Thank you! Gotta keep it real 😎. That and I have light sensitivity so I look asleep without them when outside 😆.

Awesome thank you Andreas 🙏

Thanks brother

More to come but this bike is sick!

That's exciting Andrew. Let me know what you think when you get it. What build did you go with?

@@StraightLine_MTB went with the deore, with the frame warranty I’ll slowly upgrade as parts wear and just get stronger legs in the process. Going from a 7 year old cube stereo to this is a serious upgrade. Going to feel soooo smooth.

I had a knocking Fox Float X performance shock but got a second hand Float X2 and I am loving the bike. It’s slow pedalling but it gets me up hills and on the downs I feel way more confident than ever before. Doesn’t feel huge at all, it’s amazing!

@@andrewbailey2735 awesome. Glad you're loving the bike. Getting a lighter wheelset and lighter tires really woke up the bike on climbs. Add some nimbleness on the downs. Throw the heavier wheels and tires on for the bike park and certified shred sled.

Yes, more bikes, the better 😆. I'd rank your choices in terms of poppy playfulness 1 Sentinel 2 Spire 3 Mega. The Sentinel is going to feel more like an all mountain bike similar to Ripmo. My experience with the Spire was great. I thought it pedaled very well for a 170 mm bike and was relatively maneuverable for a big bike. The Mega is more of a plow bike, but it too climbs well. Spire and Mega I'd put in the same category but have different feel on the trail. Mega will eat chunk more comfortably where Spire you will have more trail feedback. Spire will feel a bit more confident as it is a longer bike. I loved the Mega as an enduro bike and didn't have much to complain about. I did find myself taking the Spire on more xc rides as I thought it never felt like a brut even though it weighed 37lbs. If I went Spire, I'd go carbon with a lighter wheelset. Let me know what you end up buying...... can't go wrong either way. Thanks for watching

The Spire climbs really well for a 170mm bike. You can't get around the long wheel base but it is manageable. It isn't what I'd call plush plow bike in the 170mm category. It's a great balance of climbing and long travel. The fastest bike I had down rocky was 2021 Nukeproof Mega 290c. That bike is more plush. Spire in carbon would be very interesting

She's a beaut

@@StraightLine_MTB I am coming to town this weekend. I will hit you up. We got snow again in Tahoe so time for dry trails again.

Something about an aluminum big bike that makes me feel like the terminator 😆.

Putting this build the carbon hoops added pop and snap as well as dropped weight. All these things added value for me on the Spire. I don't have a lot of time on the carbon hoops but do notice more stiff in corners and in the rough. Both have their pros and cons but liking the carbon hoops.

The reach will be longer as will the wheel base . The Sentinel is a playful fun bike so sizing up may not be bad if you're in between sizes. If you're wanting the more confident character then the xl would work. More pop and play the L would fit the bill. If you can get a demo on the V2 and Spire, you may be surprised with the Spire.

Hmmmm. Spire will climb better and geo feel more balanced. Spire more playful. I would go Spire as I like the better climbing but Meta is a beast on the descent. I'd go Spire Deore as the brakes would be better and not a fan of NX derailleur.

@@StraightLine_MTB thanks for the quick reply. I'm wondering if the new SX mullet version of the Meta will be snappier and more playful due to the smaller rear tire...

I have ran carbon and aluminum wheels and haven't noticed flex. I've cracked several chainstays in my day so I'm not easy on them. For an aluminum frame this thing feels very nice

I've not been on a patrol nor any mixed wheel bike yet. But looking at the numbers I imagine the Patrol will be more playful and probably bit of a better climber. Spire would have the more confident feeling at speed in the chunk as it's longer. Spire can run a 27.5 out back so if needed you could get some of that party 🥳 feeling with a longer wheelbase and travel.

@@StraightLine_MTB Yeah same, I'm curious to how the mullet feels. I've heard they don't jump the same, but also I've heard they jump better? It's hard to make the choice on one bike these days they all seem so good

They both share similar qualities. The Sentinel V2 is and aggressive one bike option that climbs well and descends well. The Spire has the same character but is going to be heavier, slower climber, but descend more confidently. The Sentinel will be more maneuverable in tighter sections and be more fun when trails aren't demanding. The Spire is really surprising with how poppy and playful it is for such a big bike...but it's still a big bike. Sentinel is probably enough bike for most but if you find yourself hitting big lines or at the bike park often then the Spire is amazing. That or if you have a 130 or 140mm bike and looking for something to complement then Spire is a great choice. I'd love to ride a Sentinel with a coil out back....that may be the ticket

@@StraightLine_MTB I have a commencal meta am 29 with 170/160 mm. course... and I'm going to change it for one of these two possibilities... the reason I want to change it is that the rear has a little progressive system and wears out the course with some ease... Most on The jumps, which I don't like... Is This going to happen to me the same with these options ? Or they can handle well with jumps... Maybe The Spire is The best option... But if The sentinel if the sentinel held up well in the jumps without exhausting the rear travel it could be the best option since it climbs better

@@rogerioserra7703 coming off a Meta AM I'd go with the Spire. Spire will feel more sporty than the Meta (2021 version)but will feel more balanced. I personally haven't had issue with the Spire going through it's travel too quickly.

