First Look: Transition Launch Alloy Scout and Sentinel

Sep 21, 2021
by Seb Stott  
photo


Transition revamped the 29"-wheeled Sentinel and 27.5" Scout last year. In both cases they bumped up the travel and bumped up the entry price, as the bikes were available in carbon only. Plenty of commenters bemoaned the lack of an alloy version, which is exactly what Transition is launching today. The alloy Scout and Sentinel are available in two build options, NX and GX, plus a frame-only option. The NX build costs $3,899 USD, the GX goes for $4,999 USD, and the frame-only is $2,099.

The geometry and suspension design of the alloy bikes match the carbon versions, and the frames share a lot of the same details including threaded bottom brackets, Enduro Max Bearings, room for a water bottle on the downtube and bosses for a tool holder under the top tube, plus SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger. The Sentinel is available in five sizes from Small to XXL, while the Scout is aimed at shorter riders, running from XS to Large.

Alloy Sentinel and Scout frame Details
• Sentinel - 150mm/160mm, 29" wheels
• Scout - 140mm/150mm, 27.5" wheels
• Lifetime warranty
• SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger
• Enduro Max sealed bearings with bearing shields on main pivot
• Threaded BB
• Molded Rubber frame protection
• External rear brake hose routing
• Water bottle and tool caddy bosses
• NX: $3,899 USD, GX: $4,999 USD, Frame only: $2,099
• www.transitionbikes.com

photo
Transition Scout NX
photo
Transition Sentinel NX

Weight


According to Transition, the alloy frame is about 2 lbs (0.9 kg) heavier than the carbon version. Transition didn't have any full-production, painted alloy frames available to physically weigh when I asked about frame weights, but they calculated/estimated the frame weights as well as providing measured complete bike weights.

MD Scout alloy frameset - 8.95lb / 4.06kg (calculated)
MD Sentinel alloy frameset - 8.97lb / 4.07kg (calculated)
MD Scout NX complete - 34.81lb / 15.79kg (actual weight)
MD Sentinel NX complete - 35.78lb / 16.23kg (actual weight)

photo

Build kits


All bikes use Fox suspension, with Performance Elite level dampers on GX builds (basically top-end suspension minus the Kashima coat) and Performance level on the NX build (which does without high-speed compression or high-speed rebound adjustment on the fork and without compression adjustment on the shock). The drivetrains are as the names suggest (with no hidden downgrades) and the GX builds use SRAM's Code RSC brakes while NX bikes get the Code R. One detail to note is the 29" Sentinel has larger rotors than the 27.5" Scout, offsetting the extra leverage of the bigger wheel. Perhaps some riders would prefer even bigger rotors, but Transition deserves credit for choosing the Code over the G2 brakes which are often spec'd at this travel range.

Both models of both bikes come with Maxxis Assegai 3C EXO+ / Maxxis Minion DHRII 3C EXO+ tires, and a OneUP dropper post with up to 210mm of travel on size large and up.

photo

photo

The Sentinel and Scout alloy are in stock and some will be with dealers by the time you read this.




Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Enduro Bikes Trail Bikes Transition Transition Scout Transition Sentinel


Author Info:
seb-stott avatar

Member since Dec 29, 2014
299 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Bike Check: Evan Wall's Haro Greer Prototype Enduro Bike
44415 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in 10 DAYS!
42681 views
Pinkbike Poll: Riser Bar or Extra Spacers Under the Stem?
41558 views
First Ride: Canyon Neuron:ONfly - a Lighter 140mm eMTB
40303 views
Vivo Cycling Previews All-Aluminum 12-Speed Derailleur
38604 views
The Ultimate Recap of Sea Otter 2024
37970 views
Review: Zerode G3 - A Belt Driven, Gearbox Equipped DH Bike
34183 views
Sam Hill Says He's Not Done With Racing
30557 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

271 Comments
  • 169 21
 Transition is killing it on the price point and spec. for these aluminum bikes.
  • 124 37
 aluminum GX bikes were like $3,800 ish before covid.
  • 48 58
flag islandforlife (Sep 21, 2021 at 8:29) (Below Threshold)
 @jwdenver: And now they're not... your point?
  • 10 1
 @jwdenver: my 2019 Alu Sentinel was 4500€
  • 77 6
 @jwdenver:

Yet, here we are, after Covid.
  • 51 5
 @jwdenver: yep, and now sea freight costs 10x what it did pre-covid. Things cost more now.
  • 17 3
 @jwdenver: I was thinking the same thing.. my 2020 aluminum GX build was $3600
  • 4 4
 @jwdenver: transitions?
  • 57 1
 @jwdenver: and used Toyota Tacomas are selling for more than they were new.
  • 8 5
 @Trogdor636:

Onelessbrobrahtaco
  • 33 2
 @jwdenver: That's why I would like to see a SLX build. It should help keep the price lower without any drawbacks
  • 8 0
 @AlexBroach:

