2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT Review
- Price: $6999
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 29 “x2.5
- Gear: 1×12
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT IT: The Spire alloy frame is made of durable and reliable heat-treated 6061 aluminum, striking a proper balance between strength, durability, and ride quality.
What we didn’t like about it: It’s relatively heavy at 33.8 lbs, which creates some resistance during riding and may be a bit bothersome.
Rating: (4.8/5)
Personally, pushing my limits is my dream. I believe it’s the dream of every sports enthusiast. So, I came across the 2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT, an outstanding full-suspension endurance mountain bike, and I’m very excited to see its performance.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, main features, components, specifications, and other versions of the 2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bike models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
To test the performance of the 2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT thoroughly, I booked a flight and a hotel through IHG and arrived in the suburbs of Chicago. Here, I plan to embark on extended rides and experience the bike’s remarkable performance and comfort.
Off-Road Riding
In the early morning, with the temperature still low in Chicago, I began my ride. Initially, I accelerated slowly, but soon encountered an uphill section. I stood up and accelerated, using the dropper to lower the seat height and prevent my legs from hitting the seat during acceleration. With the Shimano XT M8100 set to the lowest gear, I gained more power with less effort, effectively managing my stamina.
As I descended, the outskirts’ terrain was scattered with gravel and dead branches. However, the Schwalbe Magic Mary tires proved versatile for any road condition. The sturdy shoulder lugs and aggressive open tread pattern provided excellent traction, allowing me to roll over gravel and branches effortlessly. Moreover, its 170mm rear travel and 170mm front travel provided superb shock absorption, and I hardly felt any bumps.
During turns, the abundant stripes of the ODI Elite Flow grips helped me grip tightly onto the ANVL Mandrel Alloy 35 handlebar, which was not only lightweight but also extremely sturdy. I could take aggressive postures while turning without worrying about accidents, thanks to the reliable Shimano XT M8120 Hydraulic Disc brakes, which boosted my confidence.
Is that all?
The Transition Spire Carbon XT features an outstanding ANVL Forge Cromo saddle. It’s a lightweight and thin saddle that ensures my comfort during the whole day of riding. Its hand-carved custom shape and optimized flexible base provide a comfortable seating experience. My hips don’t feel stiff after extended rides, and the central groove relieves pressure on sensitive areas.
Additionally, the ODI Elite Flow grips have a unique ergonomic design that increases the thickness for palm vibration and impact absorption while keeping the finger contact area at a lower thickness, improving grip strength. I can firmly grip them for enhanced safety.
Specifications
The 2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT is an exceptional endurance mountain bike with a Spire Carbon 170mm frame and Fox Float 38 Grip 2 Factory fork. Its 170mm rear travel and 170mm front travel are remarkable, offering excellent shock absorption.
Moreover, this bike has an ANVL Forge Cromo saddle, one of the lightest on the market, with a hand-carved custom shape and an optimized flexible base for a comfortable ride. The ANVL Mandrel Alloy 35 handlebar is lightweight yet sturdy, making it suitable for aggressive off-road riding and endurance races.
Video
Other Versions
After conducting multiple tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It’s an excellent hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have specific requirements for its performance or components, so we decided to investigate other bikes of the same type.
2023 Transition Spire Alloy NX
The Transition Spire Carbon XT weighs 33.8 lbs, which is slightly lighter than the Transition Spire Alloy NX at 36.7 lbs. Heavier bikes will result in greater riding resistance. The extra weight in Transition Spire Alloy NX may come from its aluminum frame, although aluminum frames offer greater sturdiness.
Moreover, both bikes have the same geometry. However, the riding speed of the Spire Alloy NX is slower, reaching only 24mph compared to Spire Carbon XT(26mph). So, if you want a faster bike, I would recommend the Transition Spire Carbon XT. If you prefer a sturdier bike, the Transition Spire Alloy NX will be your best choice.
What do we like about it?
- The Spire alloy frame is made of durable and reliable heat-treated 6061 aluminum, striking a proper balance between strength, durability, and ride quality.
- Bearing shields prevent contamination of the main pivot bearings during bike cleaning or riding in damp conditions.
- The textured chainstay protector extends coverage over the rear pivot area.
- The Spire comes with two specific chainstay lengths, offering balanced handling and rider weight distribution across various sizes.
What don’t we like about it?
- It weighs 33.8 lbs, relatively heavy, causing some riding resistance and inconvenience.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
It is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What’s the braking system on this bike?
The braking system is Shimano XT M8120 Hydraulic Disc.
- How many water bottle mounts does this bike have?
