Transition I customized the new Sentinel.

Things I Want to Try While My Body Can Still Move

Around the age of 40, a slightly melancholic thought began to vaguely cross my mind: "How much longer will I be able to ride a mountain bike?"

It seems others of my generation feel the same way. The owner in this case also bought a full-suspension mountain bike with the idea that "I want to do what I want to do while I still can."

The chosen bike was the Transition Sentinel Alloy Deore Build.

This was actually their first MTB purchase. They had been familiar with other genres, but the idea of challenging themselves with downhill riding had always been in the back of their mind. Now that they have an MTB, they want to make every ride count and enjoy it to the fullest, not just ride it. This bike has also been customized to support that feeling.

The Sentinel as a Base Machine

The Sentinel is a 29er with 160mm front travel and 150mm rear travel. It's a highly versatile full-suspension MTB that can handle everything from trail riding to enduro and park downhill. It's a truly all-around bike that allows you to enjoy downhill properly while still being light on climbs.

• Geometry
  The head angle is relatively slack at around 64°, providing excellent stability on descents. The seat angle is steep, ensuring climbing efficiency. Chainstay lengths are optimized for each frame size, achieving consistently balanced handling.

• Frame Material and Specifications
  We chose the robust and easy-to-handle aluminum frame Deore build. While keeping the price down, it's a reliable entry package that allows you to fully dive into the world of MTB and is also an excellent base for customization.

• Ride Feel
  Transition's unique "GiddyUp" suspension is designed for smooth initial movement and firm support through the mid-to-end stroke. It balances climbing efficiency with descending stability.
  Particularly impressive is its lightness on dirt climbs. From its appearance and specs, it might seem specialized for descents, but when you actually pedal it, it climbs surprisingly smoothly.

• Expandability
  The Sentinel is also compatible with a mullet setup (29er front / 27.5 rear). Furthermore, by replacing the rear shock with one with a longer eye-to-eye, it's possible to increase rear travel to 160mm. While versatile in its standard form, it offers ample room for customization to suit the rider's preferences and riding terrain.

Customization Points: Comfort on Descents

The theme for this customization was "enhanced downhill performance." Specifically, we focused on these two main points:

1. Suspension Fork to OHLINS RXF38 m.3

The stock 160mm fork was replaced with the OHLINS RXF38 m.3, known for its stiffness and damping performance.
The reassurance provided by the large diameter stanchions and the smooth, compliant feel and support from the latest air spring and damper significantly enhance stability on rocky terrain and high-speed sections.
Those who try it for the first time might think the air setting is wrong due to its incredibly smooth movement. The vibrations transmitted to the hands are very mild, so even beginners can safely tackle downhill sections.

2. Brakes Upgraded to New XTR

Another point was braking power. While the stock brakes were sufficient, they felt a bit unreliable. We upgraded to the new Shimano XTR, which combines stopping power with control.
It provides stable braking performance even on long descents, significantly enhancing downhill confidence.

Additionally, we have:

PINND CS2 Pedals from Scotland for the pedals.

Granite Design Stash RT Ratchet Tool Kit, a mini ratchet tool that can be stored in the steerer tube.

Granite Design Cricket Bell, which can be used as a regular bell or a bear bell.

Further Customization Options

The potential of the Sentinel continues to expand. Here are some further customization options:

• Mullet Conversion
  If you want to lean more towards downhill, change the rear wheel to 27.5 inches. This increases clearance around the rear, improving maneuverability and confidence on steep slopes and drops.

• Kickback Reduction Items
  Due to its suspension design, Transition's bikes tend to have a slightly stronger kickback. Reducing this can help prevent unexpected behavior and allow the suspension to move more smoothly, increasing comfort and confidence.
  Options include O-chain, Rimpact Chaindamper (crank-mounted type), and e-thirteen Sidekick hub (integrated into the hub), allowing you to choose according to your preference.

Conclusion

The Sentinel (Aluminum Deore Build) was chosen as a first MTB. By combining it with an OHLINS fork and XTR brakes, it has been transformed into a bike that makes the "downhill challenges I want to undertake while my body can still move" more comfortable, and allows for every ride to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Further customization will evolve it into a bike that is even more uniquely yours.
We hope you enjoy it in various fields from now on.

All models of the Transition Sentinel Alloy are available for order.
If in stock in the home country, delivery time is approximately one month.

Prices are:
Frameset: 396,000 yen
Complete bike: 616,000 yen to 847,000 yen

Please inquire for details on each model.