2020 Transition Sentinel GX // Bike Review

[@GRPABT1]

The more I hear about this bike, the more it seems perfect for me.

[@tylermetzler6493]

As someone who rides the 2019-2020 V1 Sentinel Carbon X01 build, I can highly recommend this bike as a "park/DH focused all-rounder" It basically will go as fast as you want it to without being a full DH bike type speeds. I bought mine because I was only going to buy one bike and I wanted something ridable on my South Florida trail systems and Easy Coast gravity parks. Highly recommend!

[@JeepinIvan_MTB]

Tyler Metzler hey Tyler, thanks for your input. I’m stuck between the 2021 sentinel and the 2020 all new scout. I want something lively and nimble but that can still handle bike parks and rough/chunky terrain. I can’t decide what to pick. I’m also still not sure if I want to switch to the 29er’s yet. I rode the scout the other day and was blown away. It feels perfect. But not sure how that sentinel is! The cool thing with the scout is that I can go up to 160 front and 150 rear of travel. That should be enough travel for some heavy riding!

[@tylermetzler6493]

@@JeepinIvan_MTB Sentinel is not "lively and nimble"

[@tylermetzler6493]

@CHELSKI9 So I bought my Sentinel sight unseen as I'm from Florida. I would say I'm about 5'10" with my shoes on, so I was between medium and large. I went with medium to have more handling and am glad I did. A medium with a 40mm stem has 450mm reach, which is basically fine for me. Since you are shortening the stem, a large would be 465mm. I would say for someone 2" taller than me that this would be adequate. The xl would be 490mm with a 30mm stem, which is rather long, but that may be your preference. These are all long bikes in terms of wheelbase. Hope that helps :)

[@DiegoHenaoV]

@@tylermetzler6493 I also live in soflo and am looking for a do it all bike. How do you like riding it down here?

[@Yedmike31]

Your review on the sentinel is so amazing that i literally just ordered one, although it’s alloy, i really liked the spec and the brand. Super happy with my new bike purchase, keep making these awesome reviews!!

[@LastAphelion]

Lemme know what you think!

[@gogomtb1]

Damn! That#s probably the best and most entertaining bike review I have ever seen! Great riding and beautiful trail! I really hope for more! 😁

[@freehubmag]

Thanks! Spencer is one talented human, more bike reviews to come.

[@gogomtb1]

Spencer... allright! Thx! Looking forward for Spencer to test them all out! 😉 🤙

[@mickaelht598]

@@freehubmag for real where is that trail

[@freehubmag]

@@mickaelht598 Cougar Ridge on Galbraith Mountain, Bellingham Washington

[@4-0-K]

fr fr

[@judgeschmales33]

just picked one up yesterday--the only one in n. california i could find. can't wait to get it out on the trail in ~1-2 hours!

[@LightUpNancy]

Legit best reviews on KZbin hands down

[@freehubmag]

Thank you!

[@tainted180]

I'm more amazed by the forest you guys get to ride in. Sure beats the old quarry my locals trails are built in. In forest like that I might even enjoy the climbing

[@nickmanville900]

I think this is Bellingham WA. I live in Seattle and I never take it for granted! The PNW is such a beautiful place.

[@Willemmoseley]

How have I just discovered this channel? What a review! 10/10

[@Bobandashleigh]

my GX v2 just came yesterday and first ride was today. Amazing rig! Pedaling position is incredibly efficient. Suspension is amazing. I'm stoked. Thanks for this candid review - it helped my purchase decision.

[@Simon-xe2vl]

Nice! Where'd you get it? I'm looking to pick one up myself

[@Bobandashleigh]

@@Simon-xe2vl I had ordered it through my LBS over a month ago. I got lucky. From what I understand as of a week ago the GX Mediums were sold out with next shipment coming "sometime in July." I feel lucky I only had to wait a month. Good luck

[@Sharktooth24]

You know its an honest review when the rider speaks about the bike while shredding the trails

[@tommycooperfish]

Amazing review guys, your shredding says more than the words ever can good sir.

[@judgeschmales33]

...and now got a van rented and making my way to Bellingham to make the pilgrimage on the new V2 sentinel!

[@thenorthshoremtb6951]

You're flying out there! Great riding footage and great review!

[@TheLoneBoar]

How can you talk informatively and go fast at same time? Hahaha awesome review.

