I just bought a 2023 spur on discount and it is a total blast. Climbs great and rips downhill. A couple of times on descents I've had to remind myself this bike only has 120 mm of travel because it just wants to be pushed hard. Looking forward to using it in my first cross country trail race I signed up for this summer.
Awesome review as always. Having demo’d and owned several of the compared bikes in this vid, Conner is right on in his descriptions as usual. This channel is quickly becoming the best around for actual reviewer’s info. Thanks guys!
The Druid v2 is the most capable trail bike I’ve ridden, though climbing is a bit less “fast” but point it downhill … HOLY! Very very impressive for a 130 travel bike
A tallboy is just in a different category than these single pivot bikes. You could take a tallboy to moab with a 140mm fork and never look back. You take a single pivot flex stay bike to moab and you will be wishing you had better traction both up and down
Have always been interested in the Spur, but when I changed bikes, I was not able to locate one to test ride. Went with the Ripley and have been very happy. It seems to do most everything I like to do very well. Sometimes in the Jankey, Rocky downhills I wish for a bit more travel and compliance, overall I have been very happy...Thanks for the update. Great video.
So as a gravel guy who figured out I loathe long travel in a trail bike, would this be a good option stringing together a long day of mostly blue square trails in rooty/rocky New England?
Except this channel uses "Enduro" and "All-Mountain" all the time. Odd that somehow "downcountry" is too lame (yet you both know exactly what each of you were referring to) but Enduro and All-Mountain are totally appropriate gradations. (I mean use downcountry, don't use it, but odd that it's somehow "cool" to be not using it...).
@@lenolenolenoyou's the man! Seen all your comments - you see through the dumbness and BS that is prevalent in the World, today! BE or Biker's Smeg, as I call them, have always talked from the script of Gen Z fantasy world dumbness and never make any sense about anything. However, I guess there's 99% dumbos, nowadays and if you're trying to sell in a market, sell the way the majority will just nod they're empty heads. Sad World, in last 15-20 years - Jesus Christ is coming and as He said - He's the only way (also, the only way a sane person can navigate the contemporary World). Peace brother and I hope you find Jesus and Salvation! 💜
Recently threw some trail wheels and tires on my pivot mach 4sl while my trail rig ( revel rascal) is in the shop for a suspension rebuild. Honestly supprised with how capable a 120mm "XC" bike could be with some propper rubber. Seems like yesterdays trail bike geo is todays xc or "downcounty" bike.
Nice. Thanks. External routing for everything except dropper. What’s to be gained by internal routing the RD if the brake is external? Frame weight? I’d like to know the same for the Trance. You do my favorite reviews.
Agreed. I think the main benefit is aesthetics. The brake is especially annoying to be internal because you’re likely going to have to bleed it if you pull the line at any point. RD isn’t as bad. Some bikes it’s almost easier to shove the housing through the frame than it is to zip tie it to the anchors.
@@bikersedgeEnded up building up a Spur frame, in no small part because of your review. Had a few shakedown rides. It’s really a great bike. Corners unbelievably well, even on our tight, twisty northeast trails. Descends and climbs great. Incredibly capable for such a light, nimble frame. Never thought I’d say 120mm on both ends would be enough for rough trail riding. I thin my days of slogging around on a plus thirty pound trail bike are done. The frame has some sort of magic in it. Perfectly stiff, great geo, light. Suspension is very good, although feels a bit different in a way I can’t quite describe. It almost feels a bit stiff until you get moving and take bigger, faster hits, then it opens up and feels like more than 120, or at least can handle hits like a longer travel bike.
I'd be super interested to see you review the newer Giant Trance X (with the slacker geometry and 160mm front travel), I haven't seen many reviews anywhere of it, and it seems like a great option.
@@bikersedge oh yeah, I saw those! I was meaning the 27.5 Trance X with the geometry almost like the Transition Sentinel, with a 63.8 head tube angle and 160mm fork.
Best argument for internal rear brake like is that you can run brakes moto (for all the LH road driving locations like UK/Aus/NZ/Japan/Nepal/Singapore).
@bikersedge not with the rear swooped from left to right so the cables are neat and symmetrical. Majority of bikes with external have hose mounts running along the LHS of a downtube = inwards loop. Not sure why I'm having to explain this to a bike shop.
good stuff. i am currently considering a few bikes at the moment and the spur is one of them also the smuggler and patrol. im considering some norco bikes as well. then cannondale scalpel 4 popped up on my radar and want to test ride it. im in houston so most of the stuff out here is packed dirt single track. the sentienal is another one im considering as well. they have a stumpjumper evo alloy i havent tested yet either. any of these bike ive mention you have ridden and would recommend hard to decide and prices are decent right now
I’m in Houston we just have that hard packed dirt with soft layer on top. No crazy hills or anything small jumps. A 120/120 could handle it. If I were go to Austin I would prefer 140-130 fork .i like to zip down the trails kinda a speed freak
of the 4 i could literally compare: uphill climbs, 1) spot ryve 115 - 2) banshee phantom - 3) spur -4) yeti sb115 downhill bombs, 1) phantom - 2) spur - 3) sb115 - 4) ryve for me, the phantom forked at 120 mil is first class/all around. spot ryve is a close second all around, yet not really made for fast 'n chunky descents, although quite capable in it's own right. Spur will take a bit more abuse, not sure if it's the flexing stays or a mere 5mm more travel out back, a combo of both perhaps. i may replace the SB115 with a spur. for having such a cult following, the yeti isnt much to brag about.
