Transition Dirtbag review

[cam@nsmb.com]

Nice to have Richard's fine work back on nsmb.com

Dirtbag me. (http://www.nsmb.com/gear/transdirtbag_10_06.php)

[kip]

Great review, I know what you say is true because I have been riding the dirtbag for six months now and love it, as for the wheels I run 24inch trailpimps with hookworms or gazzys and kenda downhill tubes so you cant complain about weight, mine are far heavyer but im up there at 240lbs so I need super strong wheels. The only problem I have had with this bike is that the rear shock on mine dhx 5 still will not even begin to compare with the 66rc2x.

later
kip

[M@M]

Good review. I really appreciate honest opinions about bikes, and the reviews from you guys always seem to fit the bill :)

[apeshape]

Nice review but other than a spec change and getting lighter I don't think the Dirtbag has changed much since Stuart did a review last year. I think most people around here have been more interested in hearing something about the newer bikes in the TBC stable. Any plans to review the new short travel rigs for the winter riding season??

[Straw]

Good review, but a couple things. Here, I think the word "single" should be used:

The DirtBag is designed around a 7 to 8-inch travel fork, and is fully covered under warranty for use with dual-crown forks. The bike I rode was equipped with a Marzocchi 66RC2X. A couple of years ago, I would have scoffed at a 7-inch dual crown fork, but having spent all last season riding this fork on my personal steed, I had no doubts about its strength or ability to be abused beyond reason and still come out of it begging for more.

And the word "bikes" here:

is stable in the air and just plain rips when you put the hammer down. (Something that sets Transition backs apart is the ability to choose your shock and front fork - Ed.)

Also, I disagree with the Sram vs Shimano comments, specifically that an LX/XT drivetrain would be more welcome than the X-7 drivetrain. I know that this is personal opinion, but I have to wonder if the bike suffered from a bent hanger. What makes a drivetrain feel "numb"? What was the problem with x-7?

And, why not some pics of the author riding his bike, rather than Metzger throwing big moves? If you've been around the bb and the sport for awhile, we've all seen pics of Mike going big. I'd like to see the author testing the bike himself.

Also, how did the bike hold up over the testing period? How long was the testing period?

A good review, and I enjoyed reading the stats about TBC's growth.

[Eastieboy]

I would have loved some pics of me in the review, but unfortunately, living far away from Vancouver, I'm the only one working on this stuff where I am...riding and snapping photos at the same time is just NOT an option. Sorry, man.

As for the drivetrain, I aligned the hanger, replaced the cables...I pretty much tried avarything...still shifted like it was encased in Jello. NOT like the x9/x0 I'm used to.

There are a couple more typos in there, too, Cam... OOPS!

rb

[cam@nsmb.com]

Good review, but a couple things. Here, I think the word "single" should be used:

The DirtBag is designed around a 7 to 8-inch travel fork, and is fully covered under warranty for use with dual-crown forks. The bike I rode was equipped with a Marzocchi 66RC2X. A couple of years ago, I would have scoffed at a 7-inch dual crown fork, but having spent all last season riding this fork on my personal steed, I had no doubts about its strength or ability to be abused beyond reason and still come out of it begging for more.

And the word "bikes" here:

is stable in the air and just plain rips when you put the hammer down. (Something that sets Transition backs apart is the ability to choose your shock and front fork - Ed.)

Thanks Straw. Vino and editing late at night do not mix!

[cam@nsmb.com]

Nice review but other than a spec change and getting lighter I don't think the Dirtbag has changed much since Stuart did a review last year. I think most people around here have been more interested in hearing something about the newer bikes in the TBC stable. Any plans to review the new short travel rigs for the winter riding season??

Let us know what you'd like to see tested Ape and we'll see what we can do.

[apeshape]

How's about these two little beauties:

http://transitionbikes.com/2007/Double.cfm
http://transitionbikes.com/2007/BottleRocket.cfm

In every other "what should I buy?" thread the BR seems to make a shortlist or 4.

[mudpuppy]

Great review....good to see others that like the dirtbag too...I love mine, but its time for a new bike...

hehe...I want to see a review of the Covert and a Giant Reign X1...but I doubt that will happen before I buy my next bike.....

[kona-ryder]

Hey just wanted to point out that Transition World HQ is actually in Ferndale, Washington, about 25miles from the Canadian border, not Seattle. Do you actually think some Seattle city boyz could build bikes that tough? Nah, these bikes are designed in the real Pacific North West, were there are more trees than buildings.

[Eastieboy]

Actually, the Dirtbag was designed before they moved to Ferndale, if you want to be picky, which places them in suburban Seattle when the bike was conceptualized and originallyproduced...and updated

but your point is well taken...Ferndale it is, then...

[mace2]

I really enjoyed the review, considering it is a potential purchase to me.

However, I was wondering how the bike felt on tight shore terrain and how well it jumps.

Any feedback would be great, thanks.

[Eastieboy]

Jumps awesome (note Metzger pics), really stable, and is as agile as big-travel bike I've ridden in the tight stuff...

-Richard

[if only you knew]

Hey just wanted to point out that Transition World HQ is actually in Ferndale, Washington, about 25miles from the Canadian border, not Seattle. Do you actually think some Seattle city boyz could build bikes that tough? Nah, these bikes are designed in the real Pacific North West, were there are more trees than buildings.


heh, if only you knew the trails that were down in Seattle you may think otherwise about what you just said.

