Matt Robison tests out the new TR450 dh race machine – here is his report:
Transition TR- 450 Setup:
- 2010 Transition TR-450 Middle Geo setting
- 2010 Fox 40 RC2
- 2010 Cane Creek Double Barrel Steel Spring
- MRP guide and cranks
- Outlaws, Maxxis Minion
- Avid/Truvative/SRAM everything else
High Speed:
The TR-450 does very well carrying speed through rough, rocky terrain with the even ramp of the rear end it is super easy to pump little gaps and keep it on the the ground where it counts. Riding through rougher sections with a fair amount of speed proved to be what the TR’s full 8.25 inches of travel were meant for. I was riding small boulders and the rear suspension didn’t mind the repeated punishment and didn’t pack up or have a harsh bottom out.
Technical:
This bike has a long wheel base and a slack head tube so it isn’t well suited for the slow tech trails some may encounter. How ever I’m not saying it isn’t possible to ride this bike on a tech trail, but it is long and you have to steer wider than usual … not to mention leaning it over just a little bit farther to clear the rear derailuer of a rock.
Cornering:
This bike is a beast even with its long wheel base, it corners like a champ. Taking loose sandy berms or flat turns speed the TR shreds to say the least. It seems to be as easy as leaning the bike over and rocketing out of a turn! It did seem to need a bit more weight in the backseat to keep the rear end sticking to the ground but still an over all neutral stance into the corner seemed to work out.
Jumping:
The TR feels right at home in the air, soaking up the lip or launching a whip this bike loves it all. With the chain stays being longer than the bike I was riding before it seemed like the rear end was launching harder than the front but a little weight in the rear solved that real quick. Landing either front or rear heavy didn’t seem to throw the balance of the bike off at all upon landing, keeping it under control is all that matters, whether landing into a berm or to flat.
- The Transition TR-450 is a hot seller right now and they are currently back ordered at TBC. If you want one for this summer call Randy at Black Rock Bicycles 775.972.3336 and get one on order as soon as possible.
- The TR450 at the Transition Bikes website.
Michael Barron said:
It is an amazing bike, it works best as an agresive DH race bike, it is not a point and shoot bike, its a know what your doing pick good lines and charge into rock gardens at mach 9, bicycle. I recomend it to anyone who loves flow, it brought me several wins this season (2nd in the USAC NY states cup finals) (2nd in eastern states cup)I am in love with this truely amazing creation.
Jordan said:
Nice,
Thanks Matt, the bike sure is pretty
Greg Rea said:
Good stuff Matt, good to see you on a bike you can point and shoot, and it sounds alot like a V-10, a tall guy like you will get accustomed to the long, slack angles…get er done!
curtis said:
I like the drift pic towards the end, sick photos dave.
Matt said:
42lbs. i didnt build it to be light i built it to be indestructible, but i have seen builds in the 36lbs range.
Jordan said:
What is the weight?
curtis said:
Good photos, Look at that wheelbase.
Matt said:
More pics here
mogey said:
i like that bike. nice work.soon as my arm heals lets ride!