2023 Transition Smuggler Review - One Bike to Rule Them All?
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- Deep dive review into the 2023 Transition Smuggler that was custom built from the frameset on up. In this review you'll find a direct comparison to the Smugglers of old, how it did versus the Transition Spur, where it slots into the Transition lineup, who this bike is for and a lot (lot) more.
Unlike most reviews, I had the opportunity to spend well over 100 hours on the bike, getting to know all the details and nuances before publishing this review.
Time stamps:
0:00-1:15 - Intro
1:15-3:42 - Bike Overview & How I Built It
3:42-6:18 - Comparison to other Smugglers & the Spur
6:18-7:52 - Climbing Performance
7:52-12:00 - Descending Performance
12:00-15:00 - Who is this Bike For - Sport
Transition makes some of the best looking frames on the planet. Clean no-nonsense lines. Thumbs up on the review, mate.
Mate, this video popped us as recommended for me in Oz. I love your reviewing style. No BS! and seeing the riding going on while you are talking is sick as. so much better than watching a person talking to a bike. I came for the review but I stayed for the riding!!!! cheers mate. Schaeff.
Thanks for the kind words dude!
I still have my 2018 carbon smoke blue xo1 build on carbon hoops and 170mm? dropper. I won't let it go fearing it'll be "the one that got away". I even rode it on the entirety of the Colorado trail. So happy to hear they brought it back.
Seriously great review. No bullshit, you don’t incessantly stream-of-consciousness blab just to hear yourself talk, so much good and pertinent info to help select or rule out this bike as an option. Good content like this is unicorn status. Thanks!
Thanks a ton Jeremy
Great review. Really straightforward. Only one problem. Now I want a new bike.
I have the Spur and I agree with your comments when it gets steep and gnarly. However it’s perfect for 95% of my riding and is so good for the amount of travel. I did a 4 day XC race and this killed it, I put racing ray and racing Ralph 2.35” tyres on the bike, absolutely amazing bike.
Awesome review. Looking forward to more from ya.
Wow, what an awesome review.... the best one I may have ever seen. Great job!
Your videos are always sooo good, I wish you upload more of them
Glad to have you back ,love your videos moto and bikes.
Keep it up!
Appreciate the kind words. Next up will be a sled review but I did get my hands on the 2023 Husqy TBI which I'll have something ready for in the spring. Cheers!
This is what I call a good informative review 👏
Literally one of the best bike reviews Ive ever seen.
Please review more bikes.Honestly my favorite bike reviews on the tube!
YES on the AXS review.
Awesome review! great job.
amazing riding dude! Trails there look sweet.
This was one of the best bike reviews I've ever seen... Not sure how you don't have more subs. Earned one from me - hope to see you get more bikes in the upcoming months.
Thanks Jesus! I'll do my best. Next up is the Marin E-Bike (gasp!), a very expensive snowmobile (I know, bike riders will hate it) and a very very cool dirtbike.
@@JeffreyJim09 Looking forward to it - I ride 95% of my miles on a raaw madonna (5k' climb days) but I'm coming back from injury+covid and I'm riding some e-bike to get back into it. I can only manage ~1500' on my Madonna right now. The e-bike is helping with the lost descending strength (upper body/quad) and skill/confidence. They have a place, even for us analogue nerds.
I forgot to say: excellent reviews! I'm late to this party, but happy to be here...
Great honest review!
Amazing review man thank you. This seems to be the case with modern suspension design- progression and anti squat to keep you supported and energized when climbing but removes.that "plush" sensation that would allow you to feel like you have more suspension than you do. It's what gives that rewarding feedback when you drive the bike hard. This looks excellent. With 130/140 orn140/150 setup depending on region this has to be the do-all machine people are looking for
Brutally honest review. Great overview of the important stuff. I’ve always struggled to get along with Fox suspension.. almost like it always needs tuning to respond how I expect it to. Tempted by a replacement for my Process 111 which has a little more travel added front and rear, but stiffness of that bike is a slight concern. I think I’ll see what build and colourway a they offer next year.
Great review
Sick review.