[@Headlessthirst]

#fitness

[@GingerAdventurez]

Great review. Incredibly helpful. I’m demoing this bike this weekend and have loved it so far. I didn’t feel at all like I was on a 29er. Playful and nimble for sure

[@arturomondragon1581]

Thats crazy I just got one and I had a Trek remedy before that and the sentinel feels more playful

[@vonrunner]

Wow, impressive mix of riding and articulating your thoughts. Definitely one of the more entertaining bike reviews I've seen. Any chance you plan on reviewing the Ripmo V2?

[@mikes.8305]

I’ll review it for you. It’s good, really good lol. Pretty much read a Ripmo v1 review and the Ripmo V2 is close. The traction tune, or light tune, on the new Ripmo provides more traction, but takes some getting used to. I know the appeal with the new one is the ability to run a coil. I have a coil fork conversion from push, but the rear keeps up so well I don’t feel a coil would add too much more traction. It’s poppy, lively, and still well rounded, and can be fun on mellower trails as well as “enduro” riding. I do notice that I have not needed to throw as big of a volume reducer in the rear, meaning I still use most of the travel on most rides, but the bottom out support is just a hint better than the V1. I owned the V1 for a year, and the V2 for two months now.

[@vonrunner]

@@mikes.8305 Rad, thanks for the insight! Cool to hear from someone who has owned both generations as well. I've heard nothing but great things about both old & new Sentinels and Ripmos. It definitely seems the small changes to each made great bikes that much better. Sounds like I'm going to need to get out and demo them when things start opening back up to make a decision. Thanks again.

[@mikes.8305]

dezertedge9 no worries, I’m definitely not going to be demoing this one. I don’t need a new bike. At least that’s what I keep telling myself😂

[@fcbotieno]

@@vonrunner did you get a chance to demo any bikes?

[@vonrunner]

@@fcbotieno Nope :( The shops in my area don't have any stock or demos currently. One did say they'd be getting a demo Sentinel in my size soon though. Still can't find anyone with Ripmos though.

[@MrPete95]

Some of the best ride reviews out there. Love the style. Keep it up!!

[@bullit4x]

I’m sure I’ll get a lot of haters for this, but I got my 2023 sentinel (alloy) love it. But I did swap the link out to the cascade and apparently I’m one of the lucky ones that don’t have to run a shorter stroke shock. I’ve got the Dvo jade and with the link I’m @ 165mm rear and running the duralux 38 up front with 170mm. It’s my mini park/DH bike that I can still ride around on long rides. Also I can put the spacer in the shock bumping my rear travel down to 155mm. Best of both world.

[@garethluke9146]

Everything has been said, but super informative and super entertaining. What a rider!

[@luis.uet124]

Amazing Review and great riding! Could watch this all day long!

[@marcthebeau]

Love the videos and you are definitely a wicked rider. Very pleasant to watch! Cheers

[@sasomtb4784]

Men i really do love your bike reviews 🤘😁🤘

[@remynarx]

Your review made me want to buy this bike. Thanks

[@DM-hw4cr]

I ended up steepening the HT angle on my sentinel by 1 degree. The gripe I had with the slack HT was the stiff feeling in the fork on flatter terrain due to flex and binding.

[@mepa-e3b]

so sick, soo fast, awesome color.. frame design is damn good looking..

[@travalanche21]

Sick review man. That was very helpful! One question, do you have any size recommendations for someone who is 5'10" 170lbs? Trying to decide if i should get a M or a L.. thanks!

[@trailladymtb7700]

Beautiful trail awesome review.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Love your reviews, wish I had similar fitness so I don't sound like I'm mid coronary while talking in our reviews lol.

[@ajschuehle4681]

Great review and great video!

[@creece1]

Man your reviews are so good. Can you please do a scout review 🙏

[@Croweologist]

While we wait, I can tell you that the Scout is friggin' awesome (bought '20 last summer). Same frame (I think) as Sentinel, just 10mm less travel at each end.

[@crissvaughn85]

Great review, thx 👍 Btw, awesome shreddin skills 🤙🤙🤙

[@nickskelton242]

I do believe Jeff Kendall Weed just released a video riding this trail as well.

[@davidsch6490]

Nice Video and beautiful landscape. Nice Review, Now i really consider this bike as a favorite

[@dank3823]

Another great review. So many good bikes out there.

[@behyseractive6418]

Great review

[@Kowinaida]

I want one. Great review.

[@CCWclassic]

Love the review. But when you say "moderate wheelbase" ... this thing is one of the longest bikes in the market???

