2023 Marin San Quentin 2 - A First Look at Marin's New and Improved Affordable 27.5 Play Hardtail
Vložit
- čas přidán 12. 03. 2023
- 2023 Marin San Quentin 2 is an affordable hardtail with modern geometry and some really nice parts. It's built to bridge the gap between a dirt jumper and a modern MTB hardtail. 2023 has seen some improvements over the previous generation, including a longer reach, a 1* slacker hta, a steeper sta, and more standover clearance and dropper insertion. Today we take a first look at it it to see what it's all about. The weight came in higher than I had hoped, but for the price, I really can't complain. Lean more about this bike and order it here: bit.ly/3ytUJrh
Did you learn something? Say thanks and support this channel: www.buymeacoffee.com/hardtail...
Do you need help choosing your next bike? Become a supporter today for one-on-one bike consultation: / hardtailparty
Gear I use and love:
5% off 5DEV cranks - Use coupon code "hardtailparty" for a discount code here: bit.ly/3c5Ha6b
5% off roost titanium bars and stem: use code "hardtailparty22"
Spinergy MXX 30 - bit.ly/3AiL4UW (use coupon code "HTPARTY10" for 10% off)
SCC Tech Chain Lube and Cleaner - bit.ly/3mlVKPb
Hardtail Party Shirts, hats, and SWAG - shop.spreadshirt.com/hardtail...
Lab Austere hip pack: bit.ly/3p37K58 - code "Hardtail.Party" 25% off
Handup Gloves: bit.ly/3dhUe8z - use discount code "HARDTAILPARTY"
My shop tools: www.amazon.com/shop/hardtailp...
My glasses (use code "hardtail10"): bit.ly/3aXBeKp
My tire sealant: bit.ly/2ULJirZ
My favorite grips: bit.ly/3mYRL8Z
Hardtail Party collection by pedal industries - code "HARDTAILPARTY": bit.ly/3ilNdqH
What's in my water bottles (Tailwind): bit.ly/2Xbxy3q
My hooded sun shirt: bit.ly/38NdU1x
Milwaukee Inflator. I love this thing! amzn.to/38Vdqrj
Presta adapter: amzn.to/3cMADx1
5% off all RSD bikes using code "party" - bit.ly/3dj2nZP -
Ryan Leech Connection: $19 off - coupon code "hardtailparty" - bit.ly/2UwrmQq
amazon.com/shop/hardtailparty any time you shop on amazon using this link, it helps me.
Note: some of my links are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission on purchases made using these links. You don't pay anything extra, but it helps support the channel. If you've learned something from my videos, consider using the affiliate links above. - Sport
A few quick corrections:
1) These are NOT the pedals that Marin ships with these bikes. These are aftermarket Marin pedals
2) The headbadge does indeed have a protective plastic film over it. I just needed to get a little more aggressive with the exacto knife to remove it.
lol i had my Marin for about 6 months before i figured out there wasa a plastic film over the headbadge. I kinda wish i didnt remove it because now its got scratches on it :(
Excellent! I work at a Marin dealer and I know firsthand how tricky that protective plastic can be. Glad you figured it out.
There is a sticker over the head badge, you gotta pick at it with a razor or pick. I sell these at my shop, leaving that on is a personal pet pev haha.
Thank you so much, I'm so glad to hear that! It explains a lot. I tried using a pick and a razor blade but it just acted like I was scratching it. I guess I'll get a little more aggressive now. That's great news.
I didn’t understand the original San Quentin when it first came out, and really missed out because of it. Glad Marin stuck with it! My B17 punched above its weight when it was new, and is still a great bike today. I’m sure this SQ will be solid too in 5 years. Marin is an awesome company who still makes bikes that are fun first….something severely lacking in the modern performance-first bike industry. Great job Marin!
