Mechanics always have the most functional, no-fuss bike builds possible. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as they get a first-hand look at which parts are as durable as their marketing claims. Matt’s Transition Sentinel is no exception, featuring a component spec that prioritizes functionality and durability. Centered around a Sentinel V3 carbon frame, this build has already logged a respectable amount of mileage between the red rocks of Arizona and the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, demonstrating how versatile Transition’s “send-it-all” bike truly is.
Bike Details
Frame: Transition Sentinel
Size: Large
Wheels: DT Swiss 350 DEG 12x148 32H Rear / DT Swiss 350 MTB 15x110mm 32H Front / We Are One Union 29" 32H / Sapim Race Butted Spokes
Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial Gravity 29x2.5 / Schwalbe Albert Radial Gravity Rear 27.5x2.5
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT 12-Speed Groupset / 170mm Shimano XT M8120 Crankset
Brakes: Shimano XT M8120 / Shimano XTR MT905 Ice Tech Freeza Rotors
Cockpit: 780mm Deity Skywire 35 Carbon Handlebar / RaceFace Turbine-R 40mm Stem / Deity Lockjaw Grips
Seatpost/Saddle: OneUp Components 31.6mm 210mm / Specialized Power Comp Saddle
Pedals: Deity Supervillain
Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory - Trunnion - 205mm x 60mm
Fork: Fox 38 Factory GRIPX2 160mm 44mm Offset
How long have you been working in the bike industry?
I've been working as a mechanic for 20 years, and have worked with numerous different companies in various roles.
What are some aspects your consider when selecting components for your own build?
Longevity and robustness of a component are high on my list of priorities because I work on bikes all day; I don't want to have to work on my own. Making a bike last as long as possible without turning a wrench is key for me.
How would you describe the Transition Sentinel?
The Sentinel is a really smooth plow machine that is at home on the steeper terrain. But, it isn't so much a bike that it's a barge to try and pedal around. I really enjoy being able to go on 20 to 40-mile rides, but then being able to point it straight down a hill and hit some of the gnarlier terrain we have around town. I even took it up to Whistler a couple of times this summer.
You got to ride the Sentinel in the desert a bit before moving here, correct?
Yeah, I got at least six months aboard the Sentinel in the desert in southern Arizona on some of the rockier terrain around there. A lot of black and double black diamond riding. Not as steep as up here, but definitely a lot sharper and rockier.
There were a lot of square-edge hits, hard compressions, and a lot of ledges at higher speeds, and the Sentinel soaked it all up. I've found that the FourBar linkage Transition bikes use really aids in absorbing as much as possible while still being smooth and retaining a nice pedaling platform.
What are some components on this build you can't live without?
The Aenomaly SwitchGrade. I tried it on my last bike and fell in love with it. I do a lot of traveling in the summertime, so I'll typically go to Colorado, where there are lots of sustained climbs, or even in Arizona, where you are pedaling for ten to twenty miles. It's good to get that seat adjustment. So that was one component I made sure to have on this build as well.
Schwalbe's new Radial tires are also great around Bellingham on the wet roots. Being pretty new here, I'm still adjusting to the different terrain, so the Radial tires have definitely been helping out with traction during the wintertime.
How do the Fox 38 and Float X2 perform on the Sentinel?
I wanted this bike to be as capable as possible, and I want to be able to push it as far as I can. I had a Fox 38 on my last bike, and the adjustability between the air spring and the damper was just amazing, and the slight weight penalty isn't that big a deal to me.
I had been on coil shocks for my last three bikes, so it's been nice switching to air. The 2026 X2 is just butter; it feels just as smooth as a coil and has way more adjustability.
What is it like riding the new DT Swiss DEG Degrees of Freedom upgrade kit?
The DEG DF upgrade just makes the Sentinel's suspension feel even smoother. What I thought was trail chatter ended up being the feedback from my drivetrain. That mechanism smooths out the terrain, I noticed immediately from the first few roots I hit.
What was your first "real" mountain bike and how different was it from your current build?
My first real mountain bike was a 2003 Specialized Big Hit. It had a 24" rear wheel and a 26" front wheel, so it was an old-school mullet. It actually had a similar amount of travel, 140mm rear, 170mm front, and that was considered a downhill bike back in the day.
The brakes didn't work, the suspension didn't work, the tires were garbage, but that was the best we had back then. That was my first taste of pointing a bike downhill and being able to smash over anything I wanted to, and I've been chasing that feeling ever since.
If you could ride anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I've always wanted to go to the Dolomites in Italy. I'd love to just ride from village to village, sipping on nice espresso and eating good Italian food before heading back up the next mountain.
As a mechanic, what do you believe is one tool and one skill every rider would benefit having in their own tool box?
A chain checker. You can get it here from Fanatik for a couple of bucks, and they will save the rest of your drivetrain from wearing out by staying on top of replacing your chain. The one thing every rider should get good at is cleaning their bike.