Superb! thanks for sharing it. I've sent it to my followers in my facebook & Israeli website.
Thanks so much!
Great review Jeff, really like how you approach this review, the information you provide,; as someone who is in the process of choosing my next bike after 17 years on a Cumba XCL I found this really very helpful.
I appreciate that!
Really good explanation. I would love to see a comparison of that smuggler and the Santa Cruz hightower
Jeff, I appreciate your reviews and bought a Spur two years ago based largely on your review of it and that bike continues to make me happy. I’d be interested in a GX AXS review as you mentioned in your Smuggler review. It seems all my friends are switching too that setup and I’m like why? Why put a battery powered contraption on your bike if the a tried and true simple system works wonderfully?
This review stands above so many others. I'd really like to hear more about AXS shifting. I've been a skeptic for years and so I'd love for you to tell me why I'm right and why to continue avoiding the component. The thought of having to charge my bike to go for a ride rubs me all wrong.
Came across this as I was thinking of a test ride for my next frame and I am SOO glad you mentioned the current generation Fox 34 Grip 2- I have this on my current bike and it is such an underrated fork. So many people use 36's who would be better off with the 34. Its as stiff as my previous 36, significantly lighter, works perfectly at 140mm... Very rarely reviewed or shows up in the bike press but I'm very glad I gambled on going for the 34 over the 'safe' choice of the 36 I've had numerous times before.
Great review, first of your's I've watched. I'm on a Following V3 right now and this may be my next bike, I also have a Patrol. Does it feel pretty nimble, it's got a long wheelbase?
I've got over 3,000 miles on my Spur in the last two years and I absolutely LOVE the bike! With the exception of over forking it, I have basically upgraded it to be much more burley than what it was designed for. I9 Enduro wheels, Code brakes with HS2 rotors, Pike Ultimate 120mm, bigger rear shock, AXS 01 drivetrain and AXD Reverb dropper. Our trails in the Boise area are SMOOTH and this bike is perfect for it. I picked up a Sentinel for bike park days and riding rougher stuff with family in Utah. However, had this new Smuggler been around two years ago, I think I would have passed on the Spur and the Sentinel and just had one bike to do it all. Love the color, too!
Looks like a great bike. Always appreciate your reviews. I'd welcome a Live Q&A- lots of questions-
Awesome. I'll aim for something in a few weeks when more have seen the review and I can schedule something to make this worthwhile for all.
Cheers man!
Well here’s the big question- if you could have 2 bikes would you go with a spur and a 150/160 bike or with a smuggler and a 170/170 bike?
@@danielray1558 do you race XC or enduro?
@@JeffreyJim09 I do the occasional of each but enjoy enduro and dh riding more than xc riding- I live in MN and my local riding would be best on something less than my go everywhere do everything 150/160 bike. I travel a few times every year out west- Utah/Arizona/ Washington. Would live to ride in Wyoming. I was a river guide in the snake river one summer. I also ride quite a bit around Lake Superior with some pretty good gravity trails. But it’s fun to turn some days into really big days with 7-10 double black descents in the mix.
@@danielray1558 tough call! My $0.02 is if you race, you'll want Spur + Spire.
If you don't race, Smuggler (alone) will likely work especially if you just buy two wheelsets, or two wheelsets.
looks like an absolutely killer rig. Might have to keep an eye on it when its time to replace my Canyon spectral
Im 6-4 and ride an extra large Tallboy 4. Have same issue with steer tube spacers. One of the reasons I like to buy frames and build up. I dont remove much from the fork steer tube to allow the spacers. Every complete bike Ive bought comes with it cut too short.
Great review, your riding is mesmerizing! I wonder what you said to the guy on the dirt bike lol.
Great review Jeff.
Would love a review of the Spire. Particularly comparing it to your Enduro.
I should be able to throw a leg over one for some time in 2023!
Your comment about slowing the shock down at 200lbs is something I’ve noticed as well. I’ve had better luck with the new Rock Shox shocks as they seem to have a better range of adjustment.
Really appreciate this review and your thoughts on the Spur a few years ago. Any thoughts on the Santa Cruz Blur in comparison to the Spur? It's hard to get my hands on either for testing.
