Questions for Transition Syren Owners

IttyBittyBetty said:

Good Morning Ladies! I am planning to purchase a Transition Syren (yes - I'm super duper excited!). I have read every review I could find on the internet and I think all the posts here on mtbr. I have a few questions that some of you may be able to answer:

1. With the single pivot design of the bike, how much, if any, brake jack do you experience? I am hoping the low pivot on the bike helps minimize this.

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I don't notice it at all. Then again, my DH bike is also single pivot... That is changing soon so maybe I'll start to feel it more.

IttyBittyBetty said:

2. What kind of suspension do you ladies have on your bikes? I am agonizing over this decision! I am light (110 to 115 without gear). I want this bike to take my riding to a higher level - jumps and big drops. I have asked many people (friend, mtbr DH forum, professionals, etc.) for their opinions. Everyone says coil is ideal IF I can get it to work for my weight. Right now I am leaning toward coil in the rear (DHX 5.0) and air in front (Fox 36 Float 160R). If any of you are light and have had success with coil, I'd love to hear about it!.

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I have both and change them out, though I use the RP23 air shock WAY more than I use the coil. Even at Whistler, for example, or when I go to the dirt jumps. It's lighter and feels just as good to me on drops and through rock gardens, so I don't see much point in using the coil shock. Actually, come to think of it, I haven't put the coil shock on at all since early this spring - at this point it has become more of a backup just in case something goes wrong with the RP23.

I also have air up front - Lyrik Solo Air fork. Which has been by far the best fork I've ever owned. Love, love, love that fork. I don't know how they made an air fork feel plusher than the coil forks I've owned in the past, but it does.

IttyBittyBetty said:

3. How has Transition been if you've had to deal with them for warranty or other after-purchase issues? Connie - I know you have had frame issues!

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They were awesome. I had a new front triangle in less than a week (just paid to ship them my old one) and the new ones have gusseting in the spot mine cracked. I wouldn't worry there.

IttyBittyBetty said:

4. How is the Revolution 32 Wheelset? It's such a good price, I'm thinking I'll start out with these, but I want to know if you all have found them adequate for DH (for a light rider).

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I haven't tried those. One of my friends (like a 6'3" dh racer guy) has them on his Preston and hasn't had any problems with them. I would imagine they would be fine for you for DH.

IttyBittyBetty said:

5. Anything else I should know, good or bad about the bike?

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If you're used to being stretched out on the bike you do fast descending on, it takes a little adjustment to get used to a smaller cockpit and shorter wheelbase. But all of that makes it so nimble everywhere else, I think it's way better for techy trail riding. Also, be aware that if you are used to a higher BB, you might have to watch your pedals for a bit or you'll smack them into rocks you might have cleared on other bikes (if you're good about ratcheting or timing your pedal strokes you probably won't notice one way or the other). I haven't had an issue with that in a long time, but it's something to be aware of on the first few rides. Oh, and now that I have a Hammerschmidt on mine, I have loads of BB clearance, which is sweet.

Obviously, it's not built to be an efficient climber, but it's really fun on techy stuff and jumps, etc. I think you'll love it! :thumbsup:

I ride Silver Star with this bike just to give you an idea on the abuse it takes and terrain

1. With the single pivot design of the bike, how much, if any, brake jack do you experience? I am hoping the low pivot on the bike helps minimize this.

- I honestly have felt very little brake jack. The back end of this bike is very active and sticks to the ground, especially in brake bumps!


2. What kind of suspension do you ladies have on your bikes? I am agonizing over this decision! I am light (110 to 115 without gear). I want this bike to take my riding to a higher level - jumps and big drops. I have asked many people (friend, mtbr DH forum, professionals, etc.) for their opinions. Everyone says coil is ideal IF I can get it to work for my weight. Right now I am leaning toward coil in the rear (DHX 5.0) and air in front (Fox 36 Float 160R). If any of you are light and have had success with coil, I'd love to hear about it!

- I run an DHX air and love it. I didn't get a chance to try the coil but the air has been amazing, I am a light rider also and ran a dhx5 coil on my last bike... this feels better but it could be the suspension design more than the rear shock. Up front I have a fox float RC2. Amazing fork, no issues, I was tempted to go the totem route but I suck at maintenance and the float has been great. Super smooth and plush and has handled everything at the hill no problem.

3. How has Transition been if you've had to deal with them for warranty or other after-purchase issues? Connie - I know you have had frame issues!

- I had a friend who cracked a frame and had another one sent no problem. Really good company to deal with. The 09 frame has burlier gussets so hopefully you don't have to send it back!

4. How is the Revolution 32 Wheelset? It's such a good price, I'm thinking I'll start out with these, but I want to know if you all have found them adequate for DH (for a light rider).

- I know huge 200 + lb dudes who rock these wheelsets and have little finess... and these stand up. Downfall is the paint job, but nothing on performance.

5. Anything else I should know, good or bad about the bike?

Paint jobs are horrible. That is really it! I purchased the spackle frame in hopes of hiding the paint scuffs. Had shuttle damage the first week out.

I love my bike