2024 Transition Smuggler Test Ride & Review - The Perfect "Dad Bike"

[@mtbyumyum]

Please join me 2 days from now, here on KZbin for a live stream! Thursday December 12th at 8:00 PM MST. These live streams are a lot of fun so lets hang out, answer any questions you have and just catch up!! Also, todays video is sponsored by Nolly Eyewear: bit.ly/3YfVKzv Click the link and enjoy 25% off and free shipping in the United States! Use promo code: yumyum at check out! I'm done spending $200-$300 on glasses of any kind...

[@johnwilkes9142]

Is there a way to set a reminder for your upcoming live stream?

[@JAFO.]

Just use the alarm in your phone to remind you like 2/3 of the rest of us do - lol

[@johnwilkes9142]

@@JAFO. Luddites Unite!

[@SunsPSD1]

Thanks for the review. I adore my Smuggler. After many high-end modern bikes, I've never liked one as much as this one. I set mine up as a 140/ 150 after plenty of time at the stock 130/ 140 and it really lost nothing as a light duty trail bike while still being seriously capable. And it pedals just so darn well. Such a joy this bike!

[@crankshoptv]

Got mine at 140/150 with a coil. Best bike I've owned, made the jump to 29 from 650 very comfortable

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for weighing in.... Yeah, that's the thing I was most surprised with.... such a fun bike even at more moderate speeds while being super composed at high speeds. Nice balance to this bike!

[@seawalkarrg]

As another Jason in his mid 40’s (but with a dad bod) I agree 100% with your observations. I rented a smuggler and it feels very stable, safe and damped. So I bought a Spur instead! I needed a bit lighter weight bike to get my arse up the climbs afterall

[@mtbyumyum]

haha that's awesome!!

[@D_Allsen]

Just picked up my first pair of Nolly’s! They are sweet! Stoked you are working with such a cool brand.

[@mtbyumyum]

Glad you like them!

[@cjd7866]

I remember a few years ago when you were reviewing the Tallboy you said more than once it would be even better with a Pike on it. As a former Fox fanboy, I bought a Lyrik Ultimate with the “Buttercups” and couldn’t be happier. I would guess the suspension on the Smuggler definitely was a part that added to your enjoyment of the bike.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I think you’re right. I probably need to spend more time on bikes with rockshox I guess🤷‍♂️

[@danielgrafik]

As one dad to another, I'm very much in the same "dad" space, wanted something that feels good and fun on mellow trails, which is what I ride locally, 95% of the time. Went with the "old" Stumpjumper carbon, 130/140 travel. Plenty bike for me.

[@DaveSchneider-r7p]

Gotta weigh in as a grand-dad (78 YOA) who coached NICA high school MTBs until 2 years ago (couldn't keep up with the JVs and after a couple of high speed tumbles my risk/reward ratio changed! 👍). There are so many great trail bikes out there now that speed, the terrain you ride, how/where you ride, etc. all are, as Jason always says, a bit subjective and YOU NEED TO MAKE THE CALL. That said, I'm still the proud owner/rider of a 2017 Santa Cruz Hightower and an Ibis Ripley V4. Heavily influenced by Jason's reviews and by his straight-shooting, no-BS evaluations. PS: Since Rule #1 is FUN ...... in twenty-plus years when you folks become grand-parents, remember that "The bike you enjoy most is the one you ride that day!" 😇

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep, that's an excellent "dad" bike lol honestly tho, it's super zippy and fun to ride... not as much traction when pushed really hard but excellent for blue trails!!

[@nigelhagley8942]

Another great review Jason!!! Something you didnt mention was how it climbs which is pretty important to you and me ha ha.....

[@mtbyumyum]

haha I know.... I normally touch on that and think I just completely forgot.... my excuse..... My wife usually films me and talks to me as we're filming and this time my wife was gone and I had my 12 yr old son film... I blame it on him haha

[@marcid6527]

Great review, great riding! So fast!

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha thanks, it's a fun bike for sure!

[@andrewbowman4012]

Not a 2 years after I get mine they finally add a rubber gasket to keep dirt out of the bottom link 🙃

[@ralphvoit8726]

Good overview. So many solid 'Dad' bikes in that +/- 140 range. I'm rocking a Canyon Neuron and YT Jeffsy into my mid 60s. Happy trails to all!

