Transition Sentinel v 2.0 Thread

Ici · Oct 28, 2023

bullit43 said:
The carbon version would be more light and nimble ,the alloy (I have one and I’m not one of those guys that want everybody using what I’ve choose 😂) would be more stout and resistant but you’ll pay the weight penalty although you only notice it when put it into the bike rack because it pedalas so well for a heavy duty trail bike

Thank you very much for the quick answer. Then I would definitely choose the carbon version.
I've been so busy over the last few weeks trying to find a bike that has a rear shock that can withstand my weight that I completely overlooked the Sentinel's specs, which is equipped with a GX Eagle and not an AXS. Now, despite everything, I have to reconsider my purchase decision. I still have the option of the Sj Evo expert, which would probably be more suitable for my area of use. However, my body weight has its limits.
Anyway, thanks again

socalrider77 · Oct 28, 2023

Ici said:
Thank you very much for the quick answer. Then I would definitely choose the carbon version.
I've been so busy over the last few weeks trying to find a bike that has a rear shock that can withstand my weight that I completely overlooked the Sentinel's specs, which is equipped with a GX Eagle and not an AXS. Now, despite everything, I have to reconsider my purchase decision. I still have the option of the Sj Evo expert, which would probably be more suitable for my area of use. However, my body weight has its limits.
Anyway, thanks again

bit more expensive but check out the Hightower. Similar geo to the sentinel, little bit less aggressive which I think would suit you, and the XXL fits a tad bigger for your height. Could also look at a smuggler and up the fork travel to 150 and rear travel to 140 to get something close to a sentinel and have it be transmission compatible

the kinematics on the stump jumpers don’t play well with heavier riders.

source: am 6’7 and 245lbs and have been through a few bikes (sentinel included)/done a lot of research

Gobstopper · Oct 28, 2023

For what it’s worth, I’m 6’5” and run an XL Sentinel with a 35mm stem. I came off an XXL Megatower and enjoy the bit shorter reach and better maneuverability of the Sentinel.

Ici · Oct 28, 2023

socalrider77 said:
bit more expensive but check out the Hightower. Similar geo to the sentinel, little bit less aggressive which I think would suit you, and the XXL fits a tad bigger for your height. Could also look at a smuggler and up the fork travel to 150 and rear travel to 140 to get something close to a sentinel and have it be transmission compatible

the kinematics on the stump jumpers don’t play well with heavier riders.

source: am 6’7 and 245lbs and have been through a few bikes (sentinel included)/done a lot of research

Thank you for your feedback.
SC's in my size have not been available in Europe for a long time. I would have been interested in the HT.
I've already gone through most of the other manufacturers. There have already been many good recommendations here; Everything for my size is sold out or not available at all.

Say, the Sentinel should also be transmission compatible, or have I misread something?
And, if I may ask, which bike did you end up with?

RadicalPugilism · Oct 28, 2023

Ici said:
Thank you for your feedback.
SC's in my size have not been available in Europe for a long time. I would have been interested in the HT.
I've already gone through most of the other manufacturers. There have already been many good recommendations here; Everything for my size is sold out or not available at all.

Say, the Sentinel should also be transmission compatible, or have I misread something?
And, if I may ask, which bike did you end up with?

The carbon Sentinel is not UDH compatible. Not sure about the alloy.

If cost is not an issue, I’d recommend carbon. Transition’s alloy frames are heavy so the weight savings are noticeable.

Ici · Oct 28, 2023

RadicalPugilism said:
The carbon Sentinel is not UDH compatible. Not sure about the alloy.

If cost is not an issue, I’d recommend carbon. Transition’s alloy frames are heavy so the weight savings are noticeable.

Ok, then it's just the alloy version. I didn't think Transition would make a difference. Very important information from you. Thanks

socalrider77 · Oct 28, 2023

Yea only the alloy sentinel is UDH compatible since it was made after the carbon. I ended up with an XXL megatower and feel it fits much better for me than the XXL sentinel did

Ici · Oct 29, 2023

socalrider77 said:
Yea only the alloy sentinel is UDH compatible since it was made after the carbon. I ended up with an XXL megatower and feel it fits much better for me than the XXL sentinel did

Thank you. Yes, Santa Cruz is very tempting for me too, apart from the prices. For me, the Hightower would be more suitable. But like all other manufacturers, not available in my size.

socalrider77 · Oct 29, 2023

Ici said:
Thank you. Yes, Santa Cruz is very tempting for me too, apart from the prices. For me, the Hightower would be more suitable. But like all other manufacturers, not available in my size.

I saw an article released recently about the new Cotic Jeht and the geo looks good for bigger guys, could be worth a look

ToiletSiphon · Oct 29, 2023

Some really nice sales going on right now on this bike. I had pretty much set my mind on buying a Stumpjumper Evo Alloy elite, but the Sentinel Alloy GX is on a killer deal right now in Canada, for very similar specs and Geo.

Could you guys tell me why one would be better than the other? Is there anything I should be wary of int the sentinel alloy ? I've read pretty much all the stumpjumper evo thread but not this one 😂

socalrider77 · Oct 29, 2023

ToiletSiphon said:
Some really nice sales going on right now on this bike. I had pretty much set my mind on buying a Stumpjumper Evo Alloy elite, but the Sentinel Alloy GX is on a killer deal right now in Canada, for very similar specs and Geo.

