[Closed] Transition Patrol - Thoughts please?

Mate had one. Sold on pretty soon and replaced by the Scout. Another mate has also bought a Scout as his go-to bike.

interested in this too as i'm having exactly the same thoughts.

Any reason he went for the scour over the patrol it looks like the suspension characteristics of those two and the Smuggler are very similar.

The slacker head angle on the Patrol makes it feel a bit slower to steer on tamer trails, but has the trade off of bring super stable in the fast stuff.

If you want to be quick as possible down really steep nasty stuff = Patrol.

If you want the most fun jumpy but stable trail rocket = Scout.

If you want the fastest all round trail bike = Smuggler 😀

Currently on a Smuggler but got a nice Patrol coming for next season, as I want to be achingly enduro.

Well my main complaint with my El-Guapo apart from not fitting me how I want and feeling broken at the rear is the fact that it doesn't feel fun. Scout could be an option for me I have a 350 CR fork that can be dropped to 140...

I think pigyn has it. He found the Patrol was too good. Fine if all you want to do is hammer downhill all day as quick as possible but for general trail enjoyment, popping off stuff, general all day in the Welsh mountains type riding it just left a bit dead/overbiked. The Scout seems a much more rounded bike, more than capable of ripping down the downs, without too much compromise for the other 95% of the time spent riding most of of the other stuff we tend to do round here.

The Scouts feel great at 150 front as well, the BB is verging on 'too low' sometimes so the extra ~5mm from longer forks is nice, then just lower the stack with bars etc to suit.

Meant to say - to bring it closer to the Patrol.

Call it 'Trail+' vs 'Enduro' 😀

I love my scout, really does make you pop off anything you can find. As above, patrol is a great enduro machine for hurtling down big hills but i've taken my scout out on enduros and it never felt overwhelmed (its rider did). I bought the scout over the patrol as I needed a do it all bike, which it does enthusiastically. Also setup with a 150 pike, and yes the low bb really does take some getting use to but it rails around corners.

Good luck finding a frame of either.

Funny, but my other mate who has just bought the Scout, after first ride, loved it, but already moaning about pedal strikes and low BB. Talking about trying 170mm cranks!

170 cranks are a must on most of these newer long/low/slack type things. Plus they are a better fit for most S/M/L size people anyway. From my limited understanding of road fit, 175s only give you a good foot position if you are really tall, and that is usually with a steeper seat angle. Chuck in a slacker seat angle and you need an even shorter crank arm still to maintain the correct knee cap plumb line/pedal axle alignment.

That could all be wrong, I am mechanic not a bike fit specialist. Or a road rider really, but I know on my CX bike 170 feels much better, in the same way I much prefer steep seat angles.

Somewhere along the line 175 became standard for new mountain bikes, but I am pretty sure it's wrong.

We have stock of medium Scouts, medium Patrols, and one large Smuggler. With a bit of a gap between last 2015 delivery and first 2016 we bought up what we could to bridge the gap. Selling pretty fast but still a few left.

Doing a fun enduro this weekend on my Smuggler, should be a good race.

Yep it's all about the Scout around here! The Patrol is undoubtedly an even more capable bike and - as others have said - is ideal if you want to be as quick as possible on the descents and/or if most of your riding is on the steepest, gnarliest stuff around. The Scout (or Smuggler if you're that way inclined) is the all-rounder and more fun - but possibly not quite as quick - on most real-world terrain.

All three are great bikes!

The low bb doesn't concern me the El guapo has a low BB as well. Most of my riding is in the white peaks where the Scout would be great but I also rids in the Dark Peaks and there on some descents like Jacobs and Cavedale I might miss the travel at the rear?

Wot he said. Except the Smuggler is quickest. Fact.

I don't think so. Tested the Scout around Tweed valley on all the EWS type stuff etc, it was grand. Smuggler is 115 rear, previous Phantom was 105..

With the right geometry travel is less important, it's just traditionally you had to have the travel to get the geo, as that was all that was made. Don't miss it in the slightest, my Smuggler is quicker down anything than my old bikes, without a doubt. Including things like a Spicy, Covert, Socom, Dixon etc..

Scout would be great but I also rids in the Dark Peaks and there on some descents like Jacobs and Cavedale I might miss the travel at the rear?

The scout really does feel it has 140+ rear suspension with the debonair, that and the geo makes it feel like a VERY capable bike.

Wot he said. Except the Smuggler is quickest. Fact.

I don't doubt it. Just building one up now and very much looking forward to testing it.