[@ThomasBjorkman-y6f]

Also can run it at 140 in the rear and throw a 150 lyrik on it and I'm guessing at that point - it will swing even more with the switchy/140/ripmo.

[@pdrawe]

Dont sleep on the Norco Fluid. Such a great "Dad bike" based on your definition. I have a Sentinel and Fluid.

[@mtbyumyum]

I'll have to check it out. thx

[@mkrj2576]

On paper this looks like the perfect trail bike. Thanks for another great review. I hope Transition keeps the frame weight down on this bike and doesn’t go with in frame storage on the next redo. Would love to see full external routing too. That would also shave weight and cost. I have a Spur and the lines on this bike match up well with external routing aesthetically. Besides, many riders are going e shift anyway.

[@mtbyumyum]

The funny thing is, on paper, I was worried about this bike, but on trail I loved it! Go figure🤷‍♂️

[@Wes-o9t]

@@mtbyumyum 78* STA freaked me out, like what are they doing? glad it all works out.

[@sprungmass]

Thanks for the review Jason. I've been waiting to hear your thoughts on the Smuggler. Last year I enjoyed my time on it but decided to sell it and built up one of your favs; Stumpjumper. I find the Stumpy to be more lively and quicker under the pedals. The Smuggler definitely monster trucks down descents better.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I can totally see what you're talking about between the Stumpy (single pivot 130mm) compared to the Smuggler... just different tools for a different job. Glad you're enjoying your sj.... would have loved to try that bike with the new Fox Float shock....

[@jimc5696]

One of my favorite reviewers - but where I ride it is all about 1-3 min climbs and short decent...these videos show riding downhill the whole time. So my questions is - would your recommend this for 'pedally' terrain.... meaning needs to be responsive when climbing. Or would be a Trail 429 be better? I am looking for a bike to complement my pure XC race bike... I tried a SB140 and it was too much bike for my needs.

[@mtbyumyum]

I see what you're saying.... the Smuggler doesn't pedal as well as the T429.... in fact, the SB120 might be a nice complement to your XC bike... both bikes feel more efficient and just over all climb better than the Smuggler... I would say the Smuggler is on par with the SB140, and Ripmo....

[@semper_citius9244]

I replaced my '22 Stumpjumper (carbon single pivot) with a Smuggler a few months ago. My local terrain is mainly tight, pedally XC trails with short punchy climbs and descents. No huge climbs or descents and not much in the way of flow trails. The Stumpy was actually really well-suited to that type of riding, but I also have an Epic Evo and they were too similar to keep both. The Smuggler is definitely not as well suited to my local stuff as the Stumpy was. Less responsive climbing, and a little long/slack in tight twisty singletrack. Even with light wheels and relatively fast tires it just doesn't do as well in the undulating pedally terrain as the Stumpy or EE. The Trail 429 is perfect for that kind of riding and I have a few friends who ride and love them. The Smuggler really comes alive at speed and going downhill though. Blows the Stumpy out of the water descending. When I take it up to our place in the mountains and get it on proper downhills and flow trails its an absolute blast, and it climbs fine for a capable trail bike - just not on par with the Stumpy. But that was a unique bike with 130mm and flex stays which IMO always made it feel much more on the XC side of trail bikes. The Smuggler is clearly focused on descending which seems to track with the overall Transition vibe.

[@davewallace9048]

Spur with a pike 3.1 at 130mm is the bike to build!! Light and a trail ripper!!

[@skinny8019]

@@davewallace9048 sounds like fun. Almost got the spur. Came close. Got the ranger instead.

[@mtbyumyum]

Ranger and Spur literally could not be any more different... I much prefer the Ranger for a short travel trail bike

[@skinny8019]

@@mtbyumyum really loving my ranger...spur seems to have a unique quality to it compared to others from what i hear...no experience with the spur...prob unique like the ranger?

[@mtbyumyum]

No, I didn't find the spur overly unique... pretty common feel. The problem for me on the spur was it's straight line behavior and long wheelbase... for a short travel bike, it didn't fell all that zippy or maneuverable. Once you get it up to speed it was fine but at that point, you'd probably rather be on a longer travel more capable bike (for higher speeds) The ranger on the other hand has a very unique and different from other bikes sort of vibe and feel... the suspension feels unlike anything else in the short travel category and it stands out for that reason.