Did it come with PE level squish and Code RSCs? Also was that sale or msrp?
  • 4 6
 @jwdenver: yeah, that was almost 2 years ago, what your point?
  • 44 9
 @hllclmbr: Umm, def not "after" Covid, yet.
  • 35 13
 @AlexBroach: I dunno how someone can justify a $5k, 36 pound alu Sentinel when you can go on the GG site and build out a 33 pound carbon Smash with GX drivetrain and Code R brakes. To each his own, but other brands get hit for pricing and Transition is not immune.
  • 15 7
 @justinfoil: as an RN, I can't agree more with this comment!
  • 10 3
 @hllclmbr: covid aint over yet
  • 3 0
 @AlexBroach: They were sale at 20% to clear out because V2s were coming. I got my GX alloy with PE for the same price.
  • 2 0
 @pakleni: Me too. But Shimano's supply chain is f*cked at this point in time.
  • 12 8
 About time builders started respecting the budgets of buyers. The alloy is about a thousand dollars cheaper than the plastic version. How long does it take you to earn a thousand dollars take-home pay in your paycheck? That extra money should cover a helmet, knee pads, gloves, tool kit, hydration pack, and shoes.
  • 8 0
 @JWadd: "About time"? Cheaper aluminum options have always been a thing, including from Transition. Availability has been tough during Covid... but this is definitely not a new thing.
  • 12 0
 @jwdenver: but did they have performance elite suspension, DT wheels, exo+ tires, and RSC brakes? Probably not. I have to agree these prices are pretty competitive. That bike arguably needs no big upgrading.
  • 28 8
 @islandforlife: Obviously, my point is that a $5,000 35 pound aluminum bike is not "killing it on the price point and spec". A ripmo AF in SLX build is $4,200 now (was $3,500 before covid). Lots of revisionist history going on at Pinkbike these days.
  • 12 0
 @jwdenver:

SLX RAF was $4k from day one. Currently $4300 so small increase but agree always a great value. Also that build is about or over 34 pounds with an air shock.

The Tranny frames are about .7 pound heavier but also have a lifetime warranty. Agree 5k gx doesn’t ‘scream’ value but at least you get top shelf suspension and brakes and nothing to upgrade.
  • 8 2
 @pakleni: I think a Deore build would be solid also. Deore has been getting better and better. I run Deore on my Bikepacking bike and has worked well. Definately not as crisp and clean as my XT or XTR but it would be my pick for a budget build over NX or even GX. That said- I think Transition is clever and well aware of the supply chain issues right now. Getting anything Shimano for a fair price, on-time, and in high enough quantities to stock on a run of bikes would be a nightmare.
  • 3 3
 @snl1200: I agree absolutely, but a lot of us would be unnecessary sceptical about buying a 3.5k new bike equipped with "only" Deore level.
We like new and shiny things and Deore level was never shiny enough
  • 5 0
 Costanza wallet thickness quotient factor, so dialed
  • 4 0
 @islandforlife: I accidentally upvoted you, i take that back! His point is, pre- covid bikes were cheaper; while pointing out that @bbachme is unaware the new pricing hikes and thinks it's something for everyone to be excited about. LOL !!
  • 1 0
 @pakleni: 100%. Slx build would be perfect
  • 3 5
 Not really. Intense has similar specs for $3,200
  • 3 0
 @nickfranko: Link?
  • 1 0
 @mhaager2:

Yes, I realize that it’s now endemic, but stateside, at least, we’re done with lockdowns.

Vietnam and Australia, I can’t speak to.
  • 2 0
 @foggnm: Actually they did, 2020 Patrol came in aluminum with almost exactly that spec.
  • 2 2
 @jwdenver: You're probably right, but they were not spec'd with Performance Elite suspension and Code RSC brakes.

Id prefer these GX builds have Performance or Select+ suspension and R or RS brakes to get the price closer to $4k than $5k.

They have GX carbon Sentinel's for $5k. I cant see $5k for AL unless its all you can find available.
  • 1 0
 @Trogdor636: with 170,000 km on em too. Gotta be pretty desperate or dumb AF to pay it.
  • 1 2
 @jwdenver: "were" being the operative word.
  • 1 0
 @mikedk: hit the nail in the head

www.autotrader.ca/a/toyota/tacoma/kelowna/british%20columbia/5_52640949_20210129163940875/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=2_15_28&pc=V1W%201S6&sprx=100
  • 2 0
 @islandforlife: he made the point.
  • 1 0
 @pakleni: Partly why I will be buying a frame only.
  • 4 5
 @snl1200: if you’d pick deore over gx then your seriously misinformed. The new 12 speed deore and slx mechs are a joke. They’ve somehow managed to make them even worse than the old 11 speed stuff.
  • 1 1
 @jwdenver: SC’s aluminum Hightower (S build) was never $3800. You don’t even want to know how much these are in Europe.
  • 4 0
 @jwdenver: I'm very thankful I pulled the trigger on 2018 SLX Nukeproof Mega 290 for $2400 a few years back.....
  • 1 0
 @JWadd: $1000 - about three days
  • 2 0
 to make things worse: your savings holds roughly 13% less value than they did before COVID too. So really the GX build will cost you over $5600 (if we're comparing it to pricing from 2 years ago).
  • 2 3
 @Whatajohnny: Yeah, but my stocks are up like 50%
  • 1 0
 @snl1200: the updated GX has been pretty darn reliable to me. Way more than some 12s SXL I had on another bike.
  • 1 1
 @islandforlife: All the cheaper aluminum options were showing up at the lowest of the low end models, and fewer and fewer with time, Transition included.
  • 3 4
 @graeme187: At federal minimum wage of $7.25, about a month. Is this really just another elitist sport?
  • 4 1
 @JWadd:

Em Te Be as most of us practice it is a recreational hobby, not an entitlement that needs to be "affordable".

Beginners are just fine starting off with a $1k hardtail, and it's ok if they have to save for that. My first mtb in 1994 was $500 ($923 in 2021 freedom smackaroos) which was a normal entry level rigid trail bike for the time that I had shartloads of fun on.

