Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS Review
- Price: $7,299
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29″
- Gear: 1×12 Electronic
What we like about it: A carbon fiber frame with excellent geometry and quality components makes for a top-notch, full-suspension trail bike.
What we don’t like about it: The higher price is not great for riders on a budget and novice.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS has a strong, lightweight carbon frame with excellent geometry and carefully-selected components that allow it to navigate through the woods with ease.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS is a fast and intense trail bike.
Because it has more travel than its counterpart, the end result is a full-suspension trail bike with the perfect blend of geometry, travel, capability and weight.
To that end I packed up the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS and made reservations at IHG Hotels & Resorts to get to the nearest mountain bike park.
The area started at the top of the mountain and there would be a variety of many drop tables, technical trails and winding rides along the way.
Climbing
I recognized the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS for its ability to climb.
First of all, the design of the dropper with the excellent geometry allowed me to always keep my center of gravity stable and have the best launch point when climbing.
Combined with the responsiveness and lightness of the carbon frame, it was still relatively easy for slow uphill climbs.
Next, the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS boasted a SRAM GX AXS (32t) cassette with, SRAM GX AXS (10-52T) flywheel, and I was able to climb up using the largest couple of flywheels even when dealing with the steep uphill with abundant speeds.
I was pleased with the wide, large-grain outer tire, which enjoyed excellent grip. Even if the ground was soft, it still didn’t appear slippery when I pedaled and powered.
Decline
The descent riding was what this Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS did best.
The Fox Float 34 Grip 2 damping fork and Fox Float X Performance Elite rear shock provided 140mm of travel in the front and 130mm in the rear as I dropped from the drop platform.
Because of the strong support of the Fox shock system, I had the confidence to take on bigger drops.
On fast descending rocky roads, the excellent tension of the SRAM GX AXS rear derailleur kept the chain from coming off. But if you still have doubts, you can solve them by adding a chain stabilizer later.
Then when I needed to slow down for a corner, the SRAM Code Silver Stealth brakes combined with the horrible braking power of the SRAM Centerline (200mm front/180mm rear) discs reacted to my braking action with almost no delay, reducing my braking distance.
Finally, I was on the trails and the excellent geometry of the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS was nimble and comfortable to weave through, allowing me to corner quickly without losing too much speed.
All in all, although the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS is a full-suspension trail bike, it balances excellent climbing ability with the descending ability of a full-suspension enduro-like bike.
Specification
The Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS is available in five sizes (S-XXL) and two colors of painted carbon frames, all of them equipped with large 29-inch front and rear wheelsets plus loose geometry, making it have better passability and stability when descending.
The Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS has mounting holes in the lower tube of the frame to support full-size water bottle holding, and mounting holes in the upper tube for fixing portable tools on long rides.
The bike’s internal cable routing design makes the appearance more neat and maintenance more convenient.
Together with the silent cable tube and the chain protection patch of the rear fork, this greatly reduces the noise generated when descending the ride.
Video
Other versions
The Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS is a full-suspension trail bike with a top-of-the-line carbon frame and great geometry paired with great performance components.
But the higher price tag isn’t for every rider who wants a full-suspension trail bike.
For this reason we offer a bike with the same geometry, but with more cost-effective components and an aluminum frame. The same great performance makes it more suitable for riders on a budget and wanting to get started.
Transition Smuggler Carbon NX
Both the Transition Smuggler Carbon NX and Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS enjoy the same geometry.
The differences between the two are mainly in the components and the frame material.
First of all, the Transition Smuggler Carbon NX uses an aluminum frame with the same sturdy characteristics, together with a Fox Float X Performance 2 Position rear shock with a Marzocchi Z2 (140mm) fork that has excellent support performance. It is able to handle complicated road surface.
Then, as for the SRAM NX Eagle’s drivetrain components, the rear derailleur tension is also sufficient and will respond quickly when shifting without any dragging feeling.
On top of that, the brakes of SRAM Code R, out of my expectation, are powerful and can minimize the braking distance.
In short, if you are on a budget or want to try a full-suspension trail bike for the first time, then this Transition Smuggler Carbon NX would be a good choice.
Below, we will list in detail the specific parameters of the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS and some other brands of full-suspension trail bikes with similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- A total of five sizes of carbon fiber frames are available (S-XXL), and the entire lineup is equipped with large 29-inch front and rear wheel sets.
- The dropper design allows you to switch the center of gravity of your ride at any time between climbing and descending.
- The mounting holes at the lower tube support full-size water bottle holding, while the mounting holes at the upper tube allow for carrying more riding gear.
- Internal cable routing makes the appearance more neat and tidy, and daily cleaning is also more convenient.
- Protective stickers at the downtube reduce the impact of flying stones during the ride that can damage the frame’s paint job.
- The chain protection patch on the rear lower fork reduces the noise generated by the chain striking during the ride.
What don’t we like about it?
- The price is not too good for riders on a budget and novice.
FAQ
- What kind of outer tire does this bike use?
Front outer tire: Maxxis Assegai EXO+ (2.5); rear outer tire: Maxxis Dissector 3C EXO+ (2.4).
- What kind of rider is it for?
It has a top-notch carbon frame plus carefully selected components, and as a full-suspension trail bike, it’s suitable for all riders if you put aside the price.
