Transition Covert 29 and Updated Covert 26 - Eurobike 2012

Aug 29, 2012
by Mike Levy  
Transition Covert 29

140mm Travel Covert 29

The Covert lineup continues to grow with the edition of a 29'' wheeled platform for riders who want to charge hard on big wheels. The new bike, which is being shown here at Eurobike for the first time, clearly includes some DNA from its 26'' wheeled bothers: ISCG-05 chain guide tabs can be found around the bottom bracket shell, and the frame is assembled with a similarly burly looking tube set. Rear wheel travel has been tamed a touch, with 140mm of suspension being eked from the 7.875'' x 2.125'' FOX shock. At 68°, the bike's head angle has also been tailored to the handling of the larger wheels. Want to run your 12 x 142mm rear wheel? Not a problem; the dropouts can be converted to fit both 135mm and 142mm axles. This looks like a bike for those who want to show just how far they can push 29'' wheels.


• 140mm of rear wheel travel
• Aluminum frame
• Tapered head tube
• ISCG-05 chain guide tabs
• Convertible 12 x 142mm or 10 x 135mm dropouts
• Sizes: small, medium, large
• Weight: TBA
• Availability: TBA
• MSRP: $1699 USD

Transition Covert 29




Transition Covert

Updated Aluminum Covert

While the Carbon Covert shown below surely gathers the most slack jawed onlookers, its less expensive aluminum brother has seen some major changes that should move it up the performance ladder. In fact, the alterations between this new model and the old version are so great that it really is an entirely new frame. Up from 150mm to 160mm, rear wheel travel now matches the Carbon Covert, as does the bike's 8.5'' x 2.5'' rear shock. The handling has also been relaxed a touch to a 66.5° (With a FOX 36 160mm), also matching the carbon version shown below. The kicker is that the frame retails for a reasonable $1699 USD, a figure that should allow a smart rider to spec the bike properly without breaking the bank.


• 6.3''/160mm of rear wheel travel
• Brand new aluminum frame
• Tapered head tube
• ISCG-05 chain guide tabs
• Convertible 12 x 142mm or 10 x 135mm dropouts
• Sizes: small, medium, large
• Weight: TBA
• Availability: TBA
• MSRP: $1699 USD




Transition Covert Carbon


Carbon Covert

• 6.3''/160mm of rear wheel travel
• Carbon front triangle, seat stays
• Aluminum chain stays
• Reverb Stealth routing
• Tapered head tube
• ISCG-05 chain guide tabs
• 12 x 142mm or 10 x 135mm dropouts
• Sizes: small, medium, large
• Weight: 6.74lbs (med frame w/ rear shock)
• Availability: TBA
• MSRP: TBA

Although Transition's Carbon Covert has been shown here on Pinkbike before, its availability date is still up in the air at this point. Regardless,
we're betting that you'll want to see more of this great looking all-mountain steed. The 6.3''/160mm travel carbon frame features a number of changes from the original aluminum model, including a bump up in rear wheel travel from 150mm to 160mm, and a longer stroke, 8.5'' x 2.5'' rear shock. The bike's main pivot is also slightly higher in order to better mesh with the dual and single ring drivetrains that many riders are using these days. Internal routing, including provisions for a Reverb Stealth dropper post, make for some very clean looking lines. Collet pivot hardware and captured nuts mean that only a single hex key is required to tighten the pivots or remove them for maintenance, while ISCG-05 chain guide tabs and convertible dropouts (shown below) add to the bike's versatility.

