Transition Spire Review: A Cloud With Wheels

[@milan98h10]

I greatly appreciate that you do not use clickbait titles or "yelling emotional face thumbnails". Just bike photo, its name and word "review". Perfect. Also your very calm "to the point" presentation is great.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words. I’m a pretty big introvert so the thought of doing a big surprised face thumbnail makes me want to gag.

[@mosquitofleetfishing6599]

This is one of the best reviews I’ve seen on this bike. I just bought one with an Aluminum frame and it is big, slack, and a little heavy. As you pointed out, it doesn’t ride as big and slack uphill as it is and not as heavy downhill or on a jump line. Going from a hardtail to a Spire is really weird because of the pedaling efficiency on flat ground, but up chunky tech lines, the Spire climbs better because of the suspension allowing that rear tire to pop over the terrain. It’s really a well rounded enduro bike that excels in most categories.

[@bikersedge]

I wish I had more time on the Spire. It’s a really interesting bike. Super slack and rowdy but somehow doesn’t feel like too much bike very often.

[@mosquitofleetfishing6599]

@@bikersedge I’m still getting used to it and building confidence in it. I have trust issues with new bikes and traction but the harder I push this bike, the better it seems to do its job. Little chattery bumps just go away on it which is what I like the most. It eats up the high speed impacts and just muscles through big low speed impacts. I’ve definitely been re-learning how to ride on this monster.

[@pilgrimbob5537]

I'm really surprised with the amount of content you have been putting out lately. Especially for these newer long travel bikes that are pretty new to the market. Your videos are quickly becoming the best source of reviews and comparisons for bikes I'm interested in. Keep it up!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words! Glad you like the videos.

[@hansentt]

Best bike reviewer in the game! So much more comprehensive than most of the MTB media brands. Thank you!

[@bikersedge]

Rad! Thanks for the kind words!

[@nl3712]

This was a top notch review - much better than some of the big name reviewers on KZbin. Well done!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words. Really appreciate that.

[@mikegeddie2263]

I think a lot of bike companies are way off on their sizing. Transition seems spot on. I’m 5’9…10 ish and demoed the medium and large sentinel on the exact same loop. The medium was much better and stable because I could control it. The medium spire would be spot on for me.

[@brandonarch2906]

Road the Spire, loved it. Bought the Patrol and think I love it more. Would be curious to hear what your opinions would be on the Patrol vs Spire.

[@bikersedge]

If I can get my hands on a patrol I’ll do it.

[@mauimaxmtb2154]

what do you like about the patrol over the spire? im deciding between the 2

[@rosshannigan663]

I got the patrol because it felt like everyone on the planet is getting a spire so I thought it would be more fun to get something just a tad bit different just for fun.

[@chazmann749]

I've been waiting for mine for more months than I care to count...This review just helped me stay patient a little bit more!

[@bikersedge]

We’re in the same boat. Should be soon hopefully.

[@Cbagz795]

Have you received your bike yet?

[@chazmann749]

@@Cbagz795 Yeah, got it a month or so ago!

[@Cbagz795]

AWESOME!! Can’t get them down under. Treat her well.

[@BengLang84]

That is a beautiful ground hugging machine! Great review as always! 😊👍

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words. Glad you liked it.

[@waynephilbert]

I've watched a few of your reviews and I must say I'm really enjoying your take on the bikes you ride. What helps make your content so relatable is that you're not trying to be the "raddest rider ever", and it also helps that you're above the regular rider stature + weight. Subscribed! Also, have you ridden the Dreadnought and what did you think of it?

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! I haven’t ridden the Dreadnought. Looks cool though.

[@AngelMendoza-jr3bv]

Yes!! 🙌🏽, finally the Spire review. This bike gives you super powers on the SoCal dusty, loose chunk. “For those looking to try and hit corners faster, find faster lines”. Accurate 👌🏽

[@jjshredsleds4847]

😂 I appreciate what you do and this may be my next bike hahaha

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! It may be mine too.

[@rodolforubio1824]

Nice review dude Those rockytrack are insane , you are crazy bro. Im still between the spire or the sentinel I don't know which one to buy on one hand I like the sentinel for numbers, and the other hand I like the spire for the travel , do you really feel a big difference between this two? Thanks man Cheers

[@geo22003]

Hi there ​ @Bikers Edge , i only have one question...If you ride both allmountain type trails AND the nustier ones , and had the option for only one bike, whould you change your Sentinel for the Spire or you would proceed to pump up the Senti (coil, 38s etc)? P.S. - Money is not an issue Cheers🍻🍻

[@bikersedge]

I rode everything on my Sentinel last year. I ran mine with a Zeb but preferred it with the air shock vs the coil. I don’t think there’s much that bike cant handle.

