I have the alloy, GX build.

Absolutely love it. Pedals remarkably well for such a big and capable bike. Very confidence inspiring on the downhills.

I am going nowhere near what it’s capable of but just love riding it. It’s a bit of a handful on tighter twistier trails but I have a carbon Scout for those trails. I may be dealing with a small Transition addiction…

Have had several rounds of fistula surgery relating to Crohn’s disease. Had very long term chronic fistula with a Seton suture (probably best not to Google…) Main issue for me was how quiet or active the fistula was at any given time. Thankfully it’s been pretty well behaved recently.
Never found any particular difference between padded shorts so long as they fitted well. Current favourites are Link, purchased from Start Fitness – not expensive but super comfortable.
Best of luck and hope everything heals up well.

I really enjoyed the day and thought the £75 was pretty good value considering how much goes into safely running an event of that size in that location.
I spent a lot of my youth hiking and camping in those hills and it was great to get back there. I should have remembered just how challenging the weather can be at times!
Didn’t experience any waiting at the feed stops, probably because most people were already through by the time I got there 😂
We were supposed to do the 200, but it was very quickly apparent that there was no chance of making the cut off and me and my riding buddy happily dropped down to 130. Pretty sure I could make the 200 with a little more training and better weather. Maybe next year.
The bike worked well and I was pretty chuffed to feel in pretty good nick after my longest gravel ride ever. Was expecting to feel a lot more beaten up.
All the talk on here of brake pad apocalypse meant I braked as little as possible and easily achieved a new PB top speed on gravel descents. Which was interesting…
All in all a great event that I would “happily” do again. Many thanks to the marshals – all were superb.

Looks like it’s time to order a Branson, Will 😉
It did look a helluva good bike on your demo today

Another recommendation for Pedals in Edinburgh.
I’ve bought several bikes there, including two Transitions. They have been fabulous on every occasion.

We have just completed a similar project. We went with Karndean and couldn’t be happier with the result.
Had an engineered wood floor in our last place and we much prefer the Karndean.
I think it’s pretty critical to get someone really good to do the prep and fitting.

Yes – I run mine stock 150 / 140.
I have a DVO Diamond fork so can easily up that to 160 and might try that sometime. I reckon it would be awesome as a 160 / 150 bike but it’s perfect for my local trails as it is.
I wonder if the reason I prefer it to the Patrol is that I never managed to ride the Patrol quite as hard as it needs to be ridden to really shine. The Scout certainly suits me personally much better and I can get down stuff that I never cleared on the Patrol. The geometry is spot on – relaxed enough to be confidence inspiring when the trail gets steeper but also poppy and fun and really good climbing. The really low seat tube and long dropper are also a real plus.
I’m conscious that I’m a huge Transition fanboi but I do really love this bike as a go anywhere, do anything trail bike.

Absolutely love mine.
Previous bikes were a 2017 alloy Scout and 2018 alloy Patrol. Sold both to buy the carbon Scout.
For me, the new bike is better than both – very capable bike but also lots of fun on easy trails. Climbs better than my old Scout, descends better than my old Patrol.
Carbon is lovely but probably only adds a little to the bike. I would have no hesitation getting the alloy bike if that was my budget. I would definitely choose a high spec alloy bike over a low spec carbon.
I do wonder if the Spur would have worked for me. It would have been ace on my local trails but wasn’t available at the time I was ready to buy.

As a medic and also as a frequent recipient of endoscopies due to my Crohn’s disease I have a fair bit of useful experience.
There are several drugs that can be very helpful. They’re all effective but need a well trained practitioner administering them.
I have had several scopes that were unpleasant without adequate sedation. I now make sure that whoever is doing the scope knows this and is prepared to manage it appropriately. I’ve also had uneventful scopes with minimal sedation. The most important factor is the skill and empathy of the endoscopy team.
Letting the team know your anxieties and wishes for treatment are important. Good endoscopy teams will listen to that and act accordingly.

We had similar issues with our last house.
In the end we had the affected sandstone chimney removed and rebuilt with cement blocks. Then rendered to match the existing building. I was really sceptical initially about not using new sandstone blocks but the cost would have been prohibitive. The end result was fantastic and completely fixed the issue.
Used to live just outside Perth (St Madoes) myself but moved 15 years ago so can’t recommend anyone local to you.
Finding a good builder is definitely the key thing to get right.

Absolutely love mine.
It’s replaced a 2017 aluminium Scout and 2018 aluminium Patrol. For me it’s the perfect all rounder and replaces both of those previous bikes brilliantly.
It’s not quite as poppy as the original geometry Scout but it climbs better and is way more capable when descending. It’s probably not as capable downhill as a Patrol but it’s more bike than I’ll ever need!

Thanks Doug – that’s super helpful.
I found your write up on the Occam really helpful as well. Your write up and all the videos from the launch event certainly influenced my shortlist!

