Meet The All New Transition Smuggler

Feb 14, 2023 at 17:02
by Transition Bikes  

PRESS RELEASE: Transition Bikes

THE TRUSTY TOOL FOR ANY TRAIL

Like the reliable tool you grab for every job, the Smuggler is the go-to bike for any trail pointed up, down, and all around.

With dual 29 inch wheels, 130mm rear travel and 140mm front, the Smuggler may just be the most versatile bike in our lineup. A highly progressive leverage curve and comfortable, confidence-inspiring geo make it eager to keep going mile after mile while remaining surefooted in even the most technical terrain. Sitting squarely between the Spur and Sentinel in travel, geometry, and capability, it shares qualities of both. Inspiring and rewarding to hammer on your favorite singletrack, while never holding you back when the trail gets steep, the Smuggler will make sure you enjoy it all.



The hunt for the Smuggler continues....


Inspiration:
We went into the Smuggler project with the intention of creating a bike that had the quick and high-energy feel of the Spur, but with a bit more travel front and rear. What we ended up with was a perfect blend of the Spur and Sentinel in geometry, travel, capability, and weight. It's not all downhill in the PNW; there's plenty of singletrack, technical trail, and meandering connective routes. The Smuggler is perfect for a day when your path comes across all of the above.


Progression In All the Right Places:
The kinematics are similar to the Spur with a little over 27% progression. This provides a bottomless feel in a mid-travel package. Paired with the Fox Float X shock, the Smuggler can be set up to suit any rider's preference. Looking to increase rear travel? Simply remove the travel reducer in the shock to bump the travel up to 140mm. Looking for a bit more progression? Just add a larger volume spacer. All of this equates to a super lively, active, and forgiving rear suspension feel in any terrain.




Bike Details
▪ Dual 29" Wheels: Clearance up to 2.5"
▪ 140mm front and 130mm rear travel:
▪ Drop in headset bearings
▪ Internal cable routing: Clean headtube routing for simple, fully guided cable management
▪ Size Specific Chainstays
▪ 27% progression
▪ Gear accessory mount
▪ UDH
▪ 5 Sizes: S-XXL
▪ Lifetime Warranty
▪ Frame Weight: 6.6 lbs/3.00 kg (Size MD w/shock)


Pricing for USA and Canada
▪ Frameset Carbon w/shock $3699 USD/$4999 CAD
▪ NX Alloy $3999 USD/$5399 CAD
▪ GX Mechanical Carbon $5999 USD/$8199 CAD
▪ GX AXS Carbon $7299 USD/$9899 CAD
▪ XO AXS Carbon $8499 USD/$11499 CAD

Find all the spec details HERE

Availability:
Framesets and some builds are in stock now, with more builds coming this spring!


The Smuggler, great for going up, and down mountains.



The search is over, go check out the new Smuggler at TRANSITIONBIKES.COM

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433 Comments

  • 395 9
 $5400 for NX alloy. Why have you betrayed us, transition?
  • 327 7
 You were the chosen one, transition! You were sent here to destroy the high prices not join them!
  • 156 0
 @Gregmurray50: he’s not speaking in freedom dollars, he’s speaking in maple leaves
  • 34 29
 Aside from NX the build kit is pretty good for $3999, and NX is a $60 shifter away from being decent.
  • 58 5
 @Gregmurray50: I HATE YOU
  • 2 1
 Bingo.
  • 46 4
 @Gregmurray50: Can't believe the amount of downvoters. Clearly, we have a bunch of Star Trek fans in PB.
  • 29 3
 @dmackyaheard: agreed and if they put gx on here the value would be too good. Shimano deore would have been a better choice.
  • 48 91
flag tacklingdummy (Feb 16, 2023 at 8:41) (Below Threshold)
 @drakefan705: GX is way better than Deore in my opinion. GX is more equivalent to SLX or even XT.
  • 8 2
 where can I buy that guy's hat?!?!
  • 36 6
 @dmackyaheard: The Ripmo AF with a better build for 500 dollars cheaper.
  • 7 1
 Got a team to pay for. . . . .
  • 18 18
 @tacklingdummy: GX to XT more like it
  • 30 0
 I remember thinking Transition wasn't very well priced pre-2020. But either way comparing the NX here to a Fluid A2 is a bit eye opening
  • 32 0
 @edthesled: I just checked the specs on the Norco Fluid A2. Similar or better on all counts for $1400 less.

Love my older Alu Patrol though, no plans to replace that 2 wheeled joy machine.
  • 32 0
 @edthesled: Compare it to the Fluid A1. The A1 is still cheaper, but with a full factory /P-elite suspension and XT drive train. It's not even close.
  • 9 0
 TR have eye watering prices in NZ, Base model alloy bikes for same price as near top spec carbon models from other brands - the carbon TR's framesets are pretty much same price as the latter aswell lmao
  • 11 55
flag bananowy (Feb 16, 2023 at 9:06) (Below Threshold)
 @drakefan705 It's $3999 not $5400. Dramatising over whatever number it is in CAD is no different from crying that it's 10700 Samoan Talas. Neither changes the fact it's a $3999 bike. Transition don't control currency exchange rates lol.
  • 73 2
 @bananowy: suck my butt $5400 is a shitty price for this bike in canada where I live
  • 14 0
 It's too bad that Transition has priced their bikes so high. I was going to get myself a Sentinel (my fourth Transition in a row) and my son a Scout as he has out grown his Ripcord but paying 3k more between the two bikes over other brands would be crazy.
  • 5 1
 @bananowy: Value of goods between Canada the US can be directly compared with a simple currency conversion. Our markets are similar enough.
  • 8 12
flag rob748 (Feb 16, 2023 at 9:21) (Below Threshold)
 @jayacheess: but it's a Ripmo
  • 3 0
 @Gregmurray50: haha Obi Wan tells it like it is.
  • 4 0
 @rob748: Fluid A1, then!
  • 2 1
 @drakefan705: It's also almost exactly $3999 USD LOL
  • 6 5
 alot of hype for something less capable and more expensive than a sentinel, LOL
  • 7 23
flag bananowy (Feb 16, 2023 at 10:11) (Below Threshold)
 @drakefan705: I'll suck your butt when you quote where I said it's a good price.

@jayacheess Cool beacuse it so happens that $3999 converts to CAD 5376 at today's rate, so not sure what the drama is about. Canadians aren't getting shafted. The bike costs the same in the US and Canada.
  • 9 0
 Don't worry, prices will drop by summer lol....covid peaked.
  • 21 0
 @bananowy: The point is that the price isn't good. Both in the US and Canada.
  • 2 2
 @drakefan705: Agree, its weird they spec SRAM/Fox on their new bikes pretty frequently, but I imagine thats more of a supply chain choice vs actually wanting to use NX. The other weird spec choice is the Z2 vs using the 36 Marz equivalent the Z1.
  • 10 3
 Can buy a carbon Marin Rift Zone 1 for $700 less. Same fork.

