Transition Sentinel vs Spire: Showdown

[@justdave5098]

These reviews were the deciding factor for my new XG1 Sentinel this week. Thanks!

[@bikersedge]

Rad. You’re going to love it.

[@justdave5098]

@@bikersedge day 1 at Spirit Mountain and you are 100% right.

[@DuskPatrol]

I just bought both. Like a true dork I am still going to watch this video

[@LastAphelion]

Geeeeeez so what do you think about them now, are you riding one way more than the other or still feel like they each fit a niche?

[@DuskPatrol]

@@LastAphelion Sentinel is the all time bike of bikes in my opinion. The Spire is a monster when you're going straight or relatively straight but it requires much more gusto to manipulate it in tighter areas. Is it overly cumbersome? Hell no. It's absurdly agile for it's length and beef, but it's still something to consider. That being said when you absolutely must smash everything, the Spire fucking smashed everything. It also climbs so well and its length actually is an advantage when it comes to keeping your balance on steep or technical climbs. Obviously the con is that your back wheel rolls over the obstacle a full second and half later due to the length. Give and take I suppose. I feel very little "bob" in the suspension while climbing. I am also not a climbing purest, meaning that I don't lock the shock out for efficiency. All that said, the Sentinel does 99% of what the Spire can do descending, is more agile, and climbs better. It's just an all-around weapon. It can be used on lame xc shit and it can be used on double black tech or the bike park. Is it as cushy and confidence inspiring or as light and fast as a downhill rig or an xc race bike? No. But it can do both and everything in between and does them well. Probably more than you bargained for on a reply but hope it was helpful

[@LastAphelion]

@@DuskPatrol Lmao "lame xc shit". And nah I definitely want to hear everyone's praise and gripes before I pull the trigger, I appreciate it. The most useful reviews I've got have been digging up year old youtube owner comments and actually getting a surprising amount of long term follow ups. Consensus has been everyone has said the Sentinel is their favorite thing ever, but if anyone considering or owning a Spire has been iffy it's always about the length and more hta wallowiness. Although I do struggle to picture that a 1257 wheelbase really feels that much worse over 1233. Do you think the Spire feels more cushy on small and medium hits, or only when you push it? Asking because actually my priority is that I have a damaged spinal disc and I still want to send it so I want the more comfortable trail devouring bike, don't care about over biking at all. But there is this sick looking custom Sentinel over on Fanatik in stock right now...

[@DuskPatrol]

@@LastAphelion lol I don't know why I went so hard on the poor xc trails. I love all trails equally haha. Dude, if you're looking for a magic carpet, which it sounds like you are, then the Spire is the bike for you. I have the aluminum GX build which has the RockShox suspension and that Super deluxe shock is stupid. Like stupid amazing. The Zeb is stiff but not in a bad way. You wouldn't think the length between the bikes would be a big deal....and then you ride the Spire and it's like "holy shit this bike is long." It's longer than the TR11, for perspective. You may consider downsizing on the Spire. I have heard of people doing that since it's such a big bike. This is an oversimplification, but it's apt: the Spire is nearly a downhill bike that climbs like the Sentinel.

[@brettegbert6985]

I really appreciate these comments, I’m getting very close to pulling the trigger on a gx alloy sentinel, now I def want one!

[@axels.7166]

After your first Spire Review, I decided to buy this bike. And now I understand every word you say about this bike… I love it and want to thank you that you help me with my decision… It’s a awesome Bike!!!

[@bikersedge]

So stoked we could help you find the right bike.

[@Alyn321]

I've got that Spire in medium (had it about 8 months) and man what a bike. 100% agree that it feels nothing like the number suggest it should. This is my first 29er and I came from a trek remedy and was expecting a tugboat but that thing is ridiculous. Come from a DJ background and stunned at how poppy the spire is but also how much of a monster truck the Spire is. Honestly it's been 8 months and I'm still excited to ride it ever time.