[@skinny8019]

@@mtbyumyum awesome....thanks for the detailed explanation....i wanted something unique...im even more glad i went to the ranger...since i already have a full trail bike.

[@nicholashines7686]

Transition says they support running that frame at 140mm rear if you wanted more in the rear.

[@mtbyumyum]

Interesting. That's cool. I could see how this bike could handle more but it felt great as is

[@clarks888]

It used to say that pretty clearly on the website with the Fox build, but that info is not as prominent now. The Float X shipped with a travel reducer that was easy to pull out to bump the frame to 140, and I’m guessing the RockShox doesn’t.

[@nicholashines7686]

@@clarks888 I always wondered how that would be with a fox 36 at 1:40 and then 140 in the rear just a beef the bike up a teeny bit

[@31acruz]

Great review.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks!

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Just got a smuggler, i'm running it 140/150 with a fox 36. Totally agree about the Rockshox suspension, I have it on all my other bikes and prefer it over Fox. This new Grip X2 damper in the 36 is pretty nice actually, but i'm not a huge fan of the Float X shock.

[@torgsgotboards]

Hey Jason, did you like the I’m looking for a XC bike that can also be fun for my local flow trails. Did you prefer the ASR or the new Scalpel?

[@mtbyumyum]

Both are very good and I would say the asr feels a bit more race focused and aggressive where the scalpel is slightly more easy going and playful.

[@JeremyMartin-k5m]

I wonder what your take on the Spur would be now that you have have had time on the Epic, Scalpel, …

[@mtbyumyum]

It's been years since I last rode a Spur.... didn't love it....

[@juliangarcia-wj7gf]

Good video !! How would you compare it to the tall boy?

[@mtbyumyum]

Smuggler feels more capable and controlled/stable at high speeds. Also doesn't feel as sluggish as the tallboy which is crazy to say because I wouldn't describe the tallboy as sluggish at all.... just think the Smuggler sits a little higher in it's travel maybe and doesn't get hung up on anything .... just sort of rips through chatter. I plan to talk more about this on Thursday evening in the Live Stream...

[@switchbackboy]

Review a Chisel full suspension?

[@mikemoody9368]

Waiting for your review of the Sentinel ....

[@oliverburke3743]

Does it climb as well as an SB140 and as versatile as the Yeti?

[@mtbyumyum]

Good question. I'd say it's close in climbing and more versatile in my experience.

[@oliverburke3743]

@@mtbyumyum The Yeti or Smuggler is more versatile?

[@marksandoval5361]

I'm not a fan of mid-travel trailbikes. The first thing I want to do with the Smuggler is to install a 150-160mm Fox 36 or Lyric fork on it. With the steep seat tube it could easily handle a longer fork. Speaking of mid-travel trailbikes, now that the new Ripley is a mid-travel trail bike, what would be the best replacement for the old Ripley? Would that be the Epic Evo, Element, Chisel FS Evo (just released), Top Fuel, or some other bike? What's your take? What bike with a 130mm fork should replace the old Ripley? Or, should we just stick to the 120mm forked XC/Downcountry bikes?

[@DB-sd3cw]

"Mid-travel trailbikes" were just regular tail bikes 5 years ago and anything over 150mm travel was an enduro bike lmao. Not sure how you're not a fan of what was considered the normal segment before marketing gimmicks went crazy.

[@puckcoach3]

I kinda agree with you. The 150mm rear travel segment climbs so well and are so nimble these days, it just doesn’t make sense to have the limited travel of the mid-travel segment.

[@marksandoval5361]

@@DB-sd3cw Longer travel trail bikes weigh, cost, pedal, and climb about the same as mid-travel trail bikes. Might as well get the extra travel.

[@DB-sd3cw]

@@marksandoval5361 completely untrue

[@matho8262]

When you are talking about 'reach' in this video I think you are meaning effective top tube length. Interesting that you are riding a bike that is approx. 15mm longer than you are used to (reach) which is quite substantial. Maybe it's that extra reach (and wheelbase) you are feeling?

[@mtbyumyum]

The effective reach on this bike actually feels shorter because of how steep the seat tube angle is…. The steeper seat tube inches into the actual reach numbers making the effective reach overall shorter than a more traditional bike withsay like a 75 or 76° sta

[@matho8262]

@mtbyumyum reach is the horizontal measurement from vertical line from bottom bracket to centre of head tube i.e. how stretched out you are riding standing Vs effective top tube which is a measure of how stretched you are seated. Sorry it was the terms that were confusing which might confuse others too. This bike is longer in reach than you would normally ride? Great review as ever btw. These shorter travel bikes are so much fun.

