]

9:56 Much better than Deore, which has servo Wave, which means reach effects the power, but with these the lever blade is connected directly to the pivot at the push rod, so adjusting the reach won't effect power delivery, how far the piston can be pushed. So Deore brakes are absurd, cus if you have such mechanism, you need a counter adjustment.

[@outsidebrendan]

I have the new base level 4 pistol brakes and as you explained I think they feel better than the servo wave levers. I like them better than their more expensive brakes.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@outsidebrendan Shimano offers this with the XTR Race model. but then you have the fragile ceramic pistons. Race model doesn't have any knobs nor freestroke, just reach adjustment in the same spot as MT200 for example.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thanks for the comment, big fan of your channel! That’s good to hear, I’ll try do get some newer non-servo brakes and give them another try!

[@erraldstyler]

still QR dropouts on the sq1... guess my next HT will be a Nukeproof Scout or even a Canyon Stoic. bought a SQ1 2020 when i was still a noob, kinda feel ripped off

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, it’s a bummer. The SQ3 is still a great value though! Nukeproof has a ton of rad builds though, and a super dialed frame!!

[@nickyaoe2de]

thought Flow Snap from Veetire are tubeless ready.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

They may make some that are, but to the best of my knowledge the ones specced on the SQ 1&2 are wire beads, and therefore not tubeless compatible

[@mtbboy1993]

10:14 I am curious what was so garbage about them. but I can think of some things: the plastic cover, that's absurd, plastic covers sohuld not be on a brake, no matter the price class. I tried these or similar on a local rider's bike. the feel was normal, nice power delivery, no silly servo wave in the way of power if adjusted for small hands. but I've never tried them long term. but the plastic thing screams failure, issues. Keep in mind brake pads make a huge difference, I don't remember which ones I tried, but I had mechanical TRP Spyke, they had red semi metallic pads, they bite well. I use Formula Cura 4, which I am happy with.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Very weak, inconsistent bite point, and no lever adjustment. The speced rotors are resin only. But I upgraded to some used Guide REs and never looked back haha

[@mtbboy1993]

​@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Maybe the ones I tried were different, but looked the same.The ones I tried felt similar to M396. They had reach adjustment too. I see Tekro has a picture showing the reach adjustment at the the inside of the lever where the push rod is. The brakes come with E10.11 resin pads. The pads I used with Spyke were P20.11. maybe not, I see they are listed as performance resin, so maybe not the same as TRP B20.11 which were listed as semi metallic, I see some retailers list them as ceramic. But I know mine were TRP B20.11 as that's what was on the back of them, not all of the pads had branding, but some did. The red pads on the TRP website are more of a cherry red pinkish colour, while the TRP B20.11 is more cherry red with slight orange to it.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Wendy and I are super stoked to announce that we are now partnering with bikesonline.com! If you 're liking what you see about the 2023 Marin San Quentin and are thinking about making a purchase, doing so through the affiliate link below with help our channel out! Thanks 🤙 bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/9gGj5Q

[@madcapper6]

As everything is trial and error, how does someone practice something like @2:15 without breaking bones?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Foam pits help haha!

[@wiliam-bd]

yo josh im 5'10 what do you think L or medium i need the bike for all mountain use

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I think a large would be ideal 👌

[@MartinTeerly]

141mm wheel is a boost with QR end caps. Most boost wheels can be converted to 141mm

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

My understanding is that’s only a few brands that sell compatible end caps

[@MartinTeerly]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy if your hub has end caps 12mm through it means they also make 135mm QR. These end caps fit your 148mm boost hub.

[@bxmario]

I can't find this frame until June.y local marin dealers here in florida won't have it till then. Anyone know if it's available anywhere? Willing to pay extra to get it

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That seems to be the case everywhere sadly! Good luck!!

[@jameshawthorne6220]

Great vid. So the SQ2 moves from an air fork to a coil one for 2023. I assume that is a downgrade but the Rockshox catalogue is so confusing. Is a Recon RL in the 2022 model better than the FS35 Silver? It tempts me to stretch to the Roscoe 7 instead.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, definitely a down grade sadly. I really think the SQ3 is the way to go, we’ll worth the additional $500

[@jimmysavage258]

I’m about 5’11” and I just bought a San Quentin in Large but now I’m nervous it might be to small as it seems Marins seem to run small.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I wouldn’t necessarily say that; the reach on the new San Quentin is actually longer than most, which will make it feel roomy when standing up, but it has a super steep seat tube angle which prevents the frame from feeling to stretched out what you’re seated. I think the large will fit you great! I’m 6’1” on the XL which feels a bit longer than I’d usually prefer