Transition Covert Carbon


www.transitionbikes.com

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

71 Comments
  • 37 16
 It upsets me when a company says we retail something at $1600 so that people don't break the bank- uh hum, that's still a sh*t load of money, don't get me wrong I live transition - I'm a proud owner! But when company's get that big they forget that not all of there target market are billion dollar jet setters, neg prop away.
  • 17 2
 Take a look around the market and find something that is comparable and and around the same price... Don't get me wrong I don't have that kind of money but the covert is well worth every penny! Also keep in mind that it's 1700$ USD not pounds.
  • 26 0
 Exchange rates dont exist according to bike companies over here Rolleyes
  • 5 3
 And consider the cost of comparable bikes that are available as a stand alone frame. Devinci Dixon: $2k, Trek Slash 9 frame: $2400, etc. The transition is a good deal, based on what you get: a rock solid performer. It's not a plastic bike, but the weight's reasonable for what it is.
  • 15 0
 I'm pretty sure monkeykidd14 is talking about industry pricing in general. Wasn't too long ago a frame at these prices sounded rediculous... Now they sound affordable. (they are by comparison like others have noted.)
  • 6 0
 Titus El Guapo. $999 for a quality aluminum bike, nice rear shock, and near identical geometry and specs as a covert frame. I have owned numerous Transition bikes, and loved each one. However, nothing beats my El Guapo. Nothing compares, its the most bang for your buck out there.
  • 5 0
 For those of us with working-class incomes, buying complete bikes is the way to go. You will get a lot more for your dollar (or pound).
  • 1 0
 Smike is right! I bought a 2010 Specialized Enduro Expert that has a mission controlled DH lyrik and a stans ztr flow rear wheel for only 1800. Cant beat it!
  • 2 6
flag cikudh (Aug 29, 2012 at 22:21) (Below Threshold)
 the Covert looks like NukeProof bike!
  • 2 0
 $1600 is amazing for a bike like that. Commencal trail bike the meta SL 4 is $2300 and has shit spec. This is cheap. Looking for a cheap bike with amazing spec get a polygon my friend got there dh bike that has full top of the line fox suspension Mavic D-MAX ultimates full saint.
  • 2 0
 Transitions are really nice bikes! Keep in mind $1600 is frame and shock, not complete.
  • 1 0
 Over here you can get an el guapo frame for 800 quid with a DB air shock
  • 2 0
 Yea, I was looking at other bike manufacturers to compare prices on frames, and transition has a good deal. I'm not going to say it isnt expensive, but you get what you pay for. I
  • 4 1
 not too long ago you could get a lollipop for a few cents! Everything got more expensive, it's called inflation!
  • 14 1
 Do all of the coverts come with the C.O.C.K. and B.A.L.L.S. Technology?
  • 1 0
 not sure but that entire Covert (alu) looks like it's been Shakira'd
  • 3 0
 The carbon covert looks sweet. Would definetly like to pick one up. But I am sure I will be priced out. I'd go with the aluminum but can't stand the gussets at the head tube. Was hoping they would have cleaned that up to look more like the carbon version.
  • 5 0
 Yes the copper rootbeer revolution has begun!!!!!
  • 1 0
 For those who don't know that the revolution had begun...this bike was painted in 2010, sold in 2011. Paint specially chosen by Nick Moore!!!
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/6936776/
  • 2 0
 That color is freaking awesome!
  • 1 0
 I want the aluminum one in raw! I have raw Bottlerocket that is incredible. I prefer raw because I want my bike to look good even after the first few rides (painted frames always seem to look like crap after a few days of riding in the PNW).

