Transition Smuggler Carbon - Review
Transition completely re-worked their bike lineup for 2018, plunging right into the deep end of the long and slack geometry movement. The Smuggler is no exception, and the result is a 120mm 29er with numbers closer to what you'd expect to see on a longer travel all-mountain rig.
Those slack and long figures are part of what Transition refer to as Speed Balanced Geometry, which involves creating bikes with longer reach numbers, slacker head angles, and reduced offset forks. They're not the only ones trying out geometry numbers that would have been called 'extreme' a few years ago, but the fact that they completely modified all of their existing bike models shows their commitment to the concept.
Those slack and long figures are part of what Transition refer to as Speed Balanced Geometry, which involves creating bikes with longer reach numbers, slacker head angles, and reduced offset forks. They're not the only ones trying out geometry numbers that would have been called 'extreme' a few years ago, but the fact that they completely modified all of their existing bike models shows their commitment to the concept.
Transition Smuggler Carbon X01
Intended use: trail / all-mountain
Travel: 120mm rear / 140mm front
Wheel size: 29"
Frame construction: carbon fiber
Head angle: 66º
Chainstay length: 430mm
Colors: Bone Grey, Gunsmoke Blue
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Weight: 29.25 lb (13.27 kg) - size large, w/o pedals
Price: $5,999 USD. Frame only: $2,999 USD
More info: transitionbikes.com
Intended use: trail / all-mountain
Travel: 120mm rear / 140mm front
Wheel size: 29"
Frame construction: carbon fiber
Head angle: 66º
Chainstay length: 430mm
Colors: Bone Grey, Gunsmoke Blue
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Weight: 29.25 lb (13.27 kg) - size large, w/o pedals
Price: $5,999 USD. Frame only: $2,999 USD
More info: transitionbikes.com
It's the recently released carbon Smuggler that's reviewed here, which retails for $5,999 USD. Equipped with Transition's X01 build kit the spec includes, as you'd expect, a SRAM Eagle X01 12-speed drivetrain, Guide RSC brakes, alloy e*thirteen TRS+ wheelset, a Fox Float DPS shock, and a 140mm Float 34 up front. There's also a GX model that retails for $4,999, along with complete aluminum models that start at $2,999.
 | This isn't your usual short-travel trail bike - the Smuggler's geometry allows it to shine in terrain typically reserved for longer-travel machines. |
Construction and Features
The Smuggler's full carbon frame has a low-key look to it – there's no retina-searing paint job, no wild linkage design, just a clean, straightforward aesthetic. It might not be the flashiest bike on the block, but it does check most of the boxes in the must-have features department. There's internal cable routing where it makes sense, a threaded bottom bracket, Boost spacing, and molded downtube and chainstay protection. Thirsty? There's also room to carry a full-size water bottle on the Smuggler inside the front triangle, exactly where it belongs.
The one fly in the ointment is the lack of rear tire clearance – when Transition say that a 2.3” tire is the maximum recommended size they're not kidding. It's the brace between the seatstays that's the culprit here – it sits a little too low for meatier rubber to fit.
![Transition Smuggler review]()
![Transition Smuggler carbon review]()
![Transition Smuggler carbon review]()
![Transition Smuggler carbon review]()
The Smuggler's full carbon frame has a low-key look to it – there's no retina-searing paint job, no wild linkage design, just a clean, straightforward aesthetic. It might not be the flashiest bike on the block, but it does check most of the boxes in the must-have features department. There's internal cable routing where it makes sense, a threaded bottom bracket, Boost spacing, and molded downtube and chainstay protection. Thirsty? There's also room to carry a full-size water bottle on the Smuggler inside the front triangle, exactly where it belongs.
The one fly in the ointment is the lack of rear tire clearance – when Transition say that a 2.3” tire is the maximum recommended size they're not kidding. It's the brace between the seatstays that's the culprit here – it sits a little too low for meatier rubber to fit.
The derailleur and dropper housing are internally routed, while the brake line runs along the exterior of the frame.
The recommended amount of sag is printed on the rocker link to simplify setup. Our test bike had an alloy rocker, but all current production models use a carbon link.
Where's the clearance, Clarence? There's not much room to spare, even with a 2.3" Minion DHR II.
