Thursday, April 30, 2020

2020 Transition Sentinel V2 Review

  April 30, 2020



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