Awesome review. Sounds awfully similar to my 2020 140/140 Scout build, even down to the weight.
god damn you're a good rider. currently sitting on the toilet white-knuckling my phone watching you blast down these hills. everything looks scary to me though since i'm from florida. i'll be moving to knoxville, TN in a couple weeks and i'm considering getting one of these. i definitely know my limitations. not trying to enter any races or set records. just wanna have fun, and dole out some high fives at the end
Thanks for the kind words, Jeff. The smuggler would be an incredible bike for TN!
I think the sentinel is going to be the ticket for my bike park/out west trips, maybe I’ll keep the Ripley AF for my local XC stuff.
Transition has made its own Pivot Trail 429 or Ibis Ripley. I long-forked my Stumpy w a 2023 Pike 150 Select and it is super light and stiff...more so than the 2018 Fox 34 that was on it. I also bumped up 20 mm in front and kept the head angle consistent w rearranging my spacers on the head set. The bike absolutely rips now. I want this bike! Great riding and review. I feel empty w/o at least 3 bikes in the stable. Is that wrong? Lol.
Great review and loved the part you mentioned about showing up at a race and winning. Did you by chance try the Specialized Stumpjumper and see how it compares? I am building a short travel trail bike and seriously torn between that and this new smuggler. Climbing is really important for me and wondering if you can elaborate a bit more on that portion for the smuggler and how it compares to the Spur. Thanks
Climbing performance is going to be very similar between all the bikes in question so long as you control for wheels, tires and overall weight.
Obviously, the Spur will generally build lighter, Smuggler heavier. If you are *really* chasing KOMs (going up), go Spur. If you want something a bit more balanced for the way down, go Smuggler.
@@JeffreyJim09 My racing days are behind me so the balanced approach makes more sense. Smuggler frameset ordered! Stoked to build it up using my downcountry bike parts which are similar to yours. Same fork, wheels etc.
Hey Jeff, I am still riding the old 2016 overforked smuggler and still love as the best bike I have ever owned. Do think upgrading to the New smuggler makes a huge improvement on the downhills?
LOL not just my category... cough cough... the whole thing. HAHA. Such a cool brand and bike. That color is HAWT! XC build at 28lbs ain't shabby. I like when you pass the moto guy too.
Heck yeah glad to see you back reviewing bikes! How would you compare this to something like the mullet Offering or really any mullet design with maybe a touch more travel. I'm a long time 650b rider and loved ripping my Evil Calling out in Salida, CB, and Telluride this past summer. It always felt like I was red-lining the bike's capabilities though which in its own right is a gripping experience. I guess I'm in search of something more intermediate between my 150/130 27.5 bike and a full on enduro 29er ripper that I saw every other rider using. It was definitely exhilarating keeping up with those guys but having a touch more room for error would net a great return I think. I'll still probably never sell the Calling though; flying down those tight flowy dusty descents it was a true slalom bike out there. Just finished school so I'm trying to find anyway to base myself out there.
Good question. I honestly have only ridden one mullet bike extensively, and its an e-bike (stand by for that review ;) )
Curious, have you ridden a bigger bike? You sound like a good candidate for one (160+)
@@JeffreyJim09 Oh yeah I've done some rentals and have tried friend's bikes; and it definitely let me reach some new potential. Still I felt like I had to adapt my riding style too much for my taste (maybe I just need to spend a lot more time on one). I'm someone that likes to stay light on their feet and snap into turns. One of the big reasons I was able to keep up with local guys I met out there was because basically half the time I was in the air evading a lot of the chunk. It also meant there were some unfortunate moments of misjudging trajectory lol.
Funny enough my last bike was a 160/150 27.5 but I cracked the frame, in addition I've always wanted to try the Calling ever since I started riding so that's why I fired on a shorter travel bike. I'm based semi-close to the Appalachian mountains so there definitely is some gnar out here.