A threaded bottom bracket is always a welcome sight. Multiple muddy rides wore the paint off the frame just above the brake line - a bit of mastic tape would be a good idea there.
Geometry & Sizing
![Transition 2018]()
The geometry numbers on the previous Smuggler weren't exactly dated, but Transition wanted to push things even further by applying their Speed Based Geometry (SBG) to this short-travel ripper. That means the reach on a size large has increased from 457mm up to 475mm, the seat tube angle was steepened from 74.9° to 75.8°, and the head angle was slackened to 66°, down from 67.5°. All of those changes add up to create a bike with a wheelbase that's 25mm longer than the prior version.
There's also a reduced offset fork – our review bike was spec'd with a Fox 34 Float with 44mm of offset, compared to the 51mm of offset that, until recently, was the norm for 29ers. That reduced offset increases the bike's trail number, which, in conjunction with the slacker head angle, is meant to increase its stability at speed.
The geometry numbers on the previous Smuggler weren't exactly dated, but Transition wanted to push things even further by applying their Speed Based Geometry (SBG) to this short-travel ripper. That means the reach on a size large has increased from 457mm up to 475mm, the seat tube angle was steepened from 74.9° to 75.8°, and the head angle was slackened to 66°, down from 67.5°. All of those changes add up to create a bike with a wheelbase that's 25mm longer than the prior version.
There's also a reduced offset fork – our review bike was spec'd with a Fox 34 Float with 44mm of offset, compared to the 51mm of offset that, until recently, was the norm for 29ers. That reduced offset increases the bike's trail number, which, in conjunction with the slacker head angle, is meant to increase its stability at speed.
Suspension Design
The Smuggler's suspension layout is Transition's take on the tried-and-true Horst Link suspension design. Anti-squat numbers hover around 100% at the sag point, and the bike has a slightly progressive suspension curve to help keep it from gobbling up those 120 millimeters of travel too quickly.
Specifications
![Transition Smuggler review]()
| Specifications | ||
| Price | $5999 | |
| Travel | 120mm | |
| Rear Shock | Fox DPS Performance Elite | |
| Fork | Fox 34 Float Fit 4 Performance Elite 140mm | |
| Cassette | SRAM XG 1275 (10-50t) | |
| Crankarms | SRAM Descendent Carbon, 170mm | |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XO1 Eagle | |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | |
| Shifter Pods | SRAM XO1 Eagle | |
| Handlebar | RaceFace Turbine R 35 800mm | |
| Stem | RaceFace Turbine R 35 (40mm) | |
| Grips | ODI Elite Flow | |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RSC | |
| Wheelset | E*Thirteen TRS+ | |
| Rim | E*Thirteen TRS+ 30mm | |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR II 2.3 EXO 3C | |
| Seat | ANVL Forge Stealth Cromo | |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth 1x Remote | |
Test Bike Setup
It used to be that nearly every bike that came in for review, especially the shorter travel models, had a stem that was too long and bars that were too narrow for my liking. Thankfully, that's no longer the case, and the Smuggler is a prime example. It comes with 800mm wide bars (which I trimmed down to 780mm) and a 40mm stem that remained in place for the duration of the test.
Transition have printed a sag reference guide on the Smuggler's rocker link – a handy feature that makes it easy to quickly get the bike dialed in and ready to roll. Based on those numbers I started out with 16mm of sag, or 32% of the shock's total stroke. After some experimentation, I settled on running 14mm, or 28% sag. That created a slightly firmer ride, but it never felt harsh or jarring, and I didn't bottom out the suspension as much with that air pressure. The Smuggler comes with a red, 0.95" spacer already in place in the shock's air spring in order to provide the most end-stroke ramp up possible - which is a good move, considering the way this bike makes you want to ride.
Transition have printed a sag reference guide on the Smuggler's rocker link – a handy feature that makes it easy to quickly get the bike dialed in and ready to roll. Based on those numbers I started out with 16mm of sag, or 32% of the shock's total stroke. After some experimentation, I settled on running 14mm, or 28% sag. That created a slightly firmer ride, but it never felt harsh or jarring, and I didn't bottom out the suspension as much with that air pressure. The Smuggler comes with a red, 0.95" spacer already in place in the shock's air spring in order to provide the most end-stroke ramp up possible - which is a good move, considering the way this bike makes you want to ride.
