Bike Review:
Transition Sentinel V3
Longterm Review – Is the sweet spot mullet?
I have ridden every generation of the Sentinel extensively and owned the second gen. If you’ve been watching the channel you’ve maybe already checked that video out, but that reminds me over 50% of viewers are not subscribes, so if you’re not subscribed or your new here, hit that subscribe button. It goes a long way in helping get bikes to review. And check out that v2 video here.
Geometry and Fit:
Looking at the geo I see a few interesting things. First the head tube angle is steeper at 64 degrees. I’ve mentioned it in other videos but I think we are reaching some sort of equilibrium when it comes to geo and for a trail bike 64 or 64.5 degrees makes a lot of sense. Next the seattube got even steeper. That was not something I really considered as needing to change but when you realize this bike can be run as a mullet then it probably needed to. Last on geo the bike did get longer mostly due to the introduction of size specific chain stays but also the reach increased to 480 for the size large. This one definitely wasn’t a suprise but Im happy to see it.
So geo was largely to be expected Transition was ahead of it time when it introduced the Sentinel so there was just some refinement to do.
The other big news is that this bike is mixed wheel compatible. It seems when a lot of brands do both they sacrifice a bit as a mullet. I happy have a bit more time with this bike and can check that out for myself.
Transition did raise the bb ever so slightly which is a good sign and with the flip chip the bb should sit at 344 which is right in line with my nomad or Bronson.
Looking more closely at the frame you get that one piece rocker link I already mentioned its now UDH compatible, and It has in frame storage which I think every bike should have these days.
Transition put what they are calling the boom box Low in the frame, which should make things easier to get out and without mounting a bottle on it the door should stay in place better without noise.
They did redesign the cable routing which I know will be a point of contention, but the large ports still look to keep the bike easy to work on and the new routing through the bb area with the integrated mud flap should keep things quiet, tidy, and water away from the main pivot bearings.
You still have mounts for tools and the sentinel will come equipped with the Fidlock base so you can run some pretty massive water bottles if you want. On the size large frame I have room to run a standard bottle so I’ll keep doing that but for the smaller frames it’s nice. They also mention that water will run out of the frame better. I know my old sentinel and spire often had little puddles underneath the shock. It didn’t bother me but it’s nice to not have to worry about it.
The Build:
I’m riding the Carbon XT bike and at 6,200, what more could you ask for. The bike I’m riding does have a Maxxterra front tire but if your not in the Pacific Northwest its not as much an issue. Top of the line suspension, good brakes, a one up 210 dropper, dt Swiss wheels, and maxxis tires are everything you could need.
I also think the Alloy XT bike is a win. At 4,500 you still get the good brakes and suspension, select plus vs ultimate is kinda like fox performance elite vs Factory. You get all the adjustment and most people dont really notice Kashima or butter cups. Plus You still get the same cockpit wheels and tires.
On the entry level side, You get what you pay for with the carbon or alloy Deore builds, but with 4 piston deore brakes, 200mm sdg droppers, and quality wheels it’s a fine jumping off point.
Lastly the baller build: at 7900 it hurts but if you want Transmission and Fox Factory suspension you have to pay to play.
The Climb:
When it comes to climbing the Sentinel is impressive. I reviewed the second generation of the Sentinel in 2020 so a lot has changed in the market. I felt the v2 climbed very well but at the time was comparing it more to full in enduro bikes. When compared to trail bike of the time the body position was good and traction was great for technical climbing but efficiency and switchbacks suffered a bit.
The 3rd generation Sentinel is certainly more efficient. The body position is even more upright and feels a bit goofy but is better weighted for switchbacks. Overall compared to other current bikes with 140 to 150 mills of travel it’s an exceptional climber.
The Descent:
The new Sentinel rallies trails and steeps with the best of them. It’s noticeably more rigid on g outs and when you huck to flat.
At speed it’s composed and the steeper head angle made for a more lively bike at slow speeds without sacrificing, especially when things got chunky.
Settling into the Sentinel I think Transition has a winner. I am excited that I get to keep the Senitnel for a bit and will mess with the flip chip as well as running it with mixed wheels.
Who’s This Bike For:
Transition said they were looking to hit the sweet spot. I think they are on to something. All mountain bikes should be equally capable on the climbs as on the descents. If you want a trail bike that can handle every descent, depending on the pilot, and climbs without the weight and sluggishness of an enduro bike the New Transition sentinel delivers.
Final Thoughts:
I expected the v2 to be an enduro bike and was a bit disappointed. Now that Transition has a the Spire the Sentinel has found its sweet spot as the all mountain trail bike it was supposed to be. This is a bike that can ride every trail you can. It’s somehow more capable on the descents than the v2 but also climbs better. Bikes no longer need to sacrifice climbing for descending they can have both.
I am also excited to see the return of proper builds. This xt option with Rockshox Ultimate suspension is exactly as I would build it. For a price that doesn’t brake the bank and is reflective of pre pandemic prices. The carbon GX bike was 6,500. The alloy XT bike is also a great way to save more than a grand with out sacrificing anything on the trail
Pick up a Transition Spire for yourself
