Hey all,
I’m looking to upgrade from my current Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 (size Large), and I’ve realized the frame is just a bit too big for me. I’m on the shorter side, so I’m planning to size down to a Medium for my next build. Right now I’m stuck between the 2025.1 Marin San Quentin 3 frameset in 29” and a Nukeproof Scout 290 frameset, also in Medium.
This will be a full custom build, mostly for progressing on trails, learning tricks, and doing some urban freeride / hangout rides with friends. From what I’ve read, the San Quentin seems more aggressive and slack, kind of a hardcore hardtail that’s playful and good for jumps, while the Scout sounds more like a well-rounded trail bike that can still handle rough stuff when pushed (I love Blake's Nukeproof Scout videos).
I’m coming from a Marlin 8 gen 2 with more XC style geometry, so I’m looking for something way more confident on descents. I still pedal a fair bit, but fun and progression matter more to me than pure efficiency. I’m also a bit unsure about sizing since I was riding a Large before and it felt too stretched out.
For anyone who’s ridden one or both, I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Which would you go with and why? How do they compare in terms of playfulness versus stability? Does the San Quentin feel like too much bike for general trail riding? And any advice on sizing for someone between sizes or coming from a frame that was too big?
Appreciate any input.