Rift Zone 2 carbon is $100 more with way more better pieces.
  • 3 0
 @dmackyaheard: isn't there a hub issue as well if you want to upgrade the cassette?
  • 3 0
 @jayacheess: Yup, we agree on that.
  • 6 3
 It’s also interesting that the price difference between the gx mech and gx axs builds is over $800usd… which doesn’t really make sense. That’s more than a gx axs upgrade kit costs on it’s own from an LBS.
unless there’s other spec upgrades in that, that’s kind of a bit of a rip off if you ask me.
  • 5 0
 @brycepiwek: suspension is upgraded too.
  • 2 0
 @stevemokan: ahh thanks!
  • 2 0
 @stevemokan: brakes and wheels too.
  • 1 0
 @dmackyaheard: i'd rather have nx than z2. that thing is rubbish.
  • 1 0
 Then you don't feel so bad trowing it into trash a buy Shimano
  • 1 1
 It's a lot of money but more or less in line with a SC Tallboy S (USD 6299). Tallboy has slightly better wheels and is a little lighter but the Smuggler has more robust tires. Stumpjumper Comp is USD 5.000 with SLX which is a significent better deal but has a lesser quality rearshock. All have lifetime warranty.
  • 15 5
 @tacklingdummy: do explain your reasoning! Deore is very good for price and it just works no fuss. I'd run Deore over GX at every opportunity
  • 3 0
 @TomPG: Moved my son to Specialized Status. Also planned to go to a Scout from his Ripcord, but it did not make sense! Way too expensive
  • 6 11
flag Crampagnolo (Feb 16, 2023 at 12:10) (Below Threshold)
 @jayacheess: but then you have to ride a ripmo AF...?
  • 1 3
 @jayacheess: and dope weagle link
  • 4 0
 @dmackyaheard: NX is junk !
  • 9 0
 It's great that you North Americans are finally discovering Australian Transition pricing Wink
  • 5 5
 @Crampagnolo: So like, one of the most celebrated platforms in the last few years is a bad bike, now? Or it's not 'dentist' enough for you?
  • 4 3
 @jayacheess: no. no they are not.
  • 5 35
flag thenotoriousmic (Feb 16, 2023 at 14:11) (Below Threshold)
 @tacklingdummy: Deore / SX, SLX / NX, XT / GX, XTR / X01. XX1 / No shimano equivalent and yes deore is utter junk and not fit for purpose. I’d rather a frame, fork, wheels deal than pay for a deore groupset and brakes I’m just going to have to replace straight away. GX / XT groupsets not including brakes currently going for around £300-350 online. If your local bike shop can afford to sell it at those prices and still make a profit what prices are transition and other companies buying in bulk paying for their components? There’s no way you should be ever seeing deore on any bike that costs more than 2k.
  • 39 2
 @thenotoriousmic: you must be the only person in the world who thinks SX is equal to Deore. SX is not even equal to Deore DX from 1987.
  • 11 22
flag thenotoriousmic (Feb 16, 2023 at 14:37) (Below Threshold)
 @bishopsmike: they’re both equally as shit as each other and a complete waste of money as neither is fit for purpose if you actually plan and using it. People can down vote but that won’t improve the quality of the map broken full deore 12 speed groupsets I’ve got in my parts bin. Don’t listen to the paid promotion. If you actually plan on riding two or more times a week do yourself the favour and spend the little bit extra for GX / XT and get something that’s not just going to bend or fall to bits straight away.
  • 5 0
 For what it's worth the alloy NX sentinel in 2017 was 3200 USD which is just over 3900 today. And it had guide t brakes... So nothing crazy here, but agreed better value can be had elsewhere.
  • 1 0
 @fabwizard: The cassette is the same XG 1275 as the GX, so all good.
  • 2 1
 @Gristle: I think folks forget that inflation is up 25% over the last 3 years. Should be closer to 6-9%.
  • 2 0
 @SchalkMarais: We are looking at the Trek Remedy and Fuel EX 8, Rocky Instinct 30, and Kona Process 153. 27.5". The Treks have a good bang for the buck factor but all of them are nice bikes.
  • 8 9
 @lehott: Not saying Deore is bad, just saying GX is much better. Lighter, shifts better, good clutch, locking mechanism, and just solid. I have had it all from Deore to XTR and NX to XX1. To me, GX is a great bang for the buck and should be standard on low end builds. I don't like seeing Deore or NX on any builds.
  • 2 0
 My GX sentinel MSRP was $4500 US in 2019 Frown
  • 13 14
 @thenotoriousmic: you are mental dude. I'd rather pay full price for Deore than ride ANYTHING below XO1 for free.
  • 4 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Yeah, I agree. I think the standard for low end builds for these high end bikes should be GX or XT. It is not much more to put GX and XT on. It used to be that way.
  • 12 2
 @thenotoriousmic: man you must've had some sh!t luck. Deore on a year old Patrol, ride hard 3-5X a week for over a year with no issues. Smack the derailleur on a rock a buy a new one for 60 bucks. No comparison. Brakes are fine too.
  • 4 0
 If you look at their website in Japan the prices are not written on the site. The prices are geotagged out. Why?
So Japanese customers do not see how much cheaper the price is in the US compared to Japan. (ADD about 25-30%)
Sucks to be me!
  • 4 0
 Remember when we all shat on the Forbidden Dreadnought GX team bike? It’s $1000 CAD less with inarguably better spec lol. I guess this is the new industry. Until the sales come for them.
  • 2 1
 @trashpander275: US drug companies do that in the US as well with medications. They charge the most for medications in the US and much cheaper around the world.
  • 2 9
flag thenotoriousmic (Feb 17, 2023 at 0:48) (Below Threshold)
 @GBangShredder: I wouldn’t waste my money on deore. I had a load BMX mates come over to MTB and they were all on entry level deore / slx builds. Obviously with them being bmxers they had no idea how to fix a mech or anything else so I ended up with two broken deore groupsets and half an slx groupset in my parts bin when they all fell to bits, bent or needed constant maintenance to keep working and was replaced with GX. It’s just cheap crap that isn’t fit for purpose especially the rear mech and you’re just wasting your money. GX groupset have all been fit and forget since replacing, still feels brand new.
  • 3 0
 Again I will choose Option (B) Keep Riding My Old Bike…..
  • 6 1
 Agreed - as mechanic for a large group of youth MTB team kids and coaches I have deore/slx buts filling my parts bins … SX/NX too … give me GX every time over XT as well. I’ve seen multiple XT mechs needing disassembly to shift well and setup is way more finicky than GX. All just IME
  • 2 0
 Consider you can go on the Specialized website today and get a Status 140 NX build on sale for $2,249USD this bike isn't even a consideration
  • 9 2
 @thenotoriousmic: Just pedalled 2000km on my deore drivetrain last year, zero issues + still snappy shifting. I would have kept the derailleur going but smashed it off a rock in the fall. You're an insane person if you think sx is comparable.
  • 1 0
 @jaywindh: exactly, these lower Shimano sets are pretty dialed nowadays
  • 3 0
 Transition priced this bike for a future that doesn't exist anymore. The recession is clawing back inflation, and if companies don't take note, we'll see a lot of brands closing doors for good.
  • 3 12
flag thenotoriousmic (Feb 17, 2023 at 10:36) (Below Threshold)
 @jaywindh: well it wasn’t snappy out of the box. You you go grab a brand new deore mech by the bottom jockey wheel from new and give it a wiggle and you’ll see it’s already got a load of play in the pivots from new and there’s loads of flex along the length of the entire mech so when you hit your shifter instead off the cable pulling the chain onto the next sprocket it’s flexing the mech instead. Your mech needs to be as stiff as possible free from play which is why the much stiffer better manufactured XT and XTR mechs shift so much better and why sram are going to drop direct mount derailleurs which are much stiffer than standard derailleur hangers. Why am I being downvoted for educating clueless pinkbikers again?
  • 3 1
 @thenotoriousmic: I've noticed that play with higher end (xt, zee) derailleurs as well, i think it might be by design to help with the lateral angles the chain has to contend with. Also noticed that the play doesn't effect the rolling of the pulley.
  • 8 0
 @thenotoriousmic: And even if you are right, you're wrong because you sound like a douche, to explain the downvotes.
  • 1 2
 @brycepiwek: IT'S CAUSE THE COME WITH AXS CHAINS,CRANKS, AND CASSETTES.

Woth it.
  • 2 4
 @ripcraft: hehehe, oh well. They’re a lot stiffer than a deore mech structurally and they go for much longer before developing excessive play. After 6 months of being rattled around on the back of a swing arm a deore mech is flapping in the wind. I’ve got lower cage to a deore mech on my work bench and I’d love to know which material it is because it’s not steel.
  • 1 0
 @rob748: so has DW link just like your Pivot. What’s yer point?
  • 1 1
 @thenotoriousmic:
Nicely handled. I agree with you generally about cheap deraileurs, i think its the last place you should be using cheap materials on a mountain bike, derailleurs have a lot of bearing surfaces and moving parts, and put up with insane forces.
  • 5 2
 @thenotoriousmic: You must not have tried the new Deore 12sp, or really anything Deore in the last 10 years. I slapped Deore on my enduro bike 2 years ago (spent my money on high end suspension, brakes and wheels) and and two years, 1500 really tough miles later, it works perfectly. I just cleaned the jockey wheels the other day, and they are still spinning nicely, and once I aligned the cage after a bump the other day it was fine too. I wasn't concerned with weight when I built the bike, it just needed to shift ok, and it does. In fact, I have a full 12sp XT trail bike that I was a little more concerned on weight, and outside of the double shift, they literally feel the same. I would stack Deore up against GX any day in terms of durability & operation. The only thing about Deore that isn't great, is its heavy. I know you mentioned you wouldn't 't touch anything below X01 on SRAM, and thats fine if its your preference, but GX shifts just fine, and almost as crisp as X01/XX1, and I have used all of it.
  • 1 0
 @dmackyaheard: if you're worried about derailleur strikes, Deore is pretty bad at holding up to those. People tend to get hyperbolic about components. Both Deore and GX are great drivetrains for any of us that used to suffer with 3x8.
  • 3 3
 @dmackyaheard: Like I said I’ve got two broken basically unused Deore groupsets in my parts bin that I watched disintegrate at the hands of novice riders with me fixing and doing all the maintenance. You’ve got the exact same components. When it doesn’t work anymore, take it apart see what it’s made from, stress test it and you’ll see what I mean. It’s just not made from materials strong enough to take a beating. I posted a picture back in 2019 on my profile of my GX mech from 2016, it’s still going strong today on my kids hardtail, still less play than a new deore mech, probably costs an extra £30 over a deore mech which id have had to replaced at least 4 times.
  • 2 4
 @thenotoriousmic: the problem with GX is that it's floppy in the fore/aft direction, along with every other sram 12sp product.
  • 5 1
 @thenotoriousmic: I don't disagree what you're saying about the lower cage of the derailleur, the bushings aren't nearly as good as the other trim levels, however what I am saying is that working with a hyperglide+, it shifts fast and under load. You can't say that about SX.
  • 2 2
 @marrrty: Umm, what, exactly, is an AXS chain, crank and cassette? Do they need additional batteries? How are they controlled? Do the cranks change length so you can adjust for climbing, descending or long haul spinning?
  • 3 2
 @thenotoriousmic: that’s nuts dude
  • 3 0
 Can't help but notice the geometry and weight of this frame in size small is almost identical to my medium 2016 patrol carbon frame. Steeper seat angle and a little less travel but that's about it. Almost identical wheelbase. And I kind of prefer the 27.5 wheels on the old patrol as a 2nd bike for jump lines at Duthie. Glad I kept the old frame, seems like a new model again!
  • 1 0
 @jayacheess: polygon siskui t8 for $2000 less, and better suspension
  • 1 0
 @dmackyaheard: my slx 12 speed is great too.
  • 5 0
 @fpmd: I've been thinking the same thing, as I too own a 2017 Patrol Carbon. My large 2017 patrol and a medium 2023 Smuggler are super similar, minus wheel size, seat tube angle, and progression curve of the suspension.