Awesome I have a B-17 2. Love them days where you could get a full suspension bike with rockshox revelation, slx groupset, mt500 for under 2k 🤷🏽♂️😊
@@thatprcrawlerguy187I had same bike. As you cracked the frame was my fault they warrantied to the Riftzone 3 since b17 was discontinued. Yes the spec on this bike is great. And I’m still running the stock 27.5 idk 38mm wheels in 2023.
As always great review. You've been a great guide while considering a new hardtail! Hopefully this summer! Can't wait to see your full review.
Looking forward to the ride review. Love your channel
Great first look and great breakdown fair and balance of the Sun Quinten!!! Looking forward for the ride review!!! 👍👍
Thank you for the video . I have been waiting for it 😂
Thanks for the video Steve 📹
Another great Video. Your's and Dusty Betty's are the first channels I look to for updates. I love the look of Sedona's trails and geography which is sooo different from the mud and greenery of northern England. My Scott Scale works here but wouldn't there. Sedona is on my Bucket list. Thanks for the content Steve
Excellent review
I just got one, and I love it. I got back into riding last year and I'm 37yrs old. I come from a bmx background. I'm short so the standover is amazing. I bought the 2 with the intention of upgrading the forks later, but it rips right out the box! Love the videos, they really helped me make a great decision! Cool to see you review the bike I chose!
And I need shorter cranks too
I definitely wouldn't be complaining if this came with 165 cranks.
@@twiztedbullet I’m 5 ft 6 and fitted 165mm cranks to my bike last year. A noticeable improvement over the 170’s it came with. I wouldn’t go back and would like to try even shorter 160’s. I think crank length is one of the last things that lingers on from the days when everything mtb was road bike inspired- stem length, multiple chain rings up front, narrow handlebars etc. manufacturers should address this
@@stolimano3723 I’m the same height as you. Did you go with a medium?
@@whatfreedom7 I don’t have one. I was just commenting on the crank length but the medium has a 430mm seat tube which means I’d struggle with a 125mm dropper post. I do have short legs though
Love seeing the high end hard tails and equally love seeing the more affordable hard tails as this is many peoples price range. Well done Steve!
Thanks Steve, we look forward to seeing what you think once you get it out on the trail.
heyyy awesome, you finally got a san quentin to review
My comes in tomorrow, can’t wait 🤙🏽
Love my 2022 SQ2, my first mtb ever at age 58. Swapped out saddle, pedals and grips, put some tubeless Rekons on there and peeled off the rim stickers lol. Coming from gravel the stack felt just right, geo is awesomely intuitive. Def rely on the air in the Recon fork, too bad abt the switch to spring in ‘23. In any event, availability looking bleak until Nov; my shop will be selling Nukeproof Scouts in the meantime. But every ride the SQ2 teaches me something new. Feel fortunate I have started trail riding in the age of the hardcore hardtail.
Looking forward to seeing how the parts come together on the trail
Great review
Excellent first look!
Great review!
Love it!!
I have the 2022 model. Good to finally see a SQ on your channel. Looking forward to see what you think of the bike.
Just asked you about the San Quentin last week via Instagram and here is the video, nice! Really helpful
This is an impressive little bike. Very cool!
Oh yeah! Watching from Philippines!
Thx for your very helpful videos! It’s May ‘23 and I just bought an SQ2 for $1500 and the Marin website says SQ3 and SQ1 are also available in all sizes - reading thru comments it seems people weren’t expecting them to be in stock until late this year. I don’t know anything about bike production, other than almost all frames are made in SE Asian countries, so I imagine they’ve been hit with supply issues like everyone else over past few years
I sell Marin in my shop as well and people love this bike! The past 2 had a air fork and 12spd. Super fun bike!
I’m currently riding a Kona lanai which kinda sucks but it’s my first mountain bike. I know this bike would be a obvious major upgrade but is this fork good and the bike overall as is? I don’t really want to pay $1500 and still have to pay another $400-600 for a good fork. He was saying it’s not air adjustable but does it have any air at all?
What would you recommend more, the Cannondale Habit HT2, Roscoe 6 or this bike?
