Transition Spire Ride Review
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- Опубликовано: 14 ноя 2022
- Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Huge thanks to Jenson USA for their support! Jenson USA, a leading online retailer for mountain bikes, parts, and accessories has been proudly supporting the Local Loam series for three years now- thanks guys! You can support me by starting your online shopping here: bit.ly/JensonUSA2022JKW (affiliate link)
Big thanks to Industry Nine in their support with more amazing Enduro 315 Carbon wheels for 2022. Check out what they offer thru this link over to their page at Jenson USA: bit.ly/IndustryNine2022JKW (affiliate link)
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Did you know I post a new riding tutorial every month? These are ONLY posted to my Patreon page, so join now to see these rad videos! Here’s the full list of my riding tutorials posted through October 2022:
How to land jumps: / how-to-land-74063598
How to ride steep trails: / how-to-ride-72705363
How to sprint without pedaling: / how-to-sprint-71580461
How to ride flat corners: / how-to-ride-flat-68552084
How to jump found gaps: / 67255256
How to stoppie turn: / 65842496
How to drop: / 64552391
How to LEAN in corners: / how-to-lean-in-63176556
How to Ride Light on the Bike: / how-to-ride-on-61941975
Riding technique differences between hardtails and full suspension: / 60435182
How to rut track: / 59366938
5 tips to make flat trails more fun: / 58058983
5 tips to improve bike control and balance: / 56839920
How to levitate out of corners: / 55607066
Three simple cornering tips: / 54371316
How (and when) to rock roll or drop: / 53126562
How to jump with fluidity- and not DEAD SAILER! / 51914476
How to Lanual: / 50695443
How to climb ledges without a bunny hop: / 49476021
Which brake to use when: / which-brake-to-48108425
Different bikes, different riding techniques: / 46925782
How to ride FLAT PEDALS through the ROCKS: / how-to-ride-flat-45662347
How to ride wet roots and steep chutes: / 44507851
How to ride with style: / how-to-ride-with-43349450
How to jump for height vs distance: / 42202183
Common manual questions answered: / 41006264
How to land jumps: / 39928153
My 3 favorite skills drills: / if-i-could-only-38809964
How to manual: / how-to-manual-37684861
Cutty: / 36579859
Manual a berm: / 35496772
How to ride in Sedona: / 34436065
Switchbacks: / 3-ways-to-33345804
Nosewheelie: / 32742504
Bump jump: / 31881231
Trials basics for trail riders: / 31145344
Tight berms: / 30389457
Aggressive braking: / 29579507
Confidence for mountain biking: / 28817411
Cornering: / 27981205
Flowing/pumping down the trail: / 27288868
Stoppie through turns: / 26296762
Technical climbing: / 25234847
Boost jumps: / 24161821
Bunnyhop: / 23396959
Utilizing the wheelie on the trail: / 23017910
How to wheelie: / 21879606 
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Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Thanks for the great content Jeff, finally talked me into trying this lmnt stuff out 🤘
At the beginning of this video, I was only focusing on the bike. In no time, I was like WTF this guy is an amazing rider and paid less attention to the bike and more attention to how he was jibbing the trail like a goddamned skatepark. I mean, he was either in the air or manualing over half the time. Just discovered your channel, man. Best review of the Spire I have seen so far because you know what you are talking about and you really know how to ride. I mean, so do others, but somehow you are managing to present the bike better. Thanks for taking to time to make these. Subscribed!
You never need to apologize about a too long video, I enjoy every minute of input and beautiful scenery you give us. Thank you so much for doing the Spire, it was one of the first MTBs that got my attention and I always kept coming back to stare at it months after looking at other bikes. I was afraid you would find it like the "boring sluggish schoolbus" as I've found some people like to describe it. I hope you get to try the Relay this spring 😊
So stoked to see you finally riding a Transition! The Spire is definitely on my short list to join my Scout. Really helpful video - thanks!
Great content… I just got my spire in august and have been loving it! On my second Transition bike now, really love what they’re doing here locally.
Haha. Drive by the new Transition headquarters quite regularly, and just rode that bottom section of SST today. Woot. Amazing how your riding changes that trail. I am in awe, as always. Keep putting out these great videos.
