Transition Bikes introduces the Blindside Prototype
The Blindside is Transition Bikes new 8” rear travel DH frame that is replacing the Gran Mal. The new Blindside frame is lighter, lower and has shorter stays to give it better handling characteristics as well as making it a more versatile frame for DH and freeride disciplines.FEATURES:
Interchangeable dropout system so you can use standard QR 10mm x 135mm wheels or 12mm x 135mm thru axle. We did this because we know many of us can blow through wheels so it is nice to be able to use a standard QR wheel from another bike when you need to and there are way more standard QR 135 wheels available.
![photo]()
Transition Bikes floating disc brake system. We designed a floater to work exclusively with our bike and allow you to use any 12mm x 135mm thru axle wheel.
![photo]()
3 Sizes to choose from. We now have a small, medium and large to fit a wider range of riders.
Improved geometry, shorter wheelbase, lower bottom bracket, shorter stays.
Half pound lighter than Gran Mal. Blindside is 8.2lbs without shock.
![photo]()
1.5 headtube
ISCG chainguide mounts
WHY WE CHANGED THE GRAN MAL:
The Gran Mal was an excellent bike for us but it had some limitations with the sizing. Due to the shock configuration and eye to eye we were only able to do two sizes. Many of our customers asked us for smaller sizes, but it wasn’t possible with the current design. We decided to start from scratch and design a large travel bike that had more characteristics of our slopestyle bike the BottleRocket. This would make the new Blindside extremely versatile for multiple disciplines of riding. The reason we changed the name was that Kyle had issues with it so we thought this would be a great time to give it a new name to go with the new look and feel.
![photo]()
THINGS TO BE WORKED OUT:
We definitely want to make this bike front derailleur compatible so we are still figuring out if we are going to do a front derailleur post for one version and another version without that will be singlering upfront compatible only. We are also working on possible other options to make a front derailleur work without the additional post for mounting. We are currently prototype testing both versions.
Kevin Menard
Transition Bikes
www.transitionbikes.com
Interchangeable dropout system so you can use standard QR 10mm x 135mm wheels or 12mm x 135mm thru axle. We did this because we know many of us can blow through wheels so it is nice to be able to use a standard QR wheel from another bike when you need to and there are way more standard QR 135 wheels available.
Transition Bikes floating disc brake system. We designed a floater to work exclusively with our bike and allow you to use any 12mm x 135mm thru axle wheel.
3 Sizes to choose from. We now have a small, medium and large to fit a wider range of riders.
Improved geometry, shorter wheelbase, lower bottom bracket, shorter stays.
Half pound lighter than Gran Mal. Blindside is 8.2lbs without shock.
1.5 headtube
ISCG chainguide mounts
WHY WE CHANGED THE GRAN MAL:
The Gran Mal was an excellent bike for us but it had some limitations with the sizing. Due to the shock configuration and eye to eye we were only able to do two sizes. Many of our customers asked us for smaller sizes, but it wasn’t possible with the current design. We decided to start from scratch and design a large travel bike that had more characteristics of our slopestyle bike the BottleRocket. This would make the new Blindside extremely versatile for multiple disciplines of riding. The reason we changed the name was that Kyle had issues with it so we thought this would be a great time to give it a new name to go with the new look and feel.
THINGS TO BE WORKED OUT:
We definitely want to make this bike front derailleur compatible so we are still figuring out if we are going to do a front derailleur post for one version and another version without that will be singlering upfront compatible only. We are also working on possible other options to make a front derailleur work without the additional post for mounting. We are currently prototype testing both versions.
Kevin Menard
Transition Bikes
www.transitionbikes.com
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11 Comments
- 0 0
brule
(May 4, 2007 at 11:04)
After riding a Gran Mal for a bit, the sizing was an issue when trying to show others the bike ( i was on the smallest), and I believe that the new design will really aid in bringing the big bike to some smaller riders.
- 0 0
slydaddy
(May 5, 2007 at 10:33)
The Gran Mal was a pretty sweet ride so I'm sure this one will be even better. As for a front derailleur, who needs it on an 8" gravity ride.
- 0 0
rffr
(May 6, 2007 at 13:22)
freeriding takes pedaling also. I have to push my 55lb bike up the runs I normally take as theres no way to tram etc. It would be nice to have a dual ring as there is some siiiick dual ring guides released at sea otter this year.
- 0 0
frankfrankles
(Jul 18, 2007 at 13:58)
The geometry looks a lot like the bottlerocket....so will this bike ride/pedal like the bottlerocket? Cause if it does....sold. I'll take a dozen.
- 0 0
siloping
(May 4, 2007 at 9:53)
Interchangeable dropout system is a pretty damn good idea though - finally a good idea that does not pidgeonhole a big bike!
- 0 0
torrent66
(May 4, 2007 at 6:57)
thats a sweet fuqing ride, my new favorite transition
- 0 0
siloping
(May 4, 2007 at 9:11)
XL BottleRocomVPFrUzzi
Looks better than the Gramma Bike at least
- 0 0
justhuckit101
(May 5, 2007 at 19:20)
i met the spectrum owners and rode the bike...its sick
- 0 0
trevpratt
(May 6, 2007 at 21:17)
they need to lower the shock to lower the cog
- 0 0
icedemon05lrb
(May 4, 2007 at 11:53)
it almost looks like a gran mal! I think the gran mal is still the best!
- 0 0
frankfrankles
(Jul 18, 2007 at 15:17)
and by a dozen, i mean one.
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