Great review as always. Interesting that they spec the same head angle at 66 with both the 120 and 130 fork. I'd guess head angle would be 65.6 with a 130 fork.
@@bikersedgeI just figured they gave you a different review model or something before they finalized the spec. Or they hadn't updated the website properly yet, ha ha.
Has anyone ridden a Spur with the original RS SID shock and compared with the Fox DPS? I have a SID shock and Fox 34 130mm. I don't want to give up any climbing efficiency, but I would take a little improvement in shock absorption. Seems like the SID is easily overwhelmed in bigger terrain.
I’ve ridden it with both. I don’t think there’s all that much difference between them either in climbing or descending performance. I don’t think you’re going to get noticeably better bump compliance or worse pedal efficiency from the DPS. If you went to a significantly larger volume shock you might start to notice a bit. But for the most part, frame kinematics dictate the lions share of the suspension feel.
Hi Connor, I've heard about some people adding a 130MM fork to the Spur, even the Transition guys told me it was a great upgrade. any comment or experience about that ? Thank you.
In good part due to your review I bought and built up a Spur frame. Your review is spot on. Thanks. It’s a great all around light weight trail bike. It’s geo and suspension allows it to tackle more than its frame weight would suggest. At a low weight it’s zippy and can climb all day. The way this bike corners is pretty amazing. It’s so much less work to corner fast and hard on this bike. Frame flex feels just right to me. Solid but not harsh or chattery. Where I’m at now on bikes this one is a perfect fit for how I ride. Been on too many frames to count in my thirty years of mountain biking, this is one of the best. Usually takes me several weeks to dial in a new build. This took one ride and only because I think the fork’s psi chart was soft. Thanks again for such a great review. I’m so impressed with the way this frame handles, if my current (old) Trance dies I may add a Smuggler. Oh, and btw, the new 120 SID Ultimate does not hold this bike back. Just realized I already posted most of this on this thread. Oh well. Maybe will get you a few more hits.
I think the Spur set the standard for short travel trail bikes. Clearly still an awesome bike, but so very expensive (even on sale it is CDN $6400 for the GX build). I have the YT Izzo Core 3, a slightly more capable bike and an excellent climber too. And with CF wheels it is also light(ish) at 27.5 lbs without pedals.
I’m still ripping my 2019 Ripley after riding a couple other bikes for parts of seasons. Threw an angle set to match the AF geo, and seriously can’t find a fault with it for its intended purpose.
As always great video. Thanks I’m a bit confused now, I have a 2023 Spur and can’t be any ahhoier with my bike, I just looked the Transition web site and there is no models with 130MM fork, I am assuming you upgraded it, correct ? Thanks 👍
I have a Rocky Element in Size Large. I’ve ridden XL’s in everything else. But wanted to size down to get it more playful and have a bigger gap in between this and my Enduro bike (I love under biking, still a funny term) I’ve built the Element up with a 36 and 140 and have it now with a 120 34 stepcast. With 140 and heavy tires it rips, with a 34 and xc tires it’s a rocket ship with the geo I still want. My question. Which one is a better mule for playing around with set ups? Element or Spur. My buddy is on the fence between both these bikes. Thanks in advance. Love your channel
You are the first guy that climbs over rocks and rides through rock gardens, I live in Arizona and we have lots of trails like what you ride, I have asked another guy that rides different bikes in Utah if would ride over rocks like you do, but he said he doesn't like those types of trails.
Amazing bike, I’ve had mine a while now and is perfect for my riding style and where I ride in the UK. It’s so versatile and it’s the perfect all in one do it all bike that I’ve been wanting for many years. I never feel over biked or under biked and it’s so comfortable and enjoyable to do some big epic rides on. I honestly can’t sing its praises enough. Well done Transition. I would say you did mention it’s now a 130mm fork but looking at there site it is still 120mm.
Good vid! Thank you 🙌 I've always been curious about Spur, even considered trading my Ripley v4 frame for Spur frame but ended up staying with Ripley. I do like the look of the updates Sour frame, rounded vs sharp edges.
Both would be great on the more XC trails down there. I think the Ripley AF will be a little bit more forgiving when you’re in the bigger terrain down there.
I love my Spur - 130mm 34 (having outgrown the 120 34SC), a 120mm DPX2 (don't tell Transition) and a light set of wheels for long/ climbing/ XC-ish days and a heavier set for trail-ish days. Other than the awful quality of the paint it's served 100kg me well for almost 3yrs. Absolute ripper on the ups, and way more comfortable on the downs than it should be for such a tiny travel package. Didn't upgrade (having wanted a bit more travel) to the Smuggler because it's so $$$, and have gone elsewhere for the next 140-150/130 bike on order, but if I wasn't on a n=n allowance I'd also keep the Spur! Banger of a bike
What 140-150/130 bike did you end up with? I'm heading into my 4th season on the spur about to put a 130 pike on over the original 120sid. I will die on the no internal rear brake routing hill next to @bikersedge so the smuggler is out.
@@aconsola1 gone with an AM130 (made in the UK, cool tech, got a good deal) - similar kinda laidback/ lowkey vibe (but different direction) to the Spur!