[@jlss-qm6xc]

@@mtbyumyum So it should feel relatively short when sitting and longer when standing

[@mtbyumyum]

Correct! Due to the steeper sta, the bike while in the saddle (climbing) doesn't feel to stretched out.... Let's talk more in the live stream Thursday evening....

[@tombeck129]

Seems very close to the YT Izzo in capability and riding characteristics. The Izzo is also a great climbing bike (mine is 130/130 suspension).

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I wish I had more opportunities to ride direct to consumer bikes…

[@brucehumphries6889]

Tried to buy one of these when they first came out and they couldn’t provide the bike until late in the year. I wasn’t willing to wait that long. Meaning at least 6-8 months. They then told my local shop they were going to lose their ability to get them if they didn’t order any bikes….

[@mtbyumyum]

Dang, bummer. Yeah, I think it's a smaller brand. I don't see many Transition bikes around here

[@brucehumphries6889]

@ The issue is that they create a demand with the pre-embargo reviews, that they can’t keep up with.

[@j-b776]

Compared to Ripley V5? What you think

[@mtbyumyum]

Ripley feels a bit softer

[@stuartwilkes4434]

Great review 🎉 That fork is Awesome, I just threw a 120mm version on my Kona Honzo CR and it Completely upgraded the entire bike!!😎

[@mtbyumyum]

That is awesome!

[@ripvw6184]

Obvious comparison would be Smuggler vs V5 Ripley or Revel Rascal. Same intentions and travel front and rear. Thoughts?

[@brianstevens5363]

I second the Revel Rascal

[@Jon-f3w]

Jason - isn’t the new Ripley the obvious comparison here? Suspension, geo, ride intention wise.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, for some reason that bike just wasn't at front of mind to me.... this Smuggler feels more capable and just overall more damp and controlled.... I wish I could have spent time on these bikes back to back along with the Tallboy and T429 Enduro....

[@orrphism]

@@mtbyumyum wow it’s pretty telling when the Ripley goes from a bike you talked about non-stop to an afterthought haha. Ibis got you riding Transition with that slip up…

[@justingibson9602]

What brand of action camera do you use ?

[@mtbyumyum]

Gopro hero 11

[@yohananwalker]

Thanks for the review, any thoughts on this vs. Tallboy?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, this bike feels more composed at speed... more stable and less bogged down... not to say the tallboy gets bogged down but this bike just didn't get hung up on anything and still felt very sporty for such a capable descender... would be fun to ride it back to back with the Tallboy and Ripley..

[@troyesch6203]

How does this climb compared to the 429?

[@mtbyumyum]

Not on par with the T429... might be close to the Switchblade but even then, I think the Switchblade might be better...

[@natemady1584]

Was it quiet? Cable routing is PITA?

[@mtbyumyum]

very quiet..... super impressed with how this bike rides!

[@brianstevens5363]

Saw some snow on your trails. Does you area get enough snow for Fat Biking? If so, perhaps a Fat Bike review in the future.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, a lot of people fat bike in this area during the winter.... I've tried it a few times but I'm pretty busy skiing in the winter with the family

[@bitumen83]

Any chance to test Trek Fuel EX and Top Fuel?

[@Coors1974]

Lets see a top fuel review.

[@HLDefender]

Good video. So how would you rate this against the Trail 429 ENDURO ?

[@DB-sd3cw]

There is no trail 429 enduro. Also, why did you fully capitalize enduro lol

[@HLDefender]

@DB-sd3cw Look it up. Trail 429 in standard builds offers 120 shock , 130 fork. Enduro builds offer a 130 shock and 140 fork. I capitalized ENDURO to emphasize the difference.

[@milktop1]

For my money, rock shox has been up performing fox for the past five years

[@mtbyumyum]

Interesting! Yeah, the suspension on this bike felt very good and the bike was easy to set up

[@martyarnwine]

After the Ranger review, I bought a Fox Float and have loved it. So much so that I wanted to try something like it on my Rise to clear up some space in the front triangle. Ended up picking up a Deluxe Ultimate used and it is surprisingly capable as well and feels really good! These ‘trail’ type inline shocks are impressive.

