Transition Bikes 2012 Product and Website Launch

 Should have said my 2011 TR450. On the ball, I am not. Looks good guys

 never had issues with linkage on mine, but would really love tring a shorter chainstay!

 I had the same problem with play in the linkage on my Blindside, I couldn't figure it out for the longest, it used to drive me crazy, After replacing all my pivot hardware, i found that it was a $8.00 DU bushing in the rear shock. Replaced it and everything was like new, it was not the frame, which was a huge relief.
Now I must say I like the older 08, 09ish Blindsides, & Bottle Rockets better than than these newer flimsy looking models, I always liked that Transition cared more about making a bad a$$ bike that would last forever, and take a beating, more than the trendy weight watchers program bikes that everyone is building now, I cant speak on the 450 or 250, but bring back the beef on the Bs and the Br!!
Best of luck on your new adventure Mike, its kinda weird not seeing you with the TR crew.

 The bushing is the problem and yeah, it's a cheap fix but I find I have to over-torque it by about 10-15 in lbs or so to keep the play out, which wears it out more quickly. I was considering actually submitting a redesign to Transition to reduce the chances of wear since I've already used two sets of bushings (and one set of pivot bearings, BUY A TORQUE WRENCH. Your suspension hardware will thank you, and will also reward you with a quiet ride) but after investigating it there isn't really much you can do, save use a bearing mounted into the pivot which would require a pivot redesign and a slightly heavier bike as well, which may cost a bit more due to the extra parts and labour.

I will say I am brutal on my bikes, I race my bikes hard and slam them into corners and rock gardens with as much as they can take and I have to say the 450 is not a flimsy design. The rear end is noticeably stiff laterally, with very little perceivable flex (great change from my old Santa Cruz VP-Free) and handles abuse well. If you do buy a 450, you shouldn't have to worry about it ever feeling flimsy

 You know, now that I think back, (I've been out for 4 months due to a broken leg) I had to slightly over tighten mine as well, and I wonder if its the spacers on either side of the shock wearing down slightly, due to the play caused by the worn bushings, its sort of the trickle down effect. Thanks for the 450 info, they seem awesome, and I can see one in my future,(that or the 250). I'd be interested to see or hear what you come up with on the redesign idea, because I've read many forums on this issue, and we are not the only people having this problem. I recently picked up a Bottle Rocket and I hope its not an issue with this bike as well. I'm a huge Transition supporter, I believe they are the best company out there, and their customer service is second to none, every time I have a question or comment they are more than happy to help.

Cheers..

 If you want a out-and-out race bike get the 450. Haven't rode a 250 yet, but the noise seems to be that they took a little bit of the race out of it so it could be a more playful ride. That said it apparently still has a lot of the DH DNA and therefore most of the speed of the 450. So I guess it's what you want, if you want to race and go fast the 450 is the one you want (although I still have to say it airs well and is still a lot of fun) and the 250 if you want to have fun more then you want to go fast. At least that's the word I've been hearing.

The redesign is pretty simple but I'm not sure they'd go for it. I'm working on something simpler now, trying to keep the design simple and cheap.

 uhh yeah me too!

 People make career changes... doesn't mean he's done with mountain biking though.

 hes getting married and a different job

 he still rides a bunch at duthie

 Yes please ! I will have a large in white please.

 if you can find a more annoying advert/commercial that isnt 'go compare'
then i will be amazed -_-