[@geo22003]

@@bikersedge answer well received and i couldnt agree with you more 🙏🤜🤛

[@bitumen83]

Great video and awesome bike. Keep up with good work!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words.

[@drosslander4369]

Another great review Connor. Thank you!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the kind words.

[@legosetreview137]

Nice review again. Was looking forward to it since I have one coming soon. Your Megatower v2 review was maybe a little more positive or was that a result of the trails being in much better shape? I dig the bike comparisons you make at the end, helps to get a picture of the bikes performance a bit more completely. Spire sure seems like a great bike to fill that niche of park/enduro/gnar bike.

[@bikersedge]

I like them both a lot. I think the Spire is just a bit burlier and the mega is a bit more well rounded.

[@legosetreview137]

@@bikersedge Nice! It will be my third (potentially fourth) bike so I don't really need it to be well rounded. Just needs to fulfill that niche of enduro/park bike very well.

[@bikersedge]

@@legosetreview137 spire would do better in the really rough stuff. It’s longer and slacker.

[@paulhoagland2396]

Hi. Great review. I have a carbon Smuggler and I want to get a Spire as a second bike. My question is if it was your money would you get a Carbon GX or Alloy GX Spire? I plan to use the Spire more for shuttling and shorter climb days and burly descents. Everyone says it climbs very well. Will I end up just riding the Spire most of the time and wish I got the lighter carbon version? Thanks.

[@bikersedge]

We did a very similar video with a GX Carbon vs NX Alloy Sentinel. Go check that out. Might help you make a decision.

[@Chris-505]

I noticed the spire had a down tube protector, interested in getting one for my sentinel. Where can I get the same protector from? Thank you!

[@bikersedge]

Edit: It comes with it. I’d hit up Transition to see if they can get you one for your Sentinel.

[@benwigginsbikes]

I ended up buying a carbon Spire back in May. Its a really loud bike over successive small bumps like roots and rocks. Was your test bike that loud? I have had everything checked on it but it just sounds clanky.....

[@Mjmarusic]

Really solid reviewing mate. Great break down. Would like to see you ride the commencal meta am 29. See what your thoughts are

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Glad you liked it. With them being direct to consumer and us being a bike shop we won’t be able to make it happen.

[@claytonjessup6163]

Great video like always !! This has been a video I have been waiting for. I was wondering will you all be doing a review on the transition patrol any time soon ?

[@claytonjessup6163]

This for real ?

[@MitchellHanson-t7x]

What storage kit do you have bolted on the top tube? Looking for the same on my sentinel. Thanks

[@bikersedge]

Wolf tooth b rad bracket. Random old saddle bag.

[@justinsaxe4218]

Just curious which you think would make a better enduro race bike the spire or the megatower. I have the spire and love it only problem is that it got hit by semi, and need to replace it with a new spire or the mega v2 which wasn’t an option when I bought the spire

[@bikersedge]

Depends on the tracks. In Utah most of our enduro races have a fair bit of pedally sections. The Megatower would be better there. The spire will do better in even tougher terrain.

[@justinsaxe4218]

@@bikersedge thanks, I ended up picking up a megatower yesterday. Took it for a shake down ride straight from the shop. I found out later the tire pressure was really high at 35 psi but other than that it was dialed. It feels a little more nimble than the spire and yes pedals very efficiently, jumps pretty nice to but I landed front wheel first a couple times maybe my error or needs a little suspension tweaking. I do feel like the gnarler trails the spire would shine a little more.

[@pawneveryknight]

Great breakdown as always bud! Hey how does it compare to the Norco sight?

[@bikersedge]

It’s been so long since I’ve ridden the Sight. I’d say the Sight is more like the sentinel.

[@mrfaffer-c3q]

I got the sentinel now but looking to upgrade I race quite a bit but love big peddle days 4-6k 20-35 miles kinda so new mega or spire thoughts ??

[@bikersedge]

Man if you’re doing big pedal days I’d say stick with the sentinel.