Hello Jeff, thank you for the amazing video of the Transition Spire! I rode a Transition Spire and It blew my mind too. I am realy looking forward to see more videos of this bike on your channel in the future! Keep up the good work!
As always, real world feedback! Thanks Jeff!
Sweet review, but that dancing squirrel really stole the show. Thanks for including that.😊
You bet. Props to Reilly for capturing that!
Thanks for helping me validate my purchases
I think your review is pretty spot on, I’ve had my Spire for about six months now and I bought it for bike parks like North Star, Mammalian and Big Bear as well as some of the rowdier trail here In Santa Cruz. For the local trails it’s a bit too much but I knew that going in and those trails are what my shorter trail bike is for. Anyway I felt your review as objective and accurate.
I’ve been racing and riding mountain bikes for 10+ years and have to say the transition bottle rocket and the current sentinel are some of my favorite bikes I’ve ridden
Thanks for an insightful review of the Spire. I've been riding mine about six months, and it has defied my expectations of what a long-travel 29er can do. Coming from a Pivot Firebird, I find the Spire to be more fun on the descents, quieter, and the way Transition works up their angular carbon frames, I think the bike is a thing of beauty. If you are an intermediate/advanced rider who climbs using primarily fire roads, and love fast, feature-laden downhills, then this is your bike.
Love the last run down SST at the end ... love my mountain.
Loved the long video! Great riding as usual, and some good details on the Spire. I feel like it would be the perfect "mostly park, some trail" bike. Ditto on your comment about trying the Sentinel...pretty sure that's going to be my next bike!
Just picked up this same bike with the xt/fox build! Great review, thanks for sharing your professional thoughts!
That was a really good review. I was in between getting a spire or sentinel, eventually went with a sentinel. It's less thunderous but seems to do the other things well. Would be good to see you test one in future. Thanks!
Great perspective. Transition has great bikes. Looking forward to hearing more about STA (seat tubes angles)
At the time I bought a Transition bike, back last Spring, I had wanted a 27.5 Scout, but they were out of stock. I bought a Sentinel instead and have been more than happy with the bicycle. Transition makes nice bicycles, and I like the grassroots business model they espouse. Thanks for this review. Riding frozen over skinnies - impressive!
Holy shit, I've been waiting for this review for so long! when I test road one in Bellingham, I absolutely loved it! Can't wait to finish your video and hear your thoughts!
That tail tap to step down was sick 🔥
I really dig Transition bikes in general. I’ve never ridden one personally but way back in the day I saw their video for their ‘bottle rocket’ and that is what made me as a BMX rider actually step back and think that mountain biking can be pretty sweet which back then, most of the bikes were death traps. Id like to try their Scout which would be perfect for where I live.
I rode my friends Spire and bought the Patrol. I am over 6 foot and now understand the hype of mixed wheels. I brought the bike to 170/170, coiled the Z1 up front and am waiting on the coil for the rear. This is my second Trasition and feel they do make some of the better no fuss bikes and they have great customer serivce.
Hey man, how are you enjoying the Patrol? I’m hoping to order one soon alloy raw in XL. I’m 6’2 so am thinking that’ll be the right size.
Been riding mine in Iceland for a year now really fun bike👍
I've been waiting to see your take on a transition bike. I'd love to see you ride some of the other bikes In their line up. Sentinel and spur especially.
Jeff ur videos are getting really good 👍.. Transition bikes rock .. stay safe
Great video, incredible riding as always, and the new GoPro footage looks really good! I always wondered why you haven't ridden and made review videos on Transition since they're right there in Bellingham. Cool to see Lars is still there! One comment that you made caught my attention. I don't recall the exact wording, but you said something akin to how the bike "sinks" into the travel when you are standing pedaling. I have owned both the Transition Scout and Patrol, and I had no idea how much they actually do that until my first ride on the Ripmo with the DW Link, and experienced how much it doesn't sink into the travel on heavy pedaling input, but how instead, that energy propels the bike forward.
