Calling it a soft launch, the big news over at Marin’s booth this year was the new San Quentin line. Shown as two different models with a third on the way, the San Quentin is sort of the combination between a dirt jumper and a trail bike. Something a rider would be able to rip their local trail system on, but still push the limits when it comes to the jump park.
It’s essentially Boost QR. Like 135mm QR was to 142mm TA, 141mm QR is to 148mm TA. Marin first introduced it back in 2016.
You can only use the Marin hub it comes with. It can not be upgraded since only Marin uses this standard and it saves a lot of money on spec. People who care about upgrading or ride a lot would not buy this level of bike anyway so it makes a lot of sense to get the benefits of boost bracing angles w/ out the cost. It’s a hydraulic disc w/ 120mm travel, chain guide, good gearing for climbing at a sweet price. It’s a real offroad bike w/out spending $$$. People who comment on Bikehearsay would never buy this bike level. Smart bike for the price.
I have seen other bikes (Giant and Specialized) with boost spaced QR dropouts this year. As the OE market moves exclusively towards 148×12 for mid-high end mtb it makes sense that all bikes would start using a boost hubshell and chainline. With the QR end caps a Hope boost hub can be fitted to a 141×10 dropout, so owners are not doomed to torture by Joytech.