Really like mine, climbs ok and great going down.
I ride mostly trail centres and glad I stuck with transition,
Last two bikes were the bandit & covert.
Taking it to the Alps next week too.
It may be over biked for some trails but I don't think 10mm less travel would change it much, although I only had a carpark demo on this and the scout.
The bad bits, The bb is low but I've gone for 165mm cranks but my biggest issue is the noisey internal cable routing slapping the frame.
Bearings went after 2 months and shock bushing after 3 months

Bearings went after 2 months and shock bushing after 3 months

Seems a bit quick that, were you giving it some good trail abuse?

Re the noise, grab some 6mm single sided foam tape, pull the cables out and wrap the tape around every 5cm, put it all back and bobs ya uncle... no more rattle.

to be honest, reading this thread the scout would probably be my best option for replacing my el guapo, as my only real complaint is that it's not a vast amount of fun going up and my riding is taking more of that in these days.

I also rids in the Dark Peaks and there on some descents like Jacobs and Cavedale I might miss the travel at the rear?

i've rattled down Cavedale on my old cove stiffee, and whilst it was pretty punishing it was still fun and almost as quick as on the EG!

I have a Covert and had a little go on a mate's patrol 1/2 way round a ride in the lakes, what surprised me was how much better it felt climbing (rocky stuff). Also I'm pretty short - a Medium Covert just fits but the large Patrol felt ok (was only on it a short while)

They certainly aren't always perfect - nothing ever is - but it doesn't stop them being ace bikes. Any frame with a lot of rotation in the shock bush like this is going to be heavy on bushing wear, but the alternative is NO BOTTLE. Which just doesn't bare thinking about.

For the rattle - if you stick something onto the cables you won't be able to change them in a hurry. We supply all of our frames/fit our custom builds with 6mm inner insulating hose, just pop it over the cables before the forks go in and done. You can still pull cables through/move your dropper as they are all free running, and if you knacker a cable and need to change in a rainy car park you can. You may or may not be able to catch the start of the tube again, but at least you can still get a cable through easily and the tube will still stop rattle even if the cable is outside it.

We ran out when I built mine, and it's not too bad just s bit of rattle if the reverb hose slips down.

Interesting thread, really like my Covert and always hankered after a Bandit 26. Haven't considered these new bikes as no 26 option 🙁

My Covert needed some tinkering with shock mount / pivot just after I got it so perhaps its a Transition "feature"

26" https://www.transitionbikes.com/2015/Bikes_Suppressor.cfm

Sounds like there are some knowledgeable chaps in this thread so just wondered if I could ask a question regarding the scout.

I opted for the cheaper build as I wanted to use up some parts and not fussed about the sram 1x11.

However just trying to get rid of the heavy raceface ride crankset to sway with an XT (1x10) set up, It just as a tightening bolt on the drive side crank arm which isn't a self extracting nut, once removed the bloody thing wont budge. Is there a trick to getting these off?

Riding wise the Scout is great fun, nice and lively, another cliché I know but it feels much lighter than the numbers suggest. Pedal strikes were very frequent but just getting used to not pedalling out of corners and near ruts etc. Still worries me going into deep ruts as with pedals level I'm still running out of height.

Replacing with 170mm cranks and running at 30% sag for the shock on XC/mix type rides and will drop a bit for trail centres. Enjoying it a lot and seriously contemplating selling on my endure expert after 6 months as I cant imagine riding it too much now.

As you say the Rides don't use a self extracting nut, so either buy an ISIS (ohh err) style crank removal tool or a self extracting nut from the turbine etc chainsets.

Go 170 and if you still find it too low bump your Pikes up to 150 then buy some lower rise bars to offset.

If anyone is interested in swapping a Scout or Smuggler in XL for a size L Scout send me a message!

A large scout run at 150 seems like it would be the way to go. Seems like there is non available though. Anyone know where I could get a test ride?

I went from a Spitfire to a Patrol (both from pigyn, Pedals Cycles Edinburgh).

It's a very special bike and has a deep bag of tricks.

The thing that has stood out most for me is the climbing performance. It will scurry up anything if you have the legs for it. Bags of grip.

The way it nips across flatter, bumpy trails and allows you to still pedal properly is a great improvement from the spitty. This leaves you fresh for when it gets steeper or the next climb. It's active during pedalling so soaks up the bumps but has a great efficient feel.

I use 165mm cranks so pedal strikes aren't a huge problem.