Anyways for those of us who are obsessed we pay the price for high performance things. And there are plenty of alu frame only options in the 2k range (not "cheap" but not $3.5k like carbon frames) as a jumping off point to a build. I bet you can build something with a new or used alu frame + sale/used parts for way less than these offerings by Transition. I like them though and am glad they are offering a lower than carbon pricepoint for modern high performance bikes.
  • 3 0
 @shami: www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Transition/Patrol-Coil-Alloy-GX,27445

$4400 Stans wheels and performance fork (not performance elite), regular casing tires. So the price has went up $600 for an updated model with better spec? Sounds about right to me. Perhaps you'd like them to sell you the previous frame with the same parts for the same price?
  • 3 0
 @Inclag: NP is still a pretty great value. I have a 290 Reactor Carbon. Best all mountain bike I've ever owned even compared to all the premium brands I've owned (Yeti, Pivot, SC).
  • 3 0
 @WasatchEnduro: And people also choose what they spend their disposable income on. My friends go on nice trips to Hawaii or buy nice cars, I buy nice bikes and used cars.
  • 2 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Different strokes for different folks and whatnot. No hate. I think for the price Deore offers an exceptional value to quality ratio. Sram does some stellar things also.
  • 1 1
 @snl1200: if it was actually fit for purpose then I’d agree but it isn’t. It’s cheap poorly made and doesn’t last. When you consider how little use you’ll get out of it before it needs replacing it’s actually bad value. I’ve got a lot of friends who have come over from BMX and they’re all on deore / slx groupsets and it’s down to me to fix them and keep them running smooth as my bmx mates have absolutely no idea how to set of a mech and I’m absolutely disgusted with how poorly built it is especially the 12 speed mechs. Pay the extra get GX and your going to get something that works better, doesn’t need constant maintenance and won’t fall apart within 6 months.
  • 1 0
 @foggnm: I stand corrected, thought I remembered it being performance elite. I wasn't insinuating the current one is not a good value, I think it is by todays standards, just that they did have an aluminum bike with decent spec.
  • 1 0
 @Trogdor636: yeah. Truck prices are silly af right now. I looked at a 19 Raptor yesterday with 24k on the odometer and they wanted 73k. That's more than brand new. And they were willing to give me 36k for my truck that I paid 29k for. 35k miles ago
  • 2 2
 @tsleep: Can of organic tomato soup is almost $5. Get that lunatic out of office!
  • 1 0
 @pakleni: shimano factory closings are going to make that difficult and also contribute to the volume or sram specs as well loads of non bike related parts shortages.
  • 1 0
 @pakleni: shimano factory closings are going to make that difficult and also contribute to the volume or sram specs as well loads of non bike related parts shortages.
  • 115 1
 "In stock" the new "slack"
  • 78 10
 At least Transition are one of the only cool brands without an e-bike yet?! Probably not for long, but still...
  • 25 71
flag stumphumper92 (Sep 21, 2021 at 8:59) (Below Threshold)
 lol brands aren't cool if they sell ebikes? I'm sure they have one in the works now. Embrace it bc ebikes aren't going anywhere. I mean we just got an announcement on electric suspension...
  • 32 0
 @stumphumper92: I think he just means transitions are cool, and they don't have e bikes.
  • 21 9
 They took shots at 157 axles and high pivots, but not e-bikes. I think they're leaving the door open for that particular money grab.
  • 34 3
 @kramerica5000: "money grab". Seriously, what do you think a bike company does? I'm sure the owners get up every morning and think "gee I can't wait to pour all my human effort into this thing for no reason whatsoever, other than the satisfaction I get from internet shit talk from every Joe blow wannabe know-it-all armchair engineer. Yeah I love that."
  • 6 3
 @kramerica5000: Not really a fan of e-bikes myself, but I see the use case for them. Hell, I just ran into a guy last night post-ride that had TWO knee replacements, the last one being only 3 months ago. He's out there on the trail with his old riding buddies, and his e-bike allows him to do it. So if there is a case for them, I'd say it's fair for any manufacturer to try to fulfill that demand.
  • 4 0
 @stumphumper92: I just meant that Transition, rather than making e-bikes their top priority to make more money and get a share of that market, they concentrated in giving riders a cheaper alternative to their current bikes...that is very cool and shows their attitude to the industry and where their priorities sit. I am surprised they don't have one already tho.
In terms of e-bikes, Mike Levy has some great points on the last podcast.
  • 1 2
 They have been testing e bikes
  • 54 0
 You guys forgot the link to the launch video. Or did you?
youtu.be/3jgNwyN8yxc
  • 23 0
 The powers that be don’t want the people knowing the truth
  • 45 0
 Higher the pivot the higher the profits might hit a bit close.
  • 31 0
 "Pinking and shrinking", genius
  • 2 0
 Too good
  • 7 0
 @Mugen: That's a real concept that's been around for a while, and is still done, though much less often than maybe a decade ago. It's funny because it's real, not because they're comedy geniuses, though the whole thing is pretty damn good.

"Is 220 big enough?"
"Depends if you're running 17 PSI or not."

That's genius, haha.
  • 9 0
 hilarious video and cannot shake the song from my dome
  • 3 0
 Good parody from Eurobike... The ones we ve been there several times laughed double...
  • 3 0
 @iSawThat: I need to know who makes that song
  • 3 0
 @platzi: looking for the ring tone file as well
  • 4 0
 @PauRexs: They had the sign right, first thing I noticed! Got a good laugh from that.
  • 1 0
 @iSawThat: anyone found it yet?
  • 1 0
 Kevin's pretty handy with that shovel.
  • 45 0
 Is there any word on a new Smuggler release?
  • 22 2
 UP VOTE UP VOTE...Bring back the SMUGGLER... It's the best bike they ever made!!!
  • 6 0
 I waited and waited and ended up buying a V2 Sentinel.
  • 6 0
 No idea why they ditched the aluminum smuggler.
  • 8 0
 Because you can run Sentinel with smaller shock with 140mm travel
  • 12 1
 On the one hand, I love my ‘19 Smuggler. On the other hand, it’s so close in weight to the Sentinel, it’s hard to think of why you’d want to give up 30mm of travel.

