Congrats! Yeah we have a lot of people come from BMX to the San Quentin. It’s a great bike for someone getting into it again. Thanks for the comment

Thanks, yeah they did a good job I think

Thanks for your comment. Yup at first I wasn’t super excited but the more I look at it the more I am excited about it. Yeah I agree, it is like an oversized bmx/ dirt jumper. Nice, what san Quentins do you own?

@@BikingRoots 2019 sq1 M and jus scooped up a 2022 sq3 XL frame(being built now!!)

Nice versions. Have fun on the custom build on the SQ3. It was a cool color

OH GREAT SO NOW THE LARGE FRAME DOESN'T ACCOMMODATE 6-FT RIDER?

You can review this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gZOCiLR-tae3cmQ.html as it is the same for the 2021 model. They used the same fork with the same straight steerer to tapered head tube adapter. If you have any more questions or not sure what headset to buy, let me know.

Nice! We have our first one coming in about a week, stay tuned for a video

Thanks! Yeah Marin did a good job on these.

Thanks for your comment. I’m not an engineer so this probably isn’t the best definition but I’ll try my best! The trend in mountain bike geometry over the last few years or so has been to have a slacker head tube angle (so lower number) and a steeper seat angle (so higher number). XC bikes for example used to and some still do have head tube angles in the 68-71 degree angle). Downhill bikes for a while were sometimes 58-65 degrees or so. There are pros and cons of both. Slacker head angles will make steering a bit slower which is an advantage going down steep stuff at high speeds. Steeper head angle makes steering quicker which is good for slower tight turns and adjustments, not always good flying down the mountain at a high speed. The seat tube is similar as a steeper seat tube will allow your weight to be better centered over the bike and make it easier to climb. This all being said, is a 1 degree slacker head angle and a couple degree steeper seat tube angle going to feel that much different for most people. I would argue, no.. most people will not feel that much of a difference. I think the biggest difference that people will feel is that the standover heigh is shorter (which is an advantage for all people pretty much) and that the san quentin 1 has a normal headset, so you do not have to buy a new headset if you upgrade the fork. Through us at least, it’s a $100 difference (between the old and new model) so up to you. Both bikes will be fun. If you’re on a tight budget, get the old, if not go for the new… color difference will come in to play as well. I like both year colors personally. The new tan though looks pretty sweet. Sorry, longer than planned, but hope it helps!

@@BikingRoots thanks for the explanation. This looks much closer to a dirt jumper than the previous model, in my eyes. I own the 2022 SQ2, I remember your video about the SQ line from a couple of years ago helped with the decision :)

Agreed!

Unless you want to save a $100 (which is totally fine) Id go for the 2023 if it was me. Good luck!

You can't buy them there? That seems crazy since they are made just south of there! Sorry

Good question. No difference between 2023 and 2024. Marin is actually doing away with model years which will take a bit to get used to, but they will just go to generations not yearly changes or updates.

@@BikingRoots that's sounds much better 👌🇭🇲

Maybe others will comment but I’d say if you are looking for a smaller feeling bike, go with the large. Maybe hit up your local trail group and see if anyone has a large you could try and make your decision accordingly. The new ones are stretched a bit more than previous generations. If you are wanting a more playful bike to throw around and aren’t planning any long distance trail rides, I’d size down personally. Good luck!

That’s a good question as they are comparable. The San Quentin vs Rosoe basically comes down to what you’ll use the bike for and your personal preference. The SQ is a 27.5 only bike built to be a sharp handling, dirt jumpy, aggressive trail bike while the Roscoe is an aggressive 29er trail bike. Both are very slack with the SQ having a 1 degree slacker head tube angle. Component wise the Roscoe has a beefier Fox 36 fork than the Z2 on the SQ3 (36mm vs 34mm stanchions). The Roscoe also has a bit better components it appears in the drivetrain and cranks, however it is also $800 more than the SQ. Both would be sweet bikes, I think it will come down to color, price, and if you’re a 27.5 or 29 person! We are getting the new SQ3 in about a week so stay tuned for that video

Hello! I'm just a tad under that height. For this type of bike, I'd go Medium since it is designed to be a fun toss around kind of bike for quick trail carving and jumping. If however, you like to be stretched out on a bike and go more for distance than, you may feel ok on a large and since you are kind of in that category (you're in between sizes) Good luck, hope it helps

Thanks!