Could you guys tell me why one would be better than the other? Is there anything I should be wary of int the sentinel alloy ? I've read pretty much all the stumpjumper evo thread but not this one 😂

they’re fairly similar on paper, but the stumpy evo has less progressive/more linear suspension kinematics if that matters to you. It’s also more adjustable/versatile with all the geo adjustments.

sentinel has more progressive suspension, and is at the more aggressive end of the spectrum compared to the stumpy.

ARider · Oct 29, 2023

The Stumpjumper also uses a long clevis mount which is very hard on shocks.
To the point that Fox will not warranty or support a coil if you want to run one.

Sentinel can run a coil no problem.

ToiletSiphon · Oct 30, 2023

There's something I don't get when I compare the geometry of the two bikes (L Sentinel vs S4 Stump Evo). Both have the same effective STA, both are within 1mm of each other regarding reach. But somehow, the Sentinel has 10mm less effective top tube. I really don't get how that's possible.

ToiletSiphon · Oct 30, 2023

ARider said:
The Stumpjumper also uses a long clevis mount which is very hard on shocks.
To the point that Fox will not warranty or support a coil if you want to run one.

Sentinel can run a coil no problem.

So I did what I said I wouldn't do and read the whole thread. Isn't the trunnion also problematic? Looks like there were a lot of blown shocks (not only X2)

socalrider77 · Oct 30, 2023

ToiletSiphon said:
So I did what I said I wouldn't do and read the whole thread. Isn't the trunnion also problematic? Looks like there were a lot of blown shocks (not only X2)

I never had an issue with the air shocks I ran, and I’m 245lbs and ride fairly aggressively

ARider · Oct 30, 2023

ToiletSiphon said:
So I did what I said I wouldn't do and read the whole thread. Isn't the trunnion also problematic? Looks like there were a lot of blown shocks (not only X2)

Trunnion mount can be problematic if frame alignment is poor. Because it is such a robust interface, if the shock is running crooked due to bad frame alignment, it will cause wear issues. Transition was warrantying frames that had poor trunnion alignment.

Clevis mount is problematic no matter what, due to the fact that it is extending the functional length of the shock and subjecting it to increased leverage. When Specialized speced the SJ Evo with a coil shock, it would snap the damper shaft. Which is what prompted Fox to issue this bulletin;

Information on "Strut-mount" bikes and FOX/Marzocchi coil shocks | Bike Tech Help Center | FOX

www.ridefox.com

Ici · Oct 30, 2023

ToiletSiphon said:
Some really nice sales going on right now on this bike. I had pretty much set my mind on buying a Stumpjumper Evo Alloy elite, but the Sentinel Alloy GX is on a killer deal right now in Canada, for very similar specs and Geo.

Could you guys tell me why one would be better than the other? Is there anything I should be wary of int the sentinel alloy ? I've read pretty much all the stumpjumper evo thread but not this one 😂

I was told that the suspension on the Evo is more stressed by sideways forces (due to the rear end) and needs to be serviced more often. But it would affect me more as a heavy biker. But I haven't seen anywhere or here that this is actually a big problem. I think it's more likely when driving very aggressively (and being really heavy).
That was the reason I wanted to get the Sentinel. Lower leverage and higher progression.

For comparison: the Fox Float X of the Evo comes with 210x55mm and the one of the Sentinel with 205x 62.5mm. That's a big difference in leverage.
It's all theory, I didn't drive one or the other.

What bothers me about the Sentinel is that there hasn't been a real upgrade in the last few years, hence the current bargain prices. If I didn't need a new bike soon, I would wait for the next version of Sentinel and see what it brings. But that has more to do with the fact that I would have bought the carbon version which is not UDH compatible... among other things.

ToiletSiphon · Oct 30, 2023

Ici said:
What bothers me about the Sentinel is that there hasn't been a real upgrade in the last few years, hence the current bargain prices. If I didn't need a new bike soon, I would wait for the next version of Sentinel and see what it brings. But that has more to do with the fact that I would have bought the carbon version which is not UDH compatible... among other things.

The Alloy is uhd compatible?
Gotta say I'm also not sure it's the right time considering that they are probably liquidating the last batch of the current model. But the next model will undoubtedly be more expensive and at full price. What also bothers me is that I have a hand in a cast with a broken scaphoid and the other hand has a pretty strained wrist. I don't know how it's going to heal and what my riding will look like next summer.

Ici · Oct 30, 2023

socalrider77 said:
Yea only the alloy sentinel is UDH compatible since it was made after the carbon. I ended up with an XXL megatower and feel it fits much better for me than the XXL sentinel did

ToiletSiphon said:
The Alloy is uhd compatible?
Gotta say I'm also not sure it's the right time considering that they are probably liquidating the last batch of the current model. But the next model will undoubtedly be more expensive and at full price. What also bothers me is that I have a hand in a cast with a broken scaphoid and the other hand has a pretty strained wrist. I don't know how it's going to heal and what my riding will look like next summer.

This should answer your question

Thanks to @socalrider77

Sasquatch1413 · Oct 30, 2023

I tried to use search but couldn't find a direct answer. Have a XXL Sentinel on the way and wondering if I can run a 65mm stroke shock. I have a Manitou Mara I'd like to use and can put in a spacer to limit to 62.5mm but will run it at 65mm if I can. Anyone tried it?

Transition Sentinel v 2.0 Thread

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Information on "Strut-mount" bikes and FOX/Marzocchi coil shocks | Bike Tech Help Center | FOX

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