Transition Sentinel Carbon on test: Versatile exotic bike with chic details
Peter Nilges
· 20.04.2025
Although Transition still has a bigger bike in its model range with the Spire, our choice fell on the new Sentinel. The bike recently received a comprehensive update and, with its 160/150 millimetre travel, is only just below the Spire. As an option, the Sentinel can also be fitted with a five millimetre longer shock, which also results in 160 millimetres of travel at the rear.
We have tested these bikes
- Forestal Siryon Diode 16.17 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 8899 Euro
- Lapierre Spicy 8.9 16.16 kg / 180/180 mm / 29/27.5" / 6999 Euro
- Merida One-Sixty 8000 15.61 kg / 170/170 mm / 29/27.5" / 7899 Euro
- Norco Sight C1 15.68 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8499 Euro
- Propain Spindrift 5 CF 16.25 kg / 180/180 mm / 29" / 7029 Euro
- Scott Ransom 900 RC 15.46 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 9999 Euro
- Transition Sentinel Carbon 14.91 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8990 Euro
Transition Sentinel equipment
- Fork : Fox 36 GripX2 Factory
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory
- Gearing / Bandwidth: Sram X0 AXS Transmission / 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Maven Silver / 200/180 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss 350 hubs, XM 481 rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai / Minion DHRII Maxxterra Exo+ 29 x 2.5/2.4
- Seatpost / Stroke: Fox Transfer Factory / 210 mm
- Max. system weight: 135 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Storage compartment below the bottle holder
From the test lab
- Total weight: 14.91 kg without pedals
- Weight of wheels: 5273 g
- Impeller inertia: 4262 kg x cm²
Our test bike was delivered with a longer travel and a consistently high-quality build with Fox Factory suspension, Sram X0 transmission gears and Maven brakes. Only the comparatively inexpensive DT wheels with aluminium rims leave room for improvement. With the 36 mm fork and the Float-X shock, the Transition just undercuts the 15-kilo mark, making it the lightest bike in the test field.
The Transition Sentinel in practice: fast in two respects
Fast in two respects On our test track in Finale Ligure, the propulsion of the Sentinel is impressive. On the first flatter section, the Transition with its fast Maxxterra tyres gets up to speed effortlessly. The speed can be maintained very well by actively pushing the bike, which reacts nimbly, effortlessly and directly. Despite the long chainstays, the lively character prevails. It is easy to pull onto the rear wheel. On the rougher, steeper sections, however, the lightly tyred Sentinel can't hide the shorter suspension travel. The slim fork and small shock are sensitive and plush, but only within the limits of their capabilities. Here it quickly becomes clear that the Sentinel is more in between the categories and passes on more hits to the rider than the partly long-travel competition.
Nimble uphill
As soon as you start climbing, the Sentinel knows how to utilise its low weight and short suspension travel. The bike climbs light-footedly. Thanks to the steep seat angle and long chainstays, even the steepest sections are taken in stride and with pressure on the front. The rear suspension is stable in its travel and doesn't bottom out even on steps. Even when pedalling out of the saddle, the rear end remains pleasantly calm with the shock open and only pumps a little. The Transition therefore has the widest range of use and doesn't shy away from climbs with a lot of climbing metres.
In addition to the high-quality features, the workmanship and frame details are also impressive. The cable inlets and outlets are neatly sealed and also clamp the cables. A small cover reliably prevents dirt in the joint gap, and the storage compartment, which is located below the bottle cage, is easy to use and rattle-free. In addition, there is a 210 millimetre seatpost that gets the saddle as far out of the way as possible. Alongside Norco and Merida, Transition also offers a lifetime guarantee.
BIKE conclusion on the Transition Sentinel Carbon
The Transition really moves forwards and can be ridden with precision. However, the light setup and the shorter suspension travel limit it as soon as things really get going. On the other hand, the all-round capabilities are really good and make the Sentinel a versatile companion.
