Staff Bike Checks | Russ's Mulleted Transition Spire
A Fox 40 Factory Series Standing Tall and Proud
The Build
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.
Frame: Transition Spire Aluminum- Size Large
Fork: Fox 40 Factory Grip2 - 190mm
Shock: Fox DHX2 - 205x65mm
Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle DUB - 165mm
Chainring: SRAM GX Eagle - 30t
Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle
Shifter: SRAM GX Eagle
Chain: SRAM XX1 Chain - Copper
Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle 10-52t
Pedals: Anvl Tilt - Arctic Bronze
Hubs: Industry Nine Hydra 148/110
Front Rim: CRD Apex 29"
Rear Rim: CRD Apex 27.5"
Front Tire: Maxxis Shorty 2.4 DD MaxxGrip
Rear Tire: Maxxis Dissector 2.4 DD MaxxGrip
Saddle: ANVL Forge Cromo
Seatpost: OneUp Dropper V2 - 210mm
Dropper Lever: Wolf Tooth ReMote Light
Bars: CRD Stooge 803
Stem: Spank 40mm Direct Mount
Grips: ODI Elite Pro Lock-on
Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
Rotors: SRAM Centerline - 220mm/220mm
Premium Fox Suspension with a DHX2 in the rear and a Factory Series 40 up front
CRD Stooge Bars and SRAM Code RSC Brakes Compliment The Cockpit
CRD Apex Carbon Rims Mounted to Industry Nine Hydra Hubs
GX Drivetrain and ANVL Tilt Pedals
"Born in Bellingham, Washington"
So there you have it, a unique build by our Head Mechanic Russ.
Building up your own bike or looking for an upgrade? We stock almost all the parts we have on our bikes and love to geek out.
Got questions? Feel free to shoot us an email or give us a call!
360-306-8827
sales@thelostco.com
ABOUT THE RIDER/WRITER
NAME | AGE | HEIGHT | LOCATED |
Brodie Hall |
26 |
5'9" |
Bellingham, WA |
Current Bikes: Banshee Titan
Bike Size: Medium
Favorite Trails: Spacewolf, Galbraith / Graysill Connect, Coalbank Pass
About Me: I grew up in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado where high country epics are the local favorite. After moving to the PNW in the summer of 2021, I'm really loving the steep, loamy, and rooty terrain that Bellingham has to offer. Jumps are growing on me, but still not really my thing. Historically, my bike of choice is a mid-travel 29'er, but the steeper, faster terrain in this area has me curious about a longer-travel mullet bike.