Mike Kazimer
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Age: 35
Height: 5'11"
Inseam: 33"
Weight: 160 lbs
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @mikekazimer
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Age: 35
Height: 5'11"
Inseam: 33"
Weight: 160 lbs
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @mikekazimer
My time on the Smuggler corresponded with the wettest (and coldest) part of the winter in Bellingham, Washington, which meant that it was subjected to plenty of rainy rides, with some ice and snow added into the mix.
Climbing
I was a little concerned that the Smuggler was going to ride like a mini-Sentinel - a short-travel bike with the climbing chops of a downhill sled. Luckily, those fears were unfounded, and it only took one lap on a technical XC loop full of awkward, punchy climbs to realize that the Smuggler was an entirely different beast.
It had a livelier, more energetic nature than I'd expected, which made tricky climbs entertaining skills testers, rather than something to dread. At 5' 11", the size large Smuggler was a perfect fit. I never felt too hunched over while climbing, and I didn't have any trouble shifting my weight where it was needed to maintain traction. Even with that slack head angle and reduced offset, there wasn't any unwanted front end wandering. If anything, there was more stability, which meant that less effort was required to keep the front wheel where I wanted it. Riders coming from more traditional XC bikes will likely notice the slightly subdued handling, but it doesn't take long to get used to, and those who are accustomed to pedaling longer travel all-mountain / enduro bikes around will feel right at home.
![Transition Smuggler review]()
For smoother sections of trail, I typically flipped the Float DPS shock's compression lever into the middle setting for a little more support, and flipped it open for the maximum amount of traction on rougher trails. The Smuggler has a nice and neutral suspension feel when climbing – it's supple enough to track over obstacles and maintain grip without getting hung up or diving too deep into its travel. It's a little less active than a Trek Fuel EX, but it's also not quite as crisp and efficient feeling as what's delivered by the VPP design on a Santa Cruz Tallboy - it falls somewhere in the middle of those two.
At a touch over 29 pounds, the Smuggler isn't wildly obese, but it probably won't fit the bill if you're obsessed with having the lightest bike possible. For me, performance carries more weight than the numbers on the scale, and given the Smuggler's handling on the descents I'm willing to overlook a little extra heft.
![Transition Smuggler review]()
I was a little concerned that the Smuggler was going to ride like a mini-Sentinel - a short-travel bike with the climbing chops of a downhill sled. Luckily, those fears were unfounded, and it only took one lap on a technical XC loop full of awkward, punchy climbs to realize that the Smuggler was an entirely different beast.
It had a livelier, more energetic nature than I'd expected, which made tricky climbs entertaining skills testers, rather than something to dread. At 5' 11", the size large Smuggler was a perfect fit. I never felt too hunched over while climbing, and I didn't have any trouble shifting my weight where it was needed to maintain traction. Even with that slack head angle and reduced offset, there wasn't any unwanted front end wandering. If anything, there was more stability, which meant that less effort was required to keep the front wheel where I wanted it. Riders coming from more traditional XC bikes will likely notice the slightly subdued handling, but it doesn't take long to get used to, and those who are accustomed to pedaling longer travel all-mountain / enduro bikes around will feel right at home.
For smoother sections of trail, I typically flipped the Float DPS shock's compression lever into the middle setting for a little more support, and flipped it open for the maximum amount of traction on rougher trails. The Smuggler has a nice and neutral suspension feel when climbing – it's supple enough to track over obstacles and maintain grip without getting hung up or diving too deep into its travel. It's a little less active than a Trek Fuel EX, but it's also not quite as crisp and efficient feeling as what's delivered by the VPP design on a Santa Cruz Tallboy - it falls somewhere in the middle of those two.
At a touch over 29 pounds, the Smuggler isn't wildly obese, but it probably won't fit the bill if you're obsessed with having the lightest bike possible. For me, performance carries more weight than the numbers on the scale, and given the Smuggler's handling on the descents I'm willing to overlook a little extra heft.
Descending
Back in 2013, it was Kona's Process 111 that really opened my eyes to the fact that a bike's geometry can be more important than the amount of rear travel. Unfortunately, that bike is nowhere to be found in Kona's lineup, but the good news is that Transition have taken that ball and run with it – the Smuggler fits perfectly into the slot vacated by the 111.
