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Thoughts on the 2012 Transition TR-450?

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rswitz

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I can't find much info on the 2012 model. My large frame in the raw color arrives tomorrow and I'm so excited.

How does the bike stack up against other high end bikes such as the v10 or M9? Would you even consider the TR-450 "high end"? I was so close to getting the 951, before I finally pulled the trigger on the 450. Hope I made the right choice.

One thing I saw that kind of had me concerned was that it has a low BB height. Will I have any issues clearing big things like rocks and roots?
 
#2 ·
In the last 2 years I have tested 5 of the best bikes out the.
Santa Cruz V-10
Canfield Jedi
Transition TR450
Banshee Legend MKII
Zerode G-1

The TR was a very nimble bike. Easy to hop around on the trail. The BB was not all that low. I wouldn't worry about it. I ran our test bike at 64 degrees the whole time.
 
#4 ·
I've ridden all the above bikes except for the zerode...also ridden an m9, 951, demo, glory. The only bike i've seemed to enjoy more has been the banshee, but not by much. I would expect the 450 to last longer. It's just a super fun and nimble bike. You won't be disappointed
 
#11 ·
Makes me more eager to get mine but it won't be soon enough. Just got my fork (888 RC3) ordered and am gonna run them this season on my 7point and then move everything over to the 450 next tax return season. Keep me posted on how the ride is.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
I will post pics of the built bike tomorrow night. I guess I'll try to weigh it somehow by balancing it on my bathroom digital scale.

Keep in mind though, that all the parts, except the new pedals and bar, are coming off my Airborne Taka, so its not an official Transition build kit.

Its going to basically be an 888 RV fork, Avid Juicy 3 brakes, an e-thirteen LG1 chainguide, and a 2012 Fox RC4 shock with the kashima coat. Not a super high end parts-build, but its the frame that really matters, right?

Besides, I plan on upgrading my fork to the '12 888 Evo v2, which supposedly is a huge upgrade over the RV, which is hard to imagine because my RV feels like butter and performs great right now. It just lacks a lot of adjust-ability. It has rebound, but thats all I use anyways.
 
#15 ·
rswitz said:
I will post pics of the built bike tomorrow night. I guess I'll try to weigh it somehow by balancing it on my bathroom digital scale.

Keep in mind though, that all the parts, except the new pedals and bar, are coming off my Airborne Taka, so its not an official Transition build kit.

Its going to basically be an 888 RV fork, Avid Juicy 3 brakes, an e-thirteen LG1 chainguide, and a 2012 Fox RC4 shock with the kashima coat. Not a super high end parts-build, but its the frame that really matters, right?

Besides, I plan on upgrading my fork to the '12 888 Evo v2, which supposedly is a huge upgrade over the RV, which is hard to imagine because my RV feels like butter and performs great right now. It just lacks a lot of adjust-ability. It has rebound, but thats all I use anyways.
Click to expand...
Not bad, the frame and the suspension is the biggest things. I don't know what kind of deal you found on the 2012 888. I would get last years EVO ti for 995.00 from go-ride and spend the extra money to upgrade your brakes. If the juicy 3 works for you then ignore what I said.
 
Discussion starter · #16 · (Edited)
Alright guys, she's all built. And she's sexy.

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Everything is fine except one little thing. The rear shock is making a slight knocking sound upon compression. The sound occurs on the first part of the travel, right when I sit on the seat.

It is also making a squeaky noise when I bounce on it.

I'm guessing this is because its a brand new shock and needs to break in, but is this normal?

Thanks.

[Edit] Ok, I think I figured out what that knocking sound was. I'm pretty sure its that top part of the chainguide, right above the chainring, hitting the front of the chainstay as the suspension compresses. I know this because there is a small dirty spot on the chainstay right where the point of contact is, along with a small chip. I cleaned the area completely, and bounced on the bike again. The same spot became dirty again. I don't think this will be a huge issue down the trail, because the chip is only very slight, and cannot go any deeper since after it hits, it just keeps going down further past it.

But I may be wrong. Any thoughts on this?
 
#17 ·
Typical problem on Transitions. The sleeve side of the shock mount bolt is too long, causing it to bottom out on the sleeve before it is all the way tight. Solution = shave some material off of the sleeve side until it tightens down normally without clunking.
 
#18 ·
two things buddy, tilt that seat upward more......and like i said before, the 2012 evo is such a worthy upgrade, like night and day with that fork on there.....I know this because i still ride Taka, even though its heavily altered. Sick looking bike though, happy riding
 
#20 ·
Your chainguide needs to be rotated clockwise. It will put more tension on your chain and you'll stop hitting the top part of the chainguide. Also i don't know if your done securing your cablehousing. I wouldn't put the cablehousing on the outside of the chainstay, either put on top or bottom. Your shoe could catch it and pull it, or put a chainstay protector over it.
 
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