mtbiking.ca

Transition's New Bandit Two9 130mm Trail Bike

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Courtesy Of Transition Bikes

PRESS RELEASE: Bandit Two9 130mm Trail Bike

8/8/2011
The Bandit Two9 is Transition Bikes first jump into the 29 inch market. With the success of their 26 inch Bandit platform, Transition Bikes saw a great opportunity in the long travel 29 inch trail bike market. "We know that 29 inch wheels are a big part of mountain biking now and we really wanted to come out with a bike that reflected our style as a company. A 29” wheeled 130mm trail bike similar to our Bandit 26 made the most sense and allowed us to do some things that we haven't seen in that market with geometry and spec,” says Kevin Menard, Transition Bikes Owner.

The Bandit Two9 features a 68.5 degree head angle which gives you incredible descending capabilities while still keeping the steering responsive. The low BB really lets the rider get into the bike on corners without feeling like they are riding on top of a large bike. A short rear end also gives the bike a more playful feel and great handling in technical terrain."What doesn’t often get discussed with 29ers is bottom bracket drop and rider center of mass. With the Bandit Two9 you keep the riders weight lower in the bike. This helps with confidence on steep descents and improves cornering feel. This becomes increasingly nice the taller the rider is. Short riders might not notice this as much, but at my height, it makes the bike feel much more neutral,” says Sam Burkhardt, local forest dweller and Transition Bikes Product Manager.

The Bandit Two9 is an aggressive trail bike designed for a 140mm front fork. For 2012 Transition Bikes will be offering the new Fox Racign Shox 34 Float RLC Kashima with the bike. The new 34 Fox platform is the perfect complement to the bike and adds a great deal of stiffness in the front end that is perfect for technical descents and hard riding. "For us going downhill is just as important as the uphill. We wanted the Bandit Two9 to have the ability to be an all day pedal machine but also super playful and confidence inspiring on the descents. In the end we don't look at 29 inch wheeled bikes as better or worse than 26 inch, it is just another way to have fun on a bike,” says Kyle Young, Transition Bikes Owner

Frameset with Kashima coated Fox RP23 boost valve shock - $1599
Complete Bike with Fox Racing Shox 34 Float 140 RLC Tapered Kashima fork, X7 2x10 drivetrain, powerful 180mm Elixir 9 Brakes, and the new 29 specific Transition Revolution 28 wheelset. - $3549
Available - January 2012.