Great review, thanks! I bought a Spur frame-only about 18 months ago and ride it with the stock Sidluxe shock and a Pike 120 up front (not the current model, but the previous fork). I love the bike, but feel like I could get more out of the suspension. Ideally I'd like to put a Cane Creek IL air shock on the back for more pop and more capacity to adjust. For the fork, I'm unsure - my main aim is for it to be super-supple off the top with good control in the middle - I'm definitely on the xc side of trail! I like the idea of the new SID ultimate; stiff, light and supple - the alternative is a Fox 34 Factory - possibly just as supple off the top, with the possibility to go to 130 travel, but heavier. Any thoughts?
It’s tough to get supple off the top when there’s only 120mm. I don’t know if any application appropriate suspension will get you that feel. I personally didn’t mind the Fox stuff or the RS stuff on the previous one I owned.
I've got the previous version of the Spur with the Fox build and I love it. Perfect description of its characteristics in this video. You can definitely get it into situations where it doesn't belong because of how capable it is right up to it's limit. There's no sign it's getting outgunned until it's actually outgunned. And even then, you'll survive it, it'll just be really rough haha. Also, very happy to see that someone else around my weight is getting that much out of the rear travel. I spend a lot of time worrying that I'm abusing the shock but I'm pretty sure at our weight class on a 120mm bike riding aggressively you're never going to get done with a ride and see you didn't use all the travel (unless the bike is just set up wrong, of course).
I set my bikes up to make sure I use full travel frequently. The amount of travel doesn’t change that for me. The travel is there. May as well make sure youre not leaving any on the table. If I’m not bottoming out multiple times every ride it’s not set up right.
Internally routing through one vs 2 tubes makes no difference because you are going to be doing internal routing no matter(or you'll be doing a ghetto ziptie job). The trend of pushing cables through the headset though is another matter. That's just stupid.
@@bikersedge I thought you were saying you wanted externally *_only_* in the rear as in the rear triangle(internal downtube and external rear triangle). Fully external, sure fine. I got fully internal on my bike and I've owned this bike for 2 years and still not touched it. Wouldn't be a big deal to me at least.
I just picked up a Scor 2030 while on vacation in UT. The Spur was also in my list. Yes, the Scor is heavier but the ride outperformed the weight. Love to hear if you’ve thrown a leg over a Scor and your thoughts on a comparison.
I live in Colorado and not one shop that I could find had one in stock. I was happy to find a demo and it hooked me. Surprisingly damp frame and design. Climbs extremely well. I was looking for something as slack as my hardtail Cotic and the 2 frames are exact in the HT angle and fork travel. Super happy with it (obviously). GX stock build with XTR all mountain pedals in medium is 30lbs 12 ounces. I’ve already lightened it up with some WR1 wheels and a lighter saddle. Still considerably heavier than the Spur. Much lighter than my Evil Wreckoning v3 with Push and Zeb.
@@chadwilson4696 I got the opportunity to ride the 2030, I found it very fun and capable in the downhill singletracks but I found it kinda boring climbing the fireroads or riding flat section. The 64.5 angle is just too much when it s flat and you need to turn around trees. I wish I could ride it with the steep setting (65.5) and see if there is a difference.
@@MrGranjakI rode a 2030 in Hurricane Utah and took one home. I’m already used to slack bikes and it corners better than anything I’ve ever ridden in 30 years (yes, I’m a bit old). ;)
Watching your Spur/Ripley comparison video. Even with the bigger 130mm fork on the Ripley it didn't look like it smoothed the trail out more than the Spur. Is that you experience still?
@@bikersedge Cool, thanks for the reply. Good kinematics seem to throw a wrench in all the just about numbers is everything. So much nuance in designs its crazy.
I constantly went back and forth between the Spur or a Trek Top Fuel. Ended up getting a great deal on the Top Fuel so I went that direction, but they seem very comparable. Would love to throw a leg over one once demo season arrives
@@TomCollins-c4h Mine is still in the mail! But I did get to ride a friend's Top Fuel and it seriously impressed me. Very efficient climber but really didn't feel like an XC bike on the descents either. The stack height is a tad lower (hinting at the XC focus of prior Top Fuel's) but besides that it descends just as well as any trail bike I've ridden.
@@TomCollins-c4h Mine is still in the mail actually! But I did get to extensively test a friend's Top Fuel, which sold me on it. It climbs extremely well and descends very comfortably for a 120/120. The stack height leans a bit XC but that's about the only hint on this bike that screams "XC Bike". Everything else is very downcounty/short travel trail, and it's factory compatible with a 130 fork in case you want a bit more travel.
@@TomCollins-c4h Sorry just saw this reply now. I like the Top Fuel a lot. It's an extremely efficient bike, it'll scoot up just about any climb with ease. Descending it feels like a light duty trail bike, even with the SID fork and stock 120/120 setup. It's surprisingly capable on the downs though. It feels very confident and capable in fast flow to moderately chunky tech. I will say it definitely leans into the XC side of downcountry with body position and how the suspension rides (it's not "plush" or "deep" in a traditional trail bike sense, instead it feels supportive and "just enough" on most hits. Not harsh imo). I might throw a 130 fork on it at some point, but otherwise zero complaints.
@@TheIggyTech Thanks for your reply, it's always interesting to hear people's experiences on ride quality. It was on top of my list a few years ago but hard to get. I'm glad you are stoked with your bike sounds like a good one!
I'd love to try a Spur out here in Colorado but haven't ever seen one last long enough in stock to try! Wish those paint colors were a little more bold or interesting too.
