I’m in the market for a transition patrol and have narrowed it down to two:
1) 2020 27.5, Lyrik RC2 170mm, Fox DPX2 elite shock
£1,800
2) 2022 mullet, ZEB Ultimate 170mm, RS super deluxe ultimate shock
£2,400
https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Transition/Patrol-Alloy-GX-TRP,37506 (TRP brakes on this are nice but I’ll be putting dominions on them anyway so not a selling point for me)
I’ll be riding in the UK 50/50 parks (mainly glentress, bike park wales) and local trails
I’m coming from a 29er polygon siskiu that I rode in Squamish for the past 2 seasons, which was great for the most part but felt undergunned on the gnarlier trails and bigger hits, so I’m looking for something that can give me more confidence on tech and gnarlier trails. Slightly concerned about the 27.5’s ability to roll over gnarlier features compared to the mullet.
Do you think the extra £600 ($765 USD) is worth it for the mullet + newer geometry +ZEB.
At 70kg (155lbs) would I even feel benefit from the ZEB?
how much of a difference does the 29 upfront make on the mullet?
by RandomKendama
3 Comments
I’d go for the newer model solely based on the geometry updates. It will be noticeable and worth the $765 imo
The 2020 patrol was legendary. Definitely capable but very playful and really good in the air. The new patrol is quite a bit heavier and burlier. Playful enough, corners well and feels good in the air but not a lot of pop and isn’t quite the dirtbag dirtjumpers mountain bike like the old one was.
From what you are saying with handling gnarlier features and such, you will probably like the new one more
I’ve got the 2019 patrol(same frame as the 2020) and it’s amazing. that being said, I swapped the suspension to what is on the 2022 model. pay the difference. The upgrade to Zeb alone is worth the price, not to mention the shock. You may not need the stiffness of the Zeb but the upgraded damper is incredible. Either bike is worth it, but I’d suggest the 22 for the suspension and updated geo. The 27.5 charges just fine through everything from park to lose cut downhill. I’ve never felt under biked on it. But, the mullet does ride spectacularly.