Where you are, I think it would be amazing to have a bike like the Spire to really soak things up and get rowdy on, and especially if you also have a trail bike. Really, it would require a drive to Lake Leatherwood or the Buffalo Outdoor Center to really get the Spire to shine, and even then it would still be a lot of bike and definitely not necessary. But...I bet it would be a blast in the rock gardens!
Here in the Bentonville area, there's just too much level trail, climbing, and descents that still require a lot of heavy pedaling to clear the features. I still have the 2016 155/160mm 27.5 Patrol, and you can absolutely feel how much the "bob" zaps your energy after you've made a few descents and sprint-pedaled, when compared to the Ripmo. I even played around with adding volumer spacers to see if that might help some, but it didn't do much with the stock Monarch + shock. Maybe something with the ability to add some low-speed compression would help...not sure. But, the flip side is, it feels so much more bottomless and plush. I think it's exactly as you said in your review...it really just depends on what you want out of a bike.
I'm not sure it would make much difference on a shorter 8 mile ride. But if you bump up to even as little as 12-15, I bet the difference in fatigue would be noticeable on a bike with that much travel and the Horst Link design, versus something similar with the DW Link that has a firmer pedal platform. But hucking things to flat and hitting big rock gardens...oh man, the Transition suspension shines and feels bottomless! I REALLY HOPE they have you do more reviews of their bikes! Great stuff Jeff!!
I ride a 'super sentinel V2' myself. So 170/160 with a CC link making it a more progressive, slightly more poppy spire that is otherwise very similar. I love that thing. Buddies of mine have a spire and a patrol and mine strikes the perfect balance between the two in terms of handling, while being the poppiest as well. I love transition. Apart from their bikes being amazing, their service is second to none.
Is it the CC link that gives the extra rear travel?
@@gavinclarke2123 yes
Awesome to see you ride a Transition bike. Would love to hear your thoughts about this Spire vs the latest version of the Orbea Rallon as you tested other Orbeas before.
Great review, I was curious if you would get to this one!
I had gone through 4 bikes in 4 seasons trying to find something that I got along with. Finally this year I went for the Spire and it was a game changer. Talk about confidence inspiring and fast. I went from almost never leaving the ground to traveling to bike parks every weekend and hitting the biggest jump lines with ease and confidence. The progression in the rear end makes this bike super fun and fast to pump through stuff. I run mine with a coil in the rear end and it turned the bike into exactly what I thought the bike would be. If you’re a downhill focused rider who just wants to get to the top comfortably this is a great option
Thanks for the note Anthony! Sounds like you hit your sweet spot with the Spire- which makes sense! Its a great bike.
Great review!! I love my Spire! I am not an advanced rider, maybe intermediate. I am 6’ 220lbs and I really liked the look and style of the transition! I went with the Spire because of my size and wanted more travel. I have no regrets! I also have the SJ EVO and I find myself always riding my Spire. The spire is just awesome!
pls, what is your size?
What is yout frame size?
How does it climb?
Sweet, looking forward to the GoPro settings video since I just bought one!
Great video. Thanks Jeff.
that was great! really would love to hear your take on the patrol as it has a slightly shorter wheel base and seems more suited to your style of riding.
Owned a spire for a year. Sold it and bought a Firebird. Needed something a bit more race oriented. Very happy with my decision.
Awesome work as usually, Jeff. As a long time Transition rider, it's great to see you finally give one of their bikes a go, and would love to see what you think of some of their other steads. Surprised at how little Lars had to say... I've been to their headquarters a few times and Lars is usually bouncing off the walls. Perhaps you caught him before his morning coffee. LOL
Hahahaha thanks for the note John! Yeah I dont think he was expecting to have the vlog cam front and center, but that's how it goes when making videos like this. Lars is a great guy, he used to crash on our couch in Santa Cruz a good 10 years ago!
@@JeffKendallWeed Like Lars, I have trouble speaking when staring at my Sentinel(in a non creepy way). Have been on my V2 since it was released and am a hopeless fan. +1 on all the commenters asking for a Senti review next! Thanks again Jeff for the review and inspiration!
Transition makes such wonderful bikes, it's still more bike that I need. I am just an intermediate rider, so I need more experience before I get a big full sus Enduro bike. However, I have ridden a few Transitions so they are one of the bikes I would get when I progress that far.
