When I first started planning for this ride, I was excited at the prospect of a new bike! I also thought there was potential to take my daily driver, my Epic Evo. I even put some bags on it to see how things would look and feel.
Epic all geared up
I was not super thrilled about taking my beloved carbon bike and punishing it for four days. So, onto searching for a cool bike packing option: A Canfield Nimble 9 from Pinkbike. I was super optimistic about how this quick handling steel frame would work as a bike packing rig. I'd even seen a few readers rides on Bike packing.com that featured this bike.
Came as a single speed
Boom! gears
I was excited to take it out for a first few rides that included some dirt roads and some singletrack. I even loaded it up with bags to see how everything would fit.
Testing Bag Fit
I have to say, I was not happy with how this bike rode. It was really disheartening because reviews said the bike was a real winner. My issues were:
- Short reach
- Twitchy handling
- Restricted space in the main triangle
- 150mm fork was more than I needed
- Goofy groupset and brakes (not a performance issue, just a parts issue)
I think the issue is that I'm so dang tall. With it's short reach and wheelbase, this is a bike for someone a little shorter than I am.
About the same time, I was laying in bed looking at Instagram and an ad for the Pro's Closet came up and I figured why not look and see what they have. I came across an absolute dream of a Transition in the TransAm.
Transition TransAm
On paper, this is a similar bike - steel frame, longer travel fork, touted as a fun and flickable hardtail. I labored for a few days, and made the decision. I cleaned up the Canfield, listed it on Facebook Marketplace, and bought the Transition. Then, just for fun, I submitted the Canfield to TPC to see if they would take it off my hands (they offer a better deal if you use the money for another purchase). Even if I lost some money, it wouldn't be the end of the world. I was willing to eat at least the cost of a bike rental.
I also looked at the specs and frame design to make sure this would better meet my needs
More frame space
Looking at my issues with the Canfield, here is how the TransAm stacked up
- Reach was the same as my Evo at just over 500mm
- Longer wheelbase and slack steering angle meant a more stable ride
- Larger front triangle space (see image above)
- Under forked at 140mm
- Full XT Group set with SRAM G2 R brakes, all in great condition
A few cons - this bike is a bit heavier at 32 pounds, and has a chunky wheel set. Can't win them all.
What was wild was that PTC offered me a great price for the Canfield! I was so pleased with their help and how they worked with me to get the bike picked up and avoid shipping. A win all around.
Same bags, new bike
A few prelim rides on the Transition has proven that it is a much better fit of a bike for me. I've made a few changes (bars, stem) and it's working great. Next up is customizing the bag set up! Stay tuned for a breakdown of my rack and bag solution, including a new bar bag mount, water bottle carrying system, and rear rack!
