Best Bike in Africa 2015: #6 Transition Patrol

I was that guy and the owner made me feel like a loser so I just never returned.  Two years loyal patronage. Meant zip when it came down to brass tax.

I remember you saying something about that, Nico. Some people are just dicks.

That's what happened to me with Knolly... 

 

Sniff. DREAM bike, that Knolly Warden. And then to hear that it would have been at MINIMUM 25k more than the Reign. 

 

Crushed.

 

But Myles in this case the above wouldn't apply. A Patrol with similar specs as the Reign 1 would be similarly priced. If you compare the bikes like for like it is fairly easy to drop 10k from the Patrol's price.

But Myles in this case the above wouldn't apply. A Patrol with similar specs as the Reign 1 would be similarly priced. If you compare the bikes like for like it is fairly easy to drop 10k from the Patrol's price.

yeah I know, and that was my point. Yes, it's not carbon, but TBH frame material isn't an issue for me personally. The build kits on the Tranny are actually pretty darn good and bang on ito price. 

The knolly though... Back when I WAS looking, it was a far higher price than the RA1. 

yeah I know, and that was my point. Yes, it's not carbon, but TBH frame material isn't an issue for me personally. The build kits on the Tranny are actually pretty darn good and bang on ito price. 

 

The knolly though... Back when I WAS looking, it was a far higher price than the RA1.

 

Yeh, companies like Knolly, Evil and Banshee really have a tough time. If you are not doing the numbers, you pay a fortune in manufacturing costs. I read somewhere that Banshee only produce 2000 frames a year. If that's the case, there is just no way that you can compete on price against the big guys.

Knolly's new carbon frame is a good 10 to 15% more expensive than a SC Nomad frame....How do they sell anything if that's the case? As we are on the topic of SC...a buddy of mine's 2013 Nomad C was valued at R100K + three years ago...and there wasn't even Enve parts of his bike. A Top end Yeti Am bike today R140k.... Say no more.

Yeh, companies like Knolly, Evil and Banshee really have a tough time. If you are not doing the numbers, you pay a fortune in manufacturing costs. I read somewhere that Banshee only produce 2000 frames a year. If that's the case, there is just no way that you can compete on price against the big guys.

 

Knolly's new carbon frame is a good 10 to 15% more expensive than a SC Nomad frame....How do they sell anything if that's the case? As we are on the topic of SC...a buddy of mine's 2013 Nomad C was valued at R100K + three years ago...and there wasn't even Enve parts of his bike. A Top end Yeti Am bike today R140k.... Say no more.

If money were no object, I'd buy that Knolly Warden Carbon tomorrow. 

But yeah - bikes can get crazy expensive. But as you say - volumes. 

 

Knolly's new carbon frame is a good 10 to 15% more expensive than a SC Nomad frame....How do they sell anything if that's the case? As we are on the topic of SC...a buddy of mine's 2013 Nomad C was valued at R100K + three years ago...and there wasn't even Enve parts of his bike. A Top end Yeti Am bike today R140k.... Say no more.

That's the retail price of a brand new Honda CBR 600 RR.

Yeh, companies like Knolly, Evil and Banshee really have a tough time. If you are not doing the numbers, you pay a fortune in manufacturing costs. I read somewhere that Banshee only produce 2000 frames a year. If that's the case, there is just no way that you can compete on price against the big guys.

Knolly's new carbon frame is a good 10 to 15% more expensive than a SC Nomad frame....How do they sell anything if that's the case? As we are on the topic of SC...a buddy of mine's 2013 Nomad C was valued at R100K + three years ago...and there wasn't even Enve parts of his bike. A Top end Yeti Am bike today R140k.... Say no more.

Scary thought,Banshee,Evil and Knolly sells a lot of their bike models out long before the new year models come out because they are just so damn awesome. But the R/$ is killing them here in SA,the bigger companies have more buying power as well. You have to consider if you want something that everyone is riding or something individual,unfortunately individuality costs money.

And getting back to the topic: Transition were sold out in some countries (2015 model range) before they even delivered the bikes! There is already a waiting list for the Patrol Carbon,and it's a R40k+ frame.

Scary thought,Banshee,Evil and Knolly sells a lot of their bike models out long before the new year models come out because they are just so damn awesome. But the R/$ is killing them here in SA,the bigger companies have more buying power as well. You have to consider if you want something that everyone is riding or something individual,unfortunately individuality costs money.

Problem is, individuality stops at the frame design, and the frame price isn't my major issue.  The poor buying power of these "niche brands" make them unreasonably expensive, not because they are somehow unique beyond name and design (as opposed to tech and ride quality), but because it costs them a sh*t ton of money to build the bike for you, essentially passing the cost on to you.

