Matt Robison tests out the new TR450 dh race machine – here is his report:


Photo by David Robison.

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


Photo by David Robison.

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.


Photo by David Robison.

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.


Photo by David Robison.

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.


Photo by David Robison.

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.


Photo by David Robison.

  • 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.