This had a 120mm. I didn’t get a press kit for this bike and made the assumption that since Fox doesn’t make a 120mm 34 that this had a 130mm fork. The ride assessment in this video is based on 120. Although even at 130 (how I ran my old one) it wouldn’t be much different.
I would have liked the new Spur to have come with a 140mm Fox 34 and more progressive geo (65* HTA, 77* STA) while still keeping the bike as XC light as possible. Think long travel, progressive geo, lightweight, XC bike.
Correction** Stock builds come with a 120mm fork.
Despite the stock 120 spec, did the spur your rode / reviewed have a 130mm fork? Any thoughts on fox vs sid for best fork application on the spur?
@@ColoradoGooner I used to own a spur. I ran it with a 130mm Fox 34. Felt it suited the bike much better.
130 Pike makes the Spur complete.
The updates on the Spur align it with a bike I’m currently riding. Would be nice to put them head to head. Great review!
Sounds like you've got some back to back riding on your hands.
I just bought a 2023 spur on discount and it is a total blast. Climbs great and rips downhill. A couple of times on descents I've had to remind myself this bike only has 120 mm of travel because it just wants to be pushed hard. Looking forward to using it in my first cross country trail race I signed up for this summer.
It's such a fun one on the descents.
Awesome review as always. Having demo’d and owned several of the compared bikes in this vid, Conner is right on in his descriptions as usual. This channel is quickly becoming the best around for actual reviewer’s info. Thanks guys!
Thanks. Glad you like the videos.
Where are all the comparisons of the Spur vs S Works Epic 8? - near identical geo and by all accounts, Epic 8 (and 8 Evo) is a ripper
Best Utah bike in my opinion (with exception of a handful of trails). I love mine! Best reviews in the game, keep it up!!
It's so good for a lot of the trails in Utah. Depends on what you end up riding though. There's certainly a lot of big bike terrain out here too.
Bummer, no SB120 LR review yet. 😂
Still working on it.
The Druid v2 is the most capable trail bike I’ve ridden, though climbing is a bit less “fast” but point it downhill … HOLY! Very very impressive for a 130 travel bike
A tallboy is just in a different category than these single pivot bikes. You could take a tallboy to moab with a 140mm fork and never look back. You take a single pivot flex stay bike to moab and you will be wishing you had better traction both up and down
I won’t argue there. There’s also a big difference in weight and climbing ability though. Different strokes for different folks.
Have always been interested in the Spur, but when I changed bikes, I was not able to locate one to test ride. Went with the Ripley and have been very happy. It seems to do most everything I like to do very well. Sometimes in the Jankey, Rocky downhills I wish for a bit more travel and compliance, overall I have been very happy...Thanks for the update. Great video.
Great review. Are those open rocky trails in the vid St George?
All of this was filmed in St George area.
I think the term you’re looking for is downcountry unfortunately lmfao
I refuse to accept that as a category.
So as a gravel guy who figured out I loathe long travel in a trail bike, would this be a good option stringing together a long day of mostly blue square trails in rooty/rocky New England?
Yeah you’d probably be pretty happy on this one. Doesn’t feel like a big bike.
I'm just glad that you never said "down country"
I avoid it at all costs.
Except this channel uses "Enduro" and "All-Mountain" all the time. Odd that somehow "downcountry" is too lame (yet you both know exactly what each of you were referring to) but Enduro and All-Mountain are totally appropriate gradations. (I mean use downcountry, don't use it, but odd that it's somehow "cool" to be not using it...).
@@lenolenolenoyou's the man! Seen all your comments - you see through the dumbness and BS that is prevalent in the World, today! BE or Biker's Smeg, as I call them, have always talked from the script of Gen Z fantasy world dumbness and never make any sense about anything. However, I guess there's 99% dumbos, nowadays and if you're trying to sell in a market, sell the way the majority will just nod they're empty heads. Sad World, in last 15-20 years - Jesus Christ is coming and as He said - He's the only way (also, the only way a sane person can navigate the contemporary World). Peace brother and I hope you find Jesus and Salvation! 💜
Recently threw some trail wheels and tires on my pivot mach 4sl while my trail rig ( revel rascal) is in the shop for a suspension rebuild. Honestly supprised with how capable a 120mm "XC" bike could be with some propper rubber. Seems like yesterdays trail bike geo is todays xc or "downcounty" bike.
Tires probably make the biggest change to ride quality out of any component.
Nice. Thanks. External routing for everything except dropper. What’s to be gained by internal routing the RD if the brake is external? Frame weight? I’d like to know the same for the Trance. You do my favorite reviews.
Agreed. I think the main benefit is aesthetics. The brake is especially annoying to be internal because you’re likely going to have to bleed it if you pull the line at any point. RD isn’t as bad. Some bikes it’s almost easier to shove the housing through the frame than it is to zip tie it to the anchors.
@@bikersedgeEnded up building up a Spur frame, in no small part because of your review. Had a few shakedown rides. It’s really a great bike. Corners unbelievably well, even on our tight, twisty northeast trails. Descends and climbs great. Incredibly capable for such a light, nimble frame. Never thought I’d say 120mm on both ends would be enough for rough trail riding. I thin my days of slogging around on a plus thirty pound trail bike are done. The frame has some sort of magic in it. Perfectly stiff, great geo, light. Suspension is very good, although feels a bit different in a way I can’t quite describe. It almost feels a bit stiff until you get moving and take bigger, faster hits, then it opens up and feels like more than 120, or at least can handle hits like a longer travel bike.