Honestly I haven't. Seems the shorter stock cranks help a. It with that

@@StraightLine_MTB thats good. Probably im on a low settings. I will figure it out what's the difference between high and low settings. I never touch the bike. It's been stock since i got it last january. I rode twice or 3x a week.

@@RemyDodoy I have not ridden mine in low setting as I feel it is plenty low and slack in high setting for my local trails. I'd imagine the low setting may get some strikes 🤔

Wow. Mine must have a brick in it 😆. I was surprised with the weight and checked on 2 different scales. After riding it I became less concerned with it's weight....awesome bike.

It really is a beautiful bike......might have to keep it for DH season

I've stayed in the high position and don't have pedal strike issues.

@@StraightLine_MTB thank you bro. I figure it out its on high position but i still get a lot of pedal strikes. Lol. Last tuesday i got pedal strikes and fell to the cliff. Lol. It was scary but glad im okay.🙏🏼 Probably im going to check my rear sus sag too every ride.

@@RemyDodoy a lot of the new sleds are pretty low. I think I've gotten used to these low BBs 😆. ....although I have had some sketchy moments on some.

I'm 209ish and am running 30% sag with 3 clicks from fully closed.

The Spire is a long bike but I feel like it has a more enduro feel. I had the Sentinel V2 and that had a more all mountain feel. I think the Spire would be a great enduro bike. Yes its long but I don't think it's a ground hugging plow wagon. It will pop and jump well. It will be heavier but I threw on some lighter carbon wheels and that really pepped it up on the climbs and upped it's poppiness. Transition is doing some great things with their current lineup.

@@StraightLine_MTB Hmm interesting. I was also considering the Evil Wreckoning, Orbea Rallon M Team (but that's more $$, but maybe worth it?). Still open to ideas on which bike. I love DH, and would like a DH bike, but I ride Enduro style more often and trail like when with other less experienced riders. Would love a good bike that can take me on an Enduro Race and possibly even a DH without a DH dedicated bike

@@michaelfrymus I've no experience with the Evil or Orbea but would guess they'll be more playful as the geo isn't as long. With that comes with less stability when things get rougher. All worthy of any enduro or dh tracks but Spire most likely more stable with the longer wheel base......but again the Spire will be a more playful 170mm bike compared to others in its travel category. Plus there's some bad assery points with transition. I really am liking the brand and there customer service seems to be excellent.

@@StraightLine_MTB what do you mean by bad assery points?

@@michaelfrymus Transition bike (to me) have a certain boutique/unique look and feel. Feels like a bike that sends no matter what you're riding. I had the Sentinel v2 and Spur and those bike were awesome.

Great question....still have some more riding to do but I'd say it depends. If you are hitting bike parks in the summer and regular terrain is on the more demanding side I'd say yes. The Spire climbs surprisingly well and is nimble for a 170mm aluminum bike. I've taken it on some 16 mile xc rides and it has done fine. Lightening it up in the wheel/tire department really brings out a lighter more playful character. If your trails aren't so demanding the Sentinel is also an excellent choice

Thanks! I’m deciding between the two and Am limited as to what is in stock and in my size. That’s why I’m curious

I've had great experience with it so far. I think adding a coil would really up the chunk gobble of this bike. All in all still a very fun bike

Yes sir, big, bold, and a bruiser

@@StraightLine_MTB awesomeness 🤟🔥

Thanks for checking in. Between those 3 bikes I'd say the plushest would be the Mega. The Meta AM would be the all out speed dragon in the chunk with it's long front end. The Spire has a more all around character which is surprising for a 170mm bike. They all have a great character and the Spire would be a great 1 bike for someone who does a little of everything. If I had a Switchblade I would probably go with the Meta AM and coil rear so you'd have a real bruiser for big DH days.

@@StraightLine_MTB This is a great breakdown, I appreciate the feedback! This all makes sense, it might be a while but yeah the Meta is still hanging heavy on my mind lol. This is excellent info coming from someone who's ridden all these different bikes. You're doing an awesome service with these reviews, especially as bikes and parts are still limited in stock. Thanks again!

The NP Mega is an excellent long travel bike and easy to live with otherwise.

@@johnnnewmex Thx for the info!

Yes, the Meta AM is most relative the the Spire. Geo numbers are in the same ballpark.