[@kurthindman8975]

Great riding and review. Between the V2 Sentinel and the V3 Wreckoning, which one gets the nod?! Both look like super fun well rounded bikes.

[@persistentconsistency]

This is the question!! @Freehub Magazine @Spencer Johnson talk to us, please! Haha.

[@vierraventures]

I neeeeeed to know.

[@shawnloewen881]

I am also wondering this

[@persistentconsistency]

@@shawnloewen881 ​@UCOQA4zpgzDr3RxG0CRig3KA I have seen folks on a few MTB forums posing the same question/debate. These seem to be two of the most coveted, well-built bikes. Do-it-all, bomb-proof full suspension bikes? Yes, please!

[@shawnloewen881]

Skeptastic would be pretty awesome if Freehub Magazine did a comparison, seeing as they’ve been on both this year already.

[@jimig399]

Nice dude. You've had your fill of well deserved compliments on this so I won't add to it. I would like to know what camera and gimbal setup you used for this is you don't mind sharing. Really impressive how crisp and clear it is with rich colors and excellent stabilization. And the audio didn't seem to distort at all as you picked up speed. Please share. I need one. Gotta be the new hero8. What gimbal? Your the man🙋

[@JohnnyOshika]

Wow, amazing how fast you can ride while reviewing and talking!

[@mtbg4035]

Review the new Scout please!

[@Brepfle]

Seconded! And comparison to the Sentinel.

[@johnglynn7795]

Truly enjoy your review Vlogs. I live in Phoenix and conduct a lot of mountain, rock trails. That said, your overall thoughts on comparing Transition, versus the Ibis and the Niner. Thanks, Jg

[@luislopez1800]

Can't hurt to ask.............Any chance y'all know the settings (frame rate, wide or super wide lens) of the action camera he's using. Curious cuz not sure if its the camera settings that make it look almost like he's going up hill even during the decent and the riding between the trees visually looks like its no wider than his handlebars like its a super wide fisheye lens setting or something. Thank you. Awesome detailed description of the bike and great riding!

[@chazmann749]

Are you guys gonna have a review of the new Scout at any point? Big fan of these videos!

[@ianburke2490]

Great review and riding! You mention it feels poppy. Can you expand on that and summarize how this bike handles more mellow stuff, like flowy jump trails? I like to charge steep stuff but this would also be my only bike so is it still fun and playful or just a bruiser?

[@Bobandashleigh]

I'm also interested in this exact question. Can only buy one bike and interested in maneuverability on flowy jump trails and bike park situations. Thanks

[@ChuyR.]

@@Bobandashleigh hahah i guess i am the 3rd person interested in the same question haha

[@persistentconsistency]

@@ChuyR. I'll be the 4th, haha! He did mention that it is a great all-rounder that leans more toward the descending/gnarly side of AM. But I do wonder how it would fair on more tame trails. For example, everyone said the Ripmo was the quintessential all-rounder, but the higher leverage ratio and less progressive curve make it unsuitable for a larger rider (I'm 210-230, depending on the time of year). Like you all, I wonder how it would handle more flow and/or tame trails. Tough situation with the inability to demo bikes!

[@ChuyR.]

@@persistentconsistency haha, too late for me, just pulled the trigger on the new commencal meta 29 am, numbers are really similar to the new speclialized enduro which apparently is a bad jumper but i still see videos of people doing huge gaps on it, so I'll be fine.

[@persistentconsistency]

@@ChuyR. Nice!! Congrats on the new bike and on making a decision in general, haha! The Enduro is so many people's top enduro bike of the year, so something in that same vein should be dope! I'm over here watching the Freehub review on the new Wreckoning. Leaning heavily towards this one, even though it feels like it might be better in the hands of a racer or skilled rider. But damn it looks like so much fun, haha!

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Looks great

[@rodneypryor2636]

Man, I am so happy when the new reviews come out, always great content! Don't know if this has been asked before: Who/what is the intro music for the bike reviews?

[@johnsospencer]

It's Seven Swords by Oliver Michael

[@rodneypryor2636]

@@johnsospencer Thank you! Just bought the album. The response is much appreciated.

[@persistentconsistency]

@@johnsospencer Hey Spencer! Do you mind comparing the Wreckoning and the Sentinel V2? Trying to draw some conclusions without any ability to demo, due to Outerbike being canceled. They both seem like

[@tomiman89]

The color is so nice on this one. It's very close to the one on SC Nomad V4 Tan. Sentinel frame looks more streamlined though. Can't go wrong with the desert storm Humvee look.

