Transition Spire Reviewed

Рет қаралды 17,477

2 жыл бұрын

Shortly after launching a freshly updated aluminum Patrol and an all new model dubbed the Spire, Transition Bikes sent me the latter - a full 29″ bike with 170mm of front and rear travel. The “Nimble Bruiser”, as Transition aptly calls the bike, is available in both carbon fiber and aluminum featuring adjustable and rather aggressive geometry. I’ve spent the last few months on the “GX Alloy” model, which sees a very high value spec for its $4,899 price tag.
Full article: www.mtb-mag.com/en/tested-tra...

Пікірлер: 55

@StraightLine_MTB 2 жыл бұрын

I agree with you on this bike. Reviewing it as well in Deore build and find it very refined for an alu bike. Probably the longest travel "all rounder" I have had the pleasure of reviewing. Great bike and great review.

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! Thanks for the kid words. Much appreciated, and glad you're digging the bike.

@TheMTBPOV 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, I’ll be in the market for my first full suspension bike later this year after starting out on the hardtail 18 months ago. Transition spire/sentinel is what I’m after, seem to be really well specced and love how they do both alloy and carbon in similar specs instead of only putting the good spec on the carbon frames.

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Transition has been crushing it lately. Great value and spec - especially from a more boutique brand.

@jubalvw3302 2 жыл бұрын

Wow I really want to try this bike now!

@slick-riq 2 жыл бұрын

I ended up getting the GX Carbon just because the store had one ~ initially went in planning to order a Sentinel. So figured I could get this now or wait a year for a Sentinel. Rode it for the first time last weekend, yea 100% to everything in this review. It’s noticeably heavier, but I destroyed my prior Strava records both going up and down vs my 30lbs 26” 2013 Trek Slash. I was initially a bit worried that it’s way too much, it makes my old bike look like a kids bike… but despite the size and weight it climbs surprisingly well, and incredibly agile on tight switchbacks. And it’s burly enough that I plan on selling my DH bike (Giant Glory). The Sentinel is a more practical choice for more everyday riding, but if you’re looking for an unstoppable juggernaut- the Spire is it.

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah, thanks for the vote of confidence.

@jonathanhowson6420 2 жыл бұрын

So tempted by this bike, but I own a V2 Bronson and a Specialized enduro ohlins coil. Both are 66 head angles and I have the seat slammed forward on both for climbing. This frame is ticking a lot of boxed. Maybe save up for a couple of years getting the most out of my bikes then look to go with one of these.

@ryansteiger6960 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. Very nice voice over.

@All_the_bikes_are_cool 2 жыл бұрын

1:58 priceless ... Not a big dil... LOL :) Cool review... Thanks guys

@thepedalsadvocate7389 2 жыл бұрын

Love me this!

@merijn639 Жыл бұрын

Would you recommend this for someone who also goes on xc grouprides? I ride with an xc youth group as we only have xc trails and xc groups in the area. I already ride on an enduro and im keeping up fine. Im not the only one on an enduro bike in the group and it's definitely not speed focused at all but more focused on technique. Personally I like to ride the roughest trails in the area and some bike park type stuff too, so I'm trying to find the most capable bike that still pedals somewhat okay and is still fun on less rough trails. Seems that the poppy progressive nature of the spire's rear suspension would suite this but im wondering what you think having ridden the bike? Ps, I like the occasional huck to flat (1.5meters or higher) so I kinda dont wanna buy a 'lighter' enduro race bike in fear of breaking the frame.

@mtb-mag Жыл бұрын

If you already keep up on an Enduro, then this would be pretty suitable. It's obviously not an XC bike per se, but sounds like it could get the job done.

@bike_somm 2 жыл бұрын

Sweet review, 👏🏼 Now for the EVO alloy compared to the carbon one ..?!☝🏼 😜

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Hmmm. Would probably be a bit too apples to oranges to compare complete bikes, but comparing the frames is easy! A little bit more weight and a slightly less lively feel on the AL bike saves you a lot of money but still comes with all the rad features!

@frothmonster9728 2 жыл бұрын

I am trying to decide between this and the Devinci Spartan. If you've ridden the Spartan, how does it compare to the Spire, and which is more planted/ faster?

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't ridden one, but I'd imagine that with a high pivot the Spartan would likely be a little faster in the rough and more stable. I'd imagine that it wouldn't be quite as fun and poppy though.

@addisonc00 2 жыл бұрын

What's your opinion on the deore version with the Z1? How does it climb compare to a lighter trail bike with comparable componentry?