@@mkrj2576 Love to hear the videos are helpful. Thanks!
I'd be super interested to see you review the newer Giant Trance X (with the slacker geometry and 160mm front travel), I haven't seen many reviews anywhere of it, and it seems like a great option.
We have multiple videos of the current Giant Trance X 29.
@@bikersedge oh yeah, I saw those! I was meaning the 27.5 Trance X with the geometry almost like the Transition Sentinel, with a 63.8 head tube angle and 160mm fork.
But can it be built to be XC race ready? Its geo is closer now to new XC race bikes.
The original model year was more XC than this with a Sid fork and shock. Should work just fine.
Best argument for internal rear brake like is that you can run brakes moto (for all the LH road driving locations like UK/Aus/NZ/Japan/Nepal/Singapore).
I mean you can do that externally too....
@bikersedge not with the rear swooped from left to right so the cables are neat and symmetrical. Majority of bikes with external have hose mounts running along the LHS of a downtube = inwards loop.
Not sure why I'm having to explain this to a bike shop.
good stuff. i am currently considering a few bikes at the moment and the spur is one of them also the smuggler and patrol. im considering some norco bikes as well. then cannondale scalpel 4 popped up on my radar and want to test ride it. im in houston so most of the stuff out here is packed dirt single track. the sentienal is another one im considering as well. they have a stumpjumper evo alloy i havent tested yet either. any of these bike ive mention you have ridden and would recommend hard to decide and prices are decent right now
That’s a really wide range of bikes. It all depends on your trails and riding style.
I’m in Houston we just have that hard packed dirt with soft layer on top. No crazy hills or anything small jumps. A 120/120 could handle it. If I were go to Austin I would prefer 140-130 fork .i like to zip down the trails kinda a speed freak
of the 4 i could literally compare:
uphill climbs, 1) spot ryve 115 - 2) banshee phantom - 3) spur -4) yeti sb115
downhill bombs, 1) phantom - 2) spur - 3) sb115 - 4) ryve
for me, the phantom forked at 120 mil is first class/all around. spot ryve is a close second all around, yet not really made for fast 'n chunky descents, although quite capable in it's own right. Spur will take a bit more abuse, not sure if it's the flexing stays or a mere 5mm more travel out back, a combo of both perhaps.
i may replace the SB115 with a spur. for having such a cult following, the yeti isnt much to brag about.
Great review as always. Interesting that they spec the same head angle at 66 with both the 120 and 130 fork. I'd guess head angle would be 65.6 with a 130 fork.
Transition's website lists the new 2024 model as coming with a 120mm fork still.
Correct - We got some wires crossed with our build. Thanks for pointing that out.
@@bikersedgeI just figured they gave you a different review model or something before they finalized the spec. Or they hadn't updated the website properly yet, ha ha.
Has anyone ridden a Spur with the original RS SID shock and compared with the Fox DPS? I have a SID shock and Fox 34 130mm. I don't want to give up any climbing efficiency, but I would take a little improvement in shock absorption. Seems like the SID is easily overwhelmed in bigger terrain.
I’ve ridden it with both. I don’t think there’s all that much difference between them either in climbing or descending performance. I don’t think you’re going to get noticeably better bump compliance or worse pedal efficiency from the DPS. If you went to a significantly larger volume shock you might start to notice a bit. But for the most part, frame kinematics dictate the lions share of the suspension feel.
Hi Connor, I've heard about some people adding a 130MM fork to the Spur, even the Transition guys told me it was a great upgrade. any comment or experience about that ?
Thank you.
I ran mine that way when I had one. Wouldn't really want to run mine any other way.
In good part due to your review I bought and built up a Spur frame. Your review is spot on. Thanks. It’s a great all around light weight trail bike. It’s geo and suspension allows it to tackle more than its frame weight would suggest. At a low weight it’s zippy and can climb all day. The way this bike corners is pretty amazing. It’s so much less work to corner fast and hard on this bike. Frame flex feels just right to me. Solid but not harsh or chattery. Where I’m at now on bikes this one is a perfect fit for how I ride. Been on too many frames to count in my thirty years of mountain biking, this is one of the best. Usually takes me several weeks to dial in a new build. This took one ride and only because I think the fork’s psi chart was soft. Thanks again for such a great review. I’m so impressed with the way this frame handles, if my current (old) Trance dies I may add a Smuggler. Oh, and btw, the new 120 SID Ultimate does not hold this bike back. Just realized I already posted most of this on this thread. Oh well. Maybe will get you a few more hits.
@@mkrj2576 love hearing that! Stoked you’re enjoying the bike.
I think the Spur set the standard for short travel trail bikes. Clearly still an awesome bike, but so very expensive (even on sale it is CDN $6400 for the GX build). I have the YT Izzo Core 3, a slightly more capable bike and an excellent climber too. And with CF wheels it is also light(ish) at 27.5 lbs without pedals.
I do think transition has gotten a little spendy. But then again most bikes have.
Can someone explain to me how the 2020 builds were ~25lbs and the 2024 builds are ~27lbs? I can't for the life of my figure out how or why.
I bet most of it comes from the fork. The 2020 came with a 120mm Rockshox Sid. It’s a lot lighter than the Fox 34.
