The Smuggler is out and we’ve got them at the shop. As we do with all new shiny things, we take them for a test ride to see what’s good and how they handle in our backyard. So, let’s see how the Smuggler stacks up.
First off are the specs. This bike has 120mm rear travel, 140mm front travel, and 29” wheels. It is a mid travel bike, so it is made for a little bit of everything. If you want to do an epic long ride, the Smuggler can handle it. If you also want to do a rowdy little jump line, the Smuggler can hang with that crowd as well. Bottom line – this bike is a great choice if you like riding a little bit of everything. It’s got your back!
The Smuggler comes in three builds – all carbon: X01, GX, and NX. You are still able to purchase an alloy frameset if you aren’t into carbon. Those three builds come in two colors – Carbon Black Powder and Outlaw Orange. The X01 and GX both utilize a Fox fork and shock. The X01 comes with ANVL stem and bars, while the GX and the NX run RaceFace. They all come with seat droppers, but the X01 and GX offer RockShox Reverb, while the NX uses the RaceFace Aeffect. All three builds run SRAM for brakes, rotors, shifters, derailleur, cassette, and chain. They all also use Maxxis Minion tires. 
One last thing. Transition Bikes is known for its SPG technology. For those of us not in the know, that’s Speed Balanced Geometry. According to Transition, “With SBG, a slacker head tube angle is combined with an all-new reduced offset fork standard, preventing the front wheel from being too far in front of the rider. This improves front to rear weight distribution on the bike, which is often out of balance on long and slack bikes.” Basically, they work with all pieces of the bike’s geometry to make sure every bike has a stable feel, no matter the speed or terrain.
If you’re looking for a solid bike that climbs and handles well, stop in and check out the new Transition Smuggler. It is perfectly suited to ride around the Grand Valley or take on trips wherever you want to go. You can rent a Smuggler for $69.00 for 24-hours or $45 for 4-hours. Also, if you’ve got any questions about this or any other bikes in the shop, just ask. We’re here to help you find the perfect bike for your riding style.
