Long-term Review: Transition Covert Carbon
Even after four months of continual riding, the color of the Transition Covert Carbon is shining as brightly as it did on its first day! Despite a bad crash in a rocky section, no noteworthy marks were left.
However, the 7000 Euro enduro bike would not only convince thanks to its great looks, but also because of its all-round characteristics: its light weight and excellent climbing characteristics make this bike a perfect companion for everyday enduro biking.
Despite the Covert’s solid equipment, there have been a few failures and replacements in the components. The dent in the Easton Haven rear wheel can only be recorded as bad luck; the same applies to the failure of the XTR shifter due to rock contact. However, it was disappointing to see the Truvativ X-Guide fail so early: due to a rip in the lower synthetic guide, the chain guide began to fall apart step by step.
The performance of the fitted Fox 34 Float (2013 model) was not satisfying either, which is why we replaced it by a RockShox Lyrik U-Turn. This was a lot better in leveling
out unevenness, and it calmed down the front. We would have appreciated more setting options for the Fox Float CTD shock regarding the compression setup. We usually rode in the medium trail setting, which effectively prevented the rear suspension from sagging, but led to less sensitivity.
We will remember the Transition Covert Carbon as a precious and excellently finished enduro bike with well-designed geometry. The minor flaws of the chassis were caused by the components – this is where we recommend relying on the strongly improved 2014 models by Fox.
You can read an in-depth feature about the long-term test and our conclusions in the previous ENDURO issue! As usual it’s free & only digital for iPad, Android-Tablets and Online-Viewer: Issue #007
Text: Christoph Walter | Fotos: Fabian Rapp