[@stevenjam7119]

Would love to see you review a 2021 Knolly Chilcotin! I ride the XL chilcotin but Ive been looking at the spire as new bike since they come in XXL and alloy. Looking at numbers would sentinel or spire make more sense to the chilcotin?

[@bikersedge]

Haven’t ridden the knolly. We don’t carry them at the shop. Won’t be able to get one to try.

[@thegriff9425]

Another great review. I can’t ever see myself on a bike that big. HOWEVER, and I hate when other people post comments not about the current video - your video on the Sentinal has me inspired - but torn - are you able to compare ride at all between the sentinal and the Stumpjumper EVO? would really appreciate feedback on that topic if you have any.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. We don’t carry specialized. Can’t really say how they compare.

[@beaproforever6677]

nice video bro!! witch one is a better climber? range or spire? what do you think? thanks!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. I think the Spire is better uphill.

[@beaproforever6677]

how tall are you? i dont know witch one i sould take :) M or L. I'm 180cm and i want a fun bike :) thanks a lot and all the best!

[@bikersedge]

I’m 6’2” on an XL. I don’t think I’d recommend the spire for someone looking for a fun and playful bike. It’s a monster truck.

[@richarddonnagriffin7369]

Great review! Im 6’2” 240 would you recommend a large or XL? Thanks!!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. I avoid giving. Our specific size advice over the internet. It’s a bit of a crapshoot. I’m also 6’2” and rode an XL if that helps. A test ride or demo will always be best though.

[@richarddonnagriffin7369]

@@bikersedge thank you for the reply!

[@DiegoHenaoV]

Currently on a Bronson V3 and looking to get a 29er. I live in Colorado and do everything from local trails to park on it. Wouldn’t mind keeping my Bronson and just adding a 29er to the quiver. Would you recommend spire or megatower? Also looking at the sentinel. Kind of a hard decision lol

[@bikersedge]

I’m not too familiar with your trails so it’s tough to give too much more input in addition to the general comparison I made between those two in this video.

[@jacobd8826]

Hey man, I saw your comment and was curious if you pulled the trigger on getting a 29er? I'm also on a Bronson v3. My buddy rides a Megatower, and it's def more confidence inspiring. The Bronson is a ton of fun on the right trails, but really gnarly stuff becomes like high stress survival mode for me. I think either the Spire or Megatower would be my next bike. I just picked up a Spire on closeout for my son who has an older 27.5 Patrol right now. He's going to be so stoked and I won't be able to keep up with him any more. I barely can now anyway.

[@DiegoHenaoV]

@@jacobd8826 hey man! I ended up going with a V4 Bronson. MX is great! I use it for local trails and bike park. It was fun with everything I threw at it.

[@waldchiller4695]

Experience any rattle? Cant seem to track it down have foam on the dropper cable and everything.

[@bikersedge]

Weird. It was dead quiet for me. My sentinel has always been really quiet too. A guy was complaining about the spire rattle on here a few days ago. Don’t know if he ever found a solution.

[@mr.godsent6990]

Can you compare the spire with the canyon strive or is it not really made for enduro races?

[@bikersedge]

I haven't ridden the Strive. Can't say.

[@ryebread4374]

Which trail is this? Same trail you rode with the mega tower. Near Ogden?

[@bikersedge]

In SLC. Quarry trail.

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Nice, plush bike but way too long! I am going with either the Megatower or the Rallon for a do everything long travel bike! Please, test ride the new Cannondale Moterra LT2, looks awesome! Keep up the good work!

[@bikersedge]

It’s for sure long but it the right terrain that’s what make the bike so capable.

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Rallon climbs really well, handling feels more agile and pops well. Mega still climbs pretty good, dh feels like your on a plush tank that mows everything in sight.

[@chrisfaessen1417]

What spare tube holder are you rocking on here?

[@bikersedge]

It’s a wolf tooth b rad bracket and strap.

[@vinniemoro257]

where are these trails? look super fun

[@bikersedge]

SLC, UT

[@Perception_]

Dentist: Ok, so what happened here? You: I blasted through a rock garden with my eyes shut. Dentist: I see... Well, how much time you got cause this is going to take a couple weeks to fix...? You: I'm going riding tomorrow... Dentist: Sure lol

[@kristianekstrom3387]

I have been waiting this. Thank you for a great Sunday treat🙏

[@bikersedge]

Any time!

