Top 5 MTB Multitools

1. Crankbrothers M19

The Crankbrothers M19 multitool is manufactured using the highest quality materials to last for years to come. It boasts an astonishing 19 different tools to get you back on the trail. The tool also includes a protective alloy case.

2. Crankbrothers M17

The Crankbrothers M17 multitool is the smaller version of the M19. It still has the same immaculate build quality and protective case. It has many different sizes of Allen wrenches to tighten or loosen whatever you need.

3. Vibrelli V19

The Vibrelli multitool is very similar to the array of Crankbrothers tools but comes in at a lower price point. This multitool has 19 different tools to get you back up and running. One of my personal favorites for its sleek design.

4. ParkTool MT-30

The ParkTool MT-30 weighs 153g and packs 6 different size Allen wrenches. I like the appearance of the tool, however, the MT-30 is not very slim. ParkTool is a very reliable company, and if anything goes wrong with the tool, their customer support team will make sure you're covered.

5. Topeak Alien II

The Topeak Alien II multitool is the most versatile with crescent wrenches, totaling 31 tools. On the flip side, this tool weighs 270g, so this isn't the tool to throw in your pocket and go. All of the tools are hardened steel, so you'll receive amazing reliability.

5 HOT MTB Products for Summer 2020

1. Genuine Innovations Tubeless Tackle Kit - $19.99

The Genuine Innovations Tubeless tackle kit is a handy kit that can be thrown in your riding bag. It comes in at a low cost and comes in an alloy, weatherproof case. The kit also comes with 5 "Bacon Strips" to plug holes in your tire in case of a flat.

2. RaceFace Chester Pedal - $49.99

The RaceFace Chester pedal is a low-cost, maintenance-free MTB pedal. Kill those gnarly descents with your feet glued to the RaceFace Chester. This pedal comes in an unimaginable amount of colors to spruce up your ride. The pedal is a composite build, with alloy traction pins to keep you stuck to the bike.

3. OneUp Components EDC Multi-Tool - $59.99

The OneUp Components EDC Multi-Tool is an integrated multitool that fits in your steerer tube. The kit comes with everything you need to install this on your bike. Now, you no longer need to carry a multitool in your riding pack. To install, you use the included tool to thread your steerer tube to install a special top-cap that is compatible with the EDC tool.

4. Absolute Black Oval Chainring for Sram - $83

The Absolute Black Oval Chainring smoothes out your pedal strokes and provides more traction on technical climbs. The chainring comes in at a premium, but you definitely receive premium performance. The link I attached is the SRAM version, but they have many other options, and colors to suit everyone's needs.

5. Fox Factory 38 Fork - $1,199

The all-new Fox Factory 38 suspension fork boasts the most advanced features of any MTB fork on the market. New for 2020 is a new damper, bleed valves on the back, and a 38mm stanchion model. This fork comes at a premium, but you receive a premium product. The bleed valves on the back equalize the pressure from the inside of the form, and the outside, to achieve optimal performance.

2020 Transition Sentinel V2 Review

Specs

29" Wheels
Carbon Frame Only
63.6 Degree Head Angle
150mm rear / 160mm front
Lifetime Warranty
31.25 lbs (Size Large)
440mm Chainstays (Size Large)
$5,499 USD
Colors: "Ti Grey", "Loam Gold"

New Features

The all-new Sentinel comes out firing with some noteworthy changes. The redesigned 2020 Transition Sentinel features a sharper, more modern frame design with some amazing looking new colors. The new frame can be thought of as an F1 racing machine, being more angular, and aesthetically pleasing. The frame itself comes in at $3,199 with a Float X2 shock on the rear. The previous version of the Sentinel had 140mm of travel in the rear, but Transition decided to increase the travel to 150mm for the 2020 model. The $5,499 GX Eagle build kit boasts a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, Code RSC Brakes, Sram GX Eagle Drivetrain, Stans Flow S1 Wheelset, and Maxxis Assegai Exo+ up front, and a DHR II Exo+ in the rear. The GX Eagle build kit is the mid-tier build kit, with an NX Eagle kit coming in at $4,499 and an XO1 Eagle kit at $6,599.

Geometry/Sizing

Suspension Redesign

The leverage ratio was increased for the Sentinel V2 to improve small bump compliance, and the increase in travel improves the amount of support on bigger impacts.

Climbing

Many of you were very curious about how the Sentinel climbs with its DH bike head angle. The Sentinel climbs extremely well for this slack of a head angle. Paired with a 76-78.2 degree seat tube angle, the Sentinel climbs very efficiently.

Descents

As expected, the Sentinel charges downhill at 1,000mph if you let it. This bike was so previously capable, and with the extra 10mm of travel this year, there is more room for rider error. Owners of the bike claim that the Sentinel prefers to plow straight ahead like a train, rather than boosting trailside features.

Pros

• Great descent focused allrounder
• Light for the kit
• Room for long dropper posts
• Lots of size compatibility

Cons

• Not the Mini-DH bike some may be looking for
• A few issues with some of the components

Conclusion

The new Sentinel isn't extremely different from the previous model, being that the V2 only has 10mm more travel. However, this bike is an awesome descent-focused bike, that climbs like a beast, and descends like a train.

View Transition Sentinel V2.0