Transition TR500

The TR500 is the successor to both the TR250 and the TR450, and features adjustable geometry that lets riders build it up in multiple configurations. Everything from a mini-DH / bike park ripper with 180 mm of travel all the way to a downhill race bike with 203 mm of travel is possible, and adjustable chainstays allow the bike to accommodate 26” wheels.

TR500 details:

1.    Intended use: DH.

2.    Wheel size: 26".

3.    Rear wheel travel: 203 mm.

4.    Aluminum frame.

5.    Fox 40 FLOAT 203 mm fork.

6.    Fox DHX RC4 shock.

7.    Sizes: S, M, L, XL.

8.    Colors: orange, pearl green, raw.

9.    Weight: 37.5 lb.

10. MSRP: $6199 USD.

Constructed from hydroformed 6.061 aluminum, the TR500's frame has a modern, low slung look, aided by the fact that the linkage that drives the rear shock is hidden inside the split seat tube. In addition to the two shock travel positions, there are chips in the rear dropouts that can be flipped to set the bike up with either 434 or 442 mm chainstays, although 27.5” wheels can only be run in the 442 mm position. The bike's head angle and bottom bracket height can also be altered by flipping the chip that's located where the seatstays mount to the rear shock linkage, giving riders the option of choosing between a 63 or 63.5° head angle and the corresponding -10 or -4 mm of bottom bracket drop.

Like its predecessors in the TR range, the TR500 uses a link driven single pivot suspension layout. The Whistler Bike Park is the ideal place to rack up the vertical while testing a downhill bike, containing a wide variety of runs featuring everything from seemingly endless jump lines to trails brimming with roots and rocks that are challenging aboard any bike. Even at slower speeds on tighter, twistier trails the bike was quick and lively, diving in and out of corners without any sluggishness. 

Geometry and frame design play a large role in how a bike feels on the trails, but on a downhill bike suspension is also of the utmost importance, especially given the high speeds at which obstacles need to be dealt with. The combination of the TR500's Fox 40 FLOAT in the front and a DHX RC4 in the rear felt extremely well matched, working together as a cohesive unit to filter out those brake bumps that can wreak havoc on unprepared hands and forearms. Although air sprung forks like the 40 have become more prevalent, especially among downhill racers, the same can't be said about rear shocks.

Component check:

1.   Shimano Saint brakes: It's hard to go wrong with Shimano's Saint parts group – everything from the brakes to the rear derailleur are well designed to hold up to the rigors of DH riding.

2.   Transition HD wheelset: The TR500 rolls on Transition's house brand wheelset, which uses 32 hole, aluminum rims laced up with a 3 cross pattern to a set of sealed cartridge bearing hubs.