Anyone who has ever thought about the Transition website will know what the guys from the north-westernmost tip of the USA are all about: maximum fun on the trail. The Americans want to show that this is still possible with a hardtail bike, even in this day and age, with two new models. Throttle and Vanquish are the names of the two new additions. They are each based on a carbon frame weighing around 1500 grams and differ only in the wheel size, 27.5 and 29 inches, and the suspension travel, 140 and 120 millimetres respectively.
Transition Throttle 27.5"
The Throttle claims to be the most aggressive trail hardtail in the company's history. Thanks to its lightweight construction, it should be as nimble as a trail bike and as playful as a dirt bike. The perfect bike for all occasions. A 66 degree head angle and 420 millimetre short chainstays sound very promising. Tyres up to 2.6 inches wide fit in the frame. A front derailleur is not provided on the Throttle. The new Throttle is available either as a frame set or as a complete bike version with Rock Shox Pike, Sram GX drivetrain and Race Face components.
Overview
- Sizes: Small / Medium /Large / X-Large
- Colours: Hot Mustard, Race Raw
- Bolted bottom bracket 73 mm
- Maximum tyre width: 2.6 inches
- Frame weight: 1500 grams
- Internal cable routing for derailleur and seat post
- ISCG05 recording
- Dropouts: 12x148 mm Boost
Prices: Frameset: 1699 USD - Complete bike with Sram GX: 3699 USD
Geometry
Transition Vanquish 29"
The Vanquish is the further development of Transition's steel classic TransAm. Only lighter, faster and even more universal. With the Vanquish, you should be able to show your mates the studs uphill and still be able to keep the throttle on downhill. No Transition bike has ever been this close to an XC hardtail before. It's a good thing that it doesn't have to do without a dropper seatpost and a slack 67.5 mm head angle.
Overview
- Sizes: Medium /Large / X-Large
- Colours: Habanero Orange, Race Raw
- Bolted bottom bracket 73 mm
- Maximum tyre width: 2.4 inches
- Frame weight: 1500 grams
- Internal cable routing for gears and seat post
- ISCG05 recording
- Dropouts: 12x148 mm Boost
Prices: Frameset: 1699 USD - Complete bike with Sram GX: 3699 USD
Geometry
Further information on the new bikes from Transition can be found at www.transitionbikes.com
Trail hardtails in the test
It's hard to believe that the trend towards longer, lower geometries with slacker head angles seems to be breathing new life into the hardtail sector. Trail hardtails with suspension travel of between 120 and 150 millimetres are sprouting from the manufacturers' catalogues like lilies of the valley in the spring sunshine.
This bike category has always been popular in the UK and companies such as Cotic or Orange have been building corresponding models for years. However, companies such as Ghost and Bulls are now also focussing on this trend. We have picked out eight exciting trail hardtails and selected them for the BIKE 7/2017 tested. The complete test is available in the BIKE issue from 6 July 2017 at the kiosk.
You can also read the complete issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK shop order:
Stefan Frey
Editor