I’m still ripping my 2019 Ripley after riding a couple other bikes for parts of seasons. Threw an angle set to match the AF geo, and seriously can’t find a fault with it for its intended purpose.
Great option in the category.
Love my Spur. It's perfect for my local trails. I have been toying with putting on a 130mm Pike once I blow out the SID haha.
Not a bad move.
As always great video. Thanks
I’m a bit confused now, I have a 2023 Spur and can’t be any ahhoier with my bike, I just looked the Transition web site and there is no models with 130MM fork, I am assuming you upgraded it, correct ?
Thanks 👍
Got some wires crossed on our exact build. Stock builds have 120 front and back.
Still rocking my OG Deep Sea Green Spur. It's the bike I will never sell. Does everything, looks good. What more do you need?
Thats the one I had. So good.
I have a Rocky Element in Size Large. I’ve ridden XL’s in everything else. But wanted to size down to get it more playful and have a bigger gap in between this and my Enduro bike (I love under biking, still a funny term) I’ve built the Element up with a 36 and 140 and have it now with a 120 34 stepcast. With 140 and heavy tires it rips, with a 34 and xc tires it’s a rocket ship with the geo I still want.
My question. Which one is a better mule for playing around with set ups? Element or Spur. My buddy is on the fence between both these bikes. Thanks in advance. Love your channel
I think the Spur is a bit more versatile for the category. It goes from XC to trail, where the Element will always be more trail due to the geo.
Yes thank god for externally routed brake lines 🙏 Please keep doing this.
You and I might be in the vast minority here. But we’re right.
You are the first guy that climbs over rocks and rides through rock gardens, I live in Arizona and we have lots of trails like what you ride, I have asked another guy that rides different bikes in Utah if would ride over rocks like you do, but he said he doesn't like those types of trails.
The rockier the better! Sidewalks are no fun.
Hmmm wouldn't this kind of bike normally classified as 'down-country' these days? Anyway nice review as always
I refuse to accept "downcountry" as a category.
i got the spur for 3 years. Took it for 130km 5k D+ mega ride and park laps. I sold it for a SC Heckler 👍👍
Nice!
I'm really curious how would this would compare to a stump jumper non-evo? Thoughts?
Not too familiar. We don’t carry specialized.
Some would say I have the proportions of baby alien. Do you recommend this bike for someone with a build like me?
It's only suited for humans.
Amazing bike, I’ve had mine a while now and is perfect for my riding style and where I ride in the UK. It’s so versatile and it’s the perfect all in one do it all bike that I’ve been wanting for many years. I never feel over biked or under biked and it’s so comfortable and enjoyable to do some big epic rides on. I honestly can’t sing its praises enough. Well done Transition. I would say you did mention it’s now a 130mm fork but looking at there site it is still 120mm.
Yeah. Made that correction as many places as I could. We got some wires crossed with our build. Stock builds come with 120.
I can run a rear brake cable through my bikes in 2 mins.. Some companies just need to work on better internal routing
But externally routed is even easier. And you don’t have to bleed.
I have my eye on a spur but not sure about the sizing; can I ask you how tall you are? (Since you’re on an XL)
I’m 6’2”
@@bikersedgethanx!
Good vid! Thank you 🙌
I've always been curious about Spur, even considered trading my Ripley v4 frame for Spur frame but ended up staying with Ripley.
I do like the look of the updates Sour frame, rounded vs sharp edges.
Those are two of the best in the category.
What rise handlebars are you running on this build? 35mm?
Yes. 35mm
How do you feel this compares to the Allied BC40?
I think this is more trail than the BC40
@bikersedge I’m trying to decide between the Spur and a Ripley AF. I live in St. George and ride here 99% of the time. Help me decide
Both would be great on the more XC trails down there. I think the Ripley AF will be a little bit more forgiving when you’re in the bigger terrain down there.
Thanks for the advice
I was excited until I saw it was 8 grand for the new features... : /
Yeah the build that’s available now is pretty high end and spendy. They’ll have more build kits available soon.
Any thoughts on how it compares to the SB120?
I haven't ridden the 120 and it's been a long time since I've ridden the 115. Wouldn't be able to say unfortuantely.
Any word if Ibis is going to revamp the Ripley?
Not that I've heard.
I love my Spur - 130mm 34 (having outgrown the 120 34SC), a 120mm DPX2 (don't tell Transition) and a light set of wheels for long/ climbing/ XC-ish days and a heavier set for trail-ish days. Other than the awful quality of the paint it's served 100kg me well for almost 3yrs. Absolute ripper on the ups, and way more comfortable on the downs than it should be for such a tiny travel package.
Didn't upgrade (having wanted a bit more travel) to the Smuggler because it's so $$$, and have gone elsewhere for the next 140-150/130 bike on order, but if I wasn't on a n=n allowance I'd also keep the Spur! Banger of a bike
Yeah I ran mine with a 130mm fork as well. Works a lot better for me.
What 140-150/130 bike did you end up with? I'm heading into my 4th season on the spur about to put a 130 pike on over the original 120sid. I will die on the no internal rear brake routing hill next to @bikersedge so the smuggler is out.
@@aconsola1 gone with an AM130 (made in the UK, cool tech, got a good deal) - similar kinda laidback/ lowkey vibe (but different direction) to the Spur!
the original colorway for the spur is hands down the best....these new colors are butt ugly....nice bike though!