Close enough not to warrant the insane price difference!
  • 3 1
 @thenotoriousmic: I just finished servicing my bike about a week ago and removed the jockey wheels to clean them, and it all seems fine to me. Like I said, I have been running this mech for 2 years and it is perfectly fine. I am sorry you have had bad luck, but your luck does not reflect most users experience and the glowing praise that group set received in the media. I know plenty of other folks using Deore 12sp components, either in full, or combined with bits of XT, SLX, etc.
  • 2 0
 @dmackyaheard: agreed. My wife’s bike is full Deore group and it has been flawless for two years. My son also has Deore shifter and mech on his bike. Over two years and still works like new.
  • 1 5
flag thenotoriousmic (Feb 21, 2023 at 11:27) (Below Threshold)
 @dmackyaheard: in the nicest possible way but you take your jockey wheels off to clean them and actually listen to glowing media reviews aka paid promotions. You’re not paying for this site or any other media outlet, Sram and shimano are. We’re the product and they’re the client, they’re not on our side and they don’t run Deore on their personal bikes. Just a quick blast OG GT85 and an old toothbrush, just spin the cranks and give them a good scrub. The threads on that mech are not good enough to be taking them off for no reason and don’t forget go check for play, sometimes it’s hard to tell how much your shifting has degraded overtime and it’s only when you get a new mech you really notice how knacker your old one was.
  • 2 0
 @thenotoriousmic: I'm not sure why you are still trying to talk me into disliking Deore when it is solid kit that I have no had any issues with now, or in the past. You are allowed to think or say whatever you want to, that is your prerogative. If you have had bad luck, then I get it. There are certain products I do not use anymore from bad experiences, but Deore isn't one of them by a long shot.
  • 2 0
 @dmackyaheard, @thenotoriousmic I cannot believe you two are still talking about this. Go ride your damn bikes.
  • 1 0
 @Gibbsatron: I rode the last 2 days Smile
  • 1 0
 @mininhi: the smuggler isn't supposed to compete with the sentinel. two different bikes
  • 130 10
 I can get a Norco Fluid for $800 cheaper with better components...... Sorry Transition you blew this one.
  • 76 30
 @preach:
the early's 2000's internet dumbasses called, they want their homophobic elementary school insults back
  • 6 1
 No lifetime warranty tho. Norco's warranty was a pleasure to work with in my experience though.
  • 5 103
flag preach (Feb 16, 2023 at 10:07) (Below Threshold)
 @notthatfast: cool thanks for the ad hominem there sir. Also, have fun with a pink bike on pinkbike.
  • 11 0
 @gravitybass: Transition's 'lifetime' warranty doesn't cover normal wear and tear (which is reasonable). It's guaranteed free from manufacturing defects, and has a lifetime crash replacement that states: "we will replace it for the best possible price we can, assuming we have the replacement part available".

It's kind of... normal-ish, I'd say.
  • 59 1
 @preach: The only problem with the paint scheme is that they named it Orchid instead of Grape. I would ride the shit out of a Grape Smuggler.
  • 15 0
 @toast2266: Plum would workout great as well
  • 5 3
 @preach: yep the choice between pink and espresso, oh pardon me orchid
  • 4 1
 @krashDH85: Yeah, I'd happily smuggle plums too.
  • 10 2
 @preach: I don’t think you know what ad hominem means.
  • 10 0
 Without giving Transition too much of the benefit of the doubt, I wonder if Transition is stuck with a bunch of costs that were set when the bike boom was at its peak, but now are trying to sell them when things are on the downturn. We all were hearing about 18 month wait times on certain parts, and I imagine when those orders were placed they were also at higher costs. Now, those parts that were ordered a year ago at excessive cost, are pushing up the prices of complete bikes even though the market has softened. If we see prices start coming down in the near future, it could partially be due to companies finally getting through all the stock they purchased with long lead times at elevated costs.
  • 4 0
 @toast2266: They should've called the pink colour "Budgie" and the brown colour "Peanut".
  • 1 0
 @gravitybass: watching my friends Range pivots being cutted every second ride I do understand they don't ask anything
  • 1 0
 ...better yet, Optic, frame is 1k less and carbon (well... 1/2 carbon)
  • 1 0
 @notthatfast: didn't realize that was the origin of the phrase. learn something new everyday!
  • 88 1
 NX shifter on the GX build... sneaky sneaky
  • 5 47
flag shamday (Feb 16, 2023 at 8:30) (Below Threshold)
 Most people probably going to swap it out for X01 anyways, NX or GX go in the bin.
  • 45 0
 Pretty lame from Transition. Stylo 6k cranks instead of the 7xxx Al GX cranks too, code R, cockpit is all cheaper raceface, cheap rims. This is a horrible value for $6k, and this is the best spec mechanical build kit.
  • 5 0
 @generalistgrant: Yeah, odd there is not alloy frame on its own, or an alloy GX kit.
  • 6 0
 @dmackyaheard: definitely, seems like they want to push carbon and especially the AXS kits because the other ones are overall poorly considered. I hope they stop trying to be like Santa Cruz with the less expensive kits being terrible values, and the top kits are just insanely priced
  • 84 3
 Espresso color is 10/10 imo
  • 9 5
 Getting 2019 Santa Cruz Hightower LT vibes in that color
  • 30 4
 Missed opportunity to call it the Expresso.
  • 2 1
 @eurospek: and the price!
  • 2 0
 @CaMKii:
Name is already claimed by another bike type product.
The product name / trademark jungle is challenging.
  • 2 0
 @CaMKii: Reminds me of www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3y0CD2CoCs
  • 1 0
 I personally love brown bikes... I mean "espresso"
  • 77 0
 Everything about this is great except for pricing and build kits.
  • 20 18
 And except IS headset....and internal rear brake cable routing.....and reach getting longer....and ridiculous steep seat tube angles, which the only thing they do is avoid you from activating the most powerful muscle on the uphills (glutes), making you not only slower but also making you look like an old lady in a city bike.
Colours are nice though...
  • 11 5
 @dick-pound: don’t care about any of that shit. This bike probably rips
  • 2 0
 @dick-pound: Do you know that you still can buy a Redalp if you don't like modern bikes Smile
  • 15 3
 @danstonQ: It's not about being modern but efficient and if there's something I hate is shit engineering. Allowing the rider to tweak head angle is basically off with an integrated headset, that's not efficient.
Integrated rear brake cable routing is not efficient, cutting the lines every time you need to change brake is not a solution for a simple maintenance task....for what "clean" looks? FFS!!
Extremely steep ST angles is not modern but stupid. It's only there to please the ignorant bike site reviewers that have no clue what pedalling efficiency means, so they set the trend and the masses buy it. An engineer should know better and debunk the illiterate cycling sites theories.
Having bikes that are so long that it riders have to downsize in order to be able to pump out of corners is not efficient but hey, the masses like the "stability" over chunk in a straight line, problem is that you're slow as F everywhere else.
  • 2 0
 @dick-pound: absolutely. In surprised there are not more complaints about the IS headset.
I was really hoping it'd have a straight 56/56. That would have really made it a more interesting and versatile bike.
  • 1 0
 @dick-pound: I've been chewing on that concept for a minute as a physio. I agree with you. It's like running leaned forward vs running upright.
  • 1 0
 @dirtbagluvin:

those of us who run and bike in actual mountains actually run forward and appreciate steep seat tube angles.

also @dick-pound what's your version of "extremely steep"? For me the sweet spot is ~77 ish. I've had 4 bikes now that advertise a 76ish sta and I'm always sliding the saddle forward of centered to get my preferred position. Demoed a gen 1 fezzari la sal peak and thought the 78 sta was kind of nuts.
  • 1 0
 @WasatchEnduro: only a person with Enduro in their username would try to educate me about seat tube angles and "actual" mountains lol. Go on then Gandolf!
  • 71 0
 Dang. I wanted to love this. I do. But holy cow, frame cost more than an Sworks, and weighs more.
  • 27 1
 Seriously, for a couple hundred more than the GX mechanical build I could get a SLX Yeti with DT wheels. Guess they're fully a boutique brand now.
  • 28 0
 @bkm303: at the same time when they're pushing DTC in a big way. Greedy, greedy.