Also, now that the Spur exists, it’s hard to imagine where the Smuggler’s niche would be.

I’m open to being happily surprised though.
  • 7 0
 @atourgates: I think the Smuggler's niche would be just a pure trail bike that can take the abuse. Like a burlier Tallboy. But I think it's going to be hard to justify squeezing in between the Spur and the Sentinel. The gen 2 Smuggler might just be the perfect trail bike so you should be set for a while (I dearly miss my gen 1 Smuggler).
  • 6 1
 @atourgates: I'd rather see the Sentinel ditched now that there's also the Spire. My ideal quiver would be made of a 140mm trail bike for hometrails and long days pedalling and a big enduro rig with 170-180mm for the gnarly stuff, shuttle runs and bikepark. But I guess I'll have to look somewhere else for it.
  • 3 0
 I regret not snagging a used smuggler for a song before covid.
  • 4 1
 @slothez: Yeah. I suppose however you cut it - I see the 3 distinct segments of the 29" "fun bike" market as:

* ~120mm lightweight "Downcountry" bike - Currently the Spur - Enough bike for 80% of the riding most people do, great for all-day epics, but you probably want to rent a bike when you go to a bike park, and you might be underbiked on some serious tech trails.
* ~140mm Trail Bike - Currently basically the Sentinel. The bike for someone looking for a "quiver killer" that can basically ride anything. Light enough to handle an all-day trip in the backcountry. Enough travel that it could manage a weekend at Whistler. Balanced for those of us who can't afford 2x bikes.
* ~160mm Enduro Bike - Currently the Spire. Downhill focused, but with the acknowledgment that you're going to be pedaling up a lot of those downhills.

Certainly, there's nuance there, but IDK that there's room for a 4th model between those categories.

A 120/140mm Spur LT? Sure! Taking the Sentinel down to 140/160mm? Sure! But a whole different model that somehow splits the difference between them? IDK. I mean, sure, if it were "free" for companies to make and maintain a bunch of different unique models, but I'd imagine that for a specialty manufacturer like Transition, there's not much of a case for expanding their model lineup that way.

But I'm just making shit up. Transition could launch a 2021 Smuggler tomorrow that blows my mind. But I'd be surprised.
  • 7 0
 @atourgates: @atourgates: I think V2 Sentinel is 150/160 currently and not really a "trail bike" when you look at the geo. There is for sure room in the line if they wanted do a split like the Norco Optic and Sight and have a 130/150 and 150/160 or 160/160. The 130/150 territory for a long/slack 29er would be sweet. I've loved my V1 Sentinel and would be very interested in a 130/150 version with the same geo. Though I would for sure "lunch ride" it and put a 160 fork on it if possible. I think that 130/150 would be a perfect spot for a new "Smuggler" and I'd be into it.
  • 4 0
 I bought a used 2016 smuggler to have a small trail bike to go with my patrol and ended up selling the patrol for a downhill bike after I long shocked the smuggler.

longer shock (DB inline air) with offset bushings to clear seat tube on full travel
150MM air spring in the pike up front
1.5 degree angle set up front

BOOM now you have a 130ish rear travel trail bike with modern geo and it pedals the same
the reach is still plenty long enough as they had their geo pretty dialed even then
  • 1 0
 @Aem221: I've been thinking of going a similar route with my Smuggler. The Cascade Component linkage adds another 10mm, and then a 210×55 apparently typically fits and gets you up to 140mm in the rear. Extend the travel of the Fox 36, and suddenly you have a 140/160 Smuggler.

Though, I'd love to not be the guinea pig, and hear from someone else who's done it.

If Sentinels continue to be unbuyable through next year's riding season, I might get desperate enough to give it a shot.
  • 2 0
 @atourgates: I believe thats also been done but not with the cascade link as well I dont think. With the stock link running a longer shock you have to run a backwards offset bushing up top to keep link from hitting seat tube I believe

check this out there is some good info on long shocking first and second gen smugglers.
www.mtbr.com/threads/long-shocking-original-smuggler.1088425/page-3

you will probably want to run a angle set as well depending what size fork spring you go to help bring that bottom bracket back down.
  • 1 0
 @Aem221: Yeah - I think that's all true.

In the end, I'd prefer to sell the Smuggler and get a bike that was designed for longer travel, but if the realities of the market don't allow for that, it's nice to have options.
  • 4 0
 @atourgates: I'm putting a Pike on my Spur which will essentially make it a "Trail" bike.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: i already have one Big Grin
  • 3 0
 @atourgates: I think you're on to something here. It mat not be an entirely new bike to fill this void in TR's lineup, but instead "variants" (see what I did there) of the Spur and Sentinel.

For the Spur, they could "lunchride" it... with a 130mm Pike, and a Super Deluxe rear, 200/180 rotors, move the Dissector to the rear, and put a Minion or Assegai up front.

For the Sentinel, a 140/150mm setup would get that HA in the 64 degree range, cut some weight on the tires if you want to get under 30lbs.
  • 2 0
 @Baller7756: I'm "Lunch Riding" my Spur. I just got some burlier tires (Specialized Butcher front and Eliminator rear), have a Pike on order, and might throw on bigger rotors. It will probably add a little under a pound, but worth.
  • 1 0
 @snl1200: privateer 141. I had a 2019 sentinel and downforked it to 150 and it made it a better climber and all around a bit more fun on my day to day trails. I replaced it with a 140/150 bike which pushed in the direction of things I wanted to try (as an XXL rider) and that is steeper seat tube and longer chainstays. The 141 is way more fun than the Sentinel (poppier, livelier, corners more intuitively). I think longer rear centers make sense for tall riders. The 141 is a tank but it still climbs better than the sentinel. it's a great one bike but I can be reminded that 140/150 is not enough. I have a 160mm airspring on order for coastal BC riding.
  • 2 0
 @HB208: Saw a YouTube vid... some guy put a Pike on front and a Super Deluxe in the rear (still 120/120). Obviously, the fork is a DIY, but I think he had to get a shop to custom build the Deluxe with a shorter reservoir.