[@falkyn06]

This Vs a Ripley?

[@mtbyumyum]

That’s a great question. I’m trying to make my videos shorter. Under 15 minutes for sure. If I had more time and was willing to make a longer say 20 minute video, I would’ve talked more about this bike compared to the Ripley and the tallboy. I plan to talk more about this in the live stream Thursday evening.

[@TheBIKEDEALZ]

How can you say that the geometry felt prefect if your saddle is pushed all the way rearward? That's the problem with steep STA and we should push not to accept it.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, as a shorter person, I really struggle with these super steep sta's.... I can see how they work well for taller riders with the saddle so high up and back but for me, I prefer 76ish degree's... That said, it wasn't as annoying as some other bikes I've been on....

[@petedog9581]

I almost bought a 2023 Smuggler, but I thought it was a tweener too. I demo'd one and was impressed but needed a bit more bike. I bought a Rocky Mtn. Instinct instead, based largely on your review and Freehub. I am totally satisfied with the Rocky. It is super versatile at 150F/140R travel. The balance comes from the long wheelbase and your seated position is directly over the pedals. That is the same with the Instinct.

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice. Yeah, the previous Instinct is an absolutely perfect do it all bike!

[@Wes-o9t]

Blur review please, the season is almost over!

[@mtbyumyum]

haha sadly the season here is over.... sorry dude. Next spring!

[@Wes-o9t]

@@mtbyumyum You promise this time?

[@DavidRosenwasser]

Surprised you didn’t compare it to a Tallboy.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, you're right.... wish I would have mentioned that. I'll be sure to bring it up in the live stream Thursday. Thanks!

[@bocaj628]

I gave fox a try on my smuggler because everyone says it’s amazing. In my experience it’s absolutely garbage. Harsh 100% of the time. Only time it felt ok was in a bike park. I’m definitely a rock shox fan and can’t wait to slap it on my smuggler.

[@mtbyumyum]

I really don’t have enough experience with rockshox on bigger bikes, but I had it on a couple different short, travel bikes, and have been impressed

[@JAFO.]

Hey jason, really sucks you keep losing those glasses, I did that with one pair of serengeti's and cried for 5 years lol hey are you using some kind of a different camera or different camera setup or different lens or something because I don't know it just seem to look different to me today like more or less fisheye or something I can't really describe it, just curious I mean maybe it's not you maybe it's me you know Alzheimer's and stuff 😁

[@mtbyumyum]

Ha ha ha, no, it’s definitely not you. I switched cameras and have been trying different settings. Not sure I really like it, but wanted to try the latest and greatest GoPro stuff. It makes the terrain look a little less steep, but it gives you a wider view. Like I said, I’m unsure if I like it better. It feels like it’s more stabilized and smoother and has a wider angle, but it does have that fish eye look to it. Thanks for the feedback.

[@JAFO.]

Yeah I don't really care for it as much as your old camera lens style viewpoint perspective thingamajig what you going to call it deely bobber hoosiewhatchit, I mean - yeah that 😉

[@scottstryhn872]

Another great review, thank you, I'm curious as to your build sheet and how you achieved 27lbs...I just got a new smuggler xo axs and mine is closer to 31lbs, love the bike, but could trim a little fat, any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[@mtbyumyum]

The Rockshox is lighter than the fox stuff.... xtr everything, Pivot black label carbon wheels, rekon rear tire dhf front.... carbon bar

[@scottstryhn872]

Great info, thanks

[@Tequila628]

Why would a steep sta worry anyone?

[@puckcoach3]

I agree with you. When you’re descending, the seat is down. What’s the downside of the steep ST angle for climbing ?

[@KlintonSilvey]

It worries my knees. There's a limit to how over the top of the cranks i would want to be. I have tried more forward saddle positions to get a steeper "effective" angle and end up with knee pain every time.

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Flat trails if you're in florida or something

[@mtbyumyum]

In my experience, the only time I'm ok with the steeper sta is climbing on very steep terrain... basically all the rest of the time its annoying... doesn't feel right. Like you're riding a little kid bike that is too small for you... all cramped up. If you look at XC bikes and road bike, they put you in a more aggressive position that is in my experience easier to make power and more comfortable.... I will talk more about this in the live stream Thursday evening.

