Eurobike 14 – Transition Bikes

We first met the boys from Transition when they first launched the TR450 DH bike in 2009 at our local trails. On that initial meeting we were immediately inspired by their ‘build what we want to ride’ ethos.

These guys weren’t just building bikes to sell, they actually wanted to build bikes that they wanted to ride. This has stuck to the brand ever since and pulsates out in all aspects of their bikes. These guys really do ride bikes.

For 2015 Transition have made a bold move to a new suspension platform on their main line of all mountain bikes, moving away from their single pivot design. We also have a new importer in the UK, Transition will now be distributed via Windwave, the guys behind Marzocchi, Dainese and Gravity.

But before we take a look at the new platform, lets look at their flagship DH bike. Refined over the years we have concluded (so far) with this, the TR500, available around October time.

Transition wanted to future proof this bike a little, so with the use of two travel settings (180mm or 200mm) and chips to run either 26” or 275 wheels, this is a frame you could upgrade to without worrying about getting new forks and hoops at the same time. The TR500, as well as the rest of the range, are now available in small, medium, large and extra large giving you the option to get the larger top tube so many racers long after.

With a threaded BB, tapered headtube and integrated bump stops and cable guides it’s got all the spec you need with some attention to detail. One of our favorite bits on this new bike is the bolts and caps for the linkages are all the same, so you don’t need to worry about which bit goes where when your servicing or after spares. One of our favorite DH bikes so far this year, this looks to be a bike you will look after and cherish for a long time, a keeper.

Transition TR500 Frame Only (With Vivid) – RRP £1999.95
Transition TR500 Zee Build – RRP £4299.95
Transition TR500 Xo1 Build – RRP £5199.95

In with the new Platform, this is the Patrol. In true Transition marketing form, this is the new Giddy Up Suspension linkage, in real terms, a Horst Link Four Bar. This type of linkage is tunable by the bike itself, so something Transition really wanted to concentrate on here was to create a bike which felt like their transitions always have, while giving you better advantages in the climbs and under braking without having to use magic and complicated platform setups in the rear shock. Apparently they have nailed it, but we will find out when we get a ride.

So giving into the name, this is their ‘Enduro’ bike with 275 wheels. It has a sister too, the Suppressor, same bike but 26 wheels and geometry to fit. We will have three build options on this bike, as there will be on most. With the Patrol there will be a base SLX build, X1 and XX1. The frame has a 65 degree HA and 155mm rear travel based around a 160mm fork, internal cable routing and shares the same mech hanger and pivot kits as the rest of the range.

Patrol Frame Only – RRP £1499.95
Patrol XX1 Build – RRP £4899.95
Patrol X1 Build – RRP £3899.95
Patrol Deore/SLX Build – RRP £2899.95

The Scout is the shorter travel version, with 125mm at the rear based around a 140mm fork. On top of the travel difference, the Scout comes with a lighter downtube. Across the range Transition have tried to up-spec the fork as much as possible to make the overall ride of the bike as good as they can for the money. Much like the Patrol and Supressor, the Scout comes with ISCG mounts, as all suspension bikes maybe should? Although this is only a 125mm bike, with the 275 wheels this bikes going to be a bit of a ripper, we can’t wait to get a ride on one of these.

Scout Frame Only  – RRP £1399.95
Scout X1 Build – RRP £3899.95
Scout Deore/SLX Build – RRP £2799.95

The Smuggler, maybe not everyone’s cup of tea with it’s massive 29 inch wheels, but this bike runs all the same principles as the scout, just with the bigger hoops making it a very capable, slack (67Degree) and fast 29er full sus.

Sumggler Frame – RRP £1399.95
Sumggler X1 Build – RRP £3899.95
Sumggler Deore/SLX Build – RRP £2799.95

The Ripcord has to be on the list for any little-un or dad. 24” trailish type full suspension bike, keep up with your dad on the climbs and descents with this little ride.

UK Distributor: Windwave

Visit Transition Bikes for more info.