Transition PBJ Complete Review
- Price: $1999
- Frame: Steel
- Tires: Maxxis Ikon
- Gear: Single-speed
What we like about it: It features a slack geometry design, allowing for stability at higher speeds and jumps while still providing an enjoyable and agile experience on narrow trails.
What we don’t like about it: The internal cable routing can get dirty during off-road riding, making it challenging to clean.
Rating: (4.6/5)
If life feels mundane every day, it’s essential to add some excitement and fun to it through adventures. For someone who loves cycling, mountain biking will always be a passionate pursuit. That’s why I came across the Transition PBJ Complete, and I’m eagerly looking forward to its performance.
Now, let’s delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Transition PBJ Complete. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it to a few other top bike models. If you want to explore more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Transition PBJ Complete is an exceptional hardtail mountain bike, that excels in off-road riding. For this experience, I booked a flight and hotel at Blue Mountain Resort.
I chose the “Miles of Smiles” trail at Blue Mountain Resort, which spans 3,438 feet and features a downhill slope with a 691 feet elevation drop. The road is rugged, narrow, and can only accommodate one bike at a time, with many protruding rocks, making the ride quite challenging.
Mountain Biking
I began my ride here and accelerated down the bumpy downhill path. Thanks to the 100mm front travel, I experienced decent suspension. The raised seatpost also shifted my center of gravity backward, avoiding potential accidents during downhill riding. Moreover, the SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes offered reliable stopping power, ensuring my safety.
As I encountered uphill sections, it may seem like the single-speed setup isn’t ideal for climbing. However, I must admit that this bike handles uphill terrain quite well. Though not the most effortless, I didn’t exert excessive effort and rode smoothly uphill.
The speed was also faster compared to other bikes with the smallest gear ratio. During jumps after uphill sections, the slack geometry maintained overall bike stability, and I felt the thrill as the 100mm front travel absorbed impacts. This is the joy of mountain biking.
Navigating through continuous bends, I controlled the Spank Spoon handlebar while sitting on the SDG Patriot I-Beam saddle, using my body to control the center of gravity and execute turns. I kept a watchful eye on the road ahead, ready to press the SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc brakes for deceleration or braking. I thoroughly enjoyed this handling sensation, and every bend felt incredibly smooth. This is the outstanding performance of the Transition PBJ Complete.
Is That All?
The ODI Longneck Lock-On grips offer a powerful anti-slip grip, ensuring I don’t lose control. The soft material is very comfortable to hold, and to prevent grip rupture, it employs harder plastic reinforcement. The classic stripes provide excellent shock absorption. Overall, I feel comfortable and free while gripping these handles.
Furthermore, it comes with Maxxis Ikon tires, a versatile XC tire perfect for slope riding, with EXO sidewall protection for puncture resistance. I have no worries about tire blowouts during off-road biking, as they offer exceptional safety and traction.
In summary, the Transition PBJ Complete earned a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 in our evaluation. It’s an impressive full-suspension mountain bike that delivers a comfortable and exceptional riding experience on forest trails. If you’d like to explore more about bikes, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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Specifications
The Transition PBJ Complete is an exceptional hardtail mountain bike. It features a PBJ Chromoly Steel frame, providing excellent durability. Its Marzocchi Bomber DJ fork offers 100mm front travel, delivering decent suspension performance.
Additionally, this bike comes equipped with ODI Longneck Lock-On grips, offering a comfortable and secure grip experience. The Spank Spoon handlebar provides excellent maneuverability, allowing for precise handling. The Maxxis Ikon tire is a versatile XC tire that performs exceptionally well on various terrains.
Video
What do we like about it?
- The slack geometry design allows for stability at higher speeds and jumps while remaining agile and fun on narrow trails.
- It significantly improves collision and jumping skills, enhancing the rider’s experience.
- The X-long PBJ version has an extended reach distance and fork, providing an outstanding experience for taller riders.
- The steel frame offers robust durability.
What don’t we like about it?
- The internal cable routing tends to get dirty and is not easy to clean when riding off-road.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What’s the braking system on this bike?
The braking system is SRAM Level HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE.
- What derailleur does this bike use?
