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I like the Z1 Coil or a Rhythm 36 with Z1 coil conversion (whichever is cheaper). Stiffer than a 36 (thicker walled uppers according to the experts). Can go up to 170mm if you’ve got a big day planned. Coil… if you want to get real fancy you can drop a Grip2 damper in there too.
Agreed. I've got a buddy running a Z1 Coil with a Grip2. It's rad!
 
The coils for the Z1 don’t really get stiff enough for heavier guys, and given OP is 230lbs I would recommend a smashpot if coil is an option.

I ran the lyrik select, zeb ultimate, 38 grip2, and the mezzer on my sentinel. Personally, I’d go with a mezzer. Similar stiffness to the zeb/38, usually can be had for ~$850 (got mine a few months ago for $650), and plushest fork I have run. I weigh about 240lbs


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I'm curious what fork people would recommend for a Sentinel these days. I have a Lyrik Select and I'm considering upgrading. I recently upgraded my shock and it really opened my eyes to how good suspension can be.
  • I ride chunky techy trails in Colorado. I don't leave the ground very often.
  • I'm 220-230lbs with gear.
  • I have a Super Deluxe Coil in the back, which I love.
  • What I want in a fork is great traction, comfort, and OTB prevention.
Smashpot conversion for your existing Lyrik. I did one on the same fork on my e-bike and it does everything you ask for. Lacks the pop of an air fork but gives glued to the ground traction. Bottom out control really tuneable. Adds a chunk of weight but (no offence, I’m very nearly your weight) at your size it won’t matter. Lyrik more than stiff enough at 160mm.
 
Smashpot conversion for your existing Lyrik. I did one on the same fork on my e-bike and it does everything you ask for. Lacks the pop of an air fork but gives glued to the ground traction. Bottom out control really tuneable. Adds a chunk of weight but (no offence, I’m very nearly your weight) at your size it won’t matter. Lyrik more than stiff enough at 160mm.
220-230lbs? you want 38 mm tubes on your fork, 35mm are twisty in the rocks. Can’t afford a Zeb, pickup a Domain and add a 2.1 damper at some point to drop half a pound.
 
220-230lbs? you want 38 mm tubes on your fork, 35mm are twisty in the rocks. Can’t afford a Zeb, pickup a Domain and add a 2.1 damper at some point to drop half a pound.
I’m pretty sure you can’t put a 2.1 damper in the domain, the stanchions use different wall thickness than the zeb
 
I’m pretty sure you can’t put a 2.1 damper in the domain, the stanchions use different wall thickness than the zeb
Already did it. You can’t use the new 3.1 in the domain….. check out the lost co video on the Domain. The inside diameter of the Domain tubes are smaller because the 6000 series Al is not as strong as the 7000 series on the ultimate Zeb. The 2.1 is just a cartridge damper while 3.1 is a open bath . They all have the same threads at the fork crown on the damping side but since the 3.1 is a open bath damper, there is a double o ring seal that slides into the fork tube that is sized for the ultimate tubes. This seal will not fit in the smaller id of the Domain fork.
 
Already did it. You can’t use the new 3.1 in the domain….. check out the lost co video on the Domain. The inside diameter of the Domain tubes are smaller because the 6000 series Al is not as strong as the 7000 series on the ultimate Zeb. The 2.1 is just a cartridge damper while 3.1 is a open bath . They all have the same threads at the fork crown on the damping side but since the 3.1 is a open bath damper, there is a double o ring seal that slides into the fork tube that is sized for the ultimate tubes. This seal will not fit in the smaller id of the Domain fork.
sweet that’s good to know!
 

watch the video or read the article
 
I can get my fingers in there to turn the knob but I wouldn't rely on it's ability to be removed and used as an allen key. I haven't tried that, it could be possible, but definitely a tight squeeze.
 
Running a Vivid on mine and feels really good. Standard tune with no tokens. 1 token at 30% sag was very hard to use full travel even with HBO wide open. With no tokens, it still feels progressive and not overly linear / firm throughout the travel.
 
How much clearance is there between the reservoir and frame at fully compressed? I have a large carbon so good to know it fits! Contemplating going Vivid/Zeb or X2/38
 
There is ample clearance, I didn’t measure the space but it is nowhere near making contact at bottom out. I’m pretty sure it will clear all frame sizes, there is equal or greater clearance than with the super deluxe coil, which fits on the small frame with plenty of space.
 