If I could do both, I would. But i feel like the Pike would get me in situations the SidLuxe rear cant handle.
  • 1 0
 @slothez: just shim the rear shock to 57.5mm on the sentinel like some do and you have your build
  • 2 0
 @atourgates: I recently "long shocked" my 2018 alloy Smuggler. Haven't got the CC link, but instead have installed a 216x63 shock with a 5mm travel spacer. This gives 138-139mm travel. I'm also running a 27.5 rear wheel to bring the geo back close to stock.

m.pinkbike.com/photo/21348902
  • 2 0
 @Baller7756: you can buy 120mm pike straight from shop as i did
  • 2 0
 @mironfs: Thanks @mironfs… I’m good on the Pike, I need some help on the Super Deluxe 120mm rear that will clear the frame at full articulation.
  • 1 0
 @Baller7756: i dont know if it will clear the frame but spur size is normal size you can buy (just not at the moment) but im very happy with sidluxe, even though im heavy and run it almost at max pressure its good. i didnt even install larger token
  • 1 0
 @mironfs: I like the Sidluxe for most everything... except for repeat hits. It handles most of the jumps and drops I want to do on the Spur, its soft of the top and progressive... but when I hit a long run of roots or rocks at speed, I feel like its just skipping back there and traction is a concern.
  • 1 0
 @cyclotoine: Glad you found something that works well for you! I've loved my V1 carbon Sentinel and the 160/140 feels pretty great for the trails where I am (Kootenays, BC). Again I would love to try a 160/130 at some point though with a similar geo. If I get the chance to throw a leg over a privateer and give it a go I would for sure be into it- but I'm having a hard time imagining something blowing my current setup out of the water.
  • 32 1
 Transition for life, I'm never going back.
  • 8 0
 Same. It would be hard for me to not buy one of their bikes. I have a PBJ and a Spur.
  • 10 8
 It's a family thing with us. No Trek, Specialized, or Cannondale allowed.
  • 3 0
 @JWadd: if they made a full sus touring bike like the sherpa I would pay whatever for it
  • 2 0
 That’s what I thought too until I bought an offering with an 11/6.
  • 3 0
 @txcx166: lol ya that thing is stupid slick, definite competitor. Gotta tip my hat extra low to Trans though because they gave industry discounts regardless if you sold their gear or not. used to drive my old boss nuts that I had access to Orbea, Intense, and Yeti discounts but still opted for the Transition.
  • 2 0
 Same, love my patrol. Can't see myself "upgrading" for years to come
  • 2 0
 I would be too , but no stock in Australia!
  • 2 0
 What will you be transitioning to next?
  • 1 0
 Loved my patrol and spent some time on a V1 Sentinel that I really liked. I’d like to try the V2 Sentinel. I don’t know if it’s the offering or the 11/6 that makes it great or a combination of the two. Never rode it with any other shock. It makes me think I’d want that shock on any future bike though.
  • 27 0
 why no love for Shimano ? I would rather see Deore rather then NX, Ibis and few other brands managed to put insanely good package with alu + Shimano for around 3k

other then that it is nice looking bikes, and it is good to see alu back again do not any reason to build carbon bikes (just cause how they fragile)
  • 11 0
 It seems like Shimano is having significant issues with supply - it's really hard to get your hands on Deore components (or SLX for that matter). In a world where Deore and NX are both available, I have a hard time seeing how anyone in their right mind would want to spec their stuff with NX (or even worse, SX...). But Transition has long been pretty much all SRAM on drivetrain and brakes, and given that they're not a huge brand, maybe they have to pretty much stick with that to get good OEM pricing.
  • 1 2
 Check out Privateer. They have Shimano builds with top spec suspension at a good price. I got a 161 and couldn't be happier.
  • 38 0
 Hey @nickmalysh , our spec choices right now are hindered greatly by what is available. These bikes have already seen massive delays and changes. Although NX shifting can have a bad reputation, the overall bike rides incredibly well, we think people will be stoked once they throw a leg over!
  • 2 0
 @haen:

I've been REALLY closely to buying a Privateer. Hard to decide between the 141 and 161. And I love their pricing.

And surprisingly, looking at the 161... its actually pretty similar to the Spire. The spire gains the ability to do a dual crown and/or reach adjust headsets, and can change between 160 or 170mm rear travel.
  • 2 0
 @haen: SLX is sold out, next batch will be GX, according to Privateer's website
  • 2 0
 @haen: yeah not anymore. They have now moved to GX, presumably because Shimano anything is impossible to get hold of right now. I have a 161 too, think it was the last batch to be sold with Shimano drivetrain, works well so far, no complaints but then again my last drivetrain was a 10 speed XT
  • 1 1
 @ocnlogan: the 141 is sold out.
  • 2 0
 @melonhead1145 @jepc I didn't realize they completely switched. I thought they were just offering both options.