I love my 5-yr-old Patrol but it looks like it will be the last Transition I can afford.
  • 10 0
 @plyawn: didn't even think about the DTC angle but you're totally right. I guess we can start making dentist jokes about transition now though so that's cool.
  • 20 0
 And no internal frame storage. I think these mid-sized brands will suffer the next few years...too boutique to get value/scale but not boutique enough to justify the pricing.
  • 5 0
 @bkm303: they THINK they are boutique. They don’t have any credibility in racing. Suspension always has mixed reviews. There is no justification for their pricing whatsoever and hasn’t been since their SBG marketing began.
  • 5 0
 @StumpHumper45: Marketing is cringe on top of it.
  • 52 0
 Or for the same price, you could get an SST welded up by shredders in beautiful Lyons, Colorado. Only 1/2 lb heavier, will last forever, is not plastic, comes in any color, add any bottle/tool mounts you want, external cable routing.
  • 4 0
 This was my exact thought when I saw the price. And an added bonus is you get something much more unique imo.
  • 59 5
 Maybe I can smuggle one of these into my garage past my wife…
  • 7 0
 Let me know if it works Smile
  • 15 0
 Definitely not smuggling it past anyone in that Orchid color
  • 16 0
 Nothing gets past the wife. Good luck
  • 11 0
 Don’t forget to smuggle your blanket and pillow in the garage while you’re at it.
  • 53 1
 Wait wait wait, named the smuggler and the only thing in the frame is the cable routing?
  • 12 0
 this is a solid point
  • 1 0
 True. Strange that there's no internal storage feature... or it's well hidden.
  • 1 0
 Well, if there was in-frame storage on a bike named the Smugglef, you wouldn’t advertise it, would you?
  • 5 0
 On a completely unrelated note I really wonder in which of the keyboard languages I have installed my phone thinks that “Smugglef” is an actual word.
  • 1 0
 @FuzzyL: I've spent way too much time reading comments on this article... This is by far the most entertaining one. Thanks for sharing your smugglefs with us. Smile
  • 49 0
 Price is too high man. Come on.
  • 39 1
 Wtf! 6000 dollars for a Gx mech build with cheap ass wheels and Fox Performance fork...
  • 4 0
 NX shifter too
  • 32 0
 If I was looking for a 130mm frame right now..... Stumpjumper $2700 vs Smuggler $3700? What exactly am I getting for the $1000? No in frame storage and what else? I do love the bike but damn.
  • 29 0
 You're paying $1000 for over a pound of extra weight and less features, what a deal!
  • 6 0
 @arrowheadrush: I am actually surprised Specialized has kept the prices down on frames. I even got an EVO frame on sale for $2200. Even the EVO is only slightly heavier with 150mm travel.
  • 3 0
 @Tinshield: I did too. That was the best $2200 I ever spent. I was so happy with the bike I bought an Enduro frame. And that only set me back about $2600 because the retailer gave me 15% off!
  • 1 0
 @foggnm: my whole crew has EVOs now LOL
  • 3 1
 Smuggler has a stronger/stiffer frame and the rear suspension should perform better in rough terrain with an actual pivot. Plus bro cred. Agree 3700 is too much for a frame though.
  • 34 0
 Value for $ continues to erode.
  • 6 1
 I think it'll start to swing back the other way in the next year or so. We've already seen some big sales this year (Specialized, YT, possibly others).
  • 3 0
 @bkm303: yep. I hadn't bought a specialized since 1997 and then when everyone's prices are up they are selling bikes at 20-25% off. My sj evo carbon frame was under $2200!! And it probably has about the best cable routing of any bike I've purchased!
  • 26 0
 Haha what is that shit pricing? While many manufacturers give big discounts because they can not get their bikes sold, Transition keeps on increasing their prices
  • 5 4
 Because their market research shows they'll sell anyway? I'm not saying thy're right or that I'd buy one at this price but I bet the price points ain't just randomly set. Maybe they have enough of a loyal following to sell the relatively low numbers of bikes they import compared to some others. Or maybe they know discounts are coming and they want to start from a higher point. Maybe they want to position as more premium because that target market is less affected by inflation/cost of living.
  • 3 3
 @bananowy: prices are dictated by what they paid for the frame and components. Those were probably purchased at the peak. I doubt their margins are higher than they’ve ever been before other than the same percentage of a higher price is a larger number.
  • 8 0
 @txcx166: cost isn't what defines an expensive consumer products sales price.

Examples: the iPhone, these kind of bikes


But they'll be available discounted soon enough, covid bike boom is over
  • 1 0
 @JohSch: Consumer goods are seeing deflation right now.
  • 24 1
 This thing looks sick!!! Now the question is “when will the transam be found again?”
  • 7 0
 aw, I still have that frame in my basement.
  • 17 1
 Bottle rocket!
  • 4 0
 @lowkeyokeydokey: me too. Maybe the best bike I’ve ever had….
  • 2 4
 Maybe they should do a gravel bike next. Evil and YT are doing it.
  • 4 0
 I had a first gen Dirtbag....only FS bike I have never broken! Thing was a tank...this was back when the boys wanted to make bikes for the blue collar riders out there...they have really changed into a high end boutique brand now.
  • 2 1
 @someguy101: They already did!
  • 2 0
 An updated steel version please! One of the best bike I ever had.
Get a 29" version, put a -2° angleset and a 140mm fork on it (versus the former 68°/120mm) and you'll get a new TransAm.
  • 18 0
 Man for 200 $ more give or take...you get full xt build kit carbon hoops a 36..plus more travel..I'd say transition is high on this one not even a full gx build shit wheels..I was wanting one too..had the original..but this build sucks
  • 23 3
 If your espresso looks like that, you need to grind finer and dial in your extraction Smile
  • 20 1
 4999$ cad for a frame, I thought Transition used to be relatively affordable?
  • 4 1
 The collusion of everybody jacking prices, then saying "Hey, we're in line with every other bike!".
Very rare exceptions where someone will come out with a realtive "value" bike/build. Most just use the opportunity to increase prices. About the only upside I see is maybe we get a few more boutique brands that can now compete.
  • 7 0
 "used to be",you got that part right.
Transition thinks they are the new Santa Cruz,as Pivot thinks they are the new Yeti.
  • 3 0
 @plyawn: they’re clearly not looking at the buy and sell pages at the moment.
  • 4 0
 Boom is over, wait for discounts on these
  • 18 0
 3700 for a Frame??? Why do you hate us.
  • 2 14
flag Hookem34 (Feb 16, 2023 at 8:40) (Below Threshold)
 I have never paid MSRP for my transition bikes (Spire and Spur purchased in the past 12 months). Usually get 15-20% off from my local dealer.
  • 3 1
 @Hookem34: Truth, with a little chit chat at a dealer I got a Spur frame for 1k off retail, and I’m just a guy with a day job.
  • 2 0
 Sweet!! 2020 smuggler with external brake routing for sale…for waaaaay more than $3700 now.
  • 1 0
 @Cantle406: cause they wanted to move it lol
  • 2 0
 @freeridejerk888: so it was an equitable relationship? Lol
  • 18 3
 Great lines, great colors, great geo, right where I like the travel for local Daduro Country riding... I'd ride the crap out of this.
  • 12 1
 Is this a grape smuggler?
  • 12 0
 When is Transition going to get in-frame storage? I would have thought this was the time... then V3 everything else in the line up the next year... Love my sentinel V2, these colors are awesome. Price is disappointing, but that GX mechanical carbon seems to be right at the same price point as the other brands.
  • 1 0
 Was just looking at the new Trek ex, the frame storage latch and cover was well thought out sleek,simple and solid!
  • 3 0
 Once you get a bike with in frame storage there's no going back.
  • 12 1
 Colors are great, and so is the move to a regular eyelet shock, but integrated headset is lame and the build kits suck and are pretty poor value. YT bikes has 25% off right now, specialized had a good sale recently too, no reason the be paying these ridiculous prices.
  • 8 0
 My guess is that they don't sell nearly as many of these as they expect and cut prices.
  • 5 0
 @HB208: I hope so, Transition is a cool company so I hope they rethink trying to be more like Santa Cruz
  • 6 0
 @generalistgrant: Yeah it sort of pisses me off they both go DTC and then raise their pricing like this.
  • 2 0
 Disagree on the colors. I have never wanted a pink or brown bike... and, sadly enough, I still don't. Frown

Damnit, Transition...
  • 13 0
 Pricing is f*cked. I bought my Stumpy for $7000CAD. With X01 and a burrito locker
  • 13 3
 Guess I am the only one bothered by a super steep seat angle on a bike that's meant for traversing terrain. How do people ride these bikes on flatter trails or uppy/downy stuff without killing their wrists? It's comfy on a steep climb sure, but that's not what this bike is designed for.
  • 11 21
flag greenblur (Feb 16, 2023 at 10:21) (Below Threshold)
 Slide your seat back and voila! You have an old school seat angle. Or just stop being a wuss....
  • 11 2
 @greenblur: lol, here come the internet tough guys.
  • 8 10
 @withdignityifnotalacrity:

tough guy here. and yes, you're the only one bothered by this.
  • 5 1
 @greenblur: saddle rails only have enough adjustment for ~.5 degree effective STA adjustment. Agreed, there's a reason shorter travel bikes don't need tri-bike seat angles. Product testers should be making sure that a mid-travel bike feels good everywhere, not just on steep climbs.
  • 4 1
 I lived in flat Ohio for a long time. I never could ride those slack XC seat angles. Kills the lower back and offers no benefits. XC race bikes are even getting steeper seat tube angles. So much better on the body.
  • 5 0
 @dualsuspensiondave: 100%. My back is so much better on these new bikes
  • 6 0
 @GTscoob:

PNW company builds a mid travel trail bike that rips steep trails a new arsehole both up and down.