I had a 2020 San Quentin 1 and loved it. I did put on some riser bars, though, because of the low stack.
I look at the SQ2, though, and see it as a damn good value because the spec is decent and it can be upgraded to your heart's (and wallet's) content. IDK why Marin doesn't make the SQ1 able to be adapted to thru axle like they did with the Rift Zone 1.
I almost bought a San Quinton but I didn't like the '22 colors and I couldn't find a '21 frame. I'm curious how you like it because we have different tastes in hardtails. Love the channel can't wait to see the ride of this one.
Great video Steve! Interesting that you pointed those things about it being cheap. You dont get to see these things online. Really helpfull! Anyway, I was curious when are we going to see the Canyon Stoic on the channel. Maybe a review based on the website specs? Just like you did with the Scout before. If u can't get your hands on one of them. Cheers!!
Thanks, that's what I try to bring with my first looks, info you couldn't get just by looking online. Still, I'm impressed with this little thong. I've lost hope of ever getting a canyon on the channel. I've reached out so many times. I don't think it's going to happen.
@@hardtailparty if I was in Arizona, I’d hand mine over for a few days. I’d love to know how it measures up against the Ragley offerings.
OMG. The day has come!
Love the vids, keep 'em coming! One helpful suggestion for the new studio. Get some wash fixutre lights and side mount them. That stage will really pop if you do. There's a channel called 'Learn Stage Lighting" that has some great content on the subject.
Thanks for the suggestion.
With the seat so high above the stays and frame, it will be interesting to hear about frame compliance and characteristics.
Excited to see what you think, I almost got the SQ3, but they were sold out for the next 8 months in my area and didn't feel like building a frame. Ended up getting the Big Al 1.0 instead. Let's see if the $500-$600 difference was really worth it!
How you liking the Big Al? It was in my top three list, but I went with a Canyon based on availability and pricing.
@Throbbinwood of Coxley It's amazing! Riden a few times so far, and it's super playful and light (to me, my other bike is about 35lbs). I was really surprised at how good hardtails felt. I think for the price to spec, it's really, really hard to beat.
I was surprised that the paint didn't feel cheap either. Sometimes, on the budget bikes, the paint seems to just flake, but it feels premium to me. I almost got the canyon before, too. That's another great bike! Hope you enjoy your new ride
Cool Lazer shirt. Reminds me of Sixes Pit Bike shop in Georgia. Look up their shop car 🤘🏻
I own a 2021 san quentin and steve is right the stack is so low i had to put all the spacers under and get a riser bar to feel more comfortable, but i can't complain it's an entry bike but still rides great
Could never really get along with my 2021 due to the low stack, I had the same setup and it was still to low for the L frame.
I want one!
Looking forward to seeing you ride it! I noticed that its geo looks fairly close to the paradox, other than the stack.
They ride extremely different for some reason.
Please do the POLYGON XTRADA7 i just added a 150 fork and a dropper post on it rides like a dream
This addresses main issues with my 2019 SQ 3, I might just change the frame
What a career! We could say you've become the guru of mountain bikes. But your comments are not hanging in the clouds. You've become more like The Commander in Chief. The Premier of Mountain Biking.
Activating the algorithm.
You can tune the springrate of the Fork by installing a 2007 and up lyrik or domain coil spring. Fits perfect
Riding the fork of one of my bikes and i kind of like it especially on the hardtail.
Very cool. I read that online, but it was more of a speculation. I hadn't found anyone who had actually done it. Have you installed one?
Yeah i wen‘t down to the yellow one because im light (140 lbs) and now i can get more travel out of the fork for general trail riding. The stock spring had more support but i only ever hit 120 of 160mm of travel. If i need more support for jumps and such i can always go back up.
The San Quentin was my first choice when looking at bikes last year. I think they messed up going quick release on the 1 again . One of few reasons I went with the Growler instead.
The San Quentin 1 always had open dropouts out back.
@@marin_bikes I know. Which pointed me to another brand. Great bike, just wish they all shared the same frame.
