Is It Too Big? // Transition Spire Alloy First Ride and Impressions

After finally getting my new frameset built up, we're taking the Transition Spire Alloy out for its maiden ride. It's a pretty mellow ride since its a completely new bike, and I've been off the bike all winter, but we get enough seat time for a proper take on how this bike is going to ride!
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[@swankysnail]

Don't worry about the weight man. I recently switched to a alloy sentinel and it's a lot heavier than I'm used to. First few months were pretty savage but the beauty is you just get stronger. Strava climb times are just as comparable to my old 2kg lighter bike nowadays and I don't have any issues clearing the tough climbs in my area. The extra weight feels very good decending too.

[@TheShredist]

Oh ya, I'm leaving the build as is. I've always gone with the motto of just needing bigger leg muscles, not a lighter bike!

[@mattsun9765]

@@TheShredist If I was worried about weight, I'd stop eating donuts!!

[@poshpickle9024]

Even my carbon sentinel with carbon rims is heavy on paper, but like you said, it feels like a cloud on the downhills. Love the videos man

[@NerdsonDirtMTB]

Love my Spire AL, shes got some weight but on the trail you can't even tell!

[@huntersihelp]

Wow! Just came for the review and was surprised to see you're on beacon!

[@dennispikephotography]

I rode a buddies Transition for about 30 seconds once. It was the most playful bike I have ever been on. I immediately bunny hopped it higher than I ever have on my bike. Next bike for me is a transition for sure.

[@kaseykohler1490]

I had the opposite experience haha. Horses for courses eh?

[@nebg4026]

The fact that you hopped on and it looked like it felt like home is a big win!

[@paulwintermute1495]

Love the new bike man! Awesome choice 👏 Transition has been killing it lately. Looking forward to your continuing videos this summer on the new bike!

[@boatbikemike8571]

I just built up my first AL bike in years too. Reeb Sqweeb V3. I’m running two wheelsets, dt Swiss 1700 w Vittoria Mazza for park, and a local builders carbon wheel with Vittoria Martello for trail. 34.5lb in trail mode lol.

[@Intentsrig]

Yeah I have a deore build and absolutely love it!

[@AFugax]

Cool to see that Beacon and Sekani have some riding available already. Still in snowboarding mode, but if the skill hill is lacking….may be worth the drive over to Spokane from Montana! Looks like a nice build!

[@TheShredist]

You may have to wait now, were about to get a bunch of precipitation lol 😭

[@AFugax]

@@TheShredist yeah…I just saw that! It will be a while for us too here in the Kalispell area!

[@TheShredist]

I really want to get over there and ride Spencer, I hear great things!

[@superawesomefuntimego]

Great Bike! Love the look and geo of the Spire. If I had not bought a V3 Wreckoning, it was on my short list. Looking forward to hearing about your impressions once you have more time on it.

[@bmaclaps]

Dude you make those sketchy features at Beacon look easy! Wouldn't worry too much about the weight. It will make you a stronger rider.

[@Musicandbikes848]

Great choice on bike bro! I just got the carbon spire and I freaking LOVE it. Stoked to hear such a great review on this bike. Enjoy it

[@ap1reviewsadventures96]

Glad your back on the bike!

[@steveo_bikes]

Love the bike/vid and don't worry about the weight I climb a 37lb Kona process 153 with a tannus insert in the rear the bike is amazing and pedals so well you don't notice the weight after a few weeks of riding it steady

[@snbsmtb]

Sick Riding Dude!! Great video Dude!!

[@TheJaceriley]

Must have got to beacon just before the snow. I was waiting for the mud to mostly go away and it looks like you caught it on the perfect day.

[@TheShredist]

This was like the day before the snow hit again lol

[@mikeks81]

Great vid and glad to see you on a bike again! I've been looking at this bike as well but I'm split on the sizing. How tall are you and what size did you end up going with?

[@TheShredist]

I got a size large and I'm right at 6 foot. Fits perfectly.

[@SemiSendy]

Tranny team! Heck yeah, Jim! I'm loving my new Sentinel as well. I was worried the Spire would be just too much for me, but I'd love to give it a spin. Your build is incredibly beautiful. Stoked to see all of your future content on it.

[@aaronwaderides7209]

Yes very nice bike maybe add a another wheel set for it to swap out that’s what I did.

[@Opinimazu]

The position of your right breaking leaver made me crazy! :D

[@TheShredist]

Haha, me too

[@bikingwithryan5968]

I went from a carbon medium size canyon to a xl Marin alpine trail Xr which is alloy. Decent weight difference but I find I can still throw it around just as much.

[@EnlistedTrailHeads]

Yeewww!!! That bike looks awesome. Future Transition x Polygon throw down vid????

[@kaseykohler1490]

my 38 lbs Ripmo AF is comically heavy without cushcore or dh tires. that is with exo+ in the back and exo in the front. Compared to other "heavy bikes" my bike is very extra in the weight department. I basically just do not ride that bike on flat trails because it just does not work well in those situations.

[@bikeninja956]

Ibis Ripmo's are that heavy?? wtf, I thought they were touted as trail demons...?