Flatlanders complain.

lolsAF
  • 13 0
 Shows TRP brakes in some of the pics, yet all the builds have crappy SRAM's. lol
  • 14 1
 Looks nice but seems heavy. And all SRAM builds.. yuck!
  • 9 1
 Come on Transition, bring out an aggro hardtail with these lines!!! This is a beaut
  • 1 0
 If you watch the launch video, at the 12:45 mark you can see a render of what looks like a new hardtail on the wall. Came here looking for this comment but I guess nobody has noticed yet. Also I thought it may have been the old carbon hardtail but from the tender that’s on the wall it looks like it’s in the new design language. We shall see lol
  • 2 0
 Correction, it’s not in the transition launch video but in the fanatik launch video.
  • 1 0
 Went back and looked again and damn idk. The head tube shape looks like the new design language but the rest of the frame looks like the vanquish so really idk lol
  • 1 0
 @Deanosuar: Good shout and good eyes! It does look like the vanquish but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.
  • 6 0
 Those travel numbers are pretty much a Goldie locks with 29 inch wheels. My favorite bikes to date have been in the travel range. Great looking bike, love, the low center of gravity.
  • 10 0
 Integrated headset Frown
  • 6 0
 Bye Bye Angleset.
  • 2 0
 @kinematix: there is a work around for that from 9point8 I think it is. Although I think 65 is perfect for the new Smuggler.
  • 3 2
 Yup, deal breaker right there. My trails are very steep, but not chunk, so I want a slack short travel bike. With a -1.5 angleset this bike would have been perfect. Its the first transition to have this, and if this is the way they are going, my 21 Scout will be my last.
  • 1 0
 @rich-2000: 9point8.ca/collections/slack-r-kits
  • 1 0
 @somebody-else:
Yea thanks, they are a bit hit and miss with frames though. Last person I spoke to had to file carbon out of their frame for it to fit!
  • 1 0
 @rich-2000: I was filing aluminum for 2 hours on my Camber lol. Still well worth it IMO, and 9point8's manual does warn that some frames will require that. The head tube is designed to clear the fork steerer but not necessarily to give it ~5mm clearance on all sides.
  • 1 0
 @rich-2000: fit in my Specialized Enduro without issue.
  • 13 5
 The Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol (or Pistola) is the superior version of the Smuggler.
  • 5 0
 I don't understand the downvotes on this comment. This guy has it right. I love transitions and have ridden several, but their price point and weight on this bike missed the mark. If you're going to buy a very capable 130/140 bike thats a little portly, the fully revved pistola has the same numbers, a horst link platform, and the same frame weight at a much lower price. Not to mention you can pick them up for nothing used. I've ridden one and doubt the smuggler is SO much better for the money, if at all.
  • 1 0
 So you have ridden both?
  • 2 0
 @dualsuspensiondave: I haven’t ridden a smuggler, therefore I can’t say anything for sure. But these two bikes are so similar on paper it makes it hard not to draw a comparison between them. I have spent a decent amount of time on the scout, sentinel, and patrol though. All excellent bikes.
  • 1 0
 @hondabw: also domestically produced and powder coated instead of the inferior paint every transitioned I’ve owned has. I think I understand the allure the Transition brand has for folks as “core”, but there are plenty of small rider owned brands, some which do more than send CAD drawings and Pantone color specs to Taiwan.
  • 1 0
 @dualsuspensiondave: almost every transition model in the last five years and 2 GGs, but not important. Similar kinematics, vastly different quality.
  • 6 0
 Wow! I've been interested to jump on the transition train for some time, but those build kits and pricing are bonkers. Will probably go the YT Izzo with full GX build and elites for $1700 less!!!!!!!
  • 8 1
 It's about damn time. The old Smuggler was an awesome bike. The new one looks awesome too.
  • 10 3
 Internally routed rear brake is cool, shame it's on the wrong side for some of us.
  • 2 0
 I can't imagine what it costs for this delivered to your part of the world.
  • 1 0
 @plyawn: yeah, a lot
  • 6 0
 Looks great and many have been waiting for this BUT... the pricing is just wrong for the current market. the fluid is a better buy all-round
  • 4 0
 Soooo if they drop an aluminum frame only option it will be only $1,750 right? $2k difference from from the alloy to carbon build and the only GX parts are the derailleur and chain which at msrp is $50 more than NX. 3700-1950 = $1750.

JK it will be at least $2500. TR has figured out the new industry standard of charging more for parts than msrp.
  • 7 0
 Asian made? Horst? so far I can live with that. Almost $4k for a frameset? That's a no from me dawg.
  • 4 0
 The new color is eye catching but at $8500 plus sales tax, it’s a show killer for me when I can go to my local Pivot store and buy a Switchblade X01 Pro build w/carbon wheels for $7500 plus tax. AXS is not a must have for me, just more headaches overall.
  • 6 0
 An 140mm Lyrik of any level would have been better than a 34. Even a Pike is an order of magnitude stiffer
  • 4 0
 I'm not a RS fan right now, but a 36 would also be more appropriate than the 34 IMO. The new 34 makes an amazing 120mm fork (assuming an average weight rider), but it's pretty flexy at 140mm.

The Z2 might actually be stiff enough for most riders. That's one perk of using lower strength alloys, I suppose.
  • 4 0
 @DaneL: Yup. I'm a 36 fan, have 2. Agree with the reviews though, back-to-back Lyrik edges it out. Would be thrilled if it came with a 36 option though.

Swapped out a 34 for a Pike on another bike, the increase in stiffness was not subtle. 34 is a poor spec at 140 on a capable bike like this I'm thinking. Mileage may vary if you're light I suppose.

Just the same, the Smuggler spec feels like a missed opportunity. Deore/SLX with a Lyrik/36 maybe, or some other combo with the Zocchi other than NX?

The GX mechanical is only one I'd buy, but then would have to swap out the fork...

Sigh first world problems
  • 7 0
 Norco Fluid FS A1 lookin real good....
  • 7 1
 Booo internal brake routing
  • 6 0
 Hmmm, with that color scheme... perhaps a Plum Smuggler?
  • 2 0
 Big missed opportunity calling it orchid.
  • 5 0
 What happened to external brake hose routing? One of the best features about Transition.
  • 4 2
 Transition's always been a step more expensive than many other brands. You're just thinking relative to the pricing of pre-covid. This bike looks gooood though and it's been a long time coming.

Granted companies seeing the cash cow that was the demand and still trying to hold onto it is going to hurt them. You're going to see a lot of "Sudden exchange rate changes" lowering prices on bikes. No way companies are going to be able to hole onto that pricing.
  • 2 0
 Not always. 10 yrs ago they were less expensive than boutique and most big brands, 20 yrs ago they were the least expensive freeride frames on the market. The dirtbag frame was $1400.
  • 1 1
 @emptybe-er: the dirtbag frame was also exactly as advertised, and was marketed toward the freerider who wanted a cheaper reliable bike.
  • 1 2
 @noodlewitnosteeze: And..? Yes, they used to be cheaper. That was their deal. So no, they haven’t always been expensive. They’ve chosen to compete with the higher-end of the market and that’s fine, but that hasn’t always been the case.
  • 1 0
 @emptybe-er: I had 2 dirtbags and they blew my mind lol. I rode it all on those bikes. Then they got too cool and expensive for me. If you wanna know why their prices are high check out their new building(s)......
  • 1 0
 @dirtbagluvin: Yeah it’s too bad that whole section of the market pretty much fell off. Those bastards (mtb industry) finally realized they could cater to people with much more $ if they watered things down a bit (29’ers, frame storage, etc). But imagine being introduced to bikes on your dad’s hand me down 40lb 29’er. Not gonna be good for the industry in the long run, too exclusive and boring.
  • 6 0
 No more external rear brake hose routingFrown
  • 2 0
 Love transition, had 2 scouts alloy, had alot of fun on those bikes, I would love this frame but damn, for that price it will not happen, I'm pretty sure the alloy will be to expensive as well. Also should have kept rear brake hose outside the frame.
  • 2 0
 The old Smuggler, especially the 2nd version was a groundbreaking bike to me. It had tons of quirks: Alloy was heavy af, suspension super linear, small tire clearance, dent in the seat tube limiting dropper posts... but it rode superb and believe it or not: you could get the frame for almost cheap. To me, that made it the rider's bike par excellence.