@ocnlogan If you can get one, do it! Love my 161.
  • 2 0
 @haen: I think the SLX/XT model is still on the website but currently "sold out", maybe they will offer it again when Shimano parts are more available
  • 1 0
 @melonhead1145: yeah and they’re showing the GX build is available next Spring. I should have jumped on the bike when I had the chance!
  • 1 0
 @ocnlogan: from what I've heard tho, they ride super differently. the 161 is a race bred machine and only likes going as fast as possible, whereas the spire is more "playful" (i hate that word) and is more comfortable on more mellow terrain
  • 2 0
 @SpencerBaum: 161 is more than happy on mellow terrain, and can be poppy too. Lots of support in the suspension. Although I don't have a Spire to compare it to.
  • 26 3
 Waiting for the alu Spur.
  • 13 2
 I said this on their Instagram post yesterday and got so much hate because making it heavier would ruin the bike and make it "dull" lol
  • 1 1
 Probably won't be long. I have a feeling this move is more due to sourcing availability than demand.
  • 8 0
 I dont think there will be any. One thing is flex stay and other is i have some info there shouldnt be.
  • 10 0
 I heard the flex stay would be the main problem as would love one myself. Someone on PB previously recommended the Banshee Phantom as an alternative. Tempting.
  • 5 0
 @tremeer023: Phantom- or Ripley AF. I agree for the design and intended purpose of the bike (light, with flex-stay) I doubt we'll see the Spur in Alloy.

Kudos to transition for making great alloy frame options of their burlier bikes though. (and selling them as 'frame only' in addition to full build kits... AND offering really good build kits with Performance Elite suspension on their alloy models)
  • 15 1
 What's this,a bike for peasANTS?
  • 9 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity I am coming off a V3 Bronson. I purchased the Scout this year and the bike is amazing. It is playful and fast and the 64 degree headtube angle with the short offset is perfect. I am a huge fan.
  • 1 0
 Do you like the suspension feel better than VPP?
  • 2 0
 I would certainly love to give one a try. Can't ride a geo-chart ofcourse, but just looking at the numbers you're approaching enduro category for a bike that's supposed to be nimble and poppy. It doesn't add up for me, but I'm glad you're enjoying it! That's what it's all about.
  • 2 0
 @Jvhowube: I came from a V1 Bronson to a V1 Sentinel and felt that the Bronson was more supple whereas the Sentinel plows through stuff and has much better support
  • 5 0
 @Jvhowube: I had three Santa Cruz before buying a Scout..immediately sold the VPP bikes. No matter what I did to those bikes I couldn't get a lively feel...sat on the Scout and my life changed! That was the first gen Scout..I bought the "updated" geo of the SBG in '18....sold it. I now have a second '17 model coming to me I bought from here. I've cracked the frames a lot, so I'm going to start collecting them since I love the feel of them so much
  • 4 0
 @GlassGuy: Interesting. Cool - I'm moving from away from SC for the first time in 8 years and excited to try some different platforms. I'm going Rocky for now, but have always been interested in Transition.
  • 2 0
 @GlassGuy: absolutely loved the first gen Scout!
  • 3 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: transitions seem weird in theory, their geo is always more slack than almost anything else in their category, but they always ride amazingly in practice
  • 6 0
 Perfect! I was wondering if they'd return to offering AL models of the Sentinel and Scout, after the Patrol and Spire were released in both materials. Before that and they'd phased out all of the AL, I was wondering if they were going the way of Yeti/etc.

This was literally what was keeping me from being able to even consider a Transition bike before.
  • 8 2
 I think these are pretty smartly spec's bikes for the money. I am not a huge fan of NX, but Deore and SLX are not available right now, due to a lockdown in Malaysia and uncertain product supply. Usually if you have a alloy bike from Giant or others for less, it's not going to come equipped with top tier brakes or suspension like the GX kit is, or come with sold kid tear suspension and brakes like the NX kit is. Bravo Transition!!!
  • 5 0
 Many thanks!
  • 1 0
 @TransitionBikeCompany: Hi guys... Any comments on an Alloy Scout in XS as a next step for a kid from a Ripcord? Seems to me like the best option in the lineup for that?
  • 9 0
 An alloy to rule all. Thanks Transition
  • 5 0
 These alloy bikes are indestructible, but heavy. My friend's 2019 alloy Patrol GX in size large was 35lbs without pedals, while my XL Carbon X01 version was 32lbs without pedals. He added DH casing tires and 220mm rotors and now its over 37lbs. 2lbs heavier than carbon for these frames is significant!
  • 5 0
 "Indestructible"? I guess depends who's on them. I cracked my Scout so many times I started having a buddy weld the cracks! I do love the bikes(I ride the pre-SBG), so I'm going to start buying them up as I can. I will add my Scout is sub 30lbs., and that's after the Race Face Next cranks shattered and I put on SLX...and I have a Marz Z1, which isn't the lightest
  • 1 0
 Heavy, but not unusually so.

My Kona Process 153 AL 29'er in size Large was 36.4lbs before pedals, with EXO tires, and NX 11 speed. My bike is also over 37lbs with WTB tires. And while its heavy... its my only bike. I ride it everywhere, and just get used to it I guess. Doesn't really bother me enough to try to somehow drop 7lbs of weight.

Same story for most other AL frames these days. Even a more boutique frame like a Banshee Titan is going to be ~33-35lbs how most people build them up.
  • 2 0
 @GlassGuy: the pre sbg bikes were known to crack, I haven't heard anything about the post 2019 bikes. (fat guy on a 19 patrol)
  • 4 0
 @iridedj: The new AL frames also have a lifetime warranty too right?