This was such a great review, thank you so much.
Thanks for watching! Are you the Ian that's asking about my Evil that's for sale on PinkBike?!
@@JeffKendallWeed can't be, this Ian is buying a spire!
Great review!!
Looking forward to your Patrol and Sentinel thoughts!
21+ minute video, and i didnt skip a second...very nice review,ride and video montage! The moment i thought you shoud ride a Sentinel for a comparison , that was the moment you said it yourself. Could it be the best overall over the Spire?Looking forward for this video 🤘
Great content n great review. I’m looking at the Relay gx pnw when I get one to test here in uk 🇬🇧
You should come back up to the shore and shuttle some of the really gnarly trails with it 🤘
I think supercross describes Jeff's riding style. Can only wish I had a small amount of his talent
yesssssss jeff on a transition
Plz make a review about the Patrol. Would love that !
No mention about the cornering capabilities...the lean in and progressive bite really set Transition's apart.
If you ride the gnarly stuff at your trail networks (up and down) this is the bike for you. It's an absolute tractor if you've got the legs and generates so much speed on the downs.
So key question, how does this compare to the Rocky Mountain Altitude? I know how much you loved that bike when you reviewed it. Would also be fun to see you take out a Patrol, it looks like the Spire's more playful brother
Great review. Try the Patrol Mullet. That is prolly the best JKW style bike they make.
Nice review Jeff. I've had my spire about 4 months now and agree with everything you've said. If you're hanging onto it for a while, perhaps try a megneg on the shock? Seemed to add just the right mid stroke support without making it feel any less supple. Also, did you try the low setting with the 62.5 head angle? Rips in the Bikepark and on steeps like that!
Bike looks awesome
I love the power of the shimano but I do love the parts availability of sram. I overhauled the whole lever and it's so easy to disassemble and assemble the whole thing. That's why I chose sram, you can always find parts anywhere.
He’s just saying that because he’s sponsored by Shimano otherwise he’d be riding sram like everyone else.
I have a Patrol (current mullet version) as I prefer the smaller rear wheel. I find it's a perfect Sea to Sky/Shore bike. The caveat with the shore is that it's probably too big for the sanctioned stuff on Trailforks, but as you say once you get into steep/rough/fast secret trails it really comes alive. The combo of slack head angle, wheelbase, suspension kinematics (especially with a coil rear) and the smaller rear wheel feels so damn confidence inspiring compared to previous bikes I've ridden around here. It's also fully capable in the bike park although I try to avoid too many days there beating it up.
How tall are you and what size patrol did you go with? I've been riding size L Patrols (have a V1 and V2) but I'm inbetween sizes and sometimes feel the size increase between the V1 and V2 is sometimes a bit much.
@@O1D4 for me i bought the L ,i'm 5'10 and it is the sweet spot!
What coil do you use? Game changer vs the airshock? I really want to try the coil on my patrol
@@lucsaccomano2740 I have the 2023 Rock Shox Super Deluxe Ultimate coil. It's an awesome shock, especially for the money (cheaper than Fox, way cheaper than Ohlins/EXT here in Canada). It's built well, very durable/reliable (bushing overlap and shaft sizing), has a wide adjustment range on compression/rebound and the hydraulic bottom out makes a big difference in end stroke, so you can run the sag you want for plush grip and not have harsh bottom out on big drops. The Fox Factory X2 that came with the bike was also excellent when it worked, but it failed so often I had to get rid of it.
Heck Yeahh. I take a little credit for suggesting this a few months back 😂
Thanks for the idea! Though TBH, lots of folks have asked for this too! hahaha!
When I watch you ride, I’m like “welp.. apparently I suck at my favorite activity 😂🙌🔥
Test a patrol!!! Would love to see you shred one of those!!!
patrol review would be great ✌️
Another great video Jeff👍, how’d you compare this bike to the Firebird? Which on did you prefer?
Realy realy great video Jeff, thanks a lot. Can you review the spire with fox suspension on it? 🙏🏽
Thanks for the review. I want one but can't justify it cause my scout is so good
Another great video! Would love to see you ride a Orange or Starling Murmur,.....True single pivot bikes and super fun and could possibly be great bikes for your riding style ?