[@bikersedge]

It’s so good. Wish I could get my hands on one permanently.

[@Jacob99174]

This guy knows what he’s taking about It’s refreshing

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words!

[@fueledbycoffee1455]

Your reviews are getting better and better! I’m currently on sentinel v2 right now and might be switching to megatower or spire. I’ll wait for that comparison!

[@bikersedge]

I freaking loved my Sentinel. The Mega has been an awesome replacement though. Not sad about it at all.

[@courtnay77]

@@bikersedge your review of the Mega is really making me consider it now!

[@MiciahChamberlain]

Funny thing is I’m tossed between both bikes as well!!

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

How tall are you? And what size is your sentinel? I’m looking at a large and are between medium and large sizes 177cm

[@fueledbycoffee1455]

@@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862 I’m 5’8. You’re around 5’10, large should be good for you. You can always make your bars and stem a bit shorter too. I also don’t find sentinel too long. It’s just the right amount of balance and you will definitely feel you’re at the middle of the bike all the time

[@hunter6431]

before buying either I test rode both the spire and the sentinal your review is spot on. i ended up going for the sentinel because i am not planning on too much bike park and its perfect for the trails we have in bellingham

[@bikersedge]

I did a few PNW trips with my Sentinel. Such a good bike for that area.

[@justjules9845]

Thank you for this detailed and honest comparison. I think I've come a little closer to choosing my dream bike. Thumbs and subscription well deserved.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. Glad it was helpful!

[@TheHeyoo]

Been on a carbon GX Spire for a couple months. Absolutely love it! It really is a nimble bruiser. I can ride it like a big trail bike or a DH park bike with a triple crown fork. My other bikes are jealous!

[@bikersedge]

It’s pretty freaking rad.

[@remington1210]

Triple crown? New tech ive never heard of! Woohoo!

[@RamblinView]

Everyone’s been waiting for this one

[@bikersedge]

Me too. Took forever to get my hands on a test spire.

[@RamblinView]

@@bikersedge Thanks for putting such quality content together. Always better to wait than to compromise on that

[@joshross23]

I've been thinking of picking up a 27.5 - would love your thoughts on the Scout!

[@bikersedge]

Haven’t been able the ride that one unfortunately

[@teamrders3145]

Nice vid ! where can I find the tool storage that is on the bikes frame ?

[@trevor338]

Nice review. I have a carbon sentinel gx on the way! Can’t wait

[@bikersedge]

Good choice!

[@307.William]

I would love to see you do this with the Patrol. I picked one up and adjusted travel to 170x170

[@bikersedge]

If I can get one I will.

[@307.William]

@@bikersedge awesome!! I like the mullet setup.

[@williamkerr8836]

Do you think there is enough difference between these bikes to justify Transition keeping them both in the line up? If the Spire climbs as well as the Sentinal is there a case to just default to the Spire?

[@bikersedge]

Yes. The sentinel is much more well rounded on the descents. The Spire can be too big in some terrain.

[@NDemanuele1]

If you had to compare these to a V2 Ripmo, they wouldn't pedal and climb quite as well, but will descend better? I believe you did a video on: SB150 Vs. Sentinel VS. V2 Ripmo where you mentioned this? Thanks!

[@bikersedge]

We did an all mountain showdown that included the Ripmo and Sentinel. Go check that one out then come back to this one to see how the spire would stack up.

[@mauimaxmtb2154]

A comparison between the rocky mountain altitude and the transition sentinel would be interesting. I remember when you reviewed the altitude you said it didn't really lose any versatility. I'm guessing that's partially because the head tube angle and the wheelbase difference. Compared to the sentinel does the altitude have a lot less pop or are they both pretty fun?

[@bikersedge]

I think the altitude has less pop. It’s a much more grounded feeling bike.