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Hard to tell without riding it. Z1 is a great fork for the money as is the deore drivetrain, but it's probably going to run a little slower on the climbs than a lighter (duty) bike.

@owlpromtb 2 жыл бұрын

I'm around 6' 2" long legged, do you think I should go with an XL or Large? How was the seat drop for you on large? Could the alloy version be more lively on a set of Carbon wheels?

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Hmm. That's a little tough. I was comfortable with the 40mm stem, but a slightly taller rider could push to a 50mm stem. However, if you're long limbed you may want to go XL. The fact that Transition offer 5 sizes means there is likely less of a big feeling jump between each one. If you like your bikes on the smaller side go Large, if you like them a little roomier, go XL. Yeah, depending on the wheels I think carbon wheels will always add a bit of liveliness. That said for an alloy bike with alloy wheels that's no lightweight, the bike sure feels sprightly!

@Coerced 2 жыл бұрын

I'm 6'2 with longer arms and I'm on an XL sentinel V2. If I was going to ride a spire I'd pick an L as I'm sure it's the better all-rounder. The XL at our height can be ridden but it turns into more of a ground hugging machine that needs quite a lot of speed to turn lively. Honestly I don't think you'll ever feel like the L is less capable or confident that the XL.

@trailpimp6369 2 жыл бұрын

I love this bike and the color. Have you seen the 2021 Vitus Sommet CRX. It is like between the patrol and the spire.

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Haven't see that bike yet - but we're game to check it out.

@trailpimp6369 2 жыл бұрын

@@mtb-mag sick

@justdave5098 2 жыл бұрын

I'm curious as to what saddle you changed out to? Also, I'm 15 years out of the saddle, would you suggest the Spire or Sentinel? Both seem like solid bikes for returning riders.

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

I'd say the Sentinel is a better one and done bike. However, if you already have a lighter duty bike then the Spire is the way to go. As far as saddles goes, my favorite is the Specialized Bridge.

@justdave5098 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@jonathanhowson6420 2 жыл бұрын

49 seconds. Is that a crack in the frame to the left of the shock mount hole?

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

No - that's a scratch. I'd probably end up in the hospital before I could crack this bike.

@MrJoeditch 2 жыл бұрын

Interested to see how tall you are, for the large frame, are transitions sizing’s accurate thanks!

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Hey! I'm 6 feet tall on the nose, with long limbs. Large fit absolutely dead on and I wouldn't change a thing about the geometry.

@MrJoeditch 2 жыл бұрын

@@mtb-mag amazing thanks for you reply, I’m 185cm so a little taller but I think the large would work best for me over an XL

@iancollins473 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrJoeditch - yeah, it comes with a 40mm stem...You could always give it a bump to 50mm to stretch out if need be, while still having quick handling.

@PepperandCaseysRV 2 жыл бұрын

I have the carbon xxl. I think it could sue 60mm rise bars. I’ll be adding some soon. Don’t like my stage seat either or the stage stem or bars.

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Dang! 60mm bars - You must be pretty tall. Ha!

@aaronburela432 Жыл бұрын

Can transition please route that brake cable inside please? These bikes are awesome but that bugs me for some reason

@mtb-mag Жыл бұрын

Kinda doubt that'll happen. They are pretty vocal about how it's great for privateers and racers doing their own work.

@2768Rolf2768 2 жыл бұрын

What Frame size would you choose when you are 1,80m tall? M or L?

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

That's a tough one. You're probably best on a medium and at worst, perhaps you throw a 50mm stem on to stretch out.

@isaacthompson5792 2 жыл бұрын

Can and what coil can i put on this bike

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, and I think it would work with/clear just about any coil. I'd check with Transition first, but you should be good to go!

@tobiasbockdh3007 2 жыл бұрын

is ur frame broken at the flip chip? minute: 0:49

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

No - that's a scratch.

@AntiDEDok 2 жыл бұрын

Great bike, great decisions, great company and really bad times with availability.

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

High demand!

@michaelfrymus 2 жыл бұрын

Debating between the Spire & the Sentinel

@mtb-mag 2 жыл бұрын

Tough one. They're both great bikes. The Sentinel is a great all around. You could run a slightly longer stroke on the rear shock and meet in the middle if you wanted to...

@HannyDart Жыл бұрын

How tall is the reviewer?

@mtb-mag Жыл бұрын

6' tall on the dot! Large fits perfectly.

@HannyDart Жыл бұрын

@@mtb-mag thanks for the reply! man the spire ticks every box i have for the perfect mountainbike (for me) but im so in between sizes being 177cm tall... currently on a specialized enduro in s3 wich is dead in the middle between a medium and a large spire and it feels perfect sizewise