The Transition Syren is the first and highest-spec women’s specific freeride/all mountain bike, with the only other big travel alternative being the Norco Vixa. If you’re a female gravity rider you’ve probably heard of the Syren, maybe even sat on one once, or you might have considered getting one of you very own.

Caroline Moore on her Syren.
Photo: Rita Langley

To help you learn more, here’s a proper review of the Syren from Wellington rider Caro Moore. Caro’s not sponsored by Transition, she doesn’t race unless it’s something really worthy like the Brake Burner 6-hour Super D, but she rides a LOT and gets her wheels off the ground often enough to justify joining a frequent flier program. The Syren’s her only bike and since she’s had it for four months she’s gotten to know its ins and outs. And it’s not just pretty stickers and plush travel, there are a few other pros and cons you may want to consider before ordering one for yourself…

Caro Moore and her Syren, Brake Burner 2009.
Photo: Rita Langley

My first mountain bike was a GT Avalanche 2.0 hardtail that I rode for almost a year, and I had a GT iDrive5 4.0 for a year after that. I chose the Syren because I liked the idea of getting a women’s specific trail bike and it had really good reviews for the type of riding I enjoy (all mountain/trail riding with a focus on the coming down the mountain bit!!). Another pretty key thing was definitely the way it looked – sparkly black with a decal kit is a pretty mean way to entice someone like me!!

What components did you get on it?

I got the All Mountain kit which came with a pretty bling (and very light) wheelset, Fox RC shocks (adjustable travel essential for a one bike girl), Truvativ cranks, Sram X9 drivetrain, and Avid Juicy 7 brakes.

When did you get it, and where have you ridden it since?

It arrived just in time for Christmas so it’s taken a thrashing all over the place since then. From Vic Park and Craigiburn Forest in Christchurch, clocking up mean hours at Coronet Peak and various other locations in Queenstown, taken many shuttles for DH/Jumps track runs in Rotorua, quick blast at Craters of the Moon in Taupo, and riding it out to Makara for the home trails in Wellington every other weekend.

What do you think of the frame weight and rear suspension?

The frame weight is great, and combo’d with the AM wheelset makes it very ‘uphill friendly’ when required. The rear suspension sits directly under you which was a change from my last bike so took a while to get used to (i.e. jumps differently) but now feels great.

Have you changed any components since you got it?

Well, the AM buildkit didn’t really work out for me. The cranks were the main thing – it came with 175mm which hit everything as it has a very low bottom bracket and is such a small bike. So now I’ve got some 2nd hand FSA 165mm which are great! Haven’t hit anything with them whereas before I’d be cringing riding over things waiting for the pedals to hit.

The seat got changed asap – trail riding on a non-women’s specific seat for any decent amount of time is just not enjoyable (thought it would have been a given for a women’s specific bike?!)

I shortened the stem to a 50mm from a 75mm to give me a bit more control for DH style riding. Just a personal preference.

I’ve also put a bashguard on it and changed it to a double chain ring (came with three). Also, the E type front derailleur (think this is right?) is still proving a hassle and not tuning right given the flexibility in it… My best option is to go to a single chain ring and get a chain guide. So eventually I’ll do that so the bike will run a lot smoother.

Has it lived up to your expectations?

With the AM build kit – questionable. I thought it would be a bit more ready to do its job – ride all mountain trails – first time. The 175mm cranks which hit everything and non women’s specific seat didn’t really allow that and seemed quite flawed componentry to initially come with the Syren. All the bike mechanics who look at/fix my bike can’t understand why it comes with this type of front derailleur too – all I know as a non-mechanical person is that it doesn’t change gears the way a bike should – even after ongoing tuning.

The handling and way it descends trails (my favourite) is great though – lots of control and very smooth over bumps and rooty track and stuff! And jumps/pops off stuff great. Definitely better suited for a lighter rider than normal unisex bikes, and I can get away with a bit more than on my old bike – which sometimes makes for an interesting spectacle for people riding behind me disbelieving how I ‘came out of that one still on my bike!’

Finally, if it got stolen (but your insurance paid out in full) would you buy another one the same again, or are you already dreaming of a new ride?

If it got stolen, I’d get the Syren again but the single chain ring option – that way it have a shorter stem, 170mm cranks (which would be ok I think), and remove the whole front derailleur issue. Only thing I’d need to change would be the seat then which is minor. And I’d still have the awesomest looking bike!

If I had to get the AM kit again, then probably not, as I just like riding bikes, not playing around with componentry and stuff and the expense of doing so. Although, in saying that, I have learnt a lot about bikes by changing stuff!!

Cheers Caro, and enjoy your ride now that it’s running sweet!

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Published on 29/04/2009 by Martha Hucker.