If so, that would probably explain some of the additional weight.
  • 3 0
 @ocnlogan: we actually have no real clue about the frame weight. Ok it’s calculated but for which size? S or XXL? My guess is it’s for an M size, so that could be 1 kg more for the XXL. Oops.
  • 2 0
 @iridedj: 235 lb guy on a 2017 Patrol with a rear triangle crack near pivot, possibly a crash, but had to abandon it - no spare available. Sigh, need to find a TIG welder savant locally so I can recoup the Sentinel crash replacement and rebuild cost. No regrets though - I want to be buried with the Sentinel.
  • 2 0
 @JWadd: I went through all spare chainstays Transition had for the pre-SBG Scout. I even bought a used front triangle they had sitting around the warehouse. I've cobbled together my current Scout (after welding many times the original) using parts from three separate bikes. An addiction I guess...I've owned a lot of bikes but the Scout is my buddy! I've got another one on the way so I've got a back up!
  • 2 0
 @iridedj: I bought an '18 Scout..definitely more burly frame but I just couldn't get into it. I didn't like the change in seat angle, though it did ride well on the trail..but the magic just wasn't there. So, I live with "old" geometry and cracks!! ha ha
  • 1 0
 @GlassGuy:

?

Did you heat treat the frame after your friend welded it?
  • 1 0
 @hllclmbr: My buddy is a professional...I don't recall any heat treating after the weld, but I didn't question his method. And I'm no expert in the field so he may have and I didn't know
He took my bike as was and welded the necessary spot(s).
That frame ultimately cracked at the top tube(again), but not at any of his welds.
He actually added meat to the weak chainstay area, which I think would be good to do on any existing since that spot cracked the most...and once he did his bit it didn't crack there again.
  • 1 0
 @GlassGuy: I'll be gouging it out on both sides deep enough for a good fillet fill, hence the requirement for a pro TIG savant. It has to be better than a crack 3/4 of the way through the bracket. someone weighing 50 lbs less than me shouldn't have a problem considering I have no idea how long I was riding around with it like that.
  • 1 0
 @EnduroManiac: great points about frame weight, we don't really know.

I will say that steel frames like Starling Murmur and Cotic Rocketmax weigh less than the "calculated" values....
  • 1 0
 @JWadd: You probably knew something was going on just figured the sound was a normal "creak". I've had so many cracks I've gotten pretty quick at reaching for the flashlight and inspecting for tiny hairline cracks forming...sometimes it is just a metal on metal creak, but I'm pretty paranoid now!
Any "good" welder should know how to deal with it...one guy told me you can't weld aluminum..not sure how he's in business! I used one guy near me, he did a great job(and I've used him on my classic car), then someone I knew popped up and charged me half as much but also did a great job(he's into BMX bikes, so that's useful too)
  • 1 0
 Does anyone know if the "8.97lb / 4.07kg" weight figure is with or without rear shock?
  • 8 0
 Bummer Scout not offered in XL/XXL. Happy to see alloy offerings though!!
  • 4 0
 @TransitionBikeCompany - Sentinel aluminium frame:
- 220 mm rotor doesn't fit or is just not tested?
- Rock Shox Super Deluxe fits in aluminium frame?
- raw frame is raw alluminium with decals or clear coated?
  • 1 0
 The raw patrol has no clear coat and I don't think the sentinel does either
  • 7 0
 Annnnnnd its sold out
  • 2 0
 
  • 5 0
 Just built a steel full suspension frame that is the same weight. Guess I can chill about that then.
  • 12 5
 In contrast to Transition you probably didn't use the cheapest non-butted tubing available for your frame and didn't compromise your design trying to mimic the look of a carbon frame.
  • 7 0
 @Ttimer: shots fired lol
  • 3 1
 @Ttimer: where is the design compromised, and how do you know the tubeset is unbutted?
  • 6 2
 @ceecee: How else would you explain almost a kilogram weight difference to the already quite heavy carbon frames? Somewhat decently designed aluminium frames usually come in at half the extra weight over carbon.
But rest assured not just Transition is guilty of this. Most carbon-focused companies treat their aluminium models as an afterthough with minimal development resources.
  • 2 0
 @Ttimer: their carbon frames actually aren't heavy... (at least the new batch). My carbon sentinel clocks in at 31.5 pounds with pedals and zero other carbon parts. That's pretty darn good for a stock 160/150 bike these days.
  • 2 0
 @Ttimer: and here I thought their biggest problems were cheap paint and gratuitous pinstriping. I guess it says something that the aluminum alloy isn't specified in frame details. Would you have made the same comment about Spire and Patrol alloy? Whose frame do you like?
  • 6 0
 A new 27.5 frame only option, excellent work!
  • 6 0
 What a time to be alive. $4000 for an alloy NX equipped bike.
  • 6 0
 The frame weights make me feel less self conscious about my Banshee Titan
  • 2 0
 34lbs for a 140mm bike is hefty. Company’s like giant have had 140mm aluminum bikes for years tha have weighed pounds less for much less cost. Not complaining just pointing it out. Cheers mates!
  • 2 0
 Giant seems to blow everyone else out of the water on aluminum frame weight.

From what Ive heard they actually make the frames for a large number of companies so Im guessing they just have a giant (pun intended) leg up on the competition with the amount of experience they've racked up.
  • 3 0
 Id say the Giant bike and the Transition are designed for different user types.
  • 2 0
 @onespeedbrian: That may be. But a Last Glen for example is designed for hard use and comes in at below 3 Kg for a medium frame. These new Transitions are heavy.
  • 2 1
 I used to be a total weight weenie before buying my 2019 alloy scout, I was horrified by its heft.

After riding it a while and even trying my lighter bike again I realised that the weight makes little difference while climbing and is better for descending.