[Gmaninvic]

Hey Man,
Great review. I would like to thank you way after the fact for the Preston FR review from a few years back as well. I f*&ked up my back at Mt Washington and was looking for a capable, but less full on Freeride/DH bike than my Shore. I looked at every bike out there, and based on reviews from riders and from what I saw about TBC (vibe, culture, passion etc) I decided to go with the Preston. Oh, I also did a few quick test rides on Mudpuppy's DB too.

I was really torn between the DB and the Preston, and based on what I am using the Preston for, I made the right choice. I still have the trusty ole Shore, which still kicks it at the parks and at Whisneyland etc, but if I had been looking for a big hit bike, I probably would be riding a DB right now!

Thanks again, and keep at it... you write a mean review.

[StefB]

Yes.

I too would like to see a extensive review of the Bottle Rocket. So much hype even before the bike was released and curious if it is living up to the expectations.

Cam, get one of the NSMB boys to ride the NS gnar, paraphrase their feedback and put it up. Nothing beats a raw review.

Looking forward to it. :)

[TheGiggler]

i'd also LOVE to see a bottlerocket review.

word is that frame has some linkage issues on the first batches ...

[kona-ryder]

heh, if only you knew the trails that were down in Seattle you may think otherwise about what you just said.

Actaully, I do know many of the trails down in the Seattle area (SST, ect.) The terain in the vacinity of Seattle pales in comparission to Ferndal (Ledgeveiw, Galbraith, Academy, Glacier)
Peace

[kona-ryder]

i'd also LOVE to see a bottlerocket review.

word is that frame has some linkage issues on the first batches ...

The bottlerockets kick major ash... I havent heard of any linkage problems and three of my freinds have them. They are super nice on flowy runs, but the shock is progressive enough to launch some nice sized drops and stuff...

[seand]

Actaully, I do know many of the trails down in the Seattle area (SST, ect.) The terain in the vacinity of Seattle pales in comparission to Ferndal (Ledgeveiw, Galbraith, Academy, Glacier)
Peace

SST? Too funny. What about actual trails..not a jump park, but actual trails?

If you knew many of the trails, you would know your statement is well, wrong. the peeler, coupled with two seven offers enough "oh shit" and larger-than-life goodness to spin one's head a few times. There are a few others that dwarf the efforts that go into those two, but at the risk of upsetting some builders, the other lesser knowns will remain out of this conversation.

my point of posting? your comment was way off base. Kyle/Kevin were "Seattle city boyz" who built bikes to hold up to the riding they were into. It just so happens that they spent quite a bit of time at the two above places while dialing in their rigs. They moved up to Ferndale for whatever reason, but truth be told, TBC started in Seattle to meet the demands of the locals which branched out to a global following.

"real pacific northwest"?? Man, you are a trip...

Anyways...
Back on topic..

[Carbuncle]

.

hehe...I want to see a review of the Covert


I just rode one today down at Blackrock in Oregon: top flight All Mountain bike. The model I rode was a pre-production equipped with a Fox RP-23 shock, and it was a sweet dream riding up the fire road access to the trailheads. Super stiff, yet responsive on the climbs. Set up for an XC feel, the bike itself has a way more stretched top tube feel than other Transitions I sampled. It was a touch sketchy on the very steep downhill I rolled it down on my one test ride (ditched it early for a shot at the '07 Dirtbag), however the XC cockpit had alot to do with that. Compared to a big bike, it was like cornering on a knife edge: quick steering and super responsive. Very stiff, laterally, and with the XC build I rolled it was easily under 30 pounds. With 2.3's and a more AM-ey cockpit it could be a dream bike for many. The RP-23 was a great match for it, BTW. On the way up I gave it the stiff Pro Pedal setting and cruised up no problem, on the way down I opened it up and bounced down the hill with nearly 6 inches of fully active plushness. In short: I'd buy the frame if I was looking for a crossover bike and a new build project.

[mudpuppy]

Thanks for the write up man...Kevin was in my area on Friday with a Covert...but I had to work...sigh. Good to hear about the ride...its that twichyness that I am worried about...some of the trails I ride can get quite steep....it's either the Covert or the ReignX1....so far the reign is winning...mostly becuase of pricepoint....

I gotta ride them both first...but seeing as there is no Transition dealer here (I hope Kevin got someone here to carry them...) it's going to be hard.

[VancouverIslguy]

Thanks for the write up man...Kevin was in my area on Friday with a Covert...but I had to work...sigh. Good to hear about the ride...its that twichyness that I am worried about...some of the trails I ride can get quite steep....it's either the Covert or the ReignX1....so far the reign is winning...mostly becuase of pricepoint....

I gotta ride them both first...but seeing as there is no Transition dealer here (I hope Kevin got someone here to carry them...) it's going to be hard.

Things are in the works hopefully for a dealer ;) and I rode a Covert after Kevin handed me my new Bottlerocket. For the build it rode well, felt really lively, it was set up a little more on the XC side of the spectrum than I liked but damn did it feel solid even with the set up, one thing I noticed about the bikes he brought was they all felt really well under power (except the Dirtbag, it felt kinda dead, mighta been the Van R it had) the Covert weighed around 29 pounds and it hauled ass.