I noticed that I have less traction going uphill on my sentinel. XL size, with 6'4" rider. Running 35mm stem and absolute black oval ring. No issues going downhill, but going uphill bike tends to "flip over aka wheelie" rather than move forward. Riding in NorCal, Onza tires, have DHR/DHF in DD casing on my shelf.
What could be an issue here? I tend to believe it's some setup issue, rather sentinel geo, even though it's very slack bike.
My current plan is to try longer stem first and may be move saddle forward, but I'm wondering if other people run into something similar.
 
Yes, I notice the lighter front end as well, though not exactly wheelieing but more like having to weigh the front by leaning forward (I mostly sit and spin). I’m 190cm which is 6’3something on an XL. I put on a 40mm stem and had to experiment with stack height to get a compromise I liked. I figure it’s because the front center is so long compared to the rear, a few millimeter longer chainstays on the bigger sizes would be helpful here I think.
 
I noticed that I have less traction going uphill on my sentinel. XL size, with 6'4" rider. Running 35mm stem and absolute black oval ring. No issues going downhill, but going uphill bike tends to "flip over aka wheelie" rather than move forward. Riding in NorCal, Onza tires, have DHR/DHF in DD casing on my shelf.
What could be an issue here? I tend to believe it's some setup issue, rather sentinel geo, even though it's very slack bike.
My current plan is to try longer stem first and may be move saddle forward, but I'm wondering if other people run into something similar.


My large came with a 42.5mm stem as stock and I also run my saddle pretty forward on the rails. I do find I’ve to consciously weight the front when it gets really steep, but my legs usually run out of steam before the bike is an issue. For the length of it, I actually think it’s a really good technical climber.
 
Hi everyone.

I'm pretty much through the thread here, but I still have one or more questions about the Sentinel.

I am strongly considering getting a Transition Sentinel. I still have a Stumpjumper, model year 2005 or earlier, and come rather from the XC and All Mountain area.
Then 10 years of road cycling and another break of 3 years due to injury caused me to completely miss developments in the MTB sector.
This summer I got a taste for mountain biking again, currently single trails, now also more demanding downhill trails, but certainly not comparable to the ones you ride. And no bike parks yet. So I'm not a classic enduro rider. What is not can still become. However, due to my weight, a classic trail bike is out of the question and I think the Sentinel could meet my needs in the future.

Briefly about me:
Height approx 6.5 ft (198cm)
Weight approx 243 lbs (110kg)
Inseam length approx 3.1 ft (95cm) possibly a little more
Age: 50 years and in the MTB area out of practice.
Riding technique I have to learn again, also due to long injury break.

In principle, I decided on the Sentinel Carbon GX Fox in size XXL, but based on what I heard, I'm not sure whether I should go for the alloy version.

My tours actually involve a lot of uphill climbs; A quick lap with 1000 to 1300 meters of altitude over a 30-40km route. Mostly single trails, but in the end only 2-4 downhill trails with an enduro character. In any case, I like it playful and agile, but also stable and safe.

Therefore, two questions:
1, would you rather choose carbon or alloy given my information?
I'm not familiar with the riding characteristics of carbon, except on my road bike. But that is something completely different.

2, clearly XXL or could the XL also fit my needs or even better?

Thanks in advance.. and nice weekend everyone.
 
Hi everyone.

I'm pretty much through the thread here, but I still have one or more questions about the Sentinel.

I am strongly considering getting a Transition Sentinel. I still have a Stumpjumper, model year 2005 or earlier, and come rather from the XC and All Mountain area.
Then 10 years of road cycling and another break of 3 years due to injury caused me to completely miss developments in the MTB sector.
This summer I got a taste for mountain biking again, currently single trails, now also more demanding downhill trails, but certainly not comparable to the ones you ride. And no bike parks yet. So I'm not a classic enduro rider. What is not can still become. However, due to my weight, a classic trail bike is out of the question and I think the Sentinel could meet my needs in the future.

Briefly about me:
Height approx 6.5 ft (198cm)
Weight approx 243 lbs (110kg)
Inseam length approx 3.1 ft (95cm) possibly a little more
Age: 50 years and in the MTB area out of practice.
Riding technique I have to learn again, also due to long injury break.

In principle, I decided on the Sentinel Carbon GX Fox in size XXL, but based on what I heard, I'm not sure whether I should go for the alloy version.

My tours actually involve a lot of uphill climbs; A quick lap with 1000 to 1300 meters of altitude over a 30-40km route. Mostly single trails, but in the end only 2-4 downhill trails with an enduro character. In any case, I like it playful and agile, but also stable and safe.

Therefore, two questions:
1, would you rather choose carbon or alloy given my information?
I'm not familiar with the riding characteristics of carbon, except on my road bike. But that is something completely different.

2, clearly XXL or could the XL also fit my needs or even better?

Thanks in advance.. and nice weekend everyone.
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
 
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