I currently have a 2022 size L San Quentin 3 with 30mm riser bars and a 150mm travel fork. It fits me well stack-wise but this 2023 model definitely won't smack my nuts like my current bike lol
@marinbikesofficial when is the SQ3 frameset going to be available? Still nothing at bikes online australia.
I was able to pick up a new 2023 SQ3 for $1,499 the other day. Insane value if you can find them onsale.
Do the front and rear hubs have sealed bearings? cartriage bearings/
thanks for an affordable bike review maybe missed it !!...tubeless ready rims?
oops tubless? sorry ,you covered it great review!
Yes, the rims are tubeless but the tires are not. It doesn't come with tubeless valve stems.
is the standover height close to what it says? cuz they do have lower stand over height than most bikes on paper.
The R35 fork can be adjusted internally. You will need to remove the top cap on the spring side. There are three preload spacers between the cap and the spring. I have tried removing two and the fork was much more supple.
Great info, I was wondering about that. Did the spring knock around at all afterwards?
@@hardtailparty Yes, a slight but noticeable rattle on chattery terrain. Once the fork sets into the travel the rattle is less noticeable. I tolerated it for about twenty or so rides before upgrading to an air fork.
Just got a Marin Rift zone a few weeks ago. Now I got to run to the garage to make sure my headtube badge is straight! 😢
if you haven't noticed it yet, you're probably fine. You might be able to heat it up with a hairdryer and re-apply. Most head badges are applied with sticky tape.
My one complaint with Canyon, head tube sticker…no badge.
11speed all day! I know everyone wants the lighter latest 12speed group sets or “Grouppos” but honestly, is it better?
at 5,11 inside leg 88cm what size would you suggest please?
I have no experience with bikepacking. Would the San Quentin be a good bikepacking bike since it has a low stand over height or is that even a factor?
I’m headed to Sedona today, I see all this rain in the forecast, I’m guessing riding isn’t going to be an option? Is there any place that posts trail conditions? My son and I are bringing our hardtails but won’t tear stuff up. Excited to here about your thoughts out on the trail with the San Quentin!
Call thunder mountain bike shop
Thank you for your consideration of our trail conditions, it means a lot. Thunder mountain is your source for trail conditions. We can usually handle 1-3 hours of rain no problem, but more than that and the trails need some time to dry out.
The SQ3 is really nicely spec'ed for $2k, though I do like this one's paint scheme more.
I ride a 9 speed, I can't imagine what more gears even do like do I start floating into space or reaching like 50mph on flats? lol idk I like everything simple and easy
Hey Steve - is Giant unwilling to send you & other reviewers bikes to demo? I’m continually baffled why I see reviews of the Roscoe/Fuse/San Quentin/etc. but virtually nothing on the Giant Fathom. When I bought mine in early 2021 it was one of the best deals out there @ $1300 with Deore 12 spd. Unfortunately they de-contented it for 2022 and raised the price, but still $1500 for what you get is hard to beat.
They have been one of the hardest brands to get in touch with
I have ridden the 2022 version, it was not my first choice, never liked the loose ball bearings on that bike, & will consider I9 1/1 wheels. I have replaced the tires with Schwalbe Nobby Nic, the drivetrain Box Components Prime 9 loved it for simplicity, & durability.
I’ve got a 2023 San Quentin and there actually is plastic film on the head badge, just gotta get at it. Bummer that yours is crooked though!
I wonder if smaller seat tube diameters help with frame compliance. Not sure if that's the reason some companies go with 30.9 or not.
Some steel manufactures claim it makes a difference, some don't. I'd guess they haven't thought much (if at all) about compliance on this frame. That said, the alloy TM2 is very compliant.
im 6'3". what size frame do i need?
I'd be very interested in seeing more reviews on bikes around this price point. I'm looking to build up a middle quiver bike on the cheap so I'm planning to get the cheapest bike with the best frame, upgrade a few bits from my parts bin and the rest as and when I need to or can afford.