In some way I want to retain that light snappy, poppy ethos the Calling has in spades, but gain some straight line speed and plowability which I know is kind of a contradictory statement. That's why mullet bikes seem kind of like the ticket; front wheel roll over power with a snappy rear, maybe it is just marketing though I need to get on one. Regardless, love your thoroughness man and cinematic feel your videos have; not sure why your channel hasn't blown up yet, I could definitely see you getting a large following in the near future. Hopefully I didn't ramble too much, cheers!
Fantastic review! I really wish I could test one of these on the east coast. I swapped my Spur for a Revel Rascal last year, but have been looking forward to this Smuggler release for a while. There are just some things I miss about the Transition.
Have you ridden a Rascal? If so, any thoughts on how it compares to the new a Smuggler?
Hey man! I haven't ridden the Rascal, cool looking bike though.
whats the dropper post routing like on it? have they made it fully tube in tube so no fishing out of the BB with a metal coat hanger? hopefully they have sorted that out and it just pops out up the seat tube?
Great review. I have been eyeing a Revel Rascal for a while, however this one is deffnetly a serous contender as well. In your review you mentioned not liking the Sram GX AXS, can you elaborate further on what you didnt like about it. Was thinking of upgrading to that on my next bike.
See above - just what I replied to Jason...
1) I couldn't tune it to perform well through the entire gear range.
2) I did forget to put the battery on more than once. (my fault, but lame)
3) Its heavier than a standard mech
4) Its more expensive than a standard mech.
Its a solution looking for a problem IMO.
Great review! Here's a question for ya...I own a Spur that I've been riding with a Manitou Mara in the back and a 130mm Pike ultimate up front. It's a lot more capable than stock. However, I also find it getting a bit overwhelmed on downhills. I definitely use all the fork at times. Riding is in the northern rockies. I'm not an xc racer or anything like it. Worth upgrading to the Smuggler? I previously owned a Ripmo and just felt it wasn't plush enough and didn't feel worth it to me for the weigh penalty as I'm pretty light and love a good climb. Thanks!
In a word, yes. This bike was built for exactly what you do.
great review and love your videos, whats your philosophy on whether to size down, reach seems to have grown even compared to recent bikes of the last couple years, reach gaps between sizes have also grown
Great question. I know my taste in reach and this was on the upper bounds of what I like. That said, I never once thought "boy this feels a touch long", even with a 50mm stem. I'd probably stick to what you would usually go with, only downsizing if you really feel bikes have become too long in general.
Out of curiosity, how tall are you? Maybe I can offer more advice this way...
@@JeffreyJim09 not a bad thing to add. Im 172cm generally ride a 450mm reach. Currently got the starling murmur 160/140 450mm reach 1228 wheelbase. I dont need a tiny bike exactly since I have an epic evo for my xc ambitions.Thanks!
@@anha8915 go medium. You'll be fine at that size.
@Bailey large was spot on for me
How does this bike compare to the Norco Optic? That's what I'm on now and it's killer for what I'm doing but wouldn't mind a tad bit more travel and steeper Seat tube. I used to have a patrol coil which mobbed everything I really liked the transition popiness
@JeffreyJim09 I live on the front range and own a Spire (and am used to pedaling that damn thing anywhere, including WR), but got an XO Spur outfitted with the rockshox setup. The thing is a freaking rocket ship uphill and flies downhill (as long as its not too steep), but only have 2 rides on it thus far. I was going to upgrade the fork and maybe shock, but now I'm like "Do i just flip it for a Smuggler?" I had a Kona Process 134 CR DL for a bit and it was super fun, but didn't climb much better than my old V1 Sentinel. The Smuggler's geo is better IMO than the Process 134, so I'm intrigued. Damnit, Transition. What are your thoughts?
Awesome review! Just curious what your thoughts would be on the major performance difference between the alloy smuggler and carbon frames? It seems like with the carbon they can tune so much of the performance nuances directly with the layup in a way they can’t with alloy. Maybe I am totally wrong. I have always ridden alloy bikes just because of price but I am curious if you reviewed the alloy version with the same components you had if it would feel and perform very similar?? Thanks again for your awesome review
Great question. While I didn't review the alloy version of this bike, I'd have zero issues riding an alloy Smuggler with one caveat.