[@jimmysavage258]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I actually ended up buying the 2022 model on sale for $1900

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Oh gotcha! Ya you should still be good. In fact I’d advise against sizing up on that bike because the seat tube would be so dang high

[@machyne82]

I overforked my 2019 SQ 2 to 160mm 27.5 Fox 26. Boy was that a mistake. It rode like crap, but the low stack bothered me that much.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I feel you! I had a 150 on mine. The seat tube is what really killed me though (almost literally lol), I nutted myself so many times 😂

[@bxmario]

I put a lyruk ultimate 160mm on mine and it made the head angle 63 degrees. I love it though. Now I'm buying the 2023 sq3 frame and swapping parts can't wait

[@bikesonline]

Awesome video! We have been super stoked with the new San Quentin 1. Did you have an email we could contact you on? We would love to see how we could help the channel :)

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Likewise, such rad bikes! I’d love to work with you guys, my email is [e-mail]

[@bikesonline]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy sorry I didn't get back to you sooner! Email sent :)

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Man, wish I saw this earlier! I literally just posted a video featuring the Xtrada 7 today haha! Thanks for reaching back out though; I’ll reply in the email!

[@jimmysavage258]

I’m between the San Quentin 3, the El Roy, and Trek Roscoe 8

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

3 very different bikes! I’d go with the El Roy if you want a more enduro-focused (fast, planted) bike and the San Quentin if you want a something the feels more akin to a dirt jumper (poppy, agile). The Roscoe is a great bike too, probably the closest to a traditional trail hardtail

[@MikeKraemer87]

Check out Hardtail Party, he has reviews on all of these except the SQ. I have personally had a SQ3 and im looking forward to trying out the new geo on these. If you want a more enduro focused hard tail, id suggest going with the Honzo ESD, way better than the El Roy. Roscoe 8 is kind of...meh? Lol.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

All suggestions I’d agree with 🤙

[@andrewbrown8927]

I really love the 2023 roscoe 8

[@MikeKraemer87]

@@andrewbrown8927 Do you own one? Theyre not bad bikes by any means, the 2023 has somewhat more modern geo now, its not perfect, but its getting closer.

[@TheCaptainsCog]

As a bmx rider I agree with you about most MTBs. The Seat tube is just too damn high!

[@crispybacon1210]

Yo I’m loving the info I’m looking at buying one , I’m 5’9 Would I go large …? Thanks bro

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Good, glad you’re digging it! You could probably go with a large if you like a longer bike, but I think a medium could work for you too, especially if you want more of a dirt jumper feel

[@GRAAmusic]

ive got an mk1 the only thing i hate about the bike is the QR

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Dido man, it’s a bummer they didn’t change that for the new mode!

[@andrewsiasparks]

They should make a steel one

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That would be sick!! They have the El Roy, which is Steel, but built for a very different purpose

[@andrewsiasparks]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy the el Roy also has a longer seet tube than desired . I also like the bikes that look and ride like big dirtjumpers

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Sounds like we’re on the same page haha! Ya it’d be rad if they made a steel SQ!

[@Coerced]

If the 3 had better brakes still (deore range) and a 200mm+ drop on the XL (you can't spec this bike with 150mm drop, come on. Everyone is gonna have to replace that dropper) I'd get it without a second thought

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, crazy about the short dropper! I’m thinking about building up the frame, at just $550 it’s not too bad

[@janeblogs324]

Seatstays will snap in half with that long a dropper. Its a dirtjumper

[@Coerced]

@@janeblogs324 it's braced by the construction holding the BB in place as well. I'm pretty sure it'll hold just fine. It's not a DJ

[@docmccoy9813]

3:44 That geometry is hard in the eyes.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha yes, definitely polarizing! I’m personally a fan

[@PDillz]

Looking online I'm only seeing the San Quentin 2 at $2299... Where are you seeing it for $1400

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Are you talking about USD? On they’re website

[@PDillz]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy it's shows the Quintin 1 at $999 than a option for the 2 and it jumped to $2200

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Weird, not for me! Should be $1,499, and $1,999 for the SQ3

[@gucass]

San Quentin looking more and more like a chromag every day lol

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nah, Chromag has pretty dang high seat tubes still, plus the weird kink in the downtube.

[@JustJake77]

Living on the Westcoast of BC... Where Chromag hails from, and they are literally everywhere here.... I can 100% confirm, the San Quentin looks nothing, or rides nothing, like a Chromag steed. They aren't even in the same conversation. Totally different in every way.