It's extremely difficult to get companies to send me the more affordable bikes. I'll do my best to get more on the channel whenever I can.
@@hardtailparty any plans for a review of the Canyon Stoic-models?
@@Accet76 they’re awesome. I just took delivery on a Stoic 2, haven’t had a chance to really beat on it yet (I keep getting new snow), but based on a couple staircases it’s a comfortable frame with decent components. One thing that was annoying was the spec sheet says it comes with an 11-46, but it came with an 11-42.
Still in ❤ with my Banshee Paradox V3 to appreciate another brand. I must admit I have more than 1500 US invested in it as well. Don't know much about Marin.
The paradox is a fantastic bike.
I used to have a 35 silver fork and I thought it gave a pretty plush ride actually. I'm curious what you think about it when riding. My main problems were no adjustment and it was way too heavy. But it was plenty capable.
I may love it, we'll see. How much do you weigh?
@@hardtailparty 172...so exactly in the ideal range lol
Probs should have watched this first 😂 i just put money down on one brand new for a 1000 aud.feeling pretty happy first mtb getting into it for fun and fitness seems like this bike will do me and at least it sounds like i can change out parts i don't like.
I love this bike, I just wish it was a 29er so all my tyres would be interchangeable.
You can fit 29x2.3 in the back, but definitely not a 2.6
@@hardtailparty Ah sick, I only ever run 2.3's so i'll have to check it out.
I almost got this for my kid, but saw the Canyon Stoic 2 on sale for $899. So I jumped on it. Then the Stoic 4 went on sale for $1499 a week after I got his. I was a bit upset because I probably would have bought the Stoic 4, but my son is only 10 so it's not a big deal. Nothing about the Canyon feels or looks cheap for the pricepoint. The Stoic 2 just needs a dropper, which I already had so not a big deal.
I had the same thing happen. I probably would’ve gone with the 4, because even though I like the white frame better, you can’t take the $600 difference and turn the 2 into a 4.
Good first look.
Not so sure about the San Quentin being one of the first real hardcore hardtails though. On One, Cotic, BTR, Identiti, DMR etc were making hardcore hardtails back in 2005/2007.
In fairness to Marin they were definitely one of the first mainstream brands to make a proper non-XC hardtail so credit definitely deserved.
Late 90s on the North Shore we had the Cove Stiffee, the DeKerf Implant (for when a Stiffee won't cut it -ya, that was the add copy!), Kona and Brody were making them too.
I'm gonna go watch 'The Moment' again...
Marin had North Side Trail/b17 in 2007, which is the predecessor to this bike.
Sold my SQ2 to get my first dual suspension. (Marin Rift Zone)
I’m still deciding on either this or the Trek Roscoe 6 and can’t seem to decide! I haven’t tested either and I’m relying on videos. Anyone have any input on which I should go with?
I think the Marin would be better because the Roscoe 6 has an air spring and not an air fork.
Nice Video. If it barely fits a 27,5x3,0: Does it even fit a 29x2.6?
No, this isn't a 29er
@@hardtailparty too bad . Thx for the answer 💪🏾
I have the same torso as you. 5'7'' with gorilla arms and long torso
I'm from India, that is my dream bike
I love that India has Marin love. I saw it on a Fabio Wibmer video. Love from Cali (home of Marin).
Since you'd be upgrading the fork anyway, I would get a cheap solid 29er wheel and a fork with 10-20mm less to preserve the geo for a fun mullet whip.
I'd go 20-30mm less to preserve geo. So a 120mm fork would be close. If only there were cheap solid 29er forks out there.
@@hardtailparty do you find a STA that steep is ok on rolling terrain? Unweighted STA and sagged are very different on FS, but on hardtails, it’d remain static. I wonder whether a sagged STA of 77 wouldn’t put a lot of pressure on the wrists on rolling terrain.
I know it’s designed around 27.5 but I’m curious if a low volume 29er like a 2.3 would fit.