[@tom56340]

Any chance of getting orbea occam vs transition sentinel and orbea rallon vs spire? BTW your reviews are hands down the most down to earth and fun to watch

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!. I don't think the occam and sentinel are in the same category at all. The Spire and Rallon will be in our upcoming enduro showdown.

[@tom56340]

@@bikersedge fair enough, I get what you are saying about the occam vs sentinel. So how about a trail bikes showdown? one notch below all mountain (everyone seems to have their own definition lol) To be honest in my opinion the differences between trail and all mountain are getting kinda blurry (guess that's why I asked about occam vs sentinel). Out of curiosity how would you categorizes the sentinel and the occam? I'd say Occam - capable trail bike Sentinel - borderline enduro but still climbs and pops. Keep it up!

[@bikersedge]

@@tom56340 we did a trail bike showdown a while back. We also did a Trance x vs Occam showdown. I feel like those two kind of sit on their own category.

[@carlosandresvelezflorez641]

Great reviews!! Are you plan to make a review of the Forbidden Dreadnought?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. We don’t carry forbidden at the shop so I won’t be able to make it happen.

[@byronb8711]

I've been seeing a lot of comments about Transition's paint quality (not good, chips very easily etc.). Did you find this to be true in your testing? Is the paint any more fragile than other bikes?

[@bikersedge]

That's not something I pay all that much attention to. I owned a Sentinel for a year and a half and had no issues with paint.

[@chingerzz123123123]

One thing that wasn't mentioned in this is the difference in toptube length. The sentinel has a shorter than average TT length which I think contributes to its all mountain ride feel despite its agressive geo.

[@bikersedge]

The reach is 501 in the XL I rode. That’s the length you feel while descending. TT is a tricky one to measure bikes by these days. It’s also more of an indication of the seated position feel rather than standing and descending.

[@michaelfrymus]

The spire seems to be what Im looking for...I think? Im in for the down and more rugged terrain, but not all the time. I still do ride average trails with friends who aren't as experienced. I still do uphill too, but I don't care about that stuff as it brutal no matter what... Im considering the Sentinel, but I feel as though it may not be as enduro as what Im looking for? Im still newish, still learning, but looking for something that I can still use for drops and jumps, but also narrow trails. So, now I'm not sure if the Sentinel is good. I feel like I'll want something that will be able to tackle the more nasty terrain as I love that. Wish I could test both before buying, but that's not really possible :/

[@_fra91]

I'm a happy owner of a Sentinel v2 since november '21. It's just great, climbs well (i like to climb gnarly sections even if not needed) and downhill it's like a train. I don't really need to "choose the right line", even when i'm on unknown trails or in new bike parks i'm pretty confident that this bike can handle everything even if i'm not ready for it. Some friends ride the Spire where i ride the Sentinel, and it's just bigger and maybe a little bit calmer (i hope it is, due to its dimensions). I think the Sentinel is more fun and easier on climbs and techy descends than the Spire, and it will demand maybe more effort/concentration on big jumps and rock gardens than the Spire needs. On the other side, the Spire could be too much of a bike on regular trails (maybe blue ones), and it should shine on big jumps, rock gardens and really fast sections, being more forgiving. tldr - Both of them will handle EVERYTHING, maybe in slightly different ways!

[@truambar]

A comparison between the spire and the new megatower would be a nice follow up to this video 😅

[@bikersedge]

Already in the works. It’s going to be a full enduro showdown. Mega, Spire, Rallon and Altitude

[@fueledbycoffee1455]

@@bikersedge can’t wait! 👍

[@Connor_WK]

You mentioned an enduro showdown in another comment. Any plans to include the Norco Range vs the Spire/other bikes?

[@bikersedge]

We aren't going to be able to include the Range. We have the Altitude, Spire, Megatower and Rallon

[@dakotakirby5673]

Wish you guys carried evil. Would love to hear your thoughts on it for St. George, it’s my favorite bike currently and i owned a sentinel v2

[@garzzagear4719]

If you still had your spur and were looking at these as a second bike which would you choose for your area? Is there a big enough gap between the spur and sentinel? Or at that point just go big? Thanks!