[@JustaWagon]

This is current conditions at Beacon? Man, I'm a few hours east of you with no rideable trails. I might have to make a trip over, looks sick!

[@TheShredist]

Needs a couple weeks after this next storm, but I'm thinking it'll be rideable mid March!

[@chrisrobson2203]

Beautiful bike!

[@adamsiler4766]

Fantastic bike fore sure! Great video as always! 👊👊

[@scottdouglas76]

Nice ride! Love your content, keep it up!

[@dash0173]

I was torn between this bike and the new norco range. I ended up getting the range because I plan on getting another bike to cover the lighter trail riding stuff. I have heard amazing things about both bikes but the range definitely is one level deeper into the "dh" category. it does not climb super well, regardless of what anyone says lol. it is heavy and beefy but man, the MOMENT you point downhill, its like you have a rocket booster behind you. I am happy with my choice but i am also slightly regretful because i'm going to have to deal with the chunky bike until i can get a short travel trail bike for everyday rides

[@nosreuter]

Unbelievable how poppy it seems, even with a coil, how is that possible..? It's really not okay clearing things easily like that after being laid on the couch for months 👿 I bet it will feel a lot faster to pedal getting those legs back and the trails drying up! 🚀 Btw, still can't get over how awesome these local trails look 🤘

[@TheShredist]

Its pretty nuts. Transition did something special but I don't know how lol. I'm excited to get back into riding shape and spend more time on these awesome local trails! I'm sure the wet added to the climbing drag for sure. 💧⚓

[@markhite855]

Totally created more drag

[@charles_1523]

ᵗʰᵃᵗˢ ʷʰᵃᵗ ˢʰᵉ ˢᵃᶦᵈ

[@Rid3thePiggy]

I'm sure the 'tank' will be amazing at Silver!

[@TheShredist]

I'm looking forward to riding it there!

[@thepedalsadvocate7389]

Love this bike.....

[@pablosbiking]

Can you do more videos with the commencal hardtail please? So glad to see you posting more

[@TheShredist]

Unfortunately we sold that bike. I do have another awesome hardtail joining the fleet soon though!

[@pablosbiking]

So excited! Cheers

[@boneheadfish7893]

What happened with Polygon?

[@markhite855]

Cool bike. Maybe I should get one

[@TheShredist]

You should, then we could wear matching jerseys too.

[@Yedmike31]

Subbed! Awesome video, i have a few questions about the bike. I’m actually torn between getting a sentinel or a spire, also torn between getting it in carbon or aluminum. If you could go back, would you have chosen a carbon frame? Does the spire feel like a good bike to have as your one and only bike, especially weighing in at 35+ lbs? Or would you recommend a lighter or slightly shorter travel bike like the sentinel? It’s nice to find a review of really any transition bike that is from a consumer’s standpoint.

[@TheShredist]

I personally would always choose the alloy version. They're bulletproof so I don't worry about hairline fractures, and especially with today's bike climate, having to deal with a frame warranty. I think this is going to make a great daily driver, but the sentinel might be a little better of a choice for an only bike. My buddy is getting one so I'll be doing a comparison video between the two if he let's me ride his bike lol. I can see the spire being over biked on easier trails, but its still a blast for its size!

[@Yedmike31]

@@TheShredist That answers a lot of my questions, thank you. I’ve seen a lot of people rave about how the maneuverability and liveliness of the spire, but with it’s long chainstay and wheelbase, do you think its a good bike to ride in flowy single track?

[@Yedmike31]

Also, do u think the weight of an alloy frame would effect it’s snappyness negatively compared to a carbon bike?

[@TheShredist]

I mean this bike will ride flowy single-track great, you'll just want to go mach 5 lol. Without riding a carbon model next to this al, its hard to speak to a comparison in ride feel, but I will say this al frame is far snappier than any other al framed bike I've been on.

[@bikeninja956]

Jim, where are you riding here? terrain and topo's looks soooo awesome...**EDIT, I see from the comments = Beacon Hill...nice! not even close lol :)

[@user-oi5ik2ev9l]

I recently ser the Spire alloy with a Dvo Jade X as well! How much do you weigh? How many pounds spring are you riding and what is the bladder pressure you use? Please let me know. I am a bit lost and struggle to get it right.

[@workhorsemtb7075]

Great!

[@jessetinkler3667]

awesome bike! I am always jealous of these rocky open trails you are riding! Are they in the Boise area?

[@TheShredist]

They're actually in Spokane WA 🤘

[@EvanShowsMTB]

Sick video dude, where are these trails??

[@paqcyn5812]

great video, where are you riding where there isnt any snow?? im so jealous

[@TheShredist]

Don't worry, the snow definitely came back lol

[@michaelmann3636]

Why did you hit the squealers before the step up😂

[@themtbchannel116]

Nice vid! Where about do you live that you have no snow in February, I wish I had no snow lol

[@TheShredist]

We're in North Idaho, but the snow came back with a vengeance. Currently not riding again lol

[@themtbchannel116]

@@TheShredist Well at least you got some riding in! Where I’m at in British Columbia we probably still have a month before we can go riding which I’m bummed about cause I got a new bike

[@TheShredist]

I know the pain! I'm hoping we'll be back in the trail in a couple weeks 🤘

[@themtbchannel116]

@@TheShredist So do I!

