Transition Patrol Alloy (2017) Frame

(discontinued)

Initial Impressions

Transition's quirky advertisements and fun technology abbreviations drew my attention a few years ago. I liked how they don't take themselves so seriously and project a fun vibe.  After all, what are we biking for if it isn't to have fun.  One of my friends also owned a Patrol.  I got to ride his bike for a few days and got sold on this frame. This is a low and slack geometry like many of the modern trail bikes available.  It doesn't hurt that Transition always offers fun paint jobs on their frames as well.  When I purchased my frame, I decided to go with aluminum because I keep a bike for multiple years and like aluminum's low/no hassle that I have had in the past (i.e. I'm too poor to get carbon).

Function

The Patrol is a really fun bike.  The low bb and slackish head angle inspire confidence while riding downhill, and it is really poppy on the jumps with the right suspension tuning and a good handlebar.  In my opinionTransition did a lot of things right with the design of the Patrol.  First off was keeping the traditional threaded bb.  I appreciate the lower maintenance of that.  The linkage is a 4bar aka horst linkage that Specialized has used for a long time.  I have ridden their Horst link suspension, and I have really enjoyed the tweaks Transition put on the geometry to make this linkage fun.  Also, I'm not one to switch out suspension components so I like that this came with the Super Deluxe RC3. The bike climbs fairly well without switching into the shock's climbing mode.  It handles descents really well.  I have yet to bottom out this suspension.  The new standard for metric spacing is nice so the bike will age well when it comes time to replace the rear shock.  If you are looking for a frame that will climb ok and descend really well, this will be a great option.  It is well priced too, especially if you can catch it at the end of the season.

Durability

I am a heavier rider and have put a lot of miles on this frame.  After two seasons of solid riding, the frame shows no signs of cracks or weakness.  The bearings in the linkage could have been nicer though.  They had to be replaced quickly.  Another thing that would have made me happier is for Transition to include bottom bracket armor.  I have put a lizard skins frame protector on, but only after putting a few rock dings in the beautiful paint job.