Staff Bike Checks | Russ's Mulleted Transition Spire

    For this Lost Co Staff Bike Check, we take a look at a mulleted aluminum Transition Spire, owned by our head mechanic, Russ. Aiming to bridge the gap between Transitions downhill rig, the TR-11, and their mixed wheel bike, the Patrol, this build is certainly a departure from what you’d typically expect to see on Transitions long-travel 29er.  

    Russ’s intention with this bike was to build up something that would ride similar to a DH bike on the steep, loose, and technical downhills while still being reasonably manageable on the seemingly never ending PNW logging road climbs. The most notable part of the build is undoubtedly, the 190mm Fox 40 fork and 27.5-inch rear wheel which replaces the stock 29-inch wheel. Beyond that, Russ didn't go too crazy with the build, opting to put money where he felt it really mattered, the suspension, wheels, handlebars, and brakes.

    A Fox DHX2 keeps the rear end plush and, being owner and operator of Cascade Racing Designs, it's only natural to see this bike dressed in CRD components like their 803mm carbon Stooge Handlebars and carbon Apex rims which are laced to Industry Nine Hydra hubs. Russ finished off the build with a SRAM GX drivetrain, Code RSC’s brakes and 220mm Centerline rotors. For tires, a Maxxis Shorty keeps the front end controlled in the slop and a Maxxis Dissector helps the bike pedal slightly faster than Russ's alternative rear tire, another Shorty, which he has mounted to a secondary rear wheel reserved when uphill pedaling isn't required.