New Transition rivals Yeti and others in pricing. I think they could drop their funky marketing as being the grass roots company with the NX Alloy coming in at 5000. That is a lot of money and almost double of a Spectral 125 which is better equipped. Sad to see in a way.
  • 7 1
 Nice. Want.
  • 3 0
 Wish it had downtime storage but... I still want one.
  • 4 0
 It's like the Stumpjumper and the spur had a baby. Looks like a great bike.
  • 5 0
 Looks great, if only I could read the geometry chart
  • 4 0
 Odd spec choice for the 36 and Z1 on the NX and GX builds then the jump down to 34 for the AXS builds?
  • 2 0
 Looks like a Z2 and 34 on the NX/GX builds.
  • 4 1
 As a pervious owner of the Transition Bandit (possibly the best bike ever made), I'm excited to see how the new age 130mm frames will compare.
  • 1 0
 I had a Bandit back in the day, my first Transition. Man I Iiked that bike. Beat the crap out of it.
  • 5 1
 Who in their right mind would buy just a frame when for $300 more you can get a whole bike.
  • 4 1
 Alloy vs Carbon
  • 4 0
 Why are the chain stay lengths different between alloy and carbon? Really weird.
  • 5 0
 Nearly 4 grand for a frame, smh
  • 7 1
 and their frame build quality is a joke compared to other brands that charge that much.
  • 2 1
 Look like Transition is up Tricks like Specialized. Lower end component for a high price. Last years Transition Spur was an awesome build for the price. This year they raised the price and downgraded the components. I get the price increase, but not with the downgraded and heavier components. Thanks corporate.
  • 1 0
 Think I prefer the original one. These newer bikes are longer but have shorter reach cos of the super steep seat tube angle. I also don't want it heavier than the old one (the new medium weighs more than the previous large model) or any slacker. Also prefer shorter chainstays of last one. I do prefer the tyre clearance though on the new one but that's about it so I don't think I will change my carbon smuggler from 2019 for this one.
  • 25 25
 Having ridden one for ~3 months I can say its an excellent addition to the Transition lineup, especially for those of us who do not race. It thrives on adventure, and with the latest iteration of the 34 punches way above its weight. A killer bike for those of us who don't spend days at the bike park, your local trails aren't riddled with EWS caliber descents and you aren't look to KOM every ascent. Congrats on the release TBC!
  • 26 1
 is this part of the press release?
  • 23 4
 @bkm303: No, just the ambassador/influencer release...
  • 9 2
 @islandforlife:
tell us you're sponsored without telling us you're sponsored haha
  • 17 16
 LOL. Pinkbike is always amusing. I'm a former VitalMTB tester who just does his own YouTube reviews these days. I have a dayjob, but still love testing product & giving feedback. Sometimes I'm allowed to post this feedback, sometimes its just for a company to learn from my findings.

I got along well with the new Smuggler. You can find my review on YouTube if you care.

I'm not sponsored by Transition. I'm not an "influencer". I just review product.

Not sure how this is any different than a PB review or similar but hey - whatever. Have fun with the hate, ya'll! Smile
  • 14 10
 @JeffreyJim: Well then you should know that what you wrote and the way you wrote it... just f*cking reeks of press release/influencer/ambassador bullshit. That's why you're getting called out. The feedback is fine and nothing against ambassador/testers/whatever (I'm one myself), but you need to work on how you craft this kind of comment for this kind of forum... read the room.
  • 4 0
 Is this Jeff Brines? Are we getting a video review soon?
  • 11 6
 @fentoncrackshell: Yup. Its on my channel. www.youtube.com/watch?v=34fADkmaJ1I

@islandforlife - fair! That said, this is a comments section dude. Not a place for me to write a dissertation. I was simply giving the company a well deserved high five. I also liked the bike. Is that a bad thing? To add, I also articulated the pluses and minuses in one sentence (if you read what I wrote). Is that so wrong?

Weird wild times. LOL.
  • 5 6
 also @islandforlife - post up a review you've done. Would love to check one out.
  • 7 14
flag islandforlife (Feb 16, 2023 at 9:16) (Below Threshold)
 @JeffreyJim: Haha, that's what I mean... Pinkbike comment section isn't the place for the vibe of the comment you wrote and yes, is definitely not the place for a dissertation either. You want me to rewrite your comment for a pinkbike audience? Fine... here you go:

"had the chance to get on this early... thing rips, hard. Let me know if anyone has questions."

Then answer questions.

Not weird time... usual stuff... you've always needed to keep your audience in mind and write specifically. Your comment would probably play much better in an MTBR thread.. or even NSMB... but not here.
  • 4 10
flag islandforlife (Feb 16, 2023 at 9:19) (Below Threshold)
 @JeffreyJim: Oh I don't do "reviews". My ambassador-ship involves brand exposure, a little social when I have worthwhile content, amateur level enduro racing and keeping an eye on forums/comment sections and answering questions.
  • 8 2
 @islandforlife: Damn bro you're so core dude, "reviews" are so NSMB haha bro contents where it's at (I'm one too)
  • 12 4
 @islandforlife: I have to say your a real douchebag! "just f*cking reeks of press release/influencer/ambassador bullshit." who really gives a shit what you think about how he wrote. The guy doesn't need to cater to your format of review or synopsis and was just expressing his opinion, to assist others that don't have that opportunity. BTW if you are who i'm thinking you claim, Your vids are cringe-worthy AF! lol
  • 10 4
 @JeffreyJim: Dude, no one's "hating". It's just feedback. You wrote something that reads like a rather poor, generic marketing pitch and tried to pass it as a user/consumer comment as you didn't disclose you're a youtuber with industry affiliations (no one is obliged to know who you are just by the screen name). When called out as "not one of us", you swiflty move to plugging your channel...

Question: do you purchase bikes for your reviews with your own money the same way any consumer would, like e.g. Paul Aston does? If not (or at least not this Transition, that AFAIK wasn't available to consumers 3 months ago), surely you can see the problem with posting a "user review" comment without acknowledging that.
  • 5 2
 @JeffreyJim: You said it, Thanks for your post and work BTW
  • 13 4
 To be fair I did reread what I wrote and totally understand the hate. I really didn't mean for it to come across all "this is the unicorn of all bikes" and did mean to say, its a great bike - but if you race, or often head to the bike park, look elsewhere. I also was super (duper) impressed with the new 34 - which is why I put that in there.

Anyway, thanks all for reminding me why I usually don't spend much time in the PB comments section Wink

You know its wild when YouTube is 100x more constructive when it comes to comments and interactions.

Cheers everyone! Oh, and btw, its a hell of a time to be a mtn biker - so many amazing products out there these days.
  • 1 4
 @likeittacky: some major "you can have the location of the secret loamers i post daily if you buy my patreon" vibes going on there
  • 7 6
 @JeffreyJim: Lol "hate"

How are these comments not constructive? I know it's trendy to bash PB commenters regardless of merit but if you coud stop playing victim for 5 minutes, maybe you would notice you got plenty of good advice here regarding tone and transparency when someone in your position posts this type of comment.
  • 3 2
 @JeffreyJim: Im sorry you bent over for that jerk and apologized!
  • 2 3
 @islandforlife: STFU!
  • 2 2
 @bananowy: generally I do purchase everything for my reviews. Other times its loaned to me. This was the latter, though I still paid to build it up.

Paul is the real deal, doing what I'd do if I had this as my real "dayjob". Its the right way to test, and he puts everything he's got into it.
  • 2 0
 @JeffreyJim: Thanks for replying! Great to hear you try to test the way a consumer's experience would go. Can't be easy when you have a dayjob to juggle too.
  • 4 2
 @JeffreyJim: I enjoyed the video review and found it informative. Keep in mind that the fictional antagonists in most Transition launch trailers (i.e., Four Loko Chaz, tin foil hat guy) are based on the real life degenerates in the PB comment section. Best to ignore them.
  • 2 1
 @fentoncrackshell: I just seen the vid as well, He did a fantastic job reviewing the Smuggler. Jeff sounds like pleasant guy and a dam good rider. look frwd to seeing some more of his content!
  • 2 2
 "I can say its an excellent addition to the Transition lineup, especially for those of us who do not race. It thrives on adventure, and with the latest iteration of the 34 punches way above its weight. A killer bike for those of us who don't spend days at the bike park, your local trails aren't riddled with EWS caliber descents and you aren't look to KOM every ascent."