Great video. I recently switched from a SB130Lr to the Spire because I wanted to try something more capable for the terrain I generally ride here on the NS. After a couple rides I knew I had made the right choice! It climbs well and yes I do feel over biked at times but who cares about that once you come off the brakes on steep descents and drops! No its not a trail bike but it thinks it is. LOl.
@Canadian Oversee-r I loved my time on the sb130 LR on the shore tbh.. bit rough on bigger drops but all in all just worked for me out there..
@@flow2tech totally agree. Just wanted to try something new. The spire is definitely more stable at speed but not as nimble.
@@canadianoversee-r5937 Yes Sir....There's always give and take no matter the bike..
Great video
I'd be interested in your opinion of the Intense Primer / 951 Trail. The rear end looks the same as the Spire. I'm an XC person so to me it feels really long. It's 150/140mm which is my biggest bike yet and it completely changed the way I rode the trails in Pisgah. Rocks/roots are a way to have fun, rather than obstacles. For reference, I'm an okay 50+ rider. Love your content.
Ok Jeff, I had the Dirt Bag and I wish I NEVER sold that thing, complete with a Totem and Fox shock.... Many of my friends have TR's (I stand out in the crowd with the Ripmo 😄) I really want to ride the Spur. Great video (as always) I'm actually curious the complete comparison to the Foxy R. Cheers!!
I can’t believe you ride that icy skinny!! 😮😵 Nice!! And yes, PLEASE test ride the Sentinel if you can.
Best bike on the market!
Good video Jeff. I’ve been interested in that Sentinel. I don’t think the mid-travel trail bikes get the attention they deserve. They are the sweet spot for most MTBers I think.
Thanks James, I'm really excited to try a Sentinel as well!
I would love to hear your take on a Sentinel!
Transition all the way! But also did that lady really try to tell you to stop😂 insane
Yeah, agreed with others. No need to apologize for the length of your video. Do I feel most people 'prefer' shorter? Yes, as we all only have so much time in a day, but sometimes more in necessary to get the entire picture.
That Lars guy was really excited to meet you 🙃
been on a Spire for the last 6 months and this bike is just awesome, climbs well and when it comes to descends it just ripss........
very detailed and in depht about how you felt about the bike,i was wondering is that the max insertion of the dropper post into the frame?
Would be curious to hear your thoughts on the Spire vs Firebird. They seem to be polar opposites in the 170mm category but every says they are both precise and playful bikes. Ive been waiting to demo both, but I’m trying to decide on a bigger travel bike that pedals when needed and is fun on more mellow days as well. Thanks for the review!
Pivots a lot more playful, DW link with shorter stays and wheelbase. Firebird is one of the most playful long travel 29ers. Revel Rail 29 is too but feels more trail bikish
I would like to know Jeff’s opinion on the spire vs Firebird and which he would prefer for long-term.
Firebird way more playful then the spire
@@mosaclipz6549 and Tyler, thank you guys for your feedback. Have you guys been able to ride both bikes? I'm guessing the playfulness is really only noticeable at slower speeds?
Having owned both, hard to go wrong with either. The Firebird is a better climber, perhaps a bit easier to throw around, but the Spire puts a bigger smile on my face on the downhills.
Great video Jeff! How does it compare to the RM Altitude?
Like your videos a lot. I feel I can find the right bike without riding every one myself
Something we add to every Sentinel/spire sold is a +1 headset is masively changes where you can ride them, The sentinel is like the small brother to the spire but holds the same size and traits.
A degree steeper? What's the problem with the stock HA?
@@scvkurt03 in our opinion from riding them an customer feedback is its to slack for the rest of the geo.
Going a degree steeper the bike can be riden on more flatter terrain harder without a heap of body movement. Similar to the evo.
@@MrSupermugen Curious where you are based. I've been on one for 6 months and haven't felt like the bike is too slack at all. I definitely have the steeps to justify it, though.
@@scvkurt03 oh the bikes are good when its steep but the sentinel is to slack for the rest of its geo.
Am in nz.