The Smuggler is all about fun, first and foremost. It's a bike that encourages its rider to goof off, whether that's by seeing how many mid-trail manuals you can pull, or trying to find out just how hard you can smash into a bermed corner. Sure, you can't go rocketing full blast into a minefield of rocks and expect to come out the other side as easily as you would on an enduro race machine, but that's not what this bike is all about. Instead, it's about finding the bonus lines, the hidden lips and landings that make a familiar trail even more entertaining.
![Transition Smuggler review]()
There's a nice blend of stability and snappiness to the Smuggler's handling – on fast, wide open sections of trail it felt extremely stable, without any speed wobbles or twitchiness. Slow things down a bit and it's still nice and maneuverable – its manners are relaxed but not sluggish, which is handy when you're trying to pick your way through an ice and snow covered jumble of off-camber roots. The chainstay length is relatively short, which makes it easy to get that rear wheel around on tighter turn, and contributes to the bikes' peppy nature. Granted, short chainstays aren't always the answer, and in an ideal world their length would vary by frame size, but in this case, that short back end fits well with the Smuggler's intentions.
Of course, there are still limits to what you can get away with when there's only 120mm of rear travel available. Having that 140mm Fox 34 up front does help take the sting out of the bigger impacts, but only to a certain point. In most instances there was plenty of ramp up in the Fox Float shock to avoid any harsh bottom outs, but every once in a while a muted 'thwang' would make it clear that there weren't any more millimeters of squish left, typically after I went a little farther, or landed a little flatter than I probably should have.
Back in 2013, it was Kona's Process 111 that really opened my eyes to the fact that a bike's geometry can be more important than the amount of rear travel. Unfortunately, that bike is nowhere to be found in Kona's lineup, but the good news is that Transition have taken that ball and run with it – the Smuggler fits perfectly into the slot vacated by the 111.
The Smuggler is all about fun, first and foremost. It's a bike that encourages its rider to goof off, whether that's by seeing how many mid-trail manuals you can pull, or trying to find out just how hard you can smash into a bermed corner. Sure, you can't go rocketing full blast into a minefield of rocks and expect to come out the other side as easily as you would on an enduro race machine, but that's not what this bike is all about. Instead, it's about finding the bonus lines, the hidden lips and landings that make a familiar trail even more entertaining.
The Smuggler felt right at home in the steep stuff.
There's a nice blend of stability and snappiness to the Smuggler's handling – on fast, wide open sections of trail it felt extremely stable, without any speed wobbles or twitchiness. Slow things down a bit and it's still nice and maneuverable – its manners are relaxed but not sluggish, which is handy when you're trying to pick your way through an ice and snow covered jumble of off-camber roots. The chainstay length is relatively short, which makes it easy to get that rear wheel around on tighter turn, and contributes to the bikes' peppy nature. Granted, short chainstays aren't always the answer, and in an ideal world their length would vary by frame size, but in this case, that short back end fits well with the Smuggler's intentions.
Of course, there are still limits to what you can get away with when there's only 120mm of rear travel available. Having that 140mm Fox 34 up front does help take the sting out of the bigger impacts, but only to a certain point. In most instances there was plenty of ramp up in the Fox Float shock to avoid any harsh bottom outs, but every once in a while a muted 'thwang' would make it clear that there weren't any more millimeters of squish left, typically after I went a little farther, or landed a little flatter than I probably should have.
Transition Sentinel
Scott Spark 900
How does it compare?
I've had a few people ask me whether they should get a Smuggler or a Sentinel, so we'll start there. There's only 20mm of rear travel difference between the two models, but they have extremely different personalities out on the trail. With its 64-degree head angle, the Sentinel has geometry that's not far off from a DH bike and at slower speeds, particularly when climbing, it can feel a bit cumbersome. That geometry makes sense when you're flying down an extra-gnarly trail, or doing laps in the bike park, but for general all-round riding, I'd steer towards the Smuggler.
The Scott Spark 900 and Transition Smuggler X01 sit in the same price bracket, and are both designed to be competent all-round trail bikes with 120mm of rear travel, but they tackle the same goal from different angles. Think of it this way - if they were both invited to a party, the Spark would show up at precisely the right time with a carefully selected platter of cheese and the correct wine to go with it, while the Smuggler would kick the door down an hour late with a half rack of Icehouse under each arm.