Alloy bikes, especially from Transition, are notably heavier. This doesn't bother me too much on the enduro/gravity side of things. It does bother me on the XC side (clearly). This bike kind of straddles both worlds.
Ultimately, I'd suggest you make sure you know what you want out of the bike. If you are building a normal trail bike, and don't care about a few pounds, go alloy. Alternatively, if weight matters, go carbon. Ride quality is also going to be different, but hardly noticeable when you have big tires, suspension, etc in between you , the frame and the ground.
great review, thanks! serious consideration on this bike, after deciding to hang up my enduro aspirations and Pivot Switchblade. I rode the pivot at XL, and enjoyed it. But this reads in the Transition as a Large would be best - am 6'1" 190 lbs. Would you say L is the right fit? Much thanks, Patrick
Unless you like long bikes, yes, L is the right size for you.
Jeff, same ? here. Im 6’3” 195/200 and all in on Smuggler. XL or L?
@@seanoleary9163 I’d go L personally but you are right in between
Thanks for the quality review! I have the og smuggler and I run it with an angle headset and a 140 fork. I have been thinking about a slightly longer(and stiffer) fork and was wondering if you ran your 160 fork with or without an angle headset?
Yup. You can do it! Works great
Hi! 2018 Smuggler owner here that I built 1.5 year ago from a 2nd hand frame. I started with a 150mm Marzocchi Z2 that I swapped to a 160mm Lyrik Ultimate. I was in the Alps at this moment with really steep terrains and it helped, but it changed the geometry (slacker STA and higher BB) so I stuck a -1.5 degree angleset in order to get back to the former geometry with a slightly longer wheelbase though. It was OK in gnarly terrains when things get steep BUT I finally found the perfect balance by lowering the fork to 150mm and getting rid of the angleset. The main reason was because the bike became much less playful and manoeuvrable in tight corners. So 150F/120R is for me the golden number. I could put a -0.5° angleset to get a slacker front but I don't think it worth spending money for that. I love this bike so much. Cheers Mate!
Great Video! I'm out in SE Idaho and I'm wondering what trails are shown in this video? Mostly the Jackson side of the pass?
Actually mostly on the Victor side!
@@JeffreyJim09 sick! What are your favorite trails out there? I'm on the Kelly Canyon side and have done a lot of those trails but im looking to hit more trails out that way
Lithium is no joke. I don't think I would want to ride that trail on any bike under 150mm of rear travel. Props to you for testing out the smuggler on Lithium!
Hey Jeff, thank you for the cool review. Could you compare this bike to the newest stumpjumper? I bought one but can't stand the way it corners and suspension feel. Previously had the original hightower and loved it before it got stolen. Would getting the smuggler resolve this first world problem? 😉
Hey Art - I don't have a ton of time on the new Stumpy but its pretty similar. I'd give the nod to the Transition in the bump eating/rear suspension dept, but again, that was based off a very limited test.
As to cornering, both will rail but I do like where the weight sits on the Transition more, too.
The big thing the Stumpy has the Transition beat on is price (and maybe weight?)
Its like a spectral 125 with longer stays.
If mine breaks l would love to get one of these.
You're such a good reviewer. Loved the part where pass the moto rider. 😄
Thanks! 😃
Is lithium the trail with the big jumps you were riding?
Nice. Love your reviews. I have a 2017 Scout, 2019 Sentinel, Spire, and PBJ. I've been thinking of ditching the Scout and going for a Spur. I think I heard you say in this review that the Spur left you feeling like you "couldn't enjoy the decent" on gnarlier stuff. I live in Colorado and we got plenty of chunk on the front range. Between the new Smuggler and the Spur, which do you think makes the most sense? I love climbing and I push the limits on descents on every ride. Seems like Smuggler, but since you've ridden both I figured I'd ask. Thanks!
I know the front range well, and actually thought of places like White Ranch a fair amount when doing this review. Ultimately, I'd hate riding WR on the Spur. The Smuggler with the right tires would be fun, though the one unidirectional descent will push the limit of the bike (can't remember the name) depending on how fast you are trying to ride it.
