Uploaded June 2021 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago

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Reviewer Stats: 5’11” & 215 lbs

Transition’s new sled, the Spire, is described by the Bellingham-based company as their “nimble bruiser”—an ultra-capable long-travel trail bike that prioritizes stability at high speeds and down steep terrain. Sporting 170 millimeters of travel front and rear, 29-inch wheels and a 63-degree headtube angle (in the high setting), the Spire seems to lean much further toward “bruiser” than “nimble,” though, after spending time aboard the huckleberry-colored bike, I found it to be surprisingly well-mannered and easy to scoot uphill. Braced with a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork featuring a GRIP2 damper and chunky Schwalbe tires, the Spire comes prepared for just about any gnarly trail you throw at it right out of the box and is clearly spec’d to provide plenty of impact absorption and grip on any surface.

Overall, the Spire is an all-mountain brawler. It’s not the lightest ride to spin up to the top of a mountain, but it’s hard to imagine a more stable trail bike for the way back down. The Spire would be just as at home at the Whistler Bike Park as it would be climbing to a gnarly double-black backcountry descent—so long as its pilot doesn’t mind putting in a tiny bit of extra strength getting it there.

Read Full Review Here: freehubmag.com/reviews/transition-spire

Transition Website: transitionbikes.com/Bikes_Spire.cfm

**Geometry Specs reflect HIGH Setting**
Wheel Size: 29"
Rear Travel: 170mm
Fork: 170mm
Wheelbase: 1287mm
Chainstay: 446mm
Reach: 485mm
Head Tube Angle: 63°

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