Yes, see my Instagram
AdventX 1x10 and an air fork a better compromise?
Id be happy with that. I'll bet advent x would only save $20 or so. I wonder if that's enough to make up the difference for an air adjustable fork.
Marin, Polygon and GT are all made in the same factory in Indonesia. The same tech is used in each frame. Geometry is tweaked by the company that orders it. Components are made by separate component manufacturers. My point is this: When you buy a name brand bike, you're buying the frame, made by or for them. The contact points, suspension (or not) shifting and power transmission are someone else completely. When you're buying a frame, do a little research. You can often save money on the house brand of the company that manufactures it. If you want this bike and it's geometry though, it's only Marin. Spec'd by them, so the house brand can't produce the same model rebranded. Marin bikes are typically welter weights. I chose a Polygon for the wife, weight was a consideration. I know most folks know all this, but new riders may not.
You make some great points. I talk more about these in my tips for buying a bike video. Many riders just focus on finding the best drivetrain they can for q given price range and totally ignore geometry. I blame a lot of those websites or CZcams videos that "review" a bike just based off spec. It's a really lazy way to compare bikes and it ignores the most important aspect: frame and geo.
Do you think you could do a review on the Giant Fathom 1?
Please 🙏😊
I'd love to. Giant is so hard to get ahold of
@@hardtailparty I bought one a year ago and got a few upgrades on it now. Would love to hear your expert opinion on it if you ever get ahold of one!
Matt Jones is alright - But I want to see a Marin Bikes/Hardtail Party collaboration!
That would be awesome. I'm looking for the right company to Collab with on an affordable hardtail
As much as I love 27.5.. with all that clearance is there a possibility it can fit 29” wheels? 👀
You can fit a 29x2.3 out back... Barely. See my Instagram.
Why should your rear axle be a thru axle? As opposed to what other axle?
As opposed to a super thin quick release vertical axle
Looks like the 2024 version is back to air spring...
I have the last generation San Quentin 2, and the different components are interesting. It’s nice to see it with tubeless ready tires (unlike last years model). But the switch from an airsprung recon to a coil 35 is strange
Unfortunately the tires aren't tubeless ready, just the wheels.
Yeah I owned the 2022 model still have the recon, dislike the hubs (Loose Ball Bearings) considering Tubeless wheelset with more points of Engagement, & downgrade 11 speed to 9 speed Prime 9.
I dont think more gears is simply better and for a newer rider I think less is a benefit. Ideal for entry level and not just for costing reasons. I was riding a Deore 10 speed for a while and now, on a new bike, I have Deore 12 speed. I have to say I kinda miss the 10 speed. I had the 10 speed Saint shifter and now 12 speed XT, for 4 down 2 up. On the 10 speed I could go from the hardest gear to the second lowest in two sweeps of the lever and have one click in reserve. Perfect when I wasn't anticipating the trail properly, we have undulating terrain here. On the 12 two sweeps takes me to the fourth lowest and three in reserve. 10 was just snappier getting up and down the cassette to where I needed to be when learning.
I agree. It wouldn't sell, but I'd love a wide range 5 speed cassette
@@hardtailparty Yeah, that would be an interesting trail drive train. Especially if you could set it up to your own style by picking your favourite sprocket sizes. It would leave room for a more durable chain and cassette too.
Undulating terrain is hilarious fun on a single speed!
...just don't bring it to a group ride, you will be hated
@@hardtailparty all day long with that idea. I singlespeed both my Timberjack and Chameleon, but would love a +/-2 option for when I want to crank down descents or rip it in the straights.
@@3crowsfarm16 they only hate you because we walk them on the climbs, carry more speed through corners, and never have drivetrain issues that hold up the ride! Hahaha
Dream bike. Pity that I’m 16 years old and I don’t have money for it 😢
Esker Hayduke Ti has external cable routing…🤙🏼
There's so much about the hayduke to love.
@@hardtailparty have you done a recent review? Would love to see one or a build up.