When things get going fast the bike feels like it lifts up and skips over rocks rather than smashing into them, keeping speed. This took a bit to get used to as the spitty sat into the travel, crushing trails into submission but the lively style of the patrol suits a wider range of trails and is just faster in most places.

[URL= http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/lossietornado/mountainbike/IMG_20150516_121852627_zps1inf3ltm.jp g" target="_blank">http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/lossietornado/mountainbike/IMG_20150516_121852627_zps1inf3ltm.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

What Pigyn says at the top is spot on.

I have the Scout but run it with 160mm pikes which feels perfect for me, sometimes I run them at 150mm but if I turn them down to 140mm it just feels wrong.

I do notice the lack of travel, but its a compromise I'm happy with, the lively/fun nature of it is a worth while trade. If I didn't have a DH bike for uplift days though I'd have bought a Patrol instead as a one bike does all.

Anyone know anything of a slight geometry change for the Scout next year?

Anywhere got a patrol for demo?
It's on my shortlist, though I know quite a few places have sold out of frames.
A carbon patrol is also rumoured to be coming soon, though I'm sure that'll be a lot more expensive.

I do think they're one of the best Looking bikes of the year, every time I ride someone wants to try it for size before ordering.
It's in the workshop today getting the cables heatshrunk together.

[url= http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/theragphoto/media/Snapbucket/64F562D0-3288-4C6B-953D-3F9F8A709D91.png.jpeg.html ][IMG] http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j337/theragphoto/Snapbucket/64F562D0-3288-4C6B-953D-3F9F8A709D91.png.jpe g" target="_blank">http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/theragphoto/media/Snapbucket/64F562D0-3288-4C6B-953D-3F9F8A709D91.png.jpeg.html ][IMG] http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j337/theragphoto/Snapbucket/64F562D0-3288-4C6B-953D-3F9F8A709D91.png.jpe g"/> [/IMG][/URL]][/url]

Looks good in Orange.

Looks like this might be a totally pointless discussion as there are none available in large ....

Yeah I don't think you'll find a large Scout or Patrol left this year. 2016 bikes coming in Sept/Oct. If it's anything like this year, I'd pre-order one if you want one.

I rode one today 🙂 (a large Scout that is)

unfortunately I am recovering from a bust collar bone so no beans were given. Felt nice and light though

We like them so much we will be running all three as demo bikes for 2016, C****n Patrol (med), Scout (large), Smuggler (large). + a Banshee Spitfire or Rune + a Yeti of some form, not sure yet. At the moment it's an SB5c.

The Smuggler failed to podium this weekend, if only I were a few months older to get into masters 😉

beer247 - Member
If anyone is interested in swapping a Scout or Smuggler in XL for a size L Scout send me a message!

Out of interest how tall are you and leg length?

pigyn - Member

What sort of time frame for 2016 frames landing?

First drop September - and currently on schedule I think..

Out of interest how tall are you and leg length

I'm 6ft 2 with 34" leg

I'm thinking an XL with a 35mm stem will be the right size for me at 6ft and 33.5 inch inside leg

I'm 6ft & on a large, tried an XL but but it felt too long

Do you know what size stem it was?

Large scout for me and super pleased about it, wanted a Patrol but not missing the extra travel, its best bike ive ridden in a long time, currently running a lot of sag and get a few pedal strikes, but dont think an odd 5mm off the cranks will make much difference.
Though I do run it quite soft avout 40% sag.

I saw one the other week and was impressed with the solidity of the frame and the chunky pivot hardware.

50mm stem

Ordered an XL - Scout should be here this week.

Enjoy fr0sty, think mine is the best thing since sliced bread. Where did you find it?

Im 6'2 and have a 50mm stem and 150 reverb. Reach on a xl was a bit too long for me and my usual trails are pretty tight and twisty.

I tried a Large Mondraker which has a reach of 501 compared to 483 of the Transition so I think it will fit me nicely. Going to be using a 35mm stem.

Ordered from Bike Tart and they should actually have it as I confirmed that they really did have it last week.

Turns out they sold their XL yesterday so nothing for me...

Bummer

You could try contacting http://www.windwave.co.uk/ to see if they know of any store than may have one. You after a frame or full build?

Failing that stick your name down for one in Autumn, I heard the 2016 scout has a 'slightly' higher BB..not that I think it needs it.

Just after the frame.

Long low slack and fun with good 1x efficiency is what I was looking for. Think this is the only bike that fits the bill.

My el guapo is really not working well now.

Long low slack and fun with good 1x efficiency is what I was looking for.