That said, I think the Carbon Covert in black would do the trick too!
  • 2 0
 Have always been a transition fan. I have a dream bike the Bandit9. Now there is a covert carbon 29er. Decisions in life have never been harder!
  • 1 0
 aluminum; but i bet carbon isn't too far behind!
  • 4 0
 THE DOUBLE IN THE BACK!!! Smile
  • 3 0
 whoa, i used to want a 29er stumpy evo for my next bike, but this covert looks siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick
  • 2 0
 small thing : the rrp of the old covert was $1599us (about£1015) but was still £1400 in the uk ... so is this going to be any different?
  • 1 0
 Unfortunately due to shipping costs and import duties it probably will be. Canada and the US have a lot of trade agreements that Canada and the UK do not have, I am not sure if it extends to bikes or if they just swallow the cost for their biggest market but I know that UK duties and taxes are pretty killer.
  • 1 0
 an update: holy f*ck £2500 for it. sorry transition is this a joke. you can take your cock an ball prices somewhere else
  • 2 0
 Holy Shit the covert 29 looks epic for PNW riding!!! should be able to handle anything from xc, mild freeride, technical AM, SO PUMPED!!!
  • 3 0
 Why no internal routing for the alum. versions???
  • 2 1
 im guessing because it would put the price up
  • 1 0
 I just picked one up, and was a bit bummed about this too. How much could it cost to drill a hole? I would gladly do it if it wouldn't void my warranty.
  • 1 0
 I was hoping for a sneak peak of some more models in the background. Waiting on those TR250 colors. I see a blue Double and some bright frames on the wall.
  • 3 0
 those C.O.C.K. and B.A.L.L.S. are being put to good use.
  • 1 0
 is that $1699 for a the alloy frame with a Monarch rear or is there going to be a Kashima RP23 option - if so whats the price of that?
  • 2 0
 The Monarch will only be available on one of our complete models. Framesets will ship with a Kashima coated Float CTD shock.
  • 2 0
 I wanna see the new tr450 stuff
  • 1 0
 Me too... I heard rumors of a carbon version... for myself a carbon TR250 would be the ultimate...
  • 2 0
 The blue Double in the back has a shifter mount on the downtube. Good.
  • 1 0
 Already pre-ordered my carbon covert expecting delivery in December just long enough to save some cash for it!
  • 1 0
 Pre-ordered? From where? And for how much? And with what parts?
  • 1 0
 got a yeller one comin my way! couldnt be more excited!!!
  • 2 0
 the covert 29 is sure gonna give the banshee prime some competition...
  • 2 0
 Kashima-colored frame with monarch shox
lol
  • 2 0
 The brown and blue covert isnt the beat colour I've ever seen.
  • 1 0
 Or the best. Stupid keybo....me.
  • 1 0
 Whats the name of that MRP Chain guide? I need something like that will work with my SRAM S1400 double crankset.
  • 1 0
 It's simply called an MRP 2x (product code is something like sku2x). They are due in the UK very shortly. E13 do one very similar which you can already buy.
  • 1 0
 Could a rider that's 200lbs shred the c.f. ? Or would it be a better choice to go with the aluminum?
  • 2 0
 I love my orange Covert, but man that rootbeer color is killer!
  • 1 0
 got to play with those at the factory before they shipped them to europe. dope bikes.
  • 1 0
 im confused is the covert 29 a 140mm bike or a 160mm bike ?
  • 2 0
 its 140 i think. they prob just missed that on the quick specs
  • 1 0
 Yeah I'm confused too with this info, I just got a Bandit 29er two weeks back (love it by the way) which has 130 rear travel coupled with a 140mm fork up front so by my reckoning the Covert 29 with 140mm rear is suited to a 150 front right?

Also the fox fork on the bike in the photo clearly has a "34" logo on the fork leg and I heard the 34 can be run at 150mm so I think that's right??? If they were planning to run it with 160 up front that would mean a 36 fork yeah?
  • 3 0
 Basically the 2013 Bandit 29 is a revised travel model now down to 120mm (down from the 2012 130mm Bandit 29) with the introduction of the new model Covert 29 which has 140mm travel (not 160mm).

No point having a 130mm and 140mm travel bike in the 29er range.
  • 1 0
 Has anybody see confrimed prices for the Carbon Covert?
  • 3 0
 £2499 for the UK apparently
  • 1 0
 brutal mas ja tinha lido na bikemagazine
  • 1 0
 Sorry but that root beer looks like skada
  • 1 0
 1699 is just a normal aluminum one not even carbon yet
  • 1 0
 £2499, for the frame? or complete build?
  • 1 0
 Frame and Shock only!!
  • 2 1
 Giant reign 2. Kills everything else for the cash.
  • 1 1
 This is way to covert for me.
  • 4 3
 graphics are so lame...
  • 2 1
 you got that!
  • 1 0
 when can we buy these
  • 1 0
 In Australia try www.roamingriders.com/#!your-hosts , he is a local rep for transition bikes in SA anyway, prices seem very reasonable if you know what bike to get ( no shop) I have test riden a bandit 29 , sweet bike I like the look of the 2013 covert
  • 1 0
 LIME GREEN ATTACK 3
  • 1 0
 tr450 stays the same?!
  • 1 1
 hideous color and graphics schemes







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