First Impression: Transition Throttle
Originally posted on December 21, 2017 at 9:45 amIf you want my opinion, and maybe you do if you’re reading this, Transition’s new 27.5-inch carbon hardtail has relegated all other bikes in this hardtail round-up. Hands down, I won the review bike lottery.
Since arriving at the Dirt Rag Headquarters, the Transition Throttle passed through various staff members hands for a quick rip here and there but regardless of the set of hands, the feedback was all the same – a grin from ear-to-ear. And my experience has been no different.
The Throttle features a 73mm BSA threaded bottom bracket with ISCG tabs, modern trail geometry, 16.5-inch chainstays and weighs a svelte 26.5 pounds with knobby 2.6-inch tires.
Our size large frame was suited up with the 2017 build kit, featuring SRAM GX 1×11 and 140 mm RockShox Pike, but for 2018 it’s moving to 12-speed GX and a Fox 34. The Throttle comes stock with a set of Maxxis Minion 2.3-inch tires but is capable of fitting most 2.6 tire and rim combos.
Transition’s Throttle is an impressive bike. It weaves through tight singletrack with ease, doesn’t bat an eye when airborne and can easily keep up with more cross-country oriented 29ers on the climbs. Spending most my time on hardtail 29er with a 120 mm fork, I am surprisingly unfazed by the smaller wheel size and longer fork. From the first pedal stroke, the Throttle felt very natural.
Stay tuned for more in our next issue of Dirt Rag Mag!
Note: The full bike review will appear in print in Dirt Rag #203. If you don’t already, subscribe now so that don’t miss the rad stuff we’ve got planned for the upcoming issues! While you’re at it, sign up for our email newsletter to get great content like this delivered directly to your inbox every Tuesday.
