But with its little brother, Transition has placed particular emphasis on adjustability to make the bike usable as a mini downhiller as well as a freerider.
The frame is a single-link, the damper is pressed via a supported rocker. Two suspension travels are available thanks to different suspension points: 160 and 180 millimetres. Inserts can also be exchanged in the joint, allowing the steering angle and bottom bracket height to be changed. An angle of 64 to 65.5 degrees is possible and the bottom bracket can be lowered by up to 2 centimetres. As if that wasn't enough tweaking, there is also the option of shortening the wheelbase by almost 2 centimetres. Transition doesn't even attempt to extend the bike's range of use beyond the bike park and has dispensed with the option of mounting a front derailleur. The seat angle is also extremely slack. So you can only go uphill by pushing or using the lift. The frame is beautifully finished and the equipment is well chosen with high-quality Fox steel suspension elements, Maxxis "Minion" tyres and Sram "X9" gears.
We rode the bike with long travel, 64.5 mm head angle and 350 millimetre low bottom bracket. Despite the relatively short stack value, you sit well "in" the bike and quickly feel comfortable. The rear suspension works sensitively and absorbs heavy impacts quickly and effectively. The 180 millimetres of travel would also pass for more. The Fox "Van 180 RC2" is a good match for the rear suspension and the direct, playful handling of the bike. In berms, you can feel the high stiffness of the 150 millimetre wide thru-axle rear triangle. With 8 clicks of low-speed compression and 5 clicks of high-speed compression, the shock works with a good platform when cornering aggressively and doesn't bottom out. The front is low and you have good pressure on the front wheel. The bike leaves little else to be desired when it comes to downhill riding, theoretically it is even safer with a travelled Fox "40" (the frame is only approved for double bridges with 180 millimetres), but for most downhill trails in the bike parks the "TR 250" as seen here is completely sufficient.
However, the very soft rear suspension acknowledges tricks with a somewhat sluggish feedback. For fans of agile, bouncy riding on freeride trails, the 160 millimetre setting and a 65.5 steering angle are clearly the better choice. We rode the rear suspension in the shortest setting and were so satisfied with the smoothness and cornering behaviour that we never tried the other settings.
ConclusionThe Transition "TR 250" is a very successful mini downhill bike. The rear triangle is plush and very forgiving. The construction is stiff and offers a veritable flood of adjustment options. A bike park season will be over before you've used them all. But you don't have to do much tinkering. With a short rear triangle, slack head angle and 180 millimetres of travel, you have a handy and potent bike for all park trails. And with 160 millimetres of travel and a slightly steeper head angle, it mutates into an agile freerider for experienced riders who enjoy jumpy trails. All in all, an excellent bike park bike. Great workmanship!
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
SizesS, M, L
Price4799 Euro
Weight17 kg (without pedals)
ForkFox "36 Van Fit RC2" (180 mm)
DamperFox "DHX RC4"(160-180 mm)
MEASURED DATA
Steering angle: 64,5°
Seat angle 72,8°
Top tube: 570 mm
Chainstay length: 435 mm
Bottom bracket height: 345 mm
EQUIPMENT
CircuitSram "X9"
Crank handleTruvativ "Descendant"
BrakesAvid "Elixir CR",
StemTransition "Temple Lite"
Seat postThomson "Elite"
SaddleTraitor "Diamond Stitch"
Impellers Transition "Revolution 32" system attachment
TyresMaxxis "Minion" 2.5
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