The Spark comes with a 70mm stem, narrow(ish) bars, and has a handlebar mounted lockout lever that controls the 120mm fork and shock and stem at the same time, while the Smuggler has a wide bar, short stem, and a 140mm fork up front. The Spark has the edge on the Smuggler when it comes to weight, but the Smuggler's steeper seat angle makes those long climbs more comfortable, extra heft be damned.
On the descents, the difference isn't quite as dramatic, although the Smuggler does encourage a rowdier riding style than the Spark. The Spark is a trail bike, with a capital T, and the Smuggler is an all-mountain machine that's been squeezed into a shorter-travel package. They both have an admirable amount of stability when you take into consideration the amount of available travel, but the Smuggler's longer wheelbase and slacker head angle make it easier to drop into steep sections without a second thought.
Everbody's different, but the ANVL saddle worked well for me.
SRAM's Guide RSC brakes were trouble free for the duration of testing.
Technical Report
SRAM Guide RSC brakes: It's always nice to see the RSC version of SRAM's Guide brakes versus the R models – I'm picky about where my brake levers sit and how they feel, and that pad contact point adjust allowed me to get the levers set just the way I wanted. I did find myself wondering how the Smuggler would feel with a set of Code brakes instead. That might seem like overkill, but I've been spending time on bikes with Codes lately, and I've come to prefer the extra power and firmer lever feel versus the Guide brakes. If anything, that's a testament to the type of trails the Smuggler encourages you to ride.
Maxxis 2.3” DHF / DHR II: It's tough to go wrong with the classic DHF / DHR II combo, but I do wish the Smuggler had room for a wider rear tire. Wider tires provide a little extra cushion, cushioning that can be a big help on a shorter travel rig – I bet this thing would be a riot with a set of 2.6” tires front and rear, but unfortunately, that's simply not possible.
ANVL Saddle: Seats are about as personal of a preference as it gets, but I'm a fan of the ANVL saddle. It's not overly bulky, there aren't any unnecessarily pointy edges, and more than anything, it's super comfortable.
![Transition Smuggler review]()
SRAM Guide RSC brakes: It's always nice to see the RSC version of SRAM's Guide brakes versus the R models – I'm picky about where my brake levers sit and how they feel, and that pad contact point adjust allowed me to get the levers set just the way I wanted. I did find myself wondering how the Smuggler would feel with a set of Code brakes instead. That might seem like overkill, but I've been spending time on bikes with Codes lately, and I've come to prefer the extra power and firmer lever feel versus the Guide brakes. If anything, that's a testament to the type of trails the Smuggler encourages you to ride.
Maxxis 2.3” DHF / DHR II: It's tough to go wrong with the classic DHF / DHR II combo, but I do wish the Smuggler had room for a wider rear tire. Wider tires provide a little extra cushion, cushioning that can be a big help on a shorter travel rig – I bet this thing would be a riot with a set of 2.6” tires front and rear, but unfortunately, that's simply not possible.
ANVL Saddle: Seats are about as personal of a preference as it gets, but I'm a fan of the ANVL saddle. It's not overly bulky, there aren't any unnecessarily pointy edges, and more than anything, it's super comfortable.
Pros
+ Extremely fun, energetic ride
+ Well thought-out geometry
+ Threaded BB, room for a water bottle
Cons
- Not the lightest option in this category
- Limited rear tire clearance
- Aggressive riders may need to run less sag to avoid bottoming out
Is this the bike for you?
The Smuggler is a trail bike for riders looking for something a little different, and are up for the challenge of navigating tricky trails with a little less travel. If fun is high on your list of must-have ride characteristics, the Smuggler delivers. Full-on XC racers and anyone training for the next Red Bull Rampage should probably turn their gaze elsewhere, but for everyone else, the Smuggler is worth a look.
The Smuggler is a trail bike for riders looking for something a little different, and are up for the challenge of navigating tricky trails with a little less travel. If fun is high on your list of must-have ride characteristics, the Smuggler delivers. Full-on XC racers and anyone training for the next Red Bull Rampage should probably turn their gaze elsewhere, but for everyone else, the Smuggler is worth a look.