Yes it will if you like a smaller sportier bike. Since it is a 27.5 it will have a shorter wheelbase than a large marin bobcat 29er for example. Marin’s chart does probably suggest an XL for a 6’ rider but it is a suggestion. Some people have longer arms or legs and preferences so it just depends

Oh dang, well that’s a tough one. What color did you order? I would say if you like the new colors more than go for the newest one with the new frame geometry. If you aren’t super particular of that or like the color of the 2022, keep it and use the savings for either a fork upgrade or a dropper post!

Thanks for the comment, sorry for the delay. Congrats on SQ1! There aren’t a lot of hub options for it unfortunately but you could do a custom build using a 142 thru axle hub and QR end caps. If you are a big guy or will ride it hard, you may just go through some axles. The frame is tough though so will take it, but yeah the weakness on the SQ1 is the rear frame mounts as it doesn’t make it as stiff and difficult to upgrade. Good luck!

​@@BikingRoots thnx, yeah, no prb with weight coz i'm just a 60kg girl 🤣 i was questioning my decision only for the qr rear but well, i didn't have problems with a front +rear qr mtb 😂 and i abused it a lot (no extreme jumps though) .like the 2023 sq1 geo a lot.

​@@BikingRoots well......I ended up with the 2023 SQ2 (i keep 'em forever and never sell so the frame is better for long term). Like the colour more than the tan sq1 and at this price, i wanted thru axle honestly.....the fork should've been at least last year's model but whatever, when it will be time , i'll change it to an entry air fork.....Now time to have fun! :)

@@renyrga5785 Congrats on your SQ2. Good call and yes better future proof with the boost thru axle rear. The fork is heavier but I’d say smoother than the air recon. You may like it as long as the spring is good for your weight. Have fun with the bike and take care!

Thanks for your comment and question. Regarding the Stoic 2. I haven’t ridden one or worked on one (that I recall) but looking over the specs and features, they look like a pretty solid option and competitor to the San Quentin. The biggest pro is that it comes stock with an air fork for $1200 vs $1000 w/ a coil on the san quentin. It’s a beginner air fork, but much lighter and will feel better than the coil on the SQ1. The SQ2 (when it is released) will have an air for and a dropper for probably a couple hundred more. You also may be able to pick up a 2022 San Quentin 2 on sale right now for a sweet price. As far as something playful for jumps, etc. it may come down to your wheel size preference. San Quentin is only available in 27.5, and the Stoic is a 29er only it looks like. One isn’t better or worse, just different. Some guys for jumps prefer 27.5 while others love their 29ers. Tough to decide off of specs alone. If you’re able to throw a leg over a san quentin in vegas, I’d recommend that. Unfortunately we are not able to ship at this time due to online selling restrictions from Marin. Thanks for asking though!

@@BikingRoots thanks for you time and your really helpful comment . You help me a lot to make my desition and not I got it … unfortunately I can purchase the bike with you but again, thank you A LOT !!!

No problem, good luck!

Yeah, the old one was cool. New one is sweet too. Regarding max fork travel. I personally wouldn't go higher than 140 but you probably could go to a 150mm without too many compromises to the handling but it's probably not recommended so at your own risk! We've experimented on other bikes in the past going above their travel recommendations and for the most part, 10-20mm is fine but it depends on the bike and would most likely void a warranty if something happened to the frame.

Sorry for delayed response and you probably already made a decision, but it kind of just comes down to 29 vs 27.5 and what you want. Growler looks sweet especially at that price point but is 29 only I believe. I think you are good with either one as they are both very similar, may come down to color and 29 vs 27.5 for me. Not sure on 2022 model but if it comes with dropper and advent x, then I’d go with that one

No unfortunately it cannot. You would have to go to the San Quentin 2 or the 3 to get the Series 3 frame with the 148 boost rear. Thanks for the question!

San Quentin would be more of a DJ/aggressive trail bike/Jump bike w/ beefy welds and thick 2.6" tires. Xtrada 7 is more XC/Trail oriented as far as head tube angle and spec. It's pretty well equipped for the price but not for everyone. I'd say if you like to jump and session stuff, go san quentin. If you want a fast, XC/trail, narrower tire bike, go Xtrada

😮​@@BikingRoots

this was a medium frame

So the Alpine trail 7 is not getting any changes and is a carryover model for 2023. We have some currently. Sweet bike. Carbon versions (1 and 2) are also staying the same from what ive been told. The XR model so high end alloy I believe is getting some small changes but nothing too major from what I know. They should release more info soon.

