2023 Transition Spire Carbon GX Bike

Have a custom carbon Spire, running EXT shock out back, carbon wheels and AXS.   This is my 3rd long travel Transition.   The Spire pedals as well as my old Sentinel, but has added travel and stability which is noticeable when its needed.   The EXT helps it sit high in the travel which has also (along with 165 cranks) kept pedal strikes to a minimum.    Ive got a reasonable light build but still pretty bomb proof.   The alloy frames tend to be pretty heavy/burly depending on how you want to look at it.   Overall, it is a great bike.   The only downsides would be the quality of the finishing - Transition are now up there with Yeti, Santa Cruz etc in terms of price - the Spire design is spot on and equal if not better - but the paint, bearings and some of the tolerances aren't in the same league.   Given the geometry of modern bikes is all pretty much there or thereabouts - and suspension platforms are all pretty good as well - its the quality of the frame (and brand support) that can be a deciding factor.   Hence 4 stars, not 5.  Its a great bike and I'd recommend it - especially if you live somewhere steep/technical trails or if you visit bike parks/uplift.