But when head-tube angles started to get slacker and reaches began to grow to offer even more control when flying downhill, essentially prioritizing high-speed stability over slow-speed maneuverability, it threw off that balance.Ī slack head-tube angle and shorter fork offset create balanced handling. It resulted in bikes that were more stable and also nimble at lower speeds. Not so long ago, the trend with 29er geometry was to increase fork offset (the distance between the front axle and the steering axis) to 51mm and reduce trail (the distance between those points if you were to continue their imaginary lines to the ground). Those changes can be even more beneficial on big 29ers like this one. Put simply, SBG is Transition’s solution to keeping its bikes feeling maneuverable even as head-tube angles get slacker and wheelbases expand in an effort to add high-speed stability. To understand why-and how-the Sentinel rides so well, it’s important to understand Speed Balanced Geometry, the company’s take on mountain-bike geometry. It’s nimble enough to make near-instant changes to your line and feels light enough to flick over rocks and around ruts. And despite the Sentinel’s long wheelbase, its geometry helps keep your weight balanced, which makes it easier than on some long-travel bikes to clean slow, technical climbs. This bike has a firm pedaling platform that makes it feel snappy on flatter terrain. It can take big hits yet doesn’t have all the drawbacks of a heavier, longer-travel bike. By giving the Sentinel a mix of trail bike and enduro racing design elements, Transition created a bike that’s highly adaptable. It has a 160mm RockShox Yari fork and 140mm of rear travel controlled by a RockShox Deluxe RT shock, so it has the muscle to handle rough trails but it still feels fast over smooth ones. The Alloy NX is one of five options in Transition’s exceptional Sentinel line. Something We Don’t: The bike’s a little heavy.What We Love: Superb riding position and excellent handling.Who Should Buy This: Riders who want to get out on a wide range of trails.The Takeaway: The balanced geometry, midrange travel, and crisp pedaling make the Sentinel more adaptable than any other mountain bike at this price.
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