@@BikingRoots okay thank you sir for taking the time to tell me I want to get the carbon version or the alpine trail 7 as my first purpose built enduro bike and you are a very busy person considering your a bike shop owner but if you have any information if they release a new type of carbon 1 or 2 let me know I’d highly consider ordering from you thank you for your time

Of course, no worries, I like trying to help. Carbon vs aluminum is a tough one. You are looking at a $600 upgrade on the Alpine to go to the carbon version (which is just the front triangle, the rear is alloy). You save a little bit of weight (I think 1-2 lbs approx). I used to have the Carbon 2 version that I built up from the frame. Yeah, let me know how I can help, I don’t see them doing any updates on these in the next year. Thanks

It comes with some inexpensive plastic pedals w/ some knobs for grip. I recommend replacing them ASAP however. Lots of $50 pedal options with better bearings and grip from PNW, Crank Brothers, Race Face, and many others

@@BikingRoots yeah I added some composite ? pedals w JensonUSA

I’ve seen renderings but not the official one yet (only 1 color option). They should release it soon on their website. I think it will look cool though.

@@BikingRoots thanks, they say they it will release it early December. I got the black and gray sq1 2023 but if the color looks good on the sq2 I might return it and upgrade.

Thanks for your question. If you are looking for an aggressive trail bike that will feel similar to a DJ, then yes the San Quentin would be great for that. Comparing it to an XC bike, you’ll see some big differences. Head angles on XC bikes are steeper. Usually 67-69 degrees. They also have shorter travel, they have lighter weight frames, and these days are often 29”. Those things the San Quentin isn’t really designed for. It’s more built for aggressive riding and jumping, not high speeds and long distances. That being said, it will be fine for single track trails as well just not on the same level as a purpose built XC bike. Depending on skill level, some riders may not tell a difference. Hope that helps! Good luck!

@@BikingRoots Then which bike is suitable for my riding style? I prefer lighter weight frame with modern geometry, 120mm travel suspension fork, good climbing control with moderate dirt jump capabilities. Does Marin Bobcat trail 5 suit on me?

The Bobcat 5 may be a better option for you. It is a bit lighter, has modern geometry (not as slack as the san quentin). Also on the 5 you get a better coil fork than what comes on the san quentin 1.

Does slacker head angle help in downhill ride? And can you assure me that Marin Bobcat trail 5 jumps like a DJ bike? What are there other options? Polygon xtrada 7?

yes, slacker head angle does help downhill. The Bobcat is a trail bike so it can be jumped, but as far as it jumping like a DJ bike, no. I think you need to decide what type of riding you will be doing the most. If you see yourself hanging out mostly at the dirt jumps with only occasional trail rides, then san quentin is better. If you are primarily going to be on trails and only occasionally hit the jumps, then bobcat or the polygon xtrada 7 would be better.

Nice! Yeah I think a lot of us feel that way after the holidays

sorry for the delay, I’ll check tomorrow. 35mm diameter or the length?

@@BikingRoots NP.. i was just wondering about the length but I think it's 35mm

Yeah, those colors were pretty cool, we had them when we first opened our shop. I guess they have to mix it up every few years, sometimes we like them, sometimes not. Wish we could have more options but I understand it would cost more.

Sorry, I did not show that, I can in the next video. Most of the time they can go all the way down, if not we just cut off an inch or two depending on customer’s preference.

I have the gray and black. The seat goes down to the Marin logo. About an inch from all the way down

$999 in the USA

Yeah I know... I'm not sure the reasoning but I'm sure there is some price savings for the frame, wheel, and axle. Is it worth it, probably not. Yeah, because of that I usually advise people that want to do upgrades to just buy the San Quentin 2 (since it has the lighter frame, thru axle, dropper, and air fork for an additional $500

I know right?! Looks pretty sweet and fits what the bike was intended for. Haven’t been able to ride it on the trails yet but hopefully tomorrow

@@BikingRoots would love to see some film and feed back

The Stoic 2 is a good buy as well if you like the white which looks like the only color option. $200 more but it does have an air fork which is a big plus.

Why don’t you like it? Bad experience with it or just meh?