[@dtran1742]

Do you prefer air or coil on the sentinel?

[@bikersedge]

Air. I rode it with a push for a while and ended up going back to air.

[@dtran1742]

@@bikersedge any brand you favour, currently have the float x that comes stock with the alloy version.

[@bikersedge]

@@dtran1742 that float X felt great. I’ve ridden that and the super deluxe and don’t thing there’s really a night and day difference in the overall ride quality with either one.

[@luiseduardonegretenavarret2537]

Sorry, I am from Mexico, when you say: “it feels compose” (maybe I wrote it quit bad), what do you mean? for the context I have an idea, but I am no quit sure!

[@bikersedge]

Serena o calmada.

[@luiseduardonegretenavarret2537]

@@bikersedge Thanks, my new Transition Spire will arrive in two months now!! ☺️

[@bikersedge]

@@luiseduardonegretenavarret2537 of course. You’re going to love the bike.

[@merijn639]

would you recommend this bike for someone who does xc group rides? I know it sounds weird but I go on xc grouprides every saturday with a youth group because its a lot of fun and I have a lot of friends there. I already ride on a commencal meta am there and im not the only one on an enduro. the group I ride with is totally not speed focussed and we're more there for the fun so its not too much pedalling. I want to keep doing them but I outside of those xc rides I always try to ride roughest terrain and bimeparks as that's what I find most fun. hard to find a bike that would do all but I really like what people are saying about the spire so im very curious to know what you think.

[@bikersedge]

The Megatower might suit you better there. It pays less of a penalty on mellow trails.

[@merijn639]

@@bikersedge yes probably. One thing I forgot to mention is that my budget is only 4k so I'd have to go for the alloy spire, and the hightower falls outside of that even at the lowest spec sadly.

[@bikersedge]

That would be a problem then. Ha.

[@merijn639]

@@bikersedge yea sadly, I guess I might want to have a look at the canyon torque or trek slash

[@LastAphelion]

@@merijn639 What did you go with, what you think of it?

[@nicholashines7686]

Watching you climb that rock covered trail made me hurt. I will never need this bike but man it’s a cool looking rig. I will say when I get the itch you have my need for a Transition strong Obi-Wan Kenobi. How often do you guys get Spurs??

[@bikersedge]

Trust me it hurt more climbing it. Ha. Your best bet for up to date inventory is to hit up the webchat feature on our website.

[@AndrewBeveridge461]

I look forward to the flat paint finish fad to go away. You look and them wrong and they scuff. Ride an Evil for more than 2 hours and it has a cable rub at every contact point. Same with this. Gloss paint ftw.

[@bikersedge]

I’m with you on that one. It looks cool but it’s really tough to keep clean.

[@siggma220]

Who makes that tube strap/bag?

[@bikersedge]

Wolf tooth.

[@Coerced]

What's your height? I'm 188cm or 6'2 and right in between L/XL

[@bikersedge]

I’m 6’2”

[@jimm244]

I just bought a Sentinel. I honestly can’t imagine MORE bike. 😂

[@bikersedge]

Same. Ha. The Spire is burly for sure.

[@skiahh]

How's it compare to the Rallon?

[@bikersedge]

Way burlier. Opposite ends of the category.

[@KoenGriess]

Hey man, I’m kinda in the market for a new bike. I am either looking at the Transition spire or the Santa Cruz Megatower. Mostly because they make XXL sizes and I am 6 foot 7. I was wondering which bike you would pick over the other. I live in Washington state and mostly ride tiger mtn and places where you have to climb a lot. I also race enduro. Speaking of which, my current bike is the new specialized enduro. It’s a great bike, just getting a little small. I know you will be doing your enduro showdown, but off the record, if you were to have a good climber, poppy, fast, enduro Machine. What would your pick be out of the the two? Thanks.

[@bikersedge]

I did a small comparison between the new mega and the spire in this video. That should give you an idea for the pros and cons of each.

[@KoenGriess]

Ok thank you

[@bch1309]

Hi, what action cam do you use? Looks very stable!

[@bikersedge]

GoPro Hero 10 with the max lens mod

[@bch1309]

@@bikersedge thanks! Youre also using the chest mount? I'm amazed by the quality of your videos. Great job!

[@bikersedge]

@@bch1309 Thanks! yes. I use the chesty.

[@ridemx323]

Long legged trail bike with an air shock. Single crown DH with a coil.