- How do I choose the right size for this bike?
Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’0″ – 5’7″ | S |
| 5’4″ – 6’0″ | M |
| 5’8″ – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’0″ – 6’7″ | XL |
| 6’2″ – 6’10” | XXL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Smuggler Carbon 130mm Colors: Orchid; Espresso |
| Fork | Fox Float 34 Grip 2, Performance Elite (140mm) |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float X Performance Elite, 2 Position |
| Headset | FSA NO.42/48/ACB |
| Stem | ANVL Swage (40mm) |
| Handlebar | ANVL Mandrel Alloy 35, SM (800×20) MD/LG/XL (800×30) XXL (800×40) |
| Saddle | SDG Bel Air V3 |
| Seatpost | OneUp Dropper Post, SM (150mm) MD (180mm) LG/XL/XXL (210mm) |
| Grips | ODI Elite Flow |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX AXS |
| Crank | SRAM GX AXS, (170mm x 32t) |
| Shifters | SRAM GX AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM GX AXS (10-52t) |
| Chain | SRAM GX AXS |
| Brakes | SRAM Code Silver Stealth |
Wheels
| Rims | Raceface Aeffect R |
| Spokes | Raceface 2.0/1.7/2.0 |
| Front Hub | Raceface Trace 28H |
| Rear Hub | Raceface Trace 28H |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Assegai EXO+ (2.5), Rear: Maxxis Dissector 3C EXO+ (2.4) |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM Centerline (200/180mm) |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Damping stroke | Frame material | Brake Type | Driveline |
| Orbea OIZ M-PRO AXS | Click View | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 29 | Click View | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Ibis Ripmo V2S GX | Click View | 1 × 12 Electronic | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS vs Orbea OIZ M-PRO AXS
Both the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS and Orbea OIZ M-PRO AXS have top-of-the-line carbon frames coupled with equally top-of-the-line components, making them both powerful, full-suspension trail bikes.
The former has 130mm rear and 140mm front travel, which is longer than the latter’s 120mm rear and 120mm front travel, allowing it to cope with greater drop-offs during intense descents.
In terms of drivetrain, both bikes apply GX Eagle AXS drivetrain components with a dry, crisp shifting feel. Besides, their electronic shifting is much easier to adjust.
When it comes to braking, the Smuggler Carbon GX AXS uses SRAM Code Silver Stealth brakes for a more violent feel, while the Orbea OIZ M-PRO AXS is equipped with Shimano XT M8100 brakes for a more linear feel.
So between these two similarly priced full-suspension trail bikes, I would prefer the longer travel Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS.
Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS vs Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS
As for the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS and the Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS, the former has a longer travel and can handle larger drops when descending.
Both enjoys SRAM GX AXS drivetrain components for precise and fast shifting, with strong rear derailleur tension.
The latter uses SRAM G2 RS brakes, which have a strong braking feel. The former’s SRAM Code Silver Stealth has a higher level and correspondingly stronger braking ability.
In terms of geometry, the Smuggler Carbon GX AXS has a looser geometry than the Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS, which will be more stable on descending rides.
Finally, between these two bikes, the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS, which has a more advanced component level, is my preference.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Worth Buying ? [Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Review]
Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS VS YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 29
Comparing the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS to the YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 29, the latter has a lighter weight combined with shorter front and rear shock travel, giving it greater climbing performance, while the former boasts longer shock travel, offering greater descending ability.
On the shock absorption system, the Transition Smuggler uses Fox shock to provide better support on big drop landings, while the YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 ROCKSHOX shock has a sensitive initial travel.
For the drivetrain, the latter’s the top-of-the-line SRAM XX1 EAGLE AXS has a higher class and better performance than the former’s SRAM GX AXS.
Finally when it comes to the braking components, the SRAM Code Silver Stealth used by Transition Smuggler has a larger piston in the clamp and better braking power than the SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes used by YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7.
Between these two bikes, if you want a more all-round overall experience, then the YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 29 would be a better fit.
Comparatively, the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS would perform better on the drop.
Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS vs Ibis Ripmo V2S GX
The Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS and the Ibis Ripmo V2S GX are two different styles of full-suspension mountain bikes.
The latter has a longer shock travel, giving it an advantage in dealing with more complex surfaces.
In terms of drivetrain components, the former carries more advanced SRAM GX AXS shifting than the latter, and the electronic shifting is easier in adjusting and will be a bit more stable.
As for the brake components, the SRAM G2 R, 4 piston used on the Ibis Ripmo V2S GX has good braking power, but it is still not as good as the brakes on the Transition Smuggler.
The latter damping system uses the higher-grade Fox shock, in line with a thicker tube diameter and longer travel. This brings better coping ability for big drop leaps.
To sum up, these two bikes also have their own advantages. For how to choose, you can opt according to what kind of road you usually ride the most.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripmo AF GX Worth Buying? – [2022 Ibis Ripmo AF GX Review ]
Summary
Above is my ride review of the Transition Smuggler Carbon GX AXS.
In our opinion, it’s a bike with a top-notch frame plus powerful components that make for an unbeatable full-suspension trail bike. That’s why we gave it a 4.9 rating.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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