Digressions aside, unless you want to race XC, and that is a big part of your focus, get the Smuggler - no question. You'll be a lot happier!!
@@JeffreyJim09 Sweet! That's super helpful. I really want a bike that flies up hill but is not bottoming out/freaking me out the entire descent. Sounds like the Smuggler is the short travel weapon!
@@JeffreyJim09 Super helpful. Not that you have time to nerd out with me here, but I have more context and thoughts.
I have this idea that I want a lightweight bike for the more lightweight stuff on the front range. Since I have the Spire and Sentinel, I do have the gnarlier trails covered, so for Floyd Hill, White Ranch, etc. I'd just take one of those. I really like the idea of having a 26 pound bike for some reason. The other thing bumming me out is the GX Smuggler build leaves a little to be desired on the fork. I've got a Grip 2 Factory on my Sentinel and I don't want to go back 🤣
Can't quite decide! Luxury problems for sure.
Thanks again for the awesome review!
Sweet review, the real question is how does it compare the the best bike in the world? The first gen alloy sentinel?
;) good question - I'd say its actually a lot more like the OG Sentinel than anything else. Just a lot lighter and a lot faster going uphill.
Great review. Curious what size smuggler you’d recommend for someone 5’-10”, who falls right in between medium and large on transition’s sizing guide?
Go medium. You’ll fit it well.
@@JeffreyJim09 thanks!
Man!!! I’m thinking about just building mine up. The GX build seems too expensive.
Do you know when Transition is going to release this as a full bike? I see they don't have it on their website yet. Thanks for the review.
Yup. Not sure why its not up yet.
Smuggler alloy NX - $3,999.00
Smuggler carbon GX - $5,999.00
Smuggler carbon GX AXS - $7,299.00
Smuggler carbon XO1 AXS - $8,499.00
Smuggler Frameset - $3,699.00
@@JeffreyJim09 Looks like Transition put it up shortly after you responded.
What tires are you running on the alu wheelset?
I understand that it's not a XC or Enduro bike. Real question is how does this compare to other 130mm trail bikes? Which would you pick and how does this perform relative to the Yeti SB130, Norco Optic, Specialized Stumpy, YT Izzo, Santa Cruz Hightower, etc.?
Don’t tell pinkbike but the real answer is you can’t go wrong with any bike you just listed. They are all so so so good. You are best to pick based off what fits you best, which will require some understanding of geo/taste. None of them are going to blow you away with bump eating prowess (this is a feature not a bug) and none are going to be wildly different from the pack.
Did you really ride up on a moto!? Fantastic!
Complete bikes are great value but I'm at a position now where through careful shopping I have a great set of carbon hoops, dropper post , brakes etc so it makes sense to buy a frameset and swap the parts into it.The cost to get a complete bike in the spec I wanted would be eye-watering and prohibitively expensive and what I'd get for my hi spec old bike would be a fraction of the sum needed.
Good review. Jeff, what do you weigh? I'm at 220lbs, and was going to put a 36 @ 140mm on it just for the stiffness. What are your thoughts?
Are you building from frameset? If not, give the new 34 a go before you flip it. It honestly feels as stiff as the older gen 36...
Also sorry I’m 205
Love how they ask you to keep it quiet and secretive then send you the bright pink color. 😂
“Big Wagon Wheel” yep totally a Brian Lopes quote from a time when 29ers were relatively new and had some geometry awkwardness. It’s a great looking bike. I’d love to test ride one to see how it compares to my 2018 Rocky Mountain Altitude. I still really like my 27.5 for trail/all mountain.
Any chance you've ridden an Optic and could give it a b2b insight?
Thanks for the review. I was just wondering there are no 2023 Fox 34 out there yet. Is the one tested the 2022 model or is it worth the wait until we see the 2023 models arriving?
Was a 2022 model. No idea what 2023 will bring.
Thanks
I’m moving to Texas (for my dream job). I currently have an XL Sentinel with a cascade link on it bringing the travel up to 165… Waaaaaay too much bike for Texas. This may be exactly what I’m looking for.