It has two water bottle mounts.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the best way to find your perfect fit is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’0″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 6’0″ | MD |
| 5’8″ – 6’3″ | LG |
| 6’0″ – 6’7″ | XL |
| 6’2″ – 6’10” | XXL |
Transition Spire Carbon XT Specs
Build
| Frame | Spire Carbon 170mmBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, ThreadedColors: Huckleberry (Carbon); Primer Gray (Carbon); Factory Orange (Alloy); Raw (Alloy) |
| Fork | Fox Float 38 Grip 2 Factory (170mm) |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float X2 Factory 2 Position, (205x65mm) |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 73mm, threaded |
| Headset | FSA NO.55R/57 |
| Stem | ANVL Swage (40mm) |
| Handlebar | ANVL Mandrel Alloy 35, SM (800×20) MD/LG/XL (800×30) XXL (800×40) |
| Saddle | ANVL Forge Cromo |
| Seatpost | OneUp Dropper Post |
| Grips | ODI Elite Flow |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100 |
| Crank | Shimano XT M8100 (30t/165mm) |
| Shifters | Shimano XT M8100 |
| Cassette | Shimano XT M8100 (10-51t) |
| Chain | Shimano XT M8100 |
| Chain Guide | OneUp Bash Guide |
| Brakes | Shimano XT M8120 |
Wheels
| Rims | DT Swiss EX 1700 Spline30 |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition |
| Front Hub | DT Swiss 350 Straight Pull 36SL |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 350 Straight Pull 36SL |
| Tires | Front: Schwalbe Magic Mary, Super Trail, Soft (2.4), Rear: Schwalbe Big Betty, Super Trail, Soft (2.4) |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT86 203mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| 2023 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Expert RS | Click View | Butcher, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON® T9 compound | 1 x 12 | Carbon | SRAM X01 Eagle, Truvativ |
| 2023 Canyon Spectral 29 CFR | Click View | Maxxis Minion DHRII 3C MaxxTerra EXO 2,4×29 | 1 x 12 | Carbon | XTR, Race Face |
| 2023 Trek Slash 9.8 XT | Click View | Bontrager SE5 Team Issue | 1 x 12 | Carbon | Shimano XT |
| 2023 Santa Cruz BRONSON S / Carbon C | Click View | Maxxis Minion DHF 29 “x2.5 | 1 x 12 | Carbon | SRAM GX Eagle |
2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT vs 2023 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Expert RS
The Transition Spire Carbon XT has 170mm front travel and 170mm rear travel. It provides better suspension performance and a more comfortable ride compared to the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Expert RS, which has 160mm front travel and 150mm rear travel.
Moreover, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Expert RS is almost $1000 cheaper than the Transition Spire Carbon XT. So, if you have a limited budget, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Expert RS would be a more suitable option for you. However, if you prioritize better suspension performance, the Transition Spire Carbon XT would be the better choice.
2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT vs 2023 Canyon Spectral 29 CFR
The Canyon Spectral 29 CFR is equipped with carbon wheels, which are lighter compared to the aluminum wheels of the Transition Spire Carbon XT. However, carbon wheels are more prone to breaking when facing lateral impacts, which is also why the Spire Carbon XT is heavier than the Canyon Spectral 29 CFR. The heavier weight of the bike results in higher riding resistance, causing more inconvenience to the rider.
Additionally, the Spire Carbon XT has 170mm front travel and 170mm rear travel, providing better suspension performance compared to the Canyon Spectral 29 CFR. In conclusion, if you are looking for a bike with better suspension performance, the Transition Spire Carbon XT would be a great choice. If you prefer a lighter bike, the Canyon Spectral 29 CFR would better suit your needs.
Learn More: Is Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Worth Buying? [2023 Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Review]
2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT vs 2023 Trek Slash 9.8 XT
The Transition Spire Carbon XT has a heavier weight. This is because it comes with aluminum wheels, which add extra weight but provide strong durability. Additionally, it has 170mm rear travel, offering better suspension performance compared to the Trek Slash 9.8 XT’s 160mm rear travel.
However, the Trek Slash 9.8 XT has a stack/reach ratio of 1.33, which is greater than the ratio of Transition Spire Carbon XT(1.32), making it more comfortable to ride. Moreover, in terms of head tube angle, the Trek Slash 9.8 XT has a 64.1° angle, while the Spire Carbon XT has a 62.5° angle. This makes the Spire Carbon XT more stable during rides.
So, if you prioritize stability in your rides, I would recommend the Transition Spire Carbon XT. If you prefer a lighter bike, the Trek Slash 9.8 XT would be a better choice.
Learn More: Is Trek Slash 9.8 GX Worth Buying? [2022 Trek Slash 9.8 GX review]
2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT vs 2023 Santa Cruz BRONSON S / Carbon C
The Santa Cruz BRONSON S / Carbon C is slightly lighter than the Transition Spire Carbon XT. Additionally, the Santa Cruz BRONSON S / Carbon C offers two wheel size options, 29″ and 27.5″. The 29″ wheels provide better terrain clearance, while the 27.5″ wheels offer greater agility, giving riders more choices.
Moreover, the Transition Spire Carbon XT is equipped with 170mm front travel and 170mm rear travel, providing better suspension performance than the Santa Cruz BRONSON S / Carbon C, which has 160mm front travel and 150mm rear travel.
In conclusion, if you prioritize better suspension performance, the Transition Spire Carbon XT would be a better choice. If you prefer more size options for the wheel, the Santa Cruz BRONSON S / Carbon C would better suit your needs.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz BRONSON XX1 A Good Bike? [2022 Santa Cruz BRONSON XX1 Review]
Summary
This is our review of the 2023 Transition Spire Carbon XT. This is an outstanding full-suspension endurance race bike that offers a superb riding experience. We give it a high rating of 4.8 based on our evaluation. If you want to explore more about bicycles, feel free to check out our other reviews.
Lastly, if you enjoyed our content, please share it with your friends. If our content has been helpful to you, you can click the email subscription button below. Thank you for your support!