[@bikersedge]

There’s a huge gap between the Spur and sentinel. And obviously an even bigger gap between it and the spire. Personally I’d probably go Spur and sentinel for my riding style.

[@garzzagear4719]

@@bikersedge thanks for the reply!

[@GregorBlacksmith]

If I was going to buy a large Sentinel or medium Spire, would the Spire make more sense (nearly the same wheelbase)

[@bikersedge]

Even with the same wheelbase they’d still be very different bikes. I wouldn’t recommend downsizing in a spire just because it has more travel. It’s designed to be longer so the WB should be longer.

[@GregorBlacksmith]

@ Thank you for your reply

[@BikeIntelligencer]

Thanks for doing this! Are both of these bikes yours, or were they supplied by Transition? Also any thoughts on comparing either of these bikes to others in their category, like Ibis or Norco or Santa Cruz. With so many bikes to choose from in both of these categories, it would be useful to all of us shoppers. I always appreciate reviews that compare bikes with other bikes rather than just talking about one bike in isolation, good on ya!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it. The Sentinel was mine and the Spire belongs to a buddy. We have a full enduro showdown in the works. Stay tuned.

[@lazylearner967]

@@bikersedge Can't wait to see the showdown! Will you compare the Rallon to the Sentinel in tight single track? (think upper Mueller)

[@bikersedge]

@@lazylearner967 haven’t ridden that but I’ll make sure to compare them across a wide variety of terrain.

[@kowskis]

What tube holder is that mounted on upper frame? Looking to get one for my Sentinel

[@bikersedge]

Wolf tooth b rad bracket

[@Saelenkmith]

Im 5'10 150 lbs right in between the sizing M or L for the sentinel it will be my first full suspension bike should I go with the medium or the large?

[@bikersedge]

I steer clear of giving out specific size advice over the internet. If you can’t find one to sit on, go watch out what size bike should I buy video and then compare it with Transitions size charts.

[@concrerto]

You like low / no rise bars? I go back and forth on which one I like..

[@bikersedge]

Not particularly. I had to borrow the Spire to do the review. If it was mine I’d run a standard rise bar.

[@filipvaclavovsky7405]

Hi there, is alloy spire still good for pedaling?

[@bikersedge]

The alloy one with have the same pedaling characteristics as the carbon one. It will just be a bit heavier.

[@mikeborges31]

hi im 180 cm what do you think if i buy size M for less whellbases ? really hard bike i have a pivot who is a race bike

[@bikersedge]

I steer clear of giving out specific size advice over the internet. I’d refer you to a test ride and size chart. The thought is sizing down for less wheelbase isn’t the way I’d go though unless you’re between sizes. The wheelbase is long for a reason. It was designed to be that way. Sizing down is going to change how the bike was intended.

[@ReylanReario]

Can I use 180mm Travel front fork on a Sentinel? I'm planning to get one and use my old fork.

[@bikersedge]

That’s going to make it really slack. Personally I wouldn’t. I’d just get a 160mm air prong for you old fork. It’s cheap and easy. It is something you’re probably want to check with Transition in as well.

[@ReylanReario]

@@bikersedge That's what exactly I'm thinking, and would it affect when climbing.thanks so much!

[@kaylorperatt4026]

Do you think the sentinel would pair well with a 170 zeb? Or would it end up being pretty imbalanced?

[@bikersedge]

I wouldn’t. Is plenty slack as is.

[@kaylorperatt4026]

@@bikersedge was mostly just wanting to overfork one for the extra travel... debating between this or a spire for a second bike to my T429 enduro. The spire is just sooooooooooo long lol. Espeically in the XL with the 453 chainstay.