[@skullsroad3642]

It's a hardtail. Most of them look 90 percent the same.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha it’s all in the details! I guess the same could bet said about full suspension bikes, I remember when people thought every new DH rig “looked like a session”

[@kps666de]

I landed buying a british cro-mo frame. First point, wich talks for itself: 4130 cromo ;) But the best of all are the 415mm chainstays. This thing is playful AF. If you search for an agile toy a headtube angle under 65° is not fitting the concept at all.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Sounds like a fun bike! My RSD Middlechild has 415 stays as well, they’re a hoot!

[@kps666de]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Mine is a Stanton Switchback. The MC is also great.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice, I’ve always wanted to ride one, they’re beautiful bikes!!

[@kps666de]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Getting an RSD to europe is maybe the same pain in the ass as getting a stanton to north america ;)

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha sounds about right!

[@zakvandyke2451]

Personally a fan of Marin, and the new geometry might be better, but it's ugly in my unprofessional opinion (my OCD head loves symmetrical frames). Good info- thanks for the video.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I love the look of a toptube at the same angle as the seat tube, which is usually hard to find on large and x-large frames. I haven’t seen a new XL San Quentin, but I’m wondering if it might look a little better than the smaller models

[@mtbboy1993]

8:00 definitely avoid 1 & 2, skewers, You did not make that clear in the video, I think you thought only the 1 was skewer, but now 2 is too, and garbage fork, bad components. but those you can upgrade later. but you cant upgrade the dropouts. 2 was 12 axle before, but for some reason they changed that.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s incorrect, just double checked on their website. 2 has 12x148

[@timothydubber549]

‘Is this the most radical hardtail yet?’ I suppose so, if you disregard the ESD, everything ever made by Chromag, the On One Hello Dave, the Pole Taival, the Stanton Slackline, the BTR Ranger. Clickbait is exactly what it is.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Show me one bike ever made that offers a size large with a 375 mm seat tube and I’ll change the title immediately. Gotta look beyond brand names and heat tube angles my man!

[@gregj7916]

The welds around the 5:12 mark look very poor…

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Interesting, I honestly don’t know enough to recognize that

[@michaelmichaelagnew8503]

Wish the full suspension version had the same paintjob. That white to grey is ugly. Should have done white to black.

[@amaraamar9031]

Great bike , rides smooth kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L I added a bigger spring loaded seat to it . Takes a bit of adjusting cables to get brakes and shifting to perfect . I've owned quite a few bikes in the past that were absolutely uncomfortable to ride and they always ended up as garage wall decor . I'm not seeing that with this one. It's pretty light I've only ridden it a few miles but I like it . As for the pedals falling off in the other reviews , the pedal arms are aluminum along with the pedal studs look to be also . I would not overtighten them. I can see it would be very easy to overtighten them and strip the threads right off . All in all I think it's pretty good quality besides the aluminum pedal thing .

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ah bummer! That's gotta be tough!

[@mtbboy1993]

This is not completely true: XCM= cross country MILD XCT= cross country Tame XCR = cross country Relaxed But these forks are for relaxed, mild, tame rides.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Sorry, what’s not completely true?

[@mtbboy1993]

@Riding With Josh and Wendy My decoding of the names 😛 might be true who knows.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Oh okay haha!

[@user-rl4ji5ne4o]

It's an Enduro hardtail. Not a DJer. Still only a 140mm fork? Not 160mm? Most of the competition is running 160mm. Some even 180mm. Not 'fixed' that area in my eyes. They did good upping the stack though. I bought an XL SQ3 and the stack was so low it was more suitable for a non-human. Who is over 6' tall with a 29" inseam? The low stack made me not want to buy Marin again. Lost a repeat customer. Very disappointing design.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, similar story with the geo. I hated the high seat tube most, but the low stack sucked as well. I’m pretty curious to try this guy though! I’d have to disagree with you on the other part though, the Marin El Roy is their enduro hardtail. This is co-designed by Matt Jones, a professional slopestyle rider, to be a trail bike that will feel like a DJ.

[@_mgiles]

It might ride great but I personally think it's horrible looking.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

It looks pretty sick in the bigger sizes! Check out this video with my XL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWbcdaStbpuUhck

[@kiethpederson7558]

Paint schemes are awful, imo

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, they're not great haha. I have the SQ3 with the white/black fade and it's decent, but I'd still prefer something a bit more subtle

[@kiethpederson7558]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy it’s hard enough choosing which bike to buy anyways let alone the pain or color way