Edit: Cotic Rocket (although the Transition will appear before it probably)

Process has crap 1x kinematics

Aeris 1cm longer on the stay and flexy rear

Spitfire longer stays high bb

Knolly has poor 1x kinematics again

Fair enough if you've got a clear idea of what you're looking for.

Reports of higher bb on next batch of Patrols. I don't really understand why they'd do that after all the good reviews though.
Even though I notice the odd pedal strike on the Aeris, the benefits far outweigh this imo especially with 170mm cranks.

Yeah I had pretty good idea about what I wanted

If anyones after either a medium Patrol or Scout Offcamber In blandford Have one of each, they are full bikes and doing 15% off as well.

phone number is 01258 458677

Its not my shop just a happy customer 🙂

Alltricks have 1 medium Scout left.

I went for a Patrol as I have a hardtail for smoother, shorter rides and the Patrol would be for longer days and bigger stuff. Scout would have been sufficient for most of my riding and would have been my choice if I had just one bike.

Built up a large a fortnight ago. It was about the only variant I didn't try, but did try everything else in Muddybum, Cardiff. I'm 5'8" with orangutan arms. Tried a M Mondraker there and is the only M to have not felt cramped, M Patrol didn't do it for me and L Scout seemed little different. Had a quick sit on an XL Supressor, didn't feel ridiculously long, just could have never raised the dropper post.

Feel I got the right size, 100mm dropper so it is not too high at full extension, 170 cranks more for short legs than pedal strike thoughts.
Cornering is amazing, love a good corner. Pedal strike a bit, but more to do with getting back on a FS again after a long stint on the hardtail. Lot more confidence on the steep stuff. Also 2x10 because it is also an all day bike and I hate spinning out.

Patrol carbon would be hugely tempting...

Psyclewerx in Bristol had a large Scout last time I was there, in fact they had 2-3 transitions hanging up.

I've got a Scout With 36s at 150mm and love it. Don't worry about the travel, it will ride anything you want without a problem. Yeah, you'll get a bit more bounced around occasionally but it's worth it for the fun. Two mates have Patrols which are great, but I'm one for preferring to be occasionally underbiked rather than regularly overbiked.

Reports of higher bb on next batch of Patrols.

Nope, Patrol geometry is identical for 2016, just new colours. And Patrol carbon geometry is the same as the aluminium.

Scout and Smuggler both have slightly (we're talking a few mm) raised BBs and tweaked shock tune.

Frosty, if you stick a 140mm fork on a Spitfire with 26 dropouts and 27.5 wheels (yes, all but the biggest tyres fit) and in the lowest flipchip setting you get a bike with near identical geometry to the Scout, just a few mm different here and there. Probably a bit heavier but stiffer and more efficient pedalling kinematics. Scout looks great though!

Large Scout in Limeade should be with me on Wednesday.

Anyone know of any small Patrols or Scouts anywhere?

Merlin are showing small Scout frames in stock.

Great, cheers al 🙂

Patrol & a scout on eBay. I haven't checked size tho

Small Patrols and Scouts readily available from any dealer with 20% off and good deals on build kits too. Feel free to give us a shout if you need any assistance.

Drover,

My riding will mostly be in the Peak District and I can't help but think that the scout will leave me wanting more travel.

Do you think the Patrol will suit better?

I just can't decide between the Scout and the Patrol. I'm thinking of some of the rocky areas in the Peaks and my lack of skill mean I'll come undone on 125mm of travel. Sad but true.

Hmm I'm not sure mosey, I was slightly worried myself but to be honest the Scout does a lot of work with it's 125. The weird thing is that according to the sag ring it's bottoming out all the time but you just don't notice it. Haven't ridden it on some of the big dark peaks descents yet but on the white peaks and Amber Valley stuff it has been fantastic.

I think you'll find the Scout is amazingly capable for a 125mm bike; and if you ride uphill much you'll appreciate the fact that it climbs better.

But if you want the absolute best for the rocky/technical descents, sure, the Patrol is the better bike for that specific use.

In general though, I think more people buy the Patrol (or similar bike) and find themselves thinking they should have gone for the Scout (or equivalent), than vice versa. And the Scout is way more capable than many other brands' "equivalent" bikes.

You can always run 150mm up front on the Scout, as many are.

Drover, where would I find a small scout with 20% off?

There are medium patrols out there, my bro in law got one a couple of days ago. building it up with the new 30mm haven heist wheels, pike and XT.

Yeah I've found a few but can't find 20% off 🙁

Yeah I've found a few but can't find 20% off

Ring and haggle. Cash rather than credit usually helps of course.