[@Sir_climb_alot]

Dad bike? I have two little kids+ work obligations- everything is a race for me! This thing would be way too slow and likely require driving to the trails rather than riding there (no time for driving!). I bought a USA Exie in May based on your advice. It's super fast, more confidence inspiring than the ee7 it replaced and 24 lb all in with Rekons. That's the perfect dad bike for me now!

[@mtbyumyum]

Amen!! I completely relate what you're saying and agree.... however, I know a lot of Dad's who need more bike for jankier trails where the Exie would require slowing down substantially. After riding this bike for a week I thought of a handful of guys I know would could probably make this bike work as their only bike. That said, like you, I prefer to be on a bike more like the Exie 90% of the time!

[@seano218]

Wouldn't a Dad bike have a smaller wheel size?

[@mtbyumyum]

🤷‍♂️

[@seasonedwithsalt5129]

I wish you would have spoken more about the most important aspect of a bike,.....its climbing ability. All bikes will easily get you to the bottom of the hills, but getting you up to the top is what is most important to me. If I cannot get up, (if it is too difficult) I cannot come down. All bikes go down to the bottom very, very well, with maybe 1 or 2 seconds difference, but can be separated by minutes on the uphill. but this is all anyone reviewing bikes talks about, the downhill that is utterly meaningless. Most reviewers spend 99% of their video talking about how the bike goes down, and 1% at best about what is most important, how the bike climbs, and pedals of flatter rolling terrain. This is likely why sooooo many people have turned to ebikes, because they struggle too much pedaling these bikes to all the tops of all the hills. I also wish you have gave a comparison to the Transition Spur that I have. How much more effort is required to get this bike up all the hills compared to something like the Spur, Epic evo, trail 429, etc? Is the extra effort to get to the top worth the better, more plush ride down? I also think it would be wise to keep in mind that most people dont ride 4+ times a week, week in and week out, so getting a bike up all the hills is much more of a challenge for most people that it likely is for you.

[@shasty3139]

Just like how you say most bikes go down very well.. I think most bikes also climb very well these days. Differences come from pedaling efficiencies, ability to lock the shock, and how light a bike can be built. In my experience, you can set up the smuggler suspension so that it climbs efficiently without losing too much on the descents, has a lock out, and can be built to 28 pounds. I'm sure it probably doesn't climb as well as a Spur nor built as light, but I find that the Smuggler climbs plenty well. If you want direct comparisons Spur vs Smuggler, Clint Gibbs has a video or two on it.

[@SunsPSD1]

I've owned a Spur and now have a Smuggler (1 of 3 bikes). The Smuggler is better in every way, in my very rough central TX terrain. Flex stays just didn't work that well for me. Strava shows that I'm a LOT faster, up/ down/ around on the Smuggler than I was on the Spur. That's with slightly more aggressive tires and a bit more weight. It climbs like nothing else ime. I'm on a L, yet I'm only 5'11" with lanky arms. They seem to lose a lot of efficiency if you size them too small, so be careful.

[@seasonedwithsalt5129]

@@shasty3139 ,....Thanks for your input, it is appreciated. Yeah, this is the kind of thing I want bike reviewers to talk about, how much more effort is required to climb hills compared to a bike in the next category below, like the Spur, and to others in the same category. How is it on everything other than the downhill? The majority of time spent on a bike is not on the downhill, it is everywhere else. I have about 7 different bikes, from 115 rear travel to 150 rear travel, and I can go downhill at about the same pace on any of them until you get to the very steepest rockiest stuff (black diamond). But depending how much climbing there is to be done dictates what Bike I will ride as they all climb a little differently. Of course the more rear travel, the more difficult to get to the top generally. But not always, some bikes just climb better than others, and this is what I want to find out from a bike review. Does it stand out as a climber or not? With the extra steep seat tube the Smuggler has, I would think it would be an exceptional climber. But he didn't really mention it.

