Transition Patrol NX

Transition’s ‘Speed Balanced Geometry’. gives the latest Patrol an extended reach (450mm on our medium), steeper seat angle (77 degrees) and super-slack head angle (63.6 degrees), designed to work with a shorter fork offset (37mm). The NX build isn’t cheap, considering the level of kit. Most of it works well enough, but the SRAM Level brakes are undergunned and the Race Face bar and stem can feel quite unyielding. The Patrol is eager to get up to speed considering its 15.4kg weight, and its active back end deals with the hits in a collected manner. As things get uglier, its easygoing nature shines through. It’s more of a downhill bomber than an all-rounder. £2,999.95 www.windwave.co.uk