I absolutely love the bike and I’ve went and made it heavier by replacing my carbon bar with a new alloy one and a DH casing tyre! No problem.
  • 4 0
 It would sure be neato if a Bellingham bike company had stock of their new bikes to buy...in Bellingham.
  • 4 0
 Come by the Outpost
  • 3 0
 @Sam-B: thanks for the tip, I called and got on the wait list.
  • 2 0
 How is there still not an alloy TR11? They even talk about alloy being more durable and lasting longer in the silly launch video, but don’t make the one bike that would benefit the most from durability in alloy.
  • 2 1
 I usually love how a good raw aluminum frame looks. I love me some raw Banshee, Privateer, and RAAW frames. They look simplistic, and beautiful.

But somehow Transition managed to make a raw finish frame... that is substantially worse looking than other raw frames on the market (to me at least). Maybe its the extra graphics compared to those other frames I mentioned? Not really sure, just saying that usually the raw frames do it for me, but not in this case.

Luckily the blue colorway is a good option Smile .
  • 2 0
 If I didn't just buy my new Patrol, I would be on the waiting list for a alloy Sentinel for sure. I do like the Mullet life though.....
  • 5 1
 With full review to come tomorrow
  • 31 0
 Same as before, only the bike and your wallet are slightly heavier.
  • 1 0
 Cool. Can’t wait.
  • 5 2
 Almost 16 kilos for a 27.5" trail bike is offensively heavy, do they build these out of lead?
  • 2 0
 Might as well be riding a car battery!
  • 4 1
 And about a carbon Patrol, any news?
  • 3 0
 Patrol only comes in Aluminum
  • 2 0
 @onespeedbrian: when was launched, Sentinel was also carbon only...that's why i am wandering if Transition will produce a carbon frame for Patrol.
  • 2 0
 I want one too!
  • 4 2
 That float X looks far too similar to an XFusion Shock and turns me off lol.
  • 1 0
 I have an alloy SBG Scout. She's a tank, but probably the most fun bike I've had. Love what Transition do- party in the woods.
  • 1 0
 10/10 on the clean lines and frame design. If I squint, I see a Norco Optic. Not sure if either company was influenced from the other.
  • 2 0
 nm, they're the ratchet hubs. Game on!
  • 2 0
 Lifetime warranty on Aluminum just like the carbon versions?
  • 2 0
 Love my Scout but HELLA pedal strikes
  • 1 0
 Get some 155 cranks . Helped a lot with the pedal strikes
  • 3 1
 On a trail bike!?!? I'm 6ft too!! ill be spinning like a washing machine on 155's! Went down to 170 as my calculated length is 169mm I'm gonna get an extended fork race until I can afford a 160 fork.
  • 1 0
 @nojzilla: I'm 6'4" and loving 165 cranks for the last 2 years, after riding 175 cranks for 30 years. I also have a bum knee and feel like it helps a bunch with that as well.
  • 1 0
 @insertfunusername: same. There is a lot of research on benefit of shorter cranks. Less hip soreness, more consistent pedal stroke etc… I’m a fan
  • 1 0
 @Bm1117: Once I went to 165 cranks and only noticed upsides, it really makes me want to try shorter yet. The only thing that feels a bit different is when you may need to do a ratchet style 1/4 pedal stroke, to pop over something on a tech climb, but I just get used to doing that slightly different.
  • 2 0
 to bad none are in stock...
  • 2 0
 So stoked on the new Sentinel! Impatiently waiting for mine to arrive
  • 1 0
 Is there really a difference between float x performance and performance elite ?
  • 4 0
 Performance has no LSC adjustment, but the Performance Elite does. Both have lockout/pedal switches and the damper guts are 100% the same as the Factory level, the Performance just has the LSC adjust preset and non-adjustable.
  • 2 0
 I for one cannot wait for the adjustable high pivot.
  • 1 0
 Well written article Seb. Like the detail and pointing out where their spec choices deserved to be commended.
  • 1 0
 The alloy Scout was the One bike i was saving for 2 years, bad luck covid decimated my savings and lost my regular job.
  • 2 0
 These will sell like hot cakes.
  • 1 0
 Just need an alloy Spur and I'm all over that bad boy. Anyone know if this may follow?
  • 1 0
 If one of you folks wants to buy one of these only to get tired of it in a year or two and sell it, call me up.
  • 1 0
 I can almost afford a Scout now ~ gotta collect more cans and bottles & get on a new bike soon Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Me waiting for carbon patrol ... gimme it and take my money
  • 3 4
 havent read the article, just came to say im glad its the same clean look as the carbon. i never liked the curves on transitions a few years ago
  • 2 1
 We’ll this bodes we’ll for my alloy spur hopes!
  • 3 1
 i love me a tranny
  • 1 0
 4kg for a frame hope the shock is included in that weight
  • 3 1
 Still over priced
  • 1 0
 I have a 2019 Sentinel Alloy. Can you say "frame swap?"
  • 1 0
 Aluminium Spur please! Smile
  • 1 0
 But Where is my carbon smuggler ???
  • 1 0
 Still waiting on that alloy Spur!
  • 1 0
 27.5 is alive! Very Metal!
  • 2 1
 So metal
  • 2 1
 What about the Spur?
  • 3 0
 A 28 pound alloy Spur would have my attention!
  • 4 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: I think it would be heavier than that. I also don't know if the flex pivot works with alloy.
  • 1 0
 MOAR METAL!!!!!
  • 2 1
 Alloy Spur please!
  • 1 0
 Mid tier*
  • 2 1
 Alloy Spur...
  • 3 5
 I'd rather walk with a handlebar in my hands then pay these prices. Mountain Bikes, broken out by price per pound is absurd.
  • 4 7
 Kudos for spec and price. But over 4 kg frame, presumably w/o shock is too much
  • 2 0
 Weight is with shock
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.070149
Mobile Version of Website