It comes equipped with a Single-speed derailleur.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the best way to find the right size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’8″ – 5’8″ | SHORT |
| 5’6″ – 6’4″ | LONG |
| 6′ – 6’8″ | X-LONG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | PBJ Chromoly SteelColors: Purple and Chrome; Transparent Copper; Matte Grey |
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber DJ, (100mm) |
| Headset | FSA No. 10/7B/44 |
| Stem | Spank Spoon (40mm) |
| Handlebar | Spank Spoon, Short/Long(785x40mm) X-Long(785x60mm) |
| Saddle | SDG Patriot I-Beam |
| Seatpost | SDG I-Beam |
| Grips | ODI Longneck Lock-On |
Groupset
| Crank | Samox BMX 3-Piece Chromoly, (25t/170mm) |
| Cassette | 12t Single Cog |
| Chain | KMC K1 Wide |
| Brakes | SRAM Level (Rear Only) |
Wheels
| Rims | Kinlin DDT32 |
| Spokes | Pillar 14g |
| Front Hub | Novatech D791SB-15/D256SBT |
| Rear Hub | Novatech D791SB-15/D256SBT |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Ikon (2.2), Rear: Maxxis Ikon (2.2) |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM Centerline (160mm) |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum | Click View | Maxxis Minion DHF | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle,NX Eagle |
| Trek Roscoe 7 | Click View | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Specialized Fuse 27.5 | Click View | Eliminator | 1 x 9 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Advent |
| Polygon SYNCLINE C5 | Click View | WTB TRAIL BOSS TIRE | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | Shimano SLX |
Transition PBJ Complete vs Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum
The Transition PBJ Complete weighs 26.3lbs. It comes with a steel frame, but it is still lighter than the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum, which is equipped with an aluminum frame.
However, the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum has very capable 29″ wheels that offer excellent traction. On the other hand, the Transition PBJ Complete’s 26″ wheels are highly maneuverable and provide excellent handling.
Moreover, the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum has 130mm front travel, providing better suspension performance compared to the Transition PBJ Complete(100mm front travel).
So, if you are looking for a bike with better suspension, the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum is a great choice. If you prefer a lighter bike, the Transition PBJ Complete will better suit your needs.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz CHAMELEON A Good Bike? [2022 Santa Cruz CHAMELEON Review]
Transition PBJ Complete vs Trek Roscoe 7
Similarly, the aluminum-framed Trek Roscoe 7 will be slightly heavier than the steel-framed Transition PBJ Complete. However, the Trek Roscoe 7 offers two wheel size options, 27.5″ and 29″, providing riders with more choices. Although in terms of agility, the Transition PBJ Complete’s 26″ wheels are more capable.
Moreover, the Trek Roscoe 7 boasts an impressive 140mm front travel, providing better suspension performance compared to the Transition PBJ Complete(100mm front travel). In conclusion, if you are looking for a more agile bike, the Transition PBJ Complete would be a better choice. If you prefer more size options for the wheel, the Trek Roscoe 7 would be more suitable for you.
Learn More: Is Trek Roscoe 7 Worth Buying? [Trek Roscoe 7 Review]
Transition PBJ Complete vs Specialized Fuse 27.5
The Specialized Fuse 27.5 comes equipped with a dropper post, allowing riders to lower the seat height while standing and accelerating, preventing their legs from hitting the seat.
On the other hand, the Transition PBJ Complete features a rigid seatpost and lacks this function. Additionally, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 with its 130mm front travel offers better suspension performance than the Transition PBJ Complete, which has 100mm front travel.
Moreover, the Specialized Fuse 27.5 can reach speeds of up to 22mph, while the Transition PBJ Complete can only reach 16mph. Furthermore, the Transition PBJ Complete has smaller and more agile wheels.
Therefore, if you are looking for a bike equipped with a dropper post, I would recommend the Specialized Fuse 27.5. If you prefer a more agile and lighter bike, the Transition PBJ Complete would be your best choice.
Transition PBJ Complete vs Polygon SYNCLINE C5
The carbon frame of the Polygon SYNCLINE C5 is lighter. However, it is more susceptible to breaking when facing lateral impacts, making it less sturdy compared to the steel frame of the Transition PBJ Complete. Nevertheless, the Polygon SYNCLINE C5 offers two size options for the wheel, providing riders with more choices.
Additionally, the Polygon SYNCLINE C5 has 120mm front travel, providing stronger suspension performance. Its stack/reach ratio is 1.45, higher than the Transition PBJ Complete’s ratio of 1.29. This means that the Polygon SYNCLINE C5 has a more relaxed geometry, allowing riders to experience a more comfortable ride.
In summary, if you are looking for a more comfortable ride, the Polygon SYNCLINE C5 would be a good fit for you. If you prefer a more robust bike, the Transition PBJ Complete would be a better choice.
Summary
Above is our complete review of the Transition PBJ Complete. This outstanding hardtail mountain bike provides a remarkable off-road riding experience. Based on our evaluation, we have given it a high rating of 4.6. If you want to learn more about bicycles, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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