I must like butts then because this white one is solid.
@@bikersedge lol...nothing wrong with butts.
What’s causing these weight increases in updated bikes?
Bikes are being built tougher with heavier duty components and frames. The way we ride has changed.
Great review, thanks! I bought a Spur frame-only about 18 months ago and ride it with the stock Sidluxe shock and a Pike 120 up front (not the current model, but the previous fork). I love the bike, but feel like I could get more out of the suspension. Ideally I'd like to put a Cane Creek IL air shock on the back for more pop and more capacity to adjust. For the fork, I'm unsure - my main aim is for it to be super-supple off the top with good control in the middle - I'm definitely on the xc side of trail! I like the idea of the new SID ultimate; stiff, light and supple - the alternative is a Fox 34 Factory - possibly just as supple off the top, with the possibility to go to 130 travel, but heavier. Any thoughts?
It’s tough to get supple off the top when there’s only 120mm. I don’t know if any application appropriate suspension will get you that feel. I personally didn’t mind the Fox stuff or the RS stuff on the previous one I owned.
@@bikersedge Thanks for the reply - yes, maybe I'm asking for too much! A demo would be ideal if I could get one.
@@Deanokit at some point it will be a matter of getting a bike that has a little more travel to work with.
Would love to see this compared to the Scor 2030
Unfortunately we don’t carry Scor. Won’t be able to make it happen.
Nice review! What tires would you be running on your spur?
I don't hate the stock ones. I'd maybe throw an insert in the rear though.
Great review. How would you compare it to the smuggler?
Much more XC than a Smuggler. Significantly faster uphill and less capable down.
I've got the previous version of the Spur with the Fox build and I love it. Perfect description of its characteristics in this video. You can definitely get it into situations where it doesn't belong because of how capable it is right up to it's limit. There's no sign it's getting outgunned until it's actually outgunned. And even then, you'll survive it, it'll just be really rough haha. Also, very happy to see that someone else around my weight is getting that much out of the rear travel. I spend a lot of time worrying that I'm abusing the shock but I'm pretty sure at our weight class on a 120mm bike riding aggressively you're never going to get done with a ride and see you didn't use all the travel (unless the bike is just set up wrong, of course).
I set my bikes up to make sure I use full travel frequently. The amount of travel doesn’t change that for me. The travel is there. May as well make sure youre not leaving any on the table. If I’m not bottoming out multiple times every ride it’s not set up right.
@@bikersedge Amen!
Internally routing through one vs 2 tubes makes no difference because you are going to be doing internal routing no matter(or you'll be doing a ghetto ziptie job). The trend of pushing cables through the headset though is another matter. That's just stupid.
I’d much rather have an externally routed rear brake held on with zip ties.
@@bikersedge I thought you were saying you wanted externally *_only_* in the rear as in the rear triangle(internal downtube and external rear triangle).
Fully external, sure fine. I got fully internal on my bike and I've owned this bike for 2 years and still not touched it. Wouldn't be a big deal to me at least.
@@a8f235 gotcha. I want the rear brake externally routed. It doesn’t need to go inside the frame at any point.
Can you compare this to the YT izzo?
Haven’t ridden it. Wouldn’t be able to say.
great review. Where are you riding at the 5:09 mark? That looks like a great trail
It's a little connector between Dino Cliffs area and Church Rocks.
I just picked up a Scor 2030 while on vacation in UT. The Spur was also in my list. Yes, the Scor is heavier but the ride outperformed the weight. Love to hear if you’ve thrown a leg over a Scor and your thoughts on a comparison.
That’s one I’d like to try. Haven’t had an opportunity to do it. We don’t carry them at the shop.
I live in Colorado and not one shop that I could find had one in stock. I was happy to find a demo and it hooked me. Surprisingly damp frame and design. Climbs extremely well. I was looking for something as slack as my hardtail Cotic and the 2 frames are exact in the HT angle and fork travel. Super happy with it (obviously). GX stock build with XTR all mountain pedals in medium is 30lbs 12 ounces. I’ve already lightened it up with some WR1 wheels and a lighter saddle. Still considerably heavier than the Spur. Much lighter than my Evil Wreckoning v3 with Push and Zeb.
@@chadwilson4696 I got the opportunity to ride the 2030, I found it very fun and capable in the downhill singletracks but I found it kinda boring climbing the fireroads or riding flat section. The 64.5 angle is just too much when it s flat and you need to turn around trees. I wish I could ride it with the steep setting (65.5) and see if there is a difference.
@@MrGranjakI rode a 2030 in Hurricane Utah and took one home. I’m already used to slack bikes and it corners better than anything I’ve ever ridden in 30 years (yes, I’m a bit old). ;)
Watching your Spur/Ripley comparison video. Even with the bigger 130mm fork on the Ripley it didn't look like it smoothed the trail out more than the Spur. Is that you experience still?
I’d agree. The geometry and suspension kinematics make the Spur more stable.
@@bikersedge Cool, thanks for the reply. Good kinematics seem to throw a wrench in all the just about numbers is everything. So much nuance in designs its crazy.
@user-rj9ui3sz8u just looking at travel and geo does very little for getting a feel for a bike. They are frequently more than the sum of their parts.
@@bikersedge It's so hard because you can't ride every bike that you want to get these days, that's why your channel is so great.
MTX pads should come with the screw and c-clip. Thats is all. Good review
Not sure why this comment is here?