So really, if being unique means picking up the tab for a small outfit, then please show me the way down stream.

And besides, the desire to be unique, is not unique.  So inevitably you find yourself seeing your "one of a kind" bike all over the show.

And getting back to the topic: Transition were sold out in some countries (2015 model range) before they even delivered the bikes! There is already a waiting list for the Patrol Carbon,and it's a R40k+ frame.

yeah, I've seen that. Crazy! Is the hype real, though? I know Jors Opman (based in the UK, used to be here in Stellies) LOVES his Patrol and reckons it's the best bike he's ever ridden, and Capricorn loves his... 

Hey, at least they give u a sticker pack with the purchase. 

 

I just get so bummed when you see a nice bike, then inquire about the price and have your heart broken.

 

I am sometimes to embarrassed to ask for prices in stores, i dont want to be THAT guy but i suppose i am not alone.

Naa you not. for prices you just need to be seated

yeah, I've seen that. Crazy! Is the hype real, though? I know Jors Opman (based in the UK, used to be here in Stellies) LOVES his Patrol and reckons it's the best bike he's ever ridden, and Capricorn loves his...

 

If you are a size large you can try mine ( including the sticker pack) in December!

If you are a size large you can try mine ( including the sticker pack) in December!

Bike swap?

When are you down. I'm in Durbs for 2 weeks over christmas though. 

Bike swap?

 

When are you down. I'm in Durbs for 2 weeks over christmas though. 

From the 14th to the 4th

From the 14th to the 4th

Sweet. I'm here until the 22nd. 

It'll be the first time the Reign would have been ridden properly...

Sweet. I'm here until the 22nd. 

 

It'll be the first time the Reign would have been ridden properly...

Clearly you have not seen me on a bike...I'm definitely not in your league.

Clearly you have not seen me on a bike...I'm definitely not in your league.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! 

What league was that, Rudolph? Noobville? 

BTW - this is way past my pay-grade... 

Bike swap? When are you down. I'm in Durbs for 2 weeks over christmas though.

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! 

 

What league was that, Rudolph? Noobville? 

Oh, the modesty....But seriously, the first time I rode a DH bike was in December. I still won't make the top 30 at Hakahana, never mind podiums with the likes of  Garlicki and Potties. (Like some people I know.)

Problem is, individuality stops at the frame design, and the frame price isn't my major issue.  The poor buying power of these "niche brands" make them unreasonably expensive, not because they are somehow unique beyond name and design (as opposed to tech and ride quality), but because it costs them a sh*t ton of money to build the bike for you, essentially passing the cost on to you. So really, if being unique means picking up the tab for a small outfit, then please show me the way down stream. And besides, the desire to be unique, is not unique.  So inevitably you find yourself seeing your "one of a kind" bike all over the show.

So you need to make a plan and ride Karkloof and Howick when you down.

I was STRONGLY thinking about it, but then decided not to add a bike ticket. May need to revisit that decision...

Oh, the modesty....But seriously, the first time I rode a DH bike was in December. I still won't make the top 30 at Hakahana, never mind podiums with the like of  Garlicki and Potties. (Like some people I know.)

Hahahahaha! No. Seriously. I wish I had as much talent as Pottie... Or even half his talent. 

You may be confusing me with Myles Kelsey? Sponsored by BOS iced tea?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! 

 

What league was that, Rudolph? Noobville? 

 

BTW - this is way past my pay-grade... 

 Now that you bring pictures into the equation: It took my 10 days to do that. The first time I stopped on the lip of that drop I was physically sick. I did the run in almost 20 times to get an idea of the speed required. It looks a lot more difficult than it really is.

Getting back to the Trail grading post: This is on a Blue line. 

 Now that you bring pictures into the equation: It took my 10 days to do that. The first time I stopped on the lip of that drop I was physically sick. I did the run in almost 20 times to get an idea of the speed required. It looks a lot more difficult than it really is.

 

Getting back to the Trail grading post: This is on a Blue line. 

yeah, cos it's not a compulsory feature...

but yeah. I know what you mean. I'm busy psyching myself up for Steilte tomorrow. Really, really need to get comfortable in the air and with gaps & drops.  So, like, everything!

Hahahahaha! No. Seriously. I wish I had as much talent as Pottie... Or even half his talent. 

 

You may be confusing me with Myles Kelsey? Sponsored by BOS iced tea?

You might be right. Is there more than one Myles in CT? More than one Myles that owns a mountain bike? (I think I did get confused)