2018 Transition Patrol Alloy NX Bike

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As a 16 year old, I haven't lived long enough to try and experience theevolvement of Mountain Bikes and be able to compare the ride characteristics to many other bikes, but I have enough to say about the 2018 Transition Patrol NX to write a competent and accurate review. To begin with, I would like to talk about the pros of this bike. First of all, SBG, a wonderful technology that Transition has implemented into their 2018 line of full suspension bikes. SBG (Speed Balanced Geometry) uses a shorter 37 mm offset 27.5 fork, a slacker 64 degree headtube angle, a shorter steam, increased reach, and lastly, a steeper seat tube angle. Before riding the bike, I doubted SBG thinking it was nothing more than a marketing gimmick, but then, after riding the bike for 10 months I am able to confidently say the SBG drastically improves the ride characteristics and handling of the bike. While climbing up tight switchback it feels remarkably easy to turn and navigate for a 170/160 mm travel bike. While descending, the bike feels very stable yet very playful, encouraging the rider to pop off roots and rocks.

The next thing that I find amazing about the bike is the ride experience it produces which is thanks to SBG, geometry, and the frame. The frame is astonishingly stiff with no noticeable flex in the rear triangle creating a very pleasant ride experience going up or down. While descending the bike feels more like a very agile downhill bike giving the rider loads of confidence.

The next positive thing I would like to talk about is its rear linkage. The linkage feels so balanced and supportive easily absorbing the huge hits and G-Outs that might occur on the trail while still being relatively supple over smaller rocks and roots. The Transition Patrol uses 27.5 wheels which could be a pro or con depending on the person. Personally, I prefer the smaller wheel size as it creates a more fun and agile feeling bike. 

The last pro I would like to talk about is the quality of customer service I have received with Transition. A few months after owning my bike I noticed to be what looks like a crack in the linkage rocker but just turned out to be a harmless defect. At first I was worried and sent Transition an Email which they responded too very quickly. They offered to send a new rocker free of charge.

Moving on to the cons of the bike, I would like to start out with the weight. My Size Large bike weighs just under 36 LBS with pedals. This is a few pounds over the weight of many other similar bikes on the market and heavier than some downhill bikes. I happened to not notice the weight unless I was pedaling up a long uphill section. As long as you don't intend on climbing hills all day you won't mind the weight too much. The last con I would like to talk about is the build spec specifically the shock and the brakes. For $3000 retail you receive a Rockshox Yari RC and Deluxe RT, WTB rims, Sram Level T brakes, Maxxis rubber, Sram NX 1x11 drivetrain, and a Race Face cockpit and dropper. I think that for $3000 Transition could have at least upgraded the shock and brakes, the most disappointing parts on the bike. The Rockshox Deluxe RT shock feels out of place on Enduro bike as it struggles to keep up with the performance on the descents. Halfway down runs, the shocks tends to heat up due to the lack of a piggy back, creating a loss in damping performance especially in terms of rebound. If you aren't thinking about it you may start to land nose heavy off jumps since the increase in temperature speeds up the shock rebound. The 2 piston Sram Level T brakes also do not belong on an Enduro bike as they lack serious bite which forces you to brake sooner.

Lastly I would like to compare the Transition Patrol to the Yeti SB6. The Yeti SB6 takes a lot more muscle and effort to move it around even though it is much lighter the the Patrol. While the Patrol descends like a downhill bike the SB6 descends like a trail bike although they are similar in travel. The Patrol has a much better climbing position but is brought down by the weight. Although the climbing position is better on the Patrol, the SB6 is more comfortable on long stretches. Overall, the Patrol feels a lot more composed than the SB6 and in my opinion, a better bike.