No offense, but this paragraph contains precisely zero useful information or insight about the bike. Just a bunch of generic phrases and marketing jargon. Doesn't say anything and could apply to literally everything. Really not a surprise you got downvoted.
  • 1 1
 Hey Jeff, I found your video review to be very informative and helpful in making my decision. Especially the fact you have a racing background like myself and appreciate shorter travel bikes that I am accustomed to. That combined with pretty much scouring all the forums made me cancel my Stumpy frame order and switch it to a Smuggler as it a more complete bike for my local terrain. Initially I was going to upgrade the stumpy to a piggy back but ultimately the wonky tuning required for taming the flex stay spring effect put me off. My components are coming from a beefed up Epic Evo build and they are going to be very similar to your build. PS I came across your Spec Enduro review a while ago which I also enjoyed and can relate to. Tough crowd here eh. Cheers.
  • 3 0
 That video was hilarious! good work! loved the pinkbike shirt hacking into the local C drive. haha
  • 6 3
 Still hoping that 27.5" versions will have a comeback with new bikes in the near future...
  • 6 0
 Surely that’s what the Scout is for?
  • 2 0
 @JoeBristol: True! Wasn't aware of Transition's full range - just saw a very interesting bike and was sad because of 29" only. Scout specs look perfect, thx for the hint.
  • 2 0
 @JoeBristol:

The scout is a great bike, especially for Bellingham trails.
  • 2 0
 I've been looking too

Banshee Spitfire
Marin Rift Zone
Transition Scout (although a I heard a rumor they aren't making any more carbon ones).
Trek still makes the Remedy (allegedly).
Pivot Shadowcat or Mach6

They're out there.
  • 1 1
 @Saidrick: must be big stick to Trailforks guy eh
  • 1 1
 @freeridejerk888:

What are you talking about? Bellingham trails are great for 140/150mm travel. I have ridden them on a 115mm bike too, a little squirrelly off the jumps, but ridable too.

Big is for bike parks, but I guess you must know more about Bellingham than the guys at Transition Bikes eh…
  • 1 1
 @Saidrick: like I said. You must be a galby guy
  • 1 0
 This will probably be my next bike but my Evil Following dream build with carbon everything and a push coil would sell for the same price as a Smuggler frame right now. Hard to justify.
  • 3 1
 I just hung my offering V1 frame on my wall with a push coil. Better served as art than giving it away.
  • 3 0
 Devinci Troy XT 12S LTD comes in at $8,899 CAD and offers a way better spec...
  • 2 0
 Maybe Transition was figuring no one would ever compare spec between brands...
  • 2 0
 Could there be a little more resolution on the geo chart?
When looking at it it looks like the paper have gone through the washing machine and blurred it out
  • 5 2
 PSA: $2999 gets you a Carbon YT Capra with performance elite suspension and complete gx drivetrain. Best deal in ages!
  • 3 0
 Too many comments to see if someone already said this but I'd buy one if it came in the color "budgie".
  • 2 0
 Almost held off buying a bike a few weeks ago because of this impending release, but glad I didn't. Why are stack heights so short on these things??!!??
  • 1 0
 Rooting for an alloy frame only option.

Competition is stif and if they can be around $2200, like the Sentinel, I could live with it.

Not digging the Barney purple or poop brown. Maybe just make a clear coat/raw one.
  • 3 0
 They really need a cheaper carbon build, please Transition make a deore or slx version.
  • 1 0
 I really liked the previous-gen Smuggler and I was really excited for this one. Geometry and kinematics look dialled. As for now, they are overpriced af. But with steadily decreasing demand, they'll be on sale soon enough.
  • 2 0
 I would love that pink bike. I wanted a Wrangler in Tuscadero as well though.
  • 5 3
 And yet another purple bike...why is that companies copy each other when it comes to colors?
  • 2 0
 Geo looks spot on for the increased 150/140 travel. Why did they not spec a 36?
  • 1 0
 Sentinel can be run 150/140, so 36 goes on that…
  • 3 0
 How is this frame more than a lb heavier than a Spur???
  • 3 0
 daang, J. Rich is fast even in pictures.
  • 1 0
 Will the rear triangle of the new Smuggler work with the old Smuggler front triangle? Smile I love my Smuggler, but could use some more tire clearance.
  • 2 1
 Rocky and Norco have four bar bikes that pedal far better than Transition. How they can justify these prices against some of the other options is beyond me.
  • 1 0
 apparently, if you are a trail bike in 22/23 you need to be released with purple option. yeti, sc, transition, orbea, I am sure there's more to come.
  • 8 8
 both colors look awesome but i'd never buy either. can't we agree that every frame should at least be available in black/raw?
  • 2 1
 Dammmmmnit. My Rascal frame just looked at me and a tear started to form... I really don't know if I can resist!!
  • 9 0
 nevermind... these builds are ridiculous for the $... I'll wait and see what happens with discounts.
  • 2 0
 @opetruzel: Same
  • 3 0
 Alloy frameset?????
  • 3 3
 Specialized pulls 130mm rear travel off without a rear pivot on their Stumpjumper, a few other brands too. I’m surprised more companies aren’t doing the same.
  • 1 2
 So do Orange Big Grin
  • 2 1
 Love the metallic nature of the paint; but pink or brown for my options? Yuck
  • 2 0
 Would this be a good bike for the Four Loko Invitational?
  • 2 0
 OK, but was hoping for a carbon Bottlerocket. With headset cable routing.
  • 2 0
 Wonder why the chainstays are longer on the AL version?
  • 2 1
 Lots of people complaining about the price and comparing to a Fluid or Ripmo. I bet the Smuggler sells out instantly tho.
  • 4 0
 Well lots of mountain bikers seem to be either fashionistas or brand whores so probably,
  • 2 1
 That first picture is rad picture. Whipping over that stump jump. If I was that guy, that would be framed. Erik
  • 3 0
 Dare I say it? "Dentist"
  • 2 0
 Purple = Grape Smuggler. Come on Transition, that one writes itself.
  • 2 2
 Beautiful bike but absolutely so way I would pedal that with such a ridiculously short effective top tube. My knees would hit the bars. Mental
  • 1 0
 I hope transition drops the IS headset. ZS is the best. You can add an angle set
  • 2 0
 I’ll have to start smuggling drugs to afford this bike.
  • 1 0
 May as well buy a Specialized if you're going for a Horst Link, a cheaper price, and the same ride.
  • 2 0
 I read a buyers market is on the way 6 months ago on Pinkbike.
  • 1 0
 We definitley are in a buyers market. My LBS has the entire show room floor stacked full with bikes from Orbea, Specialized, Scott and Giant. All on sale for 15-20% off and available in pretty much all spec levels and sizes. And it's likely only going to get better from here.
  • 1 0
 Fully International Routing. Even rear brake. And then this pricepoint... I was waiting for this, but this just ain't it.
  • 1 0
 Ok but why the white spot on the top tube??? Makes it seem like they’re going for a spaceship vibe
  • 1 1
 The GX is the same price of my Weareone Arrival during their Black friday promo.GX AXS, Coil SDU, Zeb Ult and carbon everything with industry 9 hubs.
  • 1 0
 That espresso starting to look like a Devinci Troy. Both fun bikes I'm sure of it
  • 2 0
 for the cost of those builds, it should only come in Cocaine white
  • 3 0
 It’s an optic
  • 1 0
 Exactly, thank you! Hmm... 6k: GX/NXshifter Smuggler or C1 XTR Optic. Tough choice.
  • 1 1
 Do people talk trash about Bentley because they can't afford them too? I mean, I can't afford this but I can't afford a Bentley either. It's not the brand's problem.
  • 19 22
 I bought the Spur the day it was released. And sold it a few months later for a Stumpjumper. Same frame weight, real suspension, more travel. Same weight. Paint that doesn't flake off if you look at it. This is a real mtn bike. Now make the Spur less enduro and more XC.
  • 14 1
 Careful saying a specialized is better than a transition round these parts. PB doesn’t take too kindly to specialized
  • 16 0
 Stumpy frame = 5.33 lbs & $3,000
Smuggler frame = 6.6 lbs & $3,700

The weight isn’t end all, but damn Tranny bikes have become the upper end of the pricing scale these days.
  • 3 0
 @a-prince: they Have been on the upper end for like 4 years now. They updated their frames and have been similarly priced to Santa Cruz, evil , pivot ever since. You can argue over the builds but if you compare these to the Santa Cruz tallboy builds then I think these offer a bit more value.
  • 12 1
 It's always fun to get hot takes on what "real MTB bikes" should be from southern Michigan. I'll stick with clean lines, deep sea green, and a few paint chips on my Spur.
  • 4 1
 @a-prince: and you can put a burrito in a stumpy frame
  • 6 8
 @fentoncrackshell: I haven't lived in Michigan in 8 years. Failed attempt at humor for sure. I live at the base of Mt Lemmon, and travel the country full time riding my bikes. While you sit in San Francisco traffic. Dreaming about real mtb riding. The spur sucks. Failed execution of a "radical idea".
  • 4 0
 @DetroitCity: having ridden both I don’t know if I would say the spur sucks, but I agree the engineering/value of specialized is superior for what you get and the paint on transition is comically bad. And this comes from the current owner of a spur, enduro, stumpy evo, etc…. Spur is still a fun bike though
  • 6 0
 @Bm1117: if you need to compare a build to a Santa Cruz to give the perception of value, it is probably not an incredible value.
  • 1 0
 @TylerP15: for a boutique brand it is. Look at the evils, forbidden , weareone. Pivot, revel. Insert any other boutique brand that is actually good and you get the point. What boutique brand offers value any more? What bike brand does that isn’t a corporate overlord?
  • 4 2
 @Cantle406: the Spur is actually an amazing bike. For flow trails. Because the XC suspension can't handle the geometry. Then if you put real suspension. It weighs more than a Stumpy. So on flow trails or mild trails where you can keep speed up the Spur is amazing because its the most insane turning bike I've ever ridden. At low speeds climbing tech it sucks, uphill switchbacks it sucks, acceleration out of corners sucks, BB height sucks, paint sucks. But if you can keep the speed up and XC suspension is all you need, it shines in that specific environment.