[@seasonedwithsalt5129]

@@SunsPSD1 ,...This is kind of what I would suspect about the smuggler due to its very steep seat tube (that I am a big fan of). But yum yum didn't really say anything about its climbing prowess. He only made one comment about its climbing, something like, it climbs good. Being a Transition, I am sure it climbs good, but if that is all that can be said, I am not interested. I am interested when a reviewer says, wow, this bike climbs like a cross country bike. For me, I have absolute zero concern how a bike goes down hill, I am only interested is how a bike is everywhere else. As I said above, the vast majority of time spent on a bike is everywhere but the downhill. Yet, almost all bike reviewers only speak about the down hill. I find it odd that you say the Smuggler loses a lot of efficiency if it is too small. Usually, if a bike it too big, it is less efficient. I am happy to hear you feel that the Smuggler is better in every way compared to the Spur. That is saying a lot! Anyway, thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll try to include more climbing commentary in my future videos, especially in comparison to other bikes. That said, I've been making an effort to publish shorter videos... for a time there I was publishing 18-30 minute videos talking about everything about the test ride... people are reluctant to click on longer videos.... so I'm trying to keep them under 12 minutes if I can... I'm hosting a live stream on my channel, here on KZbin, Thursday evening... that will give us plenty of time to talk about climbing. Again, thank you for the feedback!

[@qtip919]

my wife and I tested that bike out a few years ago, and it was by far the worst uphill ride we've ever experienced. Fun on the downhill, but no thanks on the ups

[@mtbyumyum]

Interesting. I've been riding the SB140, Ripmo and Stumpjuper at the same time as this Smuggler and it really didn't feel any wore than those bikes on the climbs

[@shasty3139]

My smuggler set up at 140mm and weighing 28 pounds climbs very well even with the shock completely open.

[@clarks888]

@@shasty3139what mods did you make to get it that light? The stock tires are pretty chunky, and I could see a mechanical drivetrain being the main levers to pull.

[@shasty3139]

@@clarks888 Nothing too fancy except light (1400g) carbon i27 wheels set up with DHR/Aggressor. I installed a mechanical GX groupset.

[@SunsPSD1]

@@shasty3139 Yah, my L has all the lightweight tricks: Berd wheels, Eewing cranks, Trickstuff brakes, CF stem, CC Inline shock, 11 speed XTR drivetrain, Mattoc fork, etc. It's 28.X#s with pedals, tools with a 1150-gram front tire and a rear insert.

[@myrideclips5033]

Dad bike? Set it up a little firm. This bike can rip.

[@mtbyumyum]

Oh, I can totally tell this bike wants to go but I guess I was just surprised at how fun it still was at more moderate speeds.... much more versatile than I thought it would be

[@myrideclips5033]

@ it’s a hoot. I ride one as my short travel bike in Santa Cruz. Throw some trail tires on, it’s fast and fun everywhere. Throw some aggressive tires on and it can rip way above its pay grade.

[@Zetler]

Gotta be electric to be a Dad’s bike.

[@MikeesTexas]

No hate here... but between this bike and the ripmo i feel like they are on opposite ends of the trail bike ride experience spectrum... so much so that if you love the ripmo i imagine you will not love the smuggler/ and if you love the smuggler you might not love the ripmo... Me personally im an IBIS guy I LOVE the smuggler on paper... but just couldnt vibe with in on the trail... i do love the transition lines though!!!

[@myrideclips5033]

I had a Ripmo V2 and the smuggler rips way harder than

[@mtbyumyum]

Interesting. I hated the Smuggler on paper and put off riding it for over a year.... jelled with it very well after a week of riding it and was very easy to set up the suspension. Who knows?!

[@ezraellis7289]

Fox sucks? 😂

[@diorite81]

A review a bit different than usual…you never mentioned the climbing performance. It’s probably good but didn’t spend a world about

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, sort of dropped the ball on that... thanks for the feedback. I'll talk more about this in the live stream Thursday evening. Thanks!

[@skinny8019]

Sorry. Boring bike. More like grand-dad bike. Let’s get to the revel rascal v2! With Rockshox sus. Pilke ultimate 3.1!! My RS bikes feel more plush than my Fox bike. You’re not crazy. 🤪

[@mtbyumyum]

haha ok... I'll reach out to Chris and see if we can get a demo on the V2 Rascal

[@skinny8019]

@ awesome. Please compare to stumpy previous gen and giant trance x. And the like. Those are good reference points for most people. Maybe add comparisons to more common bikes as well as the usual exotic bikes. Hope that makes any sense. Looking foward to it.

[@jonathanzumwalt4392]

@@mtbyumyum Would love to hear a comparison between the 130 bikes: Rascal V2, Ripley V5 and Smuggler. I would try running 150 forks on all three bikes.