Marin San Quentin 2 - Review 2022

A review of my 2021/2022 Marin San Quentin 2. I have been riding this bike for a few months now on a variety of terrain and want to share some of what the experience has been like.
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I started riding in 2007 on a Giant STP that replaced my Huffy. I put down the bike in 2009, and bought a Giant Stance in 2017 which I rode for around 7 months before it too took a backseat to life. I sold the Stance in May to fund it's replacement, the Marin San Quentin 2.
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00:00 intro
0:22 my shortlist
0:58 geometry and some specs
1:10 riding impressions
3:59 modifications
5:20 verdict
6:25 recommendations
7:52 drawbacks and final thoughts
8:48 outro
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Recommendations:

Hardtail reviews of high quality
   / hardtailparty  

Compare bike specs, geometry, and pricing estimates
www.99spokes.com

My riding jersey from a new, local business in NSW Australia
www.crofto.com.au

Mtb parts and upgrades sourced from
www.mtbdirect.com.au

My Instagram
www.instagram.com/idiot.on.bike
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Modified to suit my needs or replace what I've broken thanks mostly to @mtbdirect :
Bontrager XR4, 27.5x2.6
Shimano SLX rotors, 203/180mm
Rockshox mudguard
Spank Spike bars 800m/50mm
ODI SDG grips
Dyedbro Viking frame protection
FUNN Zippa bash guard
OneUp composite pedals
Bontrager Arvada saddle
DaBomb UFO rear hub
Tannus insert in the rear
Fidlock bottle and latch
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All other specs you can find at @bicyclesonline.com.au
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What is my favourite upgrade? My @caribee_australia hydropack 100%. Crash landed on it, didn't split, and can ride souch further with water on board 👌👌