Where the bottom of the shock mounts won't that hold dirt and wear out that area over time?
In my experience, no. I have put hundreds of thousands of vertical on the spur with the same configuration and it was actually the one thing that *didn't* wear out. I literally wore everything else out on that bike.
Do you feel this bike is true to size? I’m 6’1”, rider weight of 230lb and I’m pondering between size L or size XL with the smuggler. Appreciate your time! Thanks for the solid review!
I'd strongly suggest you go large!
@@JeffreyJim09 ok thank you! Cheers sir!
Hey Jeff, great review! as a single bike, would you recommend running this at 140mm rear with a 150mm lyrik as this is what I currently have? or dropping down to either a Pike or a 34? Thanks
I’m a huge fan of the new 34. Id go with that in either 130 or 140 configuration.
Curious why you wrote that you don't know why you are still using crank brothers pedals. Can you elaborate on that? Looking to get clipless soon and taking crank brothers or shimano into consideration.
I love the float that crank bros pedals provide. However, I hate the durability. After over 15 years of using them I've been unable to go a different direction because of how they feel despite buying multiple pairs every year. My friends who are used to shimano often use the same set of pedals season after season with no issues.
What trail is this at 3:29?!?!? looks sick
Rocky Point - Victor Idaho
Hi Jeff
Great video, which 02 wheels set would you like to have for the smuggler?
I am seriously thinking about buying one.
Thank you.
I have a gen 1 Smuggler. You covered that you had a lot of time on the older versions and regretted selling them/it, but you never compared new to old. The gen 1 is oddly capable for its numbers. Definitely punches way above its weight class in the gnar. It seems like you indirectly said the new one, although great, was easier to get to a limit that was somewhat lower or, at least, less forgiving than the previous versions. Is that a fair assessment?
Great question. To be really honest, its very difficult for me to directly compare the two bikes being 5+ years has passed since I last rode the G1 Smuggler and had the Smuggler built as "Rowdy" as I could for the era.
I'd bet a significant amount of money if I built this modern Smuggler with a 170mm fork (yes, I'd do that), took the spacer out of the rear shock and put real rubber on the bike it'd leave the old smuggler in the dust. To be really honest, this is closer to the V1 Sentinel with a better leverage ratio curve and (much) lighter weight. I was able to race that bike at a high level in enduro and do well...
Hope that helps!
Passing the motorcycle….😂🤣🤘🤘🤘
I'm really interested in a possible video about Sram AXS. I've been riding on AXS for almost a year and am always tinkering with the mirco adjust because of miss-shifts on the trail. Just never shifts crisp in all the gears. Wish my derailleur was wired at this point.
You and me both man! What chain are you running? GX or XO?
How would you say it compares to say the Santa Cruz Tallboy or would you say this is more comparable to the Hightower? Or other bikes in this category, thanks a lot
Its going to 100% depend on how you build the bike. The frame itself is right between the two, and rides very much as you'd expect (between the two!)
@@JeffreyJim09 what a great bike, I think Transition really nailed this one and allowing an over stroke from factory is another plus in versatility. So you could just run a 150 36 and alloy rims & DD tires and do bike park laps or 34 with carbon wheels and do long saddle days ✊🏻
@@MrDavecore777 yup correct. Except you don't need to swap forks. The 34 is killer. You'll notice real tires/inserts way before you notice that extra 10mm of travel and 2mm of stanction IMO. The beauty is in the lowers of the new 34.
It is weird that this bike is not being reviewed anywhere. You seem to have the only review.
Speculation here but the major outlets charge money for reviews (essentially). I do not. I also come from a major outlet so the quality should (in theory) be the same.
The other reason there are no reviews is because obviously it just came out - and it’s February
@@JeffreyJim09 too much logic here!
Thanks for the review
So how'd you feel about the different wheels on the bike? Did I miss it or did you not really review how it affected the bike?
I could have focused more here. Wheels/tires makes a huge difference. The bike really came alive with the heavy/burly setup. It was still fun with the carbon hoops and the "trail" tires but man, I often felt like I was on the edge of a wheel explosion/trip to the ER.
