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First AM (fully) bike -- thoughts on Transition Covert and Bandit?

crashwins

Monkey
Nov 4, 2009
131
0
Hi folks..Gotten some great advice on here before. I've been riding a pretty beefy Santa Cruz Chameleon set as a 1x9 for the last 2 years. Loving it, but thinking I'll go to a full suspension for this season. My bike is light (like 25lbs) so jumping into the heavier bikes might be a stretch. I also ride standing in the saddle A LOT. This is why I've always gone with the hardtail..I'm getting older so don't think I'll mind the extra suspension, though. So...

I've been looking at the Transition Covert and Bandit. Covert is definitely AM (almost freeride) and the Bandit may be a little geared towards the XC types. I don't downhill, but since I live at the base of a ski/bike mtn now, it's definitely in my future. However, I'm not going to buy a full-on downhill/freeride bike. So I guess I'm hoping for the 1-quiver bike. Any thoughts on the Bandit vs. the Covert? Will the Bandit do the trick or do I need to get the heavier/beefier Covert? Thanks for reading!

L
 

big dan

Chimp
Oct 12, 2007
82
1
Brisbane, Australia
I am running a bandit 1x10 with a 150mm revelation. Amazing little bike and still comes in around 27 pounds. I use it for anything from trail riding to more AM type stuff, even decent size gappers. I think the covert would be rad if you are doing anything on or near a ski mnt with lift accessed riding though.
 

norbar

KESSLER PROBLEM. Just cause
Jun 7, 2007
11,346
1,587
Warsaw :/
Get a 2012 spitfire. Though I think you will get better results in the dh forum. A ton of people there has trail/am bikes
 

crashwins

Monkey
Nov 4, 2009
131
0
Thanks for the info..The hardtail I'm running now is so light I'm a bit concerned about jumping into a "heavier" full-suspension bike. The Covert is a tad heavier than the bandit, but they're both somewhat light bikes. I guess I just want something I could use on some downhill sections without it compromising my climbs and XC riding
 

slimshady

¡Mira, una ardilla!
Get a 2012 spitfire. Though I think you will get better results in the dh forum. A ton of people there has trail/am bikes
I was thinking of that exact bike until recently. But since so many ones were affected by the excessive bushings wear/pivot alignment/axle destruction issues, I discarded it. If the OP is leaning towards a more XCish ride style, I'd recommend a SC Blur LT. If he wants a beefier bike, I'd go for the Turner 5 Spot (this one is my personal choice and future new frame).
 

-BB-

I broke all the rules, but somehow still became mo
Sep 6, 2001
4,254
28
Livin it up in the O.C.
I hvae not had a single issue with my Spitty.
Been riding it hard (3-4x per week) for a year now. Bushings are still in great shape.
 

joelsman

Turbo Monkey
Feb 1, 2002
1,369
0
B'ham
both bikes are slack and will handle great but the covert will smooth out the trails a little better. I have covert and enjoy it a lot, sometimes I wish it were lighter, other times stronger(wheels/ tires). bandit would be enough for what I usually do. I also have a big bike.

kinda sounds like the bandit would be good for you. a little bit better pedaling, and a touch lighter.