Pinkbike's Take
Homepage thumbnail image: Skye Schillhammer
| Transition's Smuggler isn't easily categorized, and that's part of what makes it so appealing. Shorter travel 29ers have progressed rapidly over the last few years, and this bike is a prime example of what's possible with good geometry numbers and a refined suspension design. The limited rear tire clearance is a bit of a bummer, but that detail aside, the Smuggler is one entertaining ride. |
Homepage thumbnail image: Skye Schillhammer
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Whats the point in that? Road bike with suspension
Never mind the fact the 'fun' is subjective most of the time. Compare a Norco Aurum against a Scott Gambler. One is more 'fun' that the other. Or at least I found them that way.
*Limited Rear Tire Clearance System system.
** Attempted Humorus Acronym For Marketing Purposes
Couldn't agree more.
I went from a Prime to a Carbine 29c and back to a Prime.
With a CCILCoil its all I could really need.
Agree that the alu models are boat anchors.
But 29# and change for an aggressive trail bike made for jumping and taking a beating?
Sounds good to me. I've never had an aggro trail bike that was under 30 lbs. This ain't no Tallboy or sb4.5.
Throw your carbon wheelset on it and shred, bro.
true that jc and i like the new Genius.
That's a nice weight on the enduro, weaslycat.
That is a size smaller than this tho, and if you're rocking smaller wheels then you've got a weight savings in the wheels and tires too. For me if I'm under 30 on an aggro 120 up to a 160 bike I'd be very happy. Either way it would be setup with properly strong wheels and tires at the expense of weight.
Curious about your enduro setup.
@Soilsledding: Agreed, probably no bad thing, nobody wants a broken bike, though as I said before where is the sweet spot?
Top shelf comparo, @mikekazimer.
I was up in the air between a GG trail pistol and the sbg smuggler. I ended up going with the smuggler just because I was able to ride one and loved it. Would be awesome to see how it compares to the trial pistol and other 120ish mm 29ers.
That being said, why would I buy this over a Rocky Mountain Instinct?? The RM will pedal about the same (transition is known for poor pedaling), have more rear travel (140mm), shorter wheelbase, longer top tube, Ride9 Adjustable Geo/Fit/Progression, fits 2.6 tires, can run 650b plus setup, can run as BC 155m/160mm bike!, isn't sluggish, has same nice STA, is about a 1lb lighter, etc etc.
I also think they should point out the weak X01 spec in that is has a GX cassette with the pins in it and NOT X01 cranks (descendants aren't all that great and are heavy)...only the heaviest and most expensive parts lol.
Beautiful bike tho, I just think other companies have made this same bike but even better.
Transition is no better or no worse than anyone else when it comes to screwing you on the factory build.
As far as the instinct goes it's a matter of personal preference. Sure the Rocky has a longer top tube but transition has a much longer reach and much steeper seat tube angle which will give it a much different feel.
I'd say it's not about being better bikes out there but because there are so many good bikes out there now it's about choosing the best bike for how you ride. Are you more into doing long rides and sticking to mellow trails? Are you more about getting to the top as fast as possible so you can shred down? Do you love to do everything and want a bike that can still shred as hard as possible and get rowdy when you want yet be an efficient peddler and keep up on the mellow trails? It's a wonderful thing now you can pick a bike for your personal needs. Transition typically makes bikes for people that like to get rowdy, this still fits the mold.
Regardless I wasn't talking about the Geo as they are similar (I think Rocky copied much of the Smuggler just like Ibis did with the Ripmo). I was talking about the suspension (I've been on a smuggler), the lack of geo adjustment, and the freaking dumb*** tire clearance for a PNW bike....all in a heavier package with less travel and no plus bike support (let alone options to BC a bike). I mean some of that is pretty significant dude.
As far as Geo....You off. In the slack Rocky setting with a 66deg head angle you're getting a 74.5deg STA and a 455mm reach. That's way off the Smugglers 75.8deg STA and 475mm reach on a large.
You could put the Rocky in Steep and get an STA of 75.5deg and a reach of 465mm, which is 10mm off Transitions reach but now you have a 67deg head angle and more importantly you're bottom bracket drop is only 23mm now vs the Smugglers 35mm drop. That BBD is going to have a big effect on how the big rides. You're not going to be able to set up the Rocky have the same feel as the Smuggler.