The enduro wheelset/double down casing tires made the bike feel like it had more travel, and it tracked much better in the rough.
@@JeffreyJim09 ,....How about the climbing difference between the two sets of wheels? As an older man I really notice the difference climbing with a heavier wheelset. Especially in the Arizona heat. Also, I only weigh 160 lbs. so I think I am more affected by the heavier wheels. Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
@@thebeardedmtbiker4594 no question its the most notable thing you can change on a bike. I would rather take a 35 pound bike with light wheels and EXO tires for a huge ride than I would a 30 pound bike with DH tires and alloy wheels for a huge ride.
As a heavier rider myself, what do you mean by slowing down rear shock? Rebound? Compression damping? Thanks in advance
What I mean is I can't turn the rebound "in" enough to slow the shock's action coming back to be to my liking for the higher pressure I have to run for my fat butt!
@@JeffreyJim09 wish this bike came out with sentinel's leverage curve.. would work wonders for heavier riders bring that psi down .. oh well
@@JeffreyJim09 Jeff did you try a coil on it?
@@hadenemslie5711 I did not
@@JeffreyJim09 fantastic review BTW, am still on a L Smuggler i brought in 2016 now with a 150mm 2020 Pike - have struggled to change it but i think your review will do it!
How does this compare to a patrol or scout?
Also curious about this. I'm imagining the Smuggler to be like a more pedal-y 29" version of the Scout?
TPS reports, too funny
stumpjumper or smuggler?
More capable than a Tallboy4?
Super similar bikes. But in a word, yes.
Where are the trails?
Teton Valley Idaho; Wilson Wyoming
Is this the carbon or alloy frame?
Carbon
Hey Jeff! Killer review. I like you called out the info about being heavier and how it affects your rides on other forks/bikes.
Im 6’7 245 and just bought the XXL frame. At my size/weight, should I step up to a 150mm Fox 36? Or would I be happy with the 34 you think?
Mostly lower intermediate flow trails and some basic chunky stuff here in the PNW.
Good question man! I'd give the 34 a go before you make any decisions. At your size you certainly would benefit from the stoutness of the 36, but the 34 really is an impressive fork.
@@JeffreyJim09 just for clarity, I bought the frameset, so I won’t get the 34 from the gun. So wondering if I should snag a 36, or as you mentioned, buy a 34, then sell it and bump up if I need to.
@@wistenandmatt Ah! Good question. My big question here would be do you have other bikes? If you don't, go 36 150
@@JeffreyJim09 That’s a good call! had a sentinel, but sold it in the fall! Thanks for your thoughts, and the great reviews 🙌
Smuggler, stumpjumper, or rascal?
Totally depends on who you are! Factors that weigh into that decision includes shop you buy it through, how mechanically savvy you are, what the build looks like, where you live etc.
Ultimately, I'd wager we are splitting hairs and all three can absolutely destroy when setup properly with a solid build kit.
Why did you hate AXS? Chain slap?
I'll do a review. Lots of reasons...
1) I couldn't tune it to perform well through the entire gear range.
2) I did forget to put the battery on more than once. (my fault, but lame)
3) Its heavier than a standard mech
4) Its more expensive than a standard mech.
Its a solution looking for a problem IMO.
$3700 for a frame is unfortunate. Stumpjumper frame is $2700. Is the Smuggler $1000 better?
Good question. In a word, no, its not $1000 better. Specialized is quietly offering some killer deals these days. For instance, the alloy Stumpy Evo, the Status, and to a lesser extent the Stumpy carbon.
One thing I'm going to do a video on is the rising prices in adventure sports. Some companies have been slower to increase prices, Specialized being one of them.
Regardless, price is usually something I focus more on, but did not in this review. To be honest, even if I had a pricing sheet I'm not sure what I would have said only because we're in the midst of an inflationary period most people have never seen.
Maybe I'll go buy a Stumpy Evo and do a deep dive on that next? (alloy one...)
Great review Jeff. I never had a Specialized until last year and now I have a Stumpy and a Stumpy EVO. EVO carbon frame was $2200. Hard to not just buy it. 😂