[@Wiroe]

A sentinel is high on my list for a next bike

[@bikersedge]

As it should be

[@Bluelights17]

Are their riding characteristics that different or do you really have to tune in to tell a difference? Ive currently got a spire alloy (relatively light build at 35.8 pounds) that i love, however, its definitely too much bike for 90% of my riding. But, I needed a do it all bike from basic trail riding to multiple DH park days. I am, however, considering selling my frame and going for a sentinel frame and swapping my parts. Just not sure if it will be worth my time and effort or if I should just keep the spire.

[@bikersedge]

They are different enough that even a casual observer would be able to distinguish between them.

[@LastAphelion]

What did you decide to do?

[@Bluelights17]

@@LastAphelion I actually went to a guerrilla gravity smash. My spire has alignment issues and I’m currently waiting for a new front triangle

[@LastAphelion]

@@Bluelights17 Yo what made you pick the Smash? I'd have an even harder time finding one of those to try lol

[@Jsebs]

How about a comparison between the Patrol and the Sentinel? They look so close but so different at the same time. I’ve been debating this on my own for quite a while now, plz help!! 😂 nice review thanks

[@bikersedge]

If I can get my hands on a patrol I’ll make it happen. It might prove difficult.

[@Jsebs]

@@bikersedge haha totally! Actually, I pulled the trigger on a Patrol a few month ago but as you obviously know, it’s not showing up so that’s where the Sentinel/Patrol debate initiated! (A brand new frame is sitting at the dealer and waving at me to be built) But thanks anyway

[@bikersedge]

@@Jsebs if you have one available right now I wouldn’t sleep on it no matter which one it is. Ha. Take what you can get.

[@patrickwoods2165]

For what it's worth, I loved both the Sentinel and Patrol when I demo'd them. I was looking for a 29er, but the Patrol could have been my choice. The lowest-spec alloy Sentinel beat out other 29ers that cost 2-3x as much - Pivot Firebird, Yeti SB150, Guerilla Gravity Smash, Scott Ransom, Santa Cruz Megatower, Ibis Ripmo V1. (I know they're not all exactly in the same category, but the Transition Spire hadn't been released at that time.) I ended up going with the 2021 Rocky Mountain Instinct/Altitude which I love, but the Sentinel was the only other 29er I tried that felt great to me. Between the Patrol and the Sentinel, if both are available to you I would suggest trying to demo them and feel the differences. If only one is available and you're ready to buy a bike, as Conor said, don't wait on it!

[@Jsebs]

@@patrickwoods2165 Thanks for your comments. In fact, I did grab a Sentinel 2 days ago :)) Local shop agreed on skinning another bike to dress up this Sentinel frame set for me (big thumbs up for that) Had my first ride yesterday and I i was pretty stoked. So now that my legs are recovering from this first ride, i just have to dial in the suspension cuz the bike was sucking up everything. Comfortable for sure, but dead! Gotta make this thing alive… Going over a sh*** load of Fox38 set up guides as we speak!

[@crazyeyes7821]

I ride a lot of the same trails as you and mostly watch these videos just to see where you're riding. I can identify just about everything in this one except for some of the fast flow through those aspens. Where'd you film that?

[@utahjohn5480]

Looked like Red Bull (Ski Team/Ski School)

[@crazyeyes7821]

@@utahjohn5480 yup caught that one but not the section at 5:40

[@bikersedge]

@@crazyeyes7821 Mojave

[@crazyeyes7821]

@@bikersedge oh shit of course lol rode that Friday

[@bikersedge]

@@crazyeyes7821 haha. You’re just probably not used to seeing it so slow.

[@joshjohnson5902]

Need to try the Spire in mullet form for us shorter riders!

[@bikersedge]

Tall guy does not compute

[@destreal]

Is that a carbon stem?

[@bikersedge]

On the Spire, yes.

[@Nunes929]

Did you ever tried a v1 Sentinel?

[@bikersedge]

I didn’t.