[@bikersedge]

Would be rad with a dual crown

[@billgeorge8415]

The flat bar is stock on that kind of bike?

[@bikersedge]

No. We borrowed this bike from a friend/customer so I had to run it as is.

[@billgeorge8415]

@@bikersedge lol! Thank god! I was gonna say that was an insane mismatch. Did you find you were kind wanting more rise? Or was the stack height enough?

[@bikersedge]

@@billgeorge8415 that bike is pretty tall to begin with but I’d probably run a standard 20mm rise on it if it was mine.

[@WasntMeMTB]

Did you notice the Spire being lighter than the Megatower V2?

[@bikersedge]

They felt about the same to me. I tend to not weigh my bikes so I wouldn’t know off the top of my head.

[@uradumby25]

Where was this filmed?!

[@uradumby25]

That looked like bobsled in SLC

[@bikersedge]

LCC Utah.

[@RCKING1]

Can you do a geometron g1 or s1??

[@bikersedge]

Unlikely. We don’t carry geometron.

[@sebgamer6512]

How tall are you?

[@bikersedge]

6’2”

[@LEGENDofBEANY]

The Spire eats Quarry for lunch 😎😁

[@bikersedge]

And breakfast. And dinner. And second breakfast.

[@utahjohn5480]

@@bikersedge maybe, but there's a few moves on both Tanners and Quarry which were missed which may be a struggle on that bike.

[@caveirex]

Did you ride it as a mullet?

[@bikersedge]

Nope. Just full 29. Don’t really love the mullet setup.

[@Monyx92]

She thiccccc boiiii … love your vids I picked up the new Megatower V2 thanks to your video 🙌🏼

[@bikersedge]

Rad! Stoked you find them helpful.

[@K1ngJame5-mtb]

Can you do a review on the Specialized Enduro? I know its a few years old but its still a top contender the the current market. Good to compare the 2 year old Enduro to the new norco range, SC Megatower and transition Spire. Love your content by the way!!!!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. We don’t carry specialized. Won’t be able to make it happen

[@djd88s]

Very nice location.

[@bikersedge]

Utah isn’t bad

[@mauimaxmtb2154]

I was hoping you would compare it a bit to the rocky mountain altitude as well

[@bikersedge]

We’ve got the full enduro showdown in the queue. Shouldn’t be long.

[@mauimaxmtb2154]

@@bikersedge Awesome to hear! Thanks!

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

Cannondale ?

[@bikersedge]

Not sure what you’re asking here.

[@OTBkid]

Okay let's see the spire on 720 mil bars, make it twitchy if ya can

[@bikersedge]

I’d rather not. Ha.

[@BobbySchaffer]

beach cruiser handlebars help slack bike climb, Go slacker . 😮

[@kodithebear]

Imagine if it had a motor? 😏

[@mrvwbug4423]

The Repeater is basically that ... kinda

[@bikersedge]

So good.

[@LastAphelion]

I hope the Relay is just this

[@wanderoutdoors6094]

So you've never ridden a downhill bike....ok

[@bikersedge]

I haven’t. Is that a problem?

[@wanderoutdoors6094]

@@bikersedge for a bike reviewer, yeah. Underexposed and missing perspective/experience. Would jump on a few asap

[@bikersedge]

Makes sense. I don't think it takes away from any ability to evaluate a trail, all mountain, enduro bike though.

[@PepperandCaseysRV]

The spire is a noisy pile of shit. I have an XXL spire in excellent condition to sell you if you think otherwise.

[@PepperandCaseysRV]

And it’s my second one that had tons of problems. The first one was a large.

[@bikersedge]

Haha. Those are some bold words. I’ve been rocking a Sentinel for over a year now and it’s still the quietest bike I’ve ever had.

[@AngelMendoza-jr3bv]

Mine made some noise when I first got it, but I just greased the lower shock bolt and add blue lock-tite just to the threads and torque to 12nm. Dead silent for months now.

[@legosetreview137]

Aluminum bikes have issues with cable rattle. Just need to add foam sleeve to take care of that. Carbon has tube in tube routing. One of the issues of all aluminum bikes that have internal routing IMO. My Banshee Titan had same issue.

[@stevenjam7119]

Ive heard a few people say this and seems cable routing is #1, but have read of the bolts and flip chips being out of spec resulting is knocking and noise due to play on shock mount and or pivots