Tell your homies at MTX! I thought you were involved in that company @@bikersedge
Gotcha. We're just an MTX dealer, but we know the owner of the company. We can pass the message along.
This will probably be the next bike I get my wife if I can get her past the “It must be Specialized” irrational brand loyalty.
Get her on a test ride and she'll come around!
@@bikersedge I broke the rule when I got my Pivot Trail 429 as my family bike this winter. Interesting comparison actually.
How about a Blur TR?
Also a good one. Quite a bit more XC than this.
What's under the blanket?
What blanket....
0:21 that blanket
@@Nate_K111 still not sure what you’re talking about….
Guys I’m pretty sure there is something cool under that blanket that he’s not telling us about
I'm guessing it's the new Baby Shark collaboration bike
I constantly went back and forth between the Spur or a Trek Top Fuel. Ended up getting a great deal on the Top Fuel so I went that direction, but they seem very comparable. Would love to throw a leg over one once demo season arrives
How do you like the Top Fuel? I was the opposite of you and got a Spur lol.
@@TomCollins-c4h Mine is still in the mail! But I did get to ride a friend's Top Fuel and it seriously impressed me. Very efficient climber but really didn't feel like an XC bike on the descents either. The stack height is a tad lower (hinting at the XC focus of prior Top Fuel's) but besides that it descends just as well as any trail bike I've ridden.
@@TomCollins-c4h Mine is still in the mail actually! But I did get to extensively test a friend's Top Fuel, which sold me on it. It climbs extremely well and descends very comfortably for a 120/120. The stack height leans a bit XC but that's about the only hint on this bike that screams "XC Bike". Everything else is very downcounty/short travel trail, and it's factory compatible with a 130 fork in case you want a bit more travel.
@@TomCollins-c4h Sorry just saw this reply now. I like the Top Fuel a lot. It's an extremely efficient bike, it'll scoot up just about any climb with ease. Descending it feels like a light duty trail bike, even with the SID fork and stock 120/120 setup. It's surprisingly capable on the downs though. It feels very confident and capable in fast flow to moderately chunky tech. I will say it definitely leans into the XC side of downcountry with body position and how the suspension rides (it's not "plush" or "deep" in a traditional trail bike sense, instead it feels supportive and "just enough" on most hits. Not harsh imo). I might throw a 130 fork on it at some point, but otherwise zero complaints.
@@TheIggyTech Thanks for your reply, it's always interesting to hear people's experiences on ride quality. It was on top of my list a few years ago but hard to get. I'm glad you are stoked with your bike sounds like a good one!
Sb120 vs Spur...
Haven’t been able to ride an SB120 yet.
Awesome review man can I ask what’s it like to wheelie and manual?
Wish I could tell you. I'm a chump and I'm not good at either.
@@bikersedge 😂 👍
Great video as always. How would compare to revel ranger?
The Spur is a much more capable descender. The Ranger probably climbs a bit better but probably not enough to make up the difference in descending.
👍👍 thank you
It’s sounds like a great one.. 👍
Sure is
It’s still the same bike but UDH
Yes but built very differently from the last time I rode it. The build has changed the ride quality quite a bit.
@@bikersedge How is the new one built differently, can you elaborate please?
Spur vs Revel Ranger?
Ranger
Ranger is snappier on tight trails and a significantly better climber...relatively XC. Spur is by far the better descender...more trail.
The Spur is a much more capable descender. The Ranger probably climbs a bit better but probably not enough to make up the difference in descending.
@@bikersedge I own a Ranger. Curious as to how much diff there may be to make a change someday. Great review as always!
@@mattmiller7650 I’d hope they’d bring the geo up into the trail category a bit more. That would be good to see.
I'd love to try a Spur out here in Colorado but haven't ever seen one last long enough in stock to try! Wish those paint colors were a little more bold or interesting too.
Personally love them .
I've found trying to find transitions to even demo in CO is difficult.
I have demos available at Seagull's Cycles is Eagle!
@@MrThaSeagullAwesome! Hope I can make it out there this spring.
Pedal Pushers in Golden has one to demo I believe
Thats weird the site says its a 120mm fork.
Correct. Got some wires crossed with our exact build. The stock fork is 120mm.
@@bikersedge Thanks for the clarification, wonder what happened? Its a different review then if it has a bigger fork than what people would buy stock.
This had a 120mm. I didn’t get a press kit for this bike and made the assumption that since Fox doesn’t make a 120mm 34 that this had a 130mm fork. The ride assessment in this video is based on 120. Although even at 130 (how I ran my old one) it wouldn’t be much different.
@@bikersedge Ah ok, sorry for my confusion!
@@TomCollins-c4h Very understandable.
I would have liked the new Spur to have come with a 140mm Fox 34 and more progressive geo (65* HTA, 77* STA) while still keeping the bike as XC light as possible. Think long travel, progressive geo, lightweight, XC bike.
Smuggler?
@@bubbastank3108 I like the geo of the Smuggler but it not light and it doesn't have the single pivot flex stay suspension.
that's a Stumpjumper
I ride the Stumpjumper here in Switzerland, and that's pretty much that bike :)
Nothing angle headset cant fix 😉
I prefer a "wheels on the ground" kind of riding so this might be a good fit for me. I'll bump the fork up to 150 tho
Yikes. I’d consult transition on that one to make sure the head tube is designed to take those forces.