Nah, slack doesn't matter when you're pedalling on flat trails. Maybe transitions are too slack in really twisty singletrack but it's not supposed to be an xc bike
excellent video, curious to hear the kendall-weed breakdown analysis of the spire vs the sentinel
Thanks R, will hopefully get around to that in due time!
@@JeffKendallWeed Sweet!! Your content is absolutely awesome, thank YOU!
Really enjoy your videos. I’m looking to get a new bike and have been thinking about a transition for awhile. I’m currently riding a 2021 giant trance x. Any advice which transition would be best?
Transition makes some of the best bikes in the business
Totally!
great review curious on whether you think the Spire would be a good enduro bike? Given the low long slack set up...in those spots where you need to pedal hard...is it good enough?
10:00 I ride a S.Enduro and had that felling,like in some places you can generate so much speed it is a little dangerous hehehe. Those bikes can handle mach 2 speed over any trail,but a brain fart an you would be married with a random tree in no time...Plz check the Specialized Enduro! I think you would love the bike,the rear suspension is very sweet. Nice video!!!
It's on my shortlist to pair with my V1 Ripmo as a "DH Lite" kinda bike. Likely either this, or a Pivot Firebird 29, or go all out with the Phoenix 29 if I went full DH. Would feel a bit silly about that considering I only make it to a bike park about 4-8 days a year.
Oh man Andrew, that'd be a great combo! Trail bike= Ripmo, Freeride/DH/Park/Big Enduro=Spire. Spire would be a great compliment. Firebird would be more gnar than Ripmo, but would overlap a lot more than Spire. Phoenix wouldn't get ridden NEARLY as much as something pedalable IMO!
#BellinghamRepresent ... still riding and loving my 2016 Transition Smuggler!
i just tried one last weekend and it didnt feel all that bad pedaling up - didnt feel as big as i thought it would - partially because its so light i think
Would be great if you could review the new carbon Patrol!!
I'd love to see you review an Evil Following
I'm with you about this bike on the dropper - once you go 200mm, you can't go back. I was considering this bike until I noticed the seatpost insertion is not deep enough to slam a 200mm dropper all the way in there. I'm quite surprised considering where the rear shock is located, not sure what is blocking it.
Yeah it wasn't so much the post was blocked as it was the cable routing came up too high...
be cool to see you on fezzari la sal peak
Maybe try the Sentinel or the new Smuggler next?
nothing beats the bewildered look on ppls faces as they realize they arent on a hiking trail... Read the signs people!!
any tips on keeping the front up? i ride a medium at 5ft 6.5. i was thinking changing factory bars to higher rise?
Out of curiosity, what stem did you go with? I also run a PNW bar on my Spire. The bike came stock with a 40mm stem, but with the increased backsweep of the PNW bar, I went with a 50mm stem.
That's a 40mm PNW Range stem, I think it's a V2. Felt about right!
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks!
The Sentinel would probably be a little more in the middle of the category that suits more trail riders.
You should do the Kona process
Could you do a comparison of the Patrol vs Spire?
Wow the guy Lars was thrilled to loan you the bike for this review... Did he ever see you manual? Lol
Could you run a one-up post at 200mm?
Hi Jeff, you always talk about big/long bikes, have you ever tried getting your hands on a Ghost Riot EN/AM? They are huge even compared to other modern bikes and I have not seen a comprehensive review on them. For comparison a medium frame has a 477 reach, 1276 wheelbase, 455 chainstay, 64 HTA and 77 STA.
Oh gosh that sounds horrible hahahaha! The 470 reach on the Mondraker made it really hard to bunny hop and toss around, so I'll happily skip going longer (unless I hit a mid 30s growth spurt!). 455 chainstay?! Eeeesh.
@@JeffKendallWeed my friend has one in medium and is in the upper range suggested for that size. He goes super fast downhill and jumps confidently, but isnt popping manuals or winning any style points. I was also considering buying one, as they have really good value and the frame looks bombproof, at 182cm/5'11'' their size chart puts me in the bottom of large (my preferred size) but would maybe rather go for the medium.
I'd like to see what you think about the patrol with the mullet wheel setup