[@tr1ckster726]

Dope review.

[@MonsterChuck]

Currently on a last gen Sentinel. I am eyeing the new Sentinel and the Wreckoning v3. I would also be interested in the Megatower but I feel it is due for a refresh and don't want to buy just before that.

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

The rumor is there is a true long travel 29er in the works.

[@DM-hw4cr]

What's "true"

[@user-jj8jq9mq5o]

Freehub Magazine : I would love to know your thoughts between this Sentinel versus the new Stumpjumper Evo Expert that you just reviewed... Both seems very similar and I am currently debating between both, Thanks !

[@austinpierce6053]

Same! I'm between these, the Canyon Strive, and sb150. I might just wait until the next strive comes out. Can't be that long right? 🤔

[@user-jj8jq9mq5o]

@@austinpierce6053 Recently heard that the Stumpy EVO is sold out til 2022 so I ordered a Sentinel ! Good luck ;)

[@davidgunther1282]

The more I watch these types of on-trail reviews, the more stressed out I become.

[@toHelluRide]

Great video.

[@grantfawson9675]

Is there a reason you guys haven't tested the transition spur? I'd be very curious to hear your thoughts on this.

[@mxrider278]

Where you riding? Great review

[@duffyrides]

Bike looks really good !

[@AndyWoodall]

Awesome review and what a set of trails! Where was this filmed?

[@freehubmag]

Bellingham, Wa

[@AndyWoodall]

@@freehubmag Beautiful!

[@aleszverca]

Hey great review, epic trail u got there...would love to grind this climb 👌😉...what size are you riding here, what are your measurements height, inseam...

[@freehubmag]

Spencer is 5’11” & 205 lbs and is riding a size large Sentinel

[@aleszverca]

@@freehubmag thanks ✌😃 I'm 5' 10.3" 32" inseam and have a wing span 1" longer than height...do you think a large would fit me as I like to climb a lot(standing up to-have strong legs) ✌😃 on my current bike I feel a little cramped when standing up and pedaling...has a 445mm reach...

[@freehubmag]

@@aleszverca Large should fit you. Click the link to see Transitions sizing Charts www.transitionbikes.com/Sizing.cfm?CFID=5369615&CFTOKEN=91f054c86d00de24-40164679-A68A-2472-4EA04FFE78A8D8C4

[@NDURcycling]

Hi, short question, which fps you use in your videos. I like the look of the motionblur. Btw. Great content.

[@FishstixTv]

The angels look great for dirt jumping I have a dj now and looking for a full suspension for the mountain bike parks that have way bigger jumps 🤙🏻

[@88losi]

can you do the new patrol?im thorn between these 2 bikes

[@razazulai]

Hello my friend Excellent review I am undecided between Sentinel and wreckoning I would be happy if you would help me and point out for me the pros and cons of each Or just tell me which is better (:

[@wesstaff2493]

Did you review the 2020 Transition Scout? I'm looking at both bikes but can't decide.

[@hmoo3047]

Great review! Is it a huge upgrade to the previous version or slight?

[@johnsospencer]

A lot of small updates add up to a major change.

[@TheRealJoeMP]

Any comparison with this vs Pivot Switchblade?

[@XzoltronX]

Nice review! I’ve been riding large transitions for years, even though I’m 6’3”. Last bike was the previous sentinel in large, and felt fine on it. I’m looking to get v2 and considering finally getting the recommended size and jumping to XL. All the numbers will be good, except I just stress about that extra wheelbase in corners. Any thoughts?

[@JacobSei2024]

XzoltronX can’t you adjust the wheel base on that bike

[@XzoltronX]

Jacob LDR Vlogs nope.

[@DM-hw4cr]

I'm 6'3" running the xxl

[@jianhaoliang3206]

nice bike！by the way,this pov view is chest + gopro8?or use gimbal+chest

[@freehubmag]

Chest mount w/ Feiyu 3 axis Gimbal, Gopro hero 6 and a separate audio recorder.

[@jianhaoliang3206]

@@freehubmag thanks！

[@goncalocarmona500]

How do you compare this bike to the Speech Enduro and a SC Megatower?

[@Kylmayfi1]

Exact question I would love an answer to! Those are the three bikes I’m considering at the moment.