I'm not trying to shit on the Rocky, I know lots of guys that ride them but the Smuggler is a different bike and to say it's not good because it doesn't have geo adjustment (don't need it when the geo is right, every Rocky Rider I know just puts it in slack and leaves it), has less travel and can't "BC" it is just silly. Those who buy it are getting it because it has less travel and want that feel. Want a 140mm bike? Go ahead but it won't have the same feel. Even suggesting that the bike isn't as good because you can get a bike with more travel is just such a silly statement.
That being said, I'd recommend the new Instinct (or others) over this (assuming you can live without 120mm of travel) because its cheaper, lighter, more versatile and for goodness sake's doesn't have some stupid 2.3 (tight) tire limitations. The tire flaw is enough to make this a hard pass.
And the Rocky isn't cheaper. For a Carbon Instinct with Guide R's and a GX drivetrain you're paying $6700. For a Carbon Smuggler with Guide R's and GX drive train you're paying $6450 so the Smuggler is actually cheaper.
You recommend the Rocky because you like it, but everything else you've mentioned is just false, yes the tire clearance is a little goofy but 2.3 tires is probably the most common sized tire that people up here in the PNW ride anyway. It may be a deal breaker for some but lots of people are fine with it.
The Smuggler is going to be an amazing bike for those who want a short travel bike that rips right off the rack with no messing about. The Rocky is an amazing bike for those who want a bit more travel and want some versatility. One isn't better than the other, it's just personal preference.
I feel like a couple years back it wasn’t impossible to find a new alum frame with a proper fork (pike, 34, etc.) for less than 4000 Canadian Pesos. Giant Reign 2 comes to mind, or the old Reign SX.
It’s getting harder and harder not to look strictly at direct to consumer brands, even with that weird mix of guilt and shame I would feel going riding with the local shop owners afterwards.
www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/biking/trail-mountain-bike/transition-smuggler-gx-2018
I rode one and fell in love. Fingers are crossed that it comes in before 2019. First 29er I have enjoyed enough to throw down some money on. I find Transition's whole party/beer/bro vibe insufferable. I have also been riding long enough to remember when the Transition Bandit had a 120% failure rate on the chainstays and while they always took care of them, it always seemed to be after three weeks of pestering them and a conversation with someone at Transition HQ where they wasted ten minutes of you time talking about an awesome riding trip they were just on. (cool and all but where are my warranty parts!)
this bike is legit.
CON: "not the lightest option" - what DOES the frame weigh? and/or just say it's heavy.
one day manufacturers will realize that the passive aggressive pressure applied to 'journalists' to leave non-critical product reviews means said outlets lose credibility, so that when you actually DO have a segment-leading product - noone believes it, because everything is so hyped.
This quote from the review goes into the bike's weight a little further: "At a touch over 29 pounds, the Smuggler isn't wildly obese, but it probably won't fit the bill if you're obsessed with having the lightest bike possible. For me, performance carries more weight than the numbers on the scale, and given the Smuggler's handling on the descents I'm willing to overlook a little extra heft."
www.walmart.com/ip/Wrangler-Men-s-Outdoor-Expandable-Waist-Utility-Pant/56026561#read-more
www.walmart.com/ip/Wrangler-Men-s-Long-Sleeve-Wicking-Flannel-Shirt/56080577
If fun is NOT high on your list you're doing it wrong!
I thought one of the reasons offsets were extended a while ago was because it helped the bike handle better at slower speeds, but the geometry then was considerably shorter/less aggressive, so I'm wondering how slower speed stuff handles with short offsets but long geo.
2.5-2.25 isn't what I would call progressive
Got one and used to ride 429 Trail.
It's even better and more versatile. Travel doesn't matter (in the negative way) and bike character can be altered from XCish to DH by changing travel in the front, type of shock (DPS or X2) and having 2 sets of tires or wheelsets.
I was waiting on the carbon smuggler to build a new bike. Then the Following came out and I nearly pulled the trigger on one. Then I got an amazing deal and built a Trek Remedy.... but my next bike is either going to be a smuggler or a following. If two bikes need to be compared to each other it's those two.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK6QMSpHuPs
I like The YT but, I also like what-ever Transition has got going on up there in Bellingham. Something about the fact that its not a E-bike is one of their selling features makes me think these guys know what's up.