I decided to sell my Spur after riding all the major trails in Crested Butte. It got bounced around too much on the descents due to xc suspension. My Stumpjumper does everything the Spur does, and more. For less money. I paid 3800 for a Stumpjumper comp in the fall off 2020. I paid 3500 for my Spur frame the day it was released. A Stumpjumper comp is like 5k now though sadly.
  • 3 0
 @DetroitCity: Oh i get it man, stumpy is pretty much *the CB bike IMO. If I had to pick one I’d pick the stumpy, but I ended up getting a mega discount on a new spur frame, and I’m a cheap ass so, so here I am riding a spur. and happy about it, to be honest. But agree with your analysis, it is a certain type of good vs. the stumpy is just “good.”
  • 2 1
 @Cantle406: If I lived somewhere with flow trails like Bentonville or similar, I would have a Spur. I dont have flow trails in Tucson and when I travel places I dont seek out flow trails. I ended up with a Stumpy and a Top Fuel, the last version 120/115 68hta to handle everything I wanted the spur to do.

This smuggler is way too heavy to be a 1 bike though. Once again they made a bike that weighs as much as an enduro bike, with less suspension.
  • 1 0
 Detroit to Bellingham, completely different riding... so why would they make it less durable and progressive ? Kinda of an idiotic idea, Just depends where your riding is and how technical those trails are. Bikes are all mainly designed around their particular terrain and to comply with the heart n soul of those most attuned to such riding and want a bike with traits of their bigger bikes but having nuance of xc pedigree .
  • 2 0
 Same experience here. I liked the spur ok but suspension was a problem. I was about to upgrade that when I realized the Stumpjumper was basically what I needed. Much better bike. Recently changed it out for the stumpu evo, which still has a lighter frame than the smuggler and you can fit a super burrito. And I paid $4700 US for GX AXS/Performance Elite carbon build.
  • 1 0
 @a-prince: forego the S-Works and get a regular Stumpjumper frame for $2700. Now you're $1000 difference.
  • 3 0
 @Cantle406: Reading these comments on the Spur has me scratching my head. For the last three years is has been the undisputed king of the DC universe. Not to mention hard to get. Now its a take it or leave it meh bike?
  • 2 0
 @Baller7756: don't confuse marketing with reality. Tons of people who bought the spur sold it shortly after. Its a well marketed bike. Its a bike that is a better concept than execution. Similar to this bike. Its competition is lighter and cheaper, with better colors and paint.
  • 2 0
 @Baller7756: eh it’s simple… whatever I have isn’t what I should and the grass is always greener Smile

I’ve learned they all have trade offs. Spur is a great bike, especially when complementing a big enduro bike. Stumpy is a great bike. I’d ride any and all of em, and still have discontent some days.
  • 2 0
 @DetroitCity: Hmm... Iv have had one for 3 years and cant bring myself to sell it. Had it listed a time or two, but always pull the add down... mostly because I was worried that I couldnt find another one if I wanted to go back.

Its everything I want in a bike. Granted I added a Float X and 130mm 34, larger brakes, and change tires to suit my preference of the month. I routinely smoke the Lrycra boys all over the local trails, but still hit all the drops, jumps, chunk and features I can find.

The Grey and Gold is pretty sweet IMO and somehow, I have been able to avoid all the paint chipping issues I hear about.
  • 1 0
 @Baller7756: how you liking the 34 @ 130 + float x compared to stock? I’m debating the taking my 34 to 130 as well and trying out an ohlins on the rear.
  • 1 0
 @Cantle406: I've done the same switch and it feels great. I did it for the long descents we have in the Shenandoah Valley here. Plus I ride it at Bryce Bike Park (no real chunk). I do have a 170 bike as well.
  • 3 2
 @DetroitCity: what Fcrack is trying to say is the Spur is perfect for climbing huge SF hills, bunny hopping the homeless and carving around the used needles littered on the SF streets. Even better for crossing into Marin and not being allowed to ride any of the trails.
  • 1 0
 @Cantle406: To tell you the truth... Im prefer RS. I only went with the Fox setup because I couldn't fit an RS reservoir shock on the Spur. I prefer the 35mm stanchions of the SID or Pike, and the buttery off the top feel of RS suspensions.

The 130mm fork is really about getting another 0.5 degree slacker on the HTA. I use all the travel whether its a 120mm or a 130mm (the 120mm SID never bottomed out on me).

The reservoir shock made a big difference in repetitive hits and eliminated the choppy skidish chatter.

Depending on your finances... Its a big expense ($600 shock, $1100 fork. I would only do it if I were at the end of life or at an expensive service point on the SID stuff.
  • 1 2
 @ElDebarge: Marin? It's a 20 minute drive from SF to Pacifica or Carlmont. Maybe stop watching Fox News, work on your skills, and you might be able to ride the easier lines around those spots.
  • 1 0
 @Baller7756: totally agree with you, im on almost two years on my spur, 130pike/deluxe ultimate, bigger brakes and proper tires and the spur is a different animal. From long days to steep and chunky to bike park, my spur continues to shine
  • 2 0
 @Andrewleeinhouse: and my Stumpjumper with 140mm DVO diamond, the same brakes as my spur, and the same tires as my spur; weighs less and is more capable with better paint and manufacturing quality. With more useful geometry.
  • 2 0
 @DetroitCity: right on, that’s cool that you’re stumpjumper is so much better than you’re spur, but I really wasnt saying anything about a stumpjumper or its capabilities as I have no experience riding one. I was simply agreeing with the previous comment that an “overbiked” (or whatever term works) spur works really, really well on aggressive terrain. I have alot more fun on my spur in its current form than I did with the stock suspension/brakes/cockpit setup. And I do agree the spur paint durability is pretty shitty.
  • 1 0
 Looks good and I bet it's fun.
  • 2 0
 Grape Smuggler. Nice.
  • 1 0
 Looks like it weighs the same as my sentinel. I'll keep riding that!
  • 1 0
 $10,000 for GX? No thanks.
  • 2 2
 Guess Ill have to blow through the Kessel run to smuggle a pair of 27.5" wheels...
  • 2 0
 I'm sold!
  • 1 0
 Cool, a bike that weighs as much as an SJ Evo, but with less travel.
  • 1 0
 Sure am glad there isnt headset cable routing LOL
  • 1 0
 kinda mean not selling the metal version frame only.
  • 2 0
 why no XT alloy build?
  • 1 0
 78 plus degree ST angle? OUCH
  • 2 2
 So I need to buy two cos I wanna start on the pink and finish on the stink.
  • 1 0
 no swat storage....garbage for price.
  • 1 0
 Missed out on a solid opportunity to call the orchid color plum
  • 1 0
 Ontrac disguise because they were three years late..
  • 2 0
 Pink or brown?
  • 1 0
 Transitions lack of faith in 2023 pricing is impressive .
  • 1 0
 It looks a lot like the YT Izzo.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for doing a proper XXL in this style of bike. Much appreciated.
  • 3 2
 Friggin chaz
  • 1 0
 It's beautiful
  • 2 1
 I'll just keep my Patrol
  • 2 2
 Both colors go hard. Nice work
  • 2 2
 OMG orchid where have you been all my life….luuuuuuurrrrrvvvveeeee it
  • 1 0
 Briljant video as always
  • 1 0
 niceeee
  • 1 0
 Found my bike.
  • 1 0
 Oh man, I wish!
  • 5 8
 Nice to see Transition what the fans asked for. I agree would be good to see the Spur go more XC. Would also be nice if the paint stuck to the frame longer than the dirt.....
  • 10 1
 We asked for inflated pricing on meh builds?
  • 4 0
 Ehh... the Spur frame needs to stay roughly how it is (aside from a slightly steeper STA and taller stack height), and the component spec needs to be less XC (they've already started to make some of those changes). The unreliable suspension and super weak brakes were a pretty big let-down for an otherwise amazing bike.

You're not wrong about the paint, though.
  • 1 0
 @BermJunky: That's Transition for you, that's why I went custom.
  • 3 0
 @DaneL: My Scout has terrible paint. Shame.
  • 2 0
 @chriss78: Yeah... a flake of paint fell off of my Spur as I pulled it out of the box. It's definitely a bike worth adding paint protection film to (as long as you don't ever want to remove it).
  • 4 5
 Not impressed...looks the fuel is the better bike
  • 1 1
 No Big Deal
  • 2 5
 Trek called and what their design back. Also, I cannot understand why would someone buy this but not Fuel EX or Stumpjumper?
  • 1 1
 stumpjumper is the worst bike i've ever owned. Cant corner and suspension sucks
  • 1 1
 @akiwacz997: I think the problem could be a rider in this case
  • 2 5
 BB frame section is huge.. pop a Fauza in there !
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