[@HectMO]

I might have missed it in the vid, but what kind of coil shock setup you have on your bike? Im looking to get a coil shock for mine

[@jadeloff5557]

Where are these trails at?!?!? They look dreamy! 🤤

[@durtyt4770]

Beacon Hill in Spokane Wa.

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Nice first shack down ride. Definitely looks like she wants to eat all the chunk and just give her on the downs.

[@mr1982davies]

think you converted me to purchasing a spire

[@glenncameron3065]

Hi do you have a specific tune on your Jade X? Transition don't have a specific tune for DVO but said maybe go LL the same as the Rockshox coils they fit to their bikes?

[@mtbtim]

Are your brakes at different positions as a preference ? Or as a “I didn’t notice and now I can’t I see it”?

[@TheShredist]

I think I bumped the lever in the lot and didn't notice because I definitely remember fixing it halfway through lol

[@sthr2110]

Weight schmeight...I own a Foes Mutz (full suspension fat bike) and it's the most enjoyable bike I've ever ridden...also weighs more than any other high end bike I've had.

[@hardtailhenry1405]

what happened to the ski bike? also that is a sweet bike

[@mikepal2002]

How would you compare it to the Capra you had? I don’t have enough time on my Spire to want to sell my Capra yet.

[@TheShredist]

I like the progressive suspension curve a lot more than the capra so far. Having a bottle cage doesn't hurt either! I definitely need more time on it still, but I'm leaning towards this spire so far.

[@mikepal2002]

Cheers! Great taste in bikes btw! 😀

[@christieman4001]

I’m also curious about this when you get a bit more time on it, they seem to be very similarly focused!

[@jessesisco2841]

How do you feel it compares to the Siskiu T8? Not in terms of components, but overall feel while riding, playfulness, maneuverability, climbing etc?

[@TheShredist]

It feels more capable as far as suspension. Geo isn't a terribly far departure from the t8, but you do feel more upright pedaling on the spire. T8 is a faster climber, but the spire is just an absolute monster going downhill.

[@roryennis96943]

Micheal Scott after seeing the title of this video...said THATS WHAT SHE SAID!

[@michaelmann3636]

I’m planning on getting one, but am debating on size. I’m 6-3 and it puts me on the end of the range for a large and mid range for a xl. I want it to be somewhat playful, but want it stable on the downhills. What do you ride and suggest ❓

[@TheShredist]

I'm 6 foot and on the large. I wouldn't go any sizes smaller for myself because this bike already seems playful for its size. Saying that, at 6'3" the large may be a bit on the small side. If you're right in the middle of the xl sizing guide, if it were me, thats the size I would go for!

[@Livinthelife5116]

Are you planning on racing the hubapalooza in April? I just signed up for the dh 🏁

[@TheShredist]

I'm currently signed up for the enduro, I have some drs appointments that will determine if I do or not though. I hope to be there!

[@Livinthelife5116]

@@TheShredist that stinks, hope you can make it though!!

[@chaseblaisdell1402]

Are you keeping the polygon? Don't get me wrong love me s transition the polygons just have a Hole different vibe to them

[@TheShredist]

Polygons are getting sold, I can't justify holding onto them unfortunately. Sad but necessary!

[@GeorgeLoch]

Okay, naive question. Is this an okay 'only bike' build if it's a mixture of climb and DH?

[@TheShredist]

It is, definitely a bit on the big side though. I haven't ridden one yet, but I would guess for a true "only" bike, the Sentinel would be a better choice. I ride a lot of park which is why I went this route.

[@neaaat5545]

What is the riding location called

[@ark530abe]

I like overkill bikes!

[@TheShredist]

#overbikedforlife

[@claytonjessup6163]

That’s awesome to hear !! I am looking at this one or Patrol for a upgrade from my hardtail . Do you recommend!!

[@TheShredist]

I do! I got the spire over the patrol because I'm interested in racing, if you're interested more in fun than speed, maybe go for the patrol. Depends on what you want to do i suppose.

[@claytonjessup6163]

@@TheShredist ok that’s very good to know ! Thank you so much for the input ! Very nice build !

[@bikeninja956]

@@TheShredist why would the spire be better for racing? 2x29"?

[@soupbums]

So when is transition going to produce an ebike version of the patrol ......NEVER!!!

[@coletonmccoy]

Are you not sponsored by polygon anymore?

[@tweaker_on_a_bike9809]

I can ride it?

[@bikingintheyard5848]

Is It Too Big? Is That What She Said?

[@janeblogs324]

Show the darn bike for more than 3 seconds

[@TheShredist]

Check out my build video of it!

[@janeblogs324]

@@TheShredist link it for sure!

[@fencep]

less pov please.

[@TheShredist]

I'm thinking the opposite!

[@macbirdracing]

@@TheShredist more pov please.

[@TheShredist]

@@macbirdracing I like your style