Why I don't love my DREAM BIKE.

#mtb #mtblife

You know, sometimes you just don’t gel with a bike, and that’s OK. We’re lucky that we have so many different awesome bike options to choose from these days, but not every bike is a good fit for every style of riding.

I’m sad my first true dream build didn’t pan out, but I’m sure it’ll find a home with someone who loves it.

Find what works for you, and go out there and have a blast!

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[jonathanalexander]

You should have gotten the grey one, it handles way better than the mustard color one.

[rwogmtb-ridingwitholdguy]

The fact that you can get everything that you wanted but realized it isn't what you needed, quoting the Stones, shows you are being honest with yourself about your riding. Keep looking, that is half the fun, enjoy.

[j.albertogratacos]

I find that many riders get aggressive bikes when their riding is more trail oriented. You can see them slowing down on fast, thin, singletracks because they can't keep the line. Or missing switchback turns. On the other hands, I've seen very aggressive riders that still prefer the XC superfast and agile climbs and still manage to hit some scary stuff although not as fast.

[DouglassTaber]

I primarily ride the V2 Sentinel in the PNW, and agree with your assessment. As you wisely note, it just doesn't fit your quiver/style. I feel lucky that it is a perfect match for my quiver, geography, and the type of riding I do most. Between the Sentinel and my Hardtail (Giant Fathom) I feel 90% covered. Great video!

[scheibelhut]

Anything Evil is what you’re looking for. It’s perfect for me riding in PA. A dream with a Push coil, slightly steeper HA (but can throw an angleset in for slacker), reasonable wheelbase, efficient pedaling.

[TwoWheeledStories]

I have owned one of these for nine months now, I get you on a few things in that this bike wants to go fast all the time and can feel awkward if not being pushed. I ride mine on everything from tight tech stuff here in Stockholm to the first three EWS rounds this season and it was definitely more at home on long tracks in the mountains. The tighter stuff just took some adjustment to my riding to get right now it feels grand. Shame it didn't work out for you man, good luck with the next build!

[chimpsgimps]

What you described fits with my thoughts and ultimately my decision to go for a Revel Rail 27.5 over a Transition Patrol. UK trails are generally pretty tight and techy too. Sometimes you can get lost in the research and need to come up for air and a sense check to try and think about ‘what’s right for me’.
Hopefully demo days will be coming back soon.

[anthonylentini-jvyj]

It’s the thrill of the chase. More fun to research, analyze, compare, dream, buy the best parts/bikes than it does to actually own and ride it. I have that addiction and it’s cost me about $10k in

[mtbcolorado]

This just shows that different people like different things, and that’s great, it’s better to know that and to have a bike that you love

[stonewp]

I demo’d a Sentinel and thought it rode well/ similar to the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo that I went with. The Stumpy is the only bike that I’ve ever ridden where I swapped to the high bb setting and removed the -1 degree headset cup after a few rides. My first trip on the bike was Pisgah and ride mostly on the more rocky trails on Monte Sano.

[mtbjoser]

Putting another vote in the ballot for Pivot Switchblade. It’s a super fun all-arounder and very comfortable to get along with

[DoubleNation]

I was standing between a TR Sentinel and a Pivot Switchblade and hearing your "downside" points on the sentinel, I´m more than happy that I chose the Switchblade.
I could ride it forerver, no difference in going up or down, steep or flat, rowdy or mellow. Just one of the best bikes I´ve ever ridden :D

[treebeardmtb]

Have you considered fitting an angle adjust headset to sharpen the head angle and trim the wheelbase a little? With that and an air shock set up for more pop it might suit you a whole lot better.

[waynephilbert]

I've two bikes I currently own and have had for about a year or so. One in particular delights and confounds me in equal measure. Neither of them were instant love at first ride. I've had a couple of bikes in my past that just felt right from the first pedal stroke. These two, many many dollars later still are not 100% right and I'm tempted to ditch them both. It's so frustrating, because even with a demo (rare now, and always a problem as I need XL / XXL) one cannot expect to get a decent view from a couple of hours at best on the demo bike.

Now one considers themselves lucky to get to see it in the size one is looking for and ride it on pavement outside the store.

Hope the next bike works for you!

[mikegeddie]

Sizing down and trimming the bars is the way to go. Most people ride bikes too big for them. I know I did. A lot of bike companies have garbage sizing guidelines, but I feel transition is spot on. I’m 5’9 ish and I tried a medium and large sentinel on the exact same enduro test loops and the large was waaay to big. I live in NM and ride a lot of tight and technical stuff. I have an S3 enduro and shortened the stem and cut my bars down to 760 and it’s great.

[edbackes]

Enjoy watching your vids and have helped me in the past. I’m the owner of a V2 Hightower and my son has the transition sentinel. Both similar bikes now I cascade linked it.
Think your vid is a little misleading as you open by saying you bought the sentinel as you wanted a more enduro race capable all mountain bike but ultimately that’s the reason you’re getting rid of it!
Suggest you buy another HT.
Ultimately the expensive answer is a capable enduro rig and a playful trail bike! N+1!

[floatplanebox]

Take a look at the stumpy evo! I live in Knoxville and ride one and it has been great for me. There is so much geometry adjustment that it can completely change character. Go anywhere from 63 to 65.5 degree HTA with three position head tube angle cups and a high/low BB height adjust. I’ve had this bike about a year and it is a great all rounder for our area

[brianharris]

Good call! I just got my dream bike and its better than I could have ever imagined. Keep searching!

[khodges]

This proved the point I’ve made since I’ve been riding. We guys always want something new. It can be watches, bikes, cars etc… bike doesn’t need to cost an arm & a leg & you can still have fun.

[svenb]

Love the honest update! Seems like a lot of channels are only focused on positive reviews. Looking forward to seeing what you try next. BTW, I’m pretty excited about the updated Santa Cruz line (Mega and Hightower) and hope to see one in my local shop this year.