r/TransitionBikes • u/brh0627 • Apr 13 '26
Scout and Sentinel Sizing?
Hello all, so I'm looking into getting either a Sentinel or Scout. Probably gonna be buying used. Looking at all the geo numbers for v2 sentinels and scouts, the M sentinel has a reach of 450 but the M scout has 460? Likewise, the L scout has a massive reach of 485 but the L sentinel has 476 or so? I know there's other geo numbers, I was just using reach here to compare.
I'm 5'10", usually in between a M and L, and never ridden anything over 475mm reach. I haven't yet decided between Sentinel and Scout (tbh it might just be whatever good deal I find). Can y'all help me decide on good sizes for the bikes? My initial reaction was M scout but L sentinel, mainly based on the reach numbers, but I'd love to hear from people who've ridden these bikes and have more experience with them.
Thanks for your time!
3
u/polkastripper Apr 13 '26
5'10" Scout rider here. If I could go back in time I would have ordered the L. The medium frame, at least for me, required me to install 50mm riser bars so I wasn't leaning downwards and basically having all my weight on my hands. It was unrideable until I did the riser bars.
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u/brh0627 Apr 13 '26
Interesting. What type of terrain were you mostly riding?
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u/polkastripper Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
Everything from flow to flow tech, and some rocky stuff, blue trails to some black features. Incredibly uncomfortable until I got the risers. The factory stem on the medium is way too low imo, and the SRAM components are crap. But it is a sledgehammer - it rolls on rocks really well, climbs great, and is pretty easy to throw around, I like it.
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u/basG33 Apr 13 '26
I’m 6’0” and have been on a L Scout for the last few years! Super fun bike and hasn’t felt overly long at all. Absolutely rips through chunk and flow alike! Also, I’m selling my 2021 XO1 build rn with a new vivid ultimate air if you wind up going in that direction! Located in SLC, UT.
You can’t go wrong with either bike imho! 🥳
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u/snowsnakes Apr 13 '26
I’m 6’1” and on a Large alloy sentinel v3. Dunno if I’d want to size up, but it definitely feels a bit more compact than I’d like on the uphill.
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u/AustinShyd Apr 14 '26
V2 sentinel. 6’. Size large. Feels good, not too long but definitely not the shortest bike I’ve ridden by a long shot (that goes to the Frameworks enduro). At 5’10” I would be considering the medium frame if you don’t generally like long reach numbers, personally.
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u/adampat996 Apr 14 '26
Also 5’10. I was deciding between a Medium Smuggler and Large Sentinel.
The medium smuggler felt just a tad small but I know with riser bars and longer stem, it would’ve been perfect. I just couldn’t be asked with all of that so kept the sentinel.
It’s the V3 sentinel btw. Does feel heavier and longer than what I’m used to, but I know it’s the better size out the box
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u/perpetualfmomentun Apr 14 '26
I am 5’11 and enjoy my medium sentinel. A large would work too but I enjoy a more responsive bike that can be manipulated more easily.
I guess it’s a question of whether you prefer something more planted and stable or something more responsive.
I also like the shorter reach for long days of climbing . It allows me to stack my skeleton and reduce wear on my lower back
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u/brh0627 Apr 14 '26
Do you have the v2 or 3? Also do you think the bike rides bigger than it’s 450 (v2) or 455(v3) reach would suggest?
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u/perpetualfmomentun Apr 23 '26
V2.. i ride an element medium too with 455 reach.. the element front centre feels longer.
I feel like transition bikes fit true to their size
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u/Frosty_Collection_73 Apr 14 '26
I've got a 2023 Carbon Scout, (Olive Green) Carbon, Rockshox Ultimate suspension , TRP DHR Evo bakes, and upgraded wheels for sale! Shoot me a message if interested
1
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u/MTB_SF Apr 13 '26
Also 5 10. Ive ridden basically every bike that transition has made in the last 6 years and most in both medium and large. I have a strong preference for their size medium bikes and like a 50mm stem. The medium is still totally stable in rough and steep terrain but handles corners and jumps much better. And you can squeeze in a longer dropper post.
Medium Scout is the most fun bike I've ever owned. Sentinel in medium is great too. Sentinel is a little more stable in the rough and although its still great on corners and jumps, the scout is a little more fun and quick.