Introducing the third long-term test bike to arrive at Bike Hub HQ, the Transition Smuggler. Admittedly, the Smuggler is a bike that I’ve had my eye on for a while. I’m a huge fan of short travel bikes designed for ripping single track. Slap on a set of 29er wheels and I’m in trail bike heaven.
Having reviewed Transition’s all-mountain bike the Patrol, I know that the Giddy Up suspension is super capable, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it translates to this shorter travel bike.
In brief, the Transition Smuggler is a 29er trail bike with 115 mm of rear travel designed for use with a 130 mm fork. These numbers might not seem all too impressive but, with the Smuggler, Transition seems to be trying to kick convention in the nuts. Spoiler alert: I’ve already taken the bike out for a few rides and so far the bike is stupendously capable.
The Transition Smuggler is an all aluminium frame. Our extra large test bike is black, with its unashamed welding seams, is (in my eyes anyway) a bike that looks like it wants to be ridden hard. Transition jumped on the modern geometry movement some years ago and the Smuggler is no different. On my extra large bike, the head angle is 67.5 degrees, reach is a roomy 483 mm, chainstays are 436 mm, wheelbase is at 1218 mm while bottom bracket drop is 35 mm. Check out the full geometry chart below.
The team at Dirt Merchant Bicycle Co. have put together a very sensible build. The frame is shipped from the factory with the high volume RockShox Monarch DebonAir shock. On this build, it is paired with a RockShox Pike. The Guide RS brakes are arguably the ones you want in the Guide range, offering the best features for the price. The cockpit complements the frame geometry with a 785 mm wide Race Face handlebar and 55 mm stem. A lengthy 150 mm dropper seat post makes all the difference, especially for those tall enough to be riding an XL frame. Wheels are a set of suitably wide Easton Arc 27 rims laced to a set of Novatec hubs while the Maxxis High Roller II tyres should provide buckets of grip. This Smuggler is geared for some serious trail riding.
I will be riding the Transition Smuggler for the year. I am very keen to see how far I can push the Smuggler and how well it holds up against much more aggressive bikes. My initial impression is that it will do well, but let’s see if this holds up over 12 months of riding.
Build specifications:
- FrameTransition Smuggler
- ShockRockShox Monarch RT3 DebonAir
- ForkRockShox Pike RC 130 mm
- CranksetRaceFace Turbine
- ChainringRaceFace 30T
- Bottom BracketRaceFace Turbine X-Type
- Rear DerailleurSRAM GX
- ShifterSRAM GX
- CassetteSRAM XG-1175 10-42T
- ChainYBN SLA 11
- BrakesSRAM Guide RS
- RotorsSRAM Centreline (180 mm front; 160 mm rear)
- HandlebarRaceFace Atlas Low Rise 785 mm
- StemRaceFace 55 mm
- GripsRaceFace Half Nelson
- RimsEaston Arc 27
- Front HubNovatec D881SB
- Rear HubNovatec D882SB
- TyresMaxxis High Roller II 2.30
- SeatpostRockShox Reverb
- SaddleSDG Circuit
- Frameset PriceR23,000
Geometry:
Find out more:
To learn more about the Transition Smuggler and other Transition bikes, get in contact with Dirt Merchant Bicycle Co. here.
You can also follow the latest news from Dirt Merchant Bicycle Co. on the following channels:
Facebook – Dirt Merchant Bicycle Co.
Twitter – @dirt_merchant
Instagram – @your_dirt_merchant
I know a few Hubbers own or have owned this bike. Care to share a brief review? And what should I be expecting?