[@goncalocarmona500]

@@Kylmayfi1 my mate who has a SC Megatower tried the Sentinel and said it felt better...add the new Trek Slash and Kona Process X to the list. Ive ordered a Sentinel tho because it seems to be more all-rounder from all of them. With SC you get the best customer service though if anything happens to the frame...and quickly resolved.

[@tomclarkson6078]

How would you compare this to a similar price build megatower?

[@CavemanDavvy]

This is the exact question I was going to ask. I've narrowed it down to these two. Is the 150mm at the back noticeable compared to the 160mm on the Megatoewer.

[@tomclarkson6078]

I don’t think 10mm would be massively noticeable with a very well tuned shock on the transition. But it would be interesting to see how the two frames react if fitted with the same suspension and ridden on the same trail, to test the different suspension systems and "chassis" for want of a better word. Personally for everything I ride in the U.K. I’d probably go for the megatower because it’s a jack of all trades and I can’t afford a trail and a DH bike. Although mega towers geo is starting to look a little.....dated?

[@CavemanDavvy]

@@tomclarkson6078 true. I think I'm going to try and demo both. Luckily one of my local spots in the UK (Bike Park Wales) are both Transition and Santa Cruz dealers. Hopefully I can try both on the same day on the same trails.

[@tomclarkson6078]

Rhys Davies pretty much in the same boat with two bikes shops 20 minutes apart for each brand.

[@zyoungson215]

There needs to be an alu version of this bike, and adjustable stays would be a nice option.

[@jedmtb]

How does the color look in person? it's hard to tell from pictures

[@code_-kl5fu]

Can you do the transition spire alloy?

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

Nice rig 👌

[@guyname9646]

How do you feel about the new sentinel versus the Stumpjumper evo 29?

[@bencurtis4241]

What're your gopro settings?!

[@shamrock4840]

This is the Hightower with Transition slapped on it .

[@hubsandgrub1256]

This trail! Holy smokes. Greaty footy

[@hubsandgrub1256]

what size are you on? how big are you?

[@Saelenkmith]

5'10 150 lbs should I go medium or large?

[@steventidd3448]

Did you get a weight on that GX build?

[@freehubmag]

Transitions site says 31.3 lbs for the medium sized Sentinel GX

[@cybermonk8580]

What’s your height? And what size worked for you?

[@DiscoDancerNo1]

How does it feel jumping this bike?

[@TheJofrica]

4:08 Bruce Lee sounds lol 👊

[@melvinsantos2202]

What would you take... ripmo v1 bs transition sentinel?

[@bike_somm]

Any bikes come to mind that blur this similar feel ?

[@andrewleighton472]

Bike Somm norco sight or santa mega tower are 2 which would spring to mind.

[@bike_somm]

Andrew Leighton Very Cool 😎

[@Kollingl]

Where is this trail?

[@freehubmag]

Chuckanut Mtn in Bellingham, WA

[@enduroironmanpv]

what is your height?

[@toribiogreco]

who's the rider? sick bike

[@freehubmag]

Spencer Johnson does the reviews.

[@candranur1802]

how much it cost ?

[@fredquere]

👏👏🙏🏻

[@raymondjohnson7723]

How tall is the rider in the video? This appears to be a size large frame.

[@freehubmag]

Tester is 6ft, and yes it is a Large frame.

[@John_D2]

I wanna see a new smuggler.

[@szsolti002]

👍

[@pipsta1]

frame size???

[@bimfred]

damp rather than dead, maybe? like skis

[@HrvojeMihajlic]

how do you compare it to the Process? Alos, love your vids! What gimbal do you use and what chest mount?

[@freehubmag]

Feiyu 3 axis gimbal with the latest GoPro Chest mount. Thanks for watching!

[@headoverbars8750]

Looks like a great bike on paper. ... not sold on the design looks idk, like a Canyon in its squared shock linkage area, and is its own style for sure I just don't dig it :( Sucks because it checks every box for me in my next bike... well Im looking for a a "Bellingham" type bike makes sense a Transition would check the boxes. I know Its the damn paint!! So many earthy colors of late are just gross. Likely a trend that's gonna be seen in 20 years as is shag carpet and avacado green refrigerators. I would just need to paint it and total boutique goddess... I will paint it and adore it.

[@masonjackman9703]

With this bike be OK for a bike park

[@MTBIndo]

Biuhhhh

[@johnfitzgerald1879]

Apparently three people are stuck with their Specialized. Condolences.

[@toolbandya]

you railed that trail!