Are there any disadvantages on that drivetrain?
The SQ3 is just such a better value. I would go for the 1 if I was really broke, or try to make the effort to reach the 3.
I doubt it. The shifting degradation is when you try to pair a shimano hyperglide+ cassette with a non-shimano chain. Suntour has been making parts forever and actually the cassettes for both microshift and box are also rebranded Suntour.
@@cjohnson3836 my “microshift” advent 9 cassette in my Kovid Kruiser build was a straight sunrace in a microshift box, not even rebranded.
yea, to make budget QR bikes more capable in the wheel department, Nuke proof horizons come in a 12x142 and 12x115 non boost spacing, u can get QR end caps from nuke proof to make those wheels fit of QR 9X135 frame and 9x100fork, I did this with my bike and I kinda of get sleeper vibes when I look at my bike, I notice the QR and to me that screams budget, but when I ride it, it feels like high end enduro/trail bike in terms of engagment and compliance!
I'm glad you're digging it. Im not a fan, I wish they'd just all go to their axle. So many friends of mine have gotten into the sport on a qr frame. You can still have fun on them, but it's an Achilles heel that makes a frame less worth investing in for upgrades. I've seen so many qr bikes (mainly roscoes) lose a rear wheel or have it slip under torque. If I hadn't seen it on 10+ rides I wouldn't mention it, but it's absurd how much it happens.
@@hardtailparty yea i always triple check my QR during and before rides lol
I ditched my two year old bike for that reason, I’m a fat bastard but charge hard as I can, it was alarming to hear my rear tire rubbing the seat stay at speed.
Any chance you will be going over the updated Pine Mountain 2 as well?
I don't have anything lined up. I'll have to review geo charts to see what has changed.
@@hardtailparty 1/2 degree slacker on the headtube angle, 1/2 degree steeper on the seattube angle, 3.2cm lower stack, 20cm longer reach, and 2cm higher bottom bracket (on the size M). So it seems they heard your critiques about the previous version's lack of reach for use as a trail bike.
@@hardtailparty half a degree slacker HT angle but same build kit mostly. Don't know if that will make a big enough difference.
@@JasonScottCarter Honestly, I don't think bikepacking focused mtbs should have this aggressive of a HTA. It compromises slow speed steering stability, which is what a lot of bikepacking ends up being.
I think 66* is a great head angle for bikepacking. Remember that they get steeper as they sag, so it'll be closer to 72* at bottom out.
Great, I like seeing budget hardtails on the channel, it's always interesting to see how good the ride quality and geo on these bikes is.
Ps. I hate it when companies like Trek/Marin use the same model name for a frame with and without thru axels (they should have something a lot more explicit in the model name to help consumers distinguish them)
100% agree
It’s not that hard to read a spec sheet though. I fully understand why they do it, people see Matt Jones shredding a San Quentin and they want what he has, but maybe they can’t afford one of the real models. Maybe they go with another brand instead, so Marin offers a cheap model so kids can say they ride a SQ.
Giant Fathom 2 has boost thru axle frame and air fork same price.
See my other comment on this - Steve said they’ve been one of the hardest brands to get in touch with.
Yes, it's another value value bike for the price. The geo is quite different between the two though
Giant Fathoms have air forks in the same price range 👍.
Yes, and different geo... And 29er wheels. Unfortunately there have been a LOT of warranty claims on those forks.
@@hardtailpartycorrect. Those Giant Crests have not held up well at all.
Us shorty's can run 200mm droppers now!?
The only downside is the way the dropper cable enters the seat tube. It doesn't enter at the very bottom..I'm betting a 175mm dropper is the longest I can fit... See my Maniak to see a 200mm dropper for shorties.
Wish Marin stick with the previous logo on the front.
5:30 actually, a lot of europe has the rear on the right. Who knows why, but only the brits do it right.
Earlier model San Quentin were best
I think a good fork is better than a dropper.
I’d take a dropper over a better fork any day.
Same.