The Transition Patrol is a dedicated mixed-wheel enduro and park bike designed for riders who prioritize agility and airtime over raw race speed. Built around a 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel, the current generation delivers 160mm of travel out of the box. Transition designed the platform with heavy modification in mind, officially supporting longer-stroke shocks to bump rear travel to 170mm and approving the frame for dual-crown forks.
Available in both alloy and carbon frames, the Patrol shares the same underlying kinematic and geometry across materials. The alloy version is notably overbuilt, favoring durability over weight savings, while the carbon frame sheds significant mass for a more responsive feel. Across both materials, a revised suspension layout provides a highly progressive leverage curve to support aggressive riding, coil shocks, and flat landings. It is a platform built specifically for steep, loamy, and jump-heavy terrain.
Where to get it.
No retailers stocking size MD.
No retailers carrying size MD right now.
Spec sheet.
Every component shipped with this build.
Geometry & fit.
4 sizes published.
The Patrol is built around Transition’s Speed Balanced Geometry, which pairs a very slack front end with a steep seat tube angle to keep the rider centered. A lower shock mount flip chip allows riders to toggle the head tube angle between a slack setting and an even slacker downhill-oriented position. Despite the aggressive front end, the reach remains relatively moderate, which prevents the bike from feeling overly stretched out or cumbersome in tight terrain.
To maintain consistent handling across the size run, Transition utilizes size-specific chainstays, keeping the rear center shorter on small and medium frames and lengthening it for large and extra-large models. The steep effective seat tube angle places the rider in an upright, efficient pedaling posture that naturally weights the front wheel, mitigating the front-end wander often associated with slack head angles. The defining fit characteristic, however, is the exceptionally low bottom bracket. This drops the rider's center of gravity deep between the wheels for aggressive cornering, though it requires mindful pedal placement to avoid strikes in uneven terrain.
Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.
01Fit geometry6 values
02Component geometry4 values
03Handling geometry5 values
Which size should I buy?
Slide your height to see the recommended size. GearWise's fit algorithm works from the published stack, reach, and ETT — the brand's own recommendation may differ.
→Calculated from GearWise's own stack / reach / ETT algorithm — the brand's size chart may recommend a different size, and a proper bike fit beats any calculator.
The lineup.
4 builds, ranging $3,999 – $6,999.
The Patrol lineup spans four builds, split evenly between carbon and alloy frames. The entry-level Alloy Eagle 70 focuses on accessibility, pairing a RockShox Domain fork and Super Deluxe Base shock with a mechanical SRAM Eagle 70 drivetrain. Stepping up to the Alloy Eagle 90 upgrades the suspension to a RockShox ZEB Ultimate and Super Deluxe Ultimate, while moving to the Eagle 90 drivetrain.
The carbon models mirror this progression but introduce lighter frames and different shock specifications. The Eagle 90 Carbon features a ZEB Select fork and Vivid Select rear shock. At the top of the range, the GX AXS Carbon build utilizes a ZEB Ultimate and Vivid Ultimate, alongside SRAM’s wireless GX Eagle Transmission for precise shifting under load.
Across all builds, Transition prioritizes descending capability with four-piston SRAM Maven brakes, utilizing Base, Bronze, or Silver tiers depending on the model. Dropper posts from OneUp or SDG are scaled by frame size to maximize travel. Rolling stock consists of durable aluminum wheelsets from WTB, DT Swiss, or RaceFace, wrapped in aggressive Schwalbe or Maxxis tires suited for loose and steep conditions.
From the press.
7 reviews from the cycling press.
Reviewers consistently characterize the Patrol as an energetic, highly engaging descender that favors playfulness over muted plowing. The mixed-wheel setup defines the ride, allowing the bike to snap through tight corners while the larger front wheel maintains momentum. Testers noted that the smaller rear wheel makes it easy to "steer with your hips" (Vital MTB) and quickly change direction. The progressive suspension tune provides a supportive platform that encourages jumping, with one reviewer describing the bike as "freakishly boosty" (Mtb-mag) off trail features.
This active ride quality means the Patrol communicates plenty of trail feedback, giving it a "pilot, not passenger" (YouTube) feel. However, this agility comes with tradeoffs at absolute top speed. In timed testing, the bike occasionally lost momentum in high-speed, choppy straightaways compared to full 29-inch race bikes, with one tester noting it "makes you think you're going faster than you are" (PinkBike).
Additionally, the exceptionally low bottom bracket was a frequent point of discussion; while it anchors the bike in corners, multiple riders reported frequent pedal strikes when navigating technical, rocky climbs. Despite the heavy alloy frame option, testers were pleasantly surprised by the bike's climbing posture, noting that the steep seat tube keeps the front wheel manageable on steep ascents.
Transition Patrol First Ride and Review | Best Patrol Yet?!
![[Tested] Transition Patrol Carbon](https://www.mtb-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMC_8722.jpg)
[Tested] Transition Patrol Carbon
TRANSITION PATROL | Bike Check & 1 year review
Field Test: Transition Patrol Carbon - The Party Machine - Pinkbike
2021 Transition Spire & Patrol: Long, Low & Slack Redefined ...
It's Almost Perfect... | 2021 Transition Patrol Thoughts & Review
First Ride - Transition Bikes' All-New Patrol
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