Where are you getting an M30 at that price?
I’m 173cm on a medium Laufey which feels great but pretty tempted to get a large Occam. Hoping to demo one from Pedals when the lockdown eases a bit

I have ordered one and can’t wait!
Probably won’t be here until the New Year unfortunately
Geometry and spec looks perfect

We also used Miller Hendry when we lived there.
Very happy with the service provided but it was a while ago

Lots of shops are happy for you to top up the balance over the 1k limit.
Just ordered an Orbea Lauffey yesterday at Pedals, Edinburgh, and did exactly that
Super helpful shop – highly recommended.
Can’t wait for the bike to arrive 😀

Most public servants do jobs which aren’t fully understood by the general public – I don’t think most people fully understand what I do as a hospital doctor.
I know that I don’t fully understand what happens during a fire fighter’s shift but if you promise to turn up and pull me out of a wrecked car or burning house you’re welcome to the easy life whenever you’re not on a call. Even though I’m sure it’s really not that easy nowadays.

We’ve been to Ride Sierra Nevada a couple of times in addition to Switchbacks.
Both are very good but I prefer the trails on Switchbacks side of Sierra Nevada.
The accommodation is a bit nicer at Ride Sierra Nevada and the lunchtime sandwiches made by Csilla are awesome.
We found there was more uplift with Switchbacks and we did more of the kind of riding we prefer.
To be honest any holiday in the Malaga / Sierra Nevada area is going to be pretty awesome. Great weather, fabulous food, brilliant trails everywhere

I’m a big fan of Switchbacks. We’ve been every year for the last 4 years. It’s always great and the trails are awesome.
The food and local bars are pretty great as well!

Had a few surgeries and bits chopped out over the years.
Recovery time has been variable depending on the surgery and how well / unwell I was before surgery.
My experience was nothing before 6 weeks and a few months taking it super easy after that. That recovery time sucks but I reckon it would be much worse to overdo it and end up off the bike for longer. I’ve often found turbo training useful to get fitness back – there’s not much danger of crashing and it’s easier to adapt to what your body is telling you.

Thoroughly enjoyed the day. My first Enduro and I was utterly rubbish compared to most of the other riders but I reckon I had as much fun as anyone there.
Will definitely be back next year. Hopefully with more appropriate tyres!
Geoffj – that sounds properly rubbish. Don’t let idiots like that stop you getting out with your lad again. I was really impressed at seeing several families doing the event together. Might see if I can get my lad interested for next year!

Can’t post photos from here but my 2016 Scout has an FSA headset which sits perfectly flush.
I’ve just noticed that my brand new Patrol with FSA headset looks like the pic in the OP.
Both fit and work perfectly.
I would suggest ignoring it completely and riding the snot out of your totally awesome new bike!
Welcome to the Transition family but be warned – they are a bit addictive.

Don’t want to post up many details on a public forum but have been through something similar with anorexia in our family. It was an utterly horrible experience for all of us.
But after a very long and unpleasant 18 months we got there and all is now good. Don’t know if my experience is any help to you but it felt hopeless and I felt totally useless for many months. Despite that, we stuck with the program and got there in the end.
It can be a long tough journey but with the right support and lots of time there is light at the end of that tunnel. Hang in there.
Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery.

I haven’t done Malaga Enduro yet but about to go back to Bubion with Switchbacks for the third time. Would happily recommend going with them – we have always had a fantastic time and we’re thinking about Malaga for our trip next year.
Was chatting to Michael from Switchbacks about Malaga previously and it sounds very similar to Bubion in terms of technical difficulty. From your description of your regular riding I think you would be absolutely fine. The trails are certainly technical but not crazy scary. My 140mm bike, trail helmet (not full face) and light body armour are perfect.
I think the Malaga downhill days are a bit more crazy than the Malaga Enduro days. The downhill trips probably do merit a full face and bigger balls!

Not had an ostomy but have had multiple surgeries thanks to my Crohn’s. Previous surgeons have advised against doing any gym / weights workouts because of the risks of hernia through surgical scars.
I’m currently off the bike having had more problems recently but now feeling much better and should be riding again soon.
I do really worry that one of these days they will end up recommending a further resection and stoma (hopefully only temporary). Fingers crossed it won’t come to that but I’ve been terrified of it affecting biking and other activities.
I appreciate this post maybe doesn’t help much but your description of still biking and loving it has been really helpful – thanks!

I’m riding a medium and am a smidge shorter than you. I also have a small Trans Am that my wife uses.
16″ is the small and is definitely too small for me.
Absolutely awesome steel hardtail – they come up on ebay for a reasonable price fairly frequently.

Have been with Ride Sierra Nevada and Switchbacks.
Both excellent and highly recommended. Sierra Nevada involved more climbing with usually just one uplift in the morning. Switchbacks had enough climbing to be interesting but usually had several van uplifts each day.
Csilla at Ride Sierra Nevada makes the best sandwiches in Spain.
Personally prefer the trails with Switchbacks but would be happy to go again with either. Hoping to book next year’s trip soon 🙂

Nice one Will – “we only had one or two last year….”
Time to stock up on tubes after tempting fate like that!
I’m going WTB Vigilante front, Trail Boss rear. Looks a good mix of grippy front, fast rear. Similar idea to Magic Mary, Rock Razor combination which worked well last year.

Have stayed in that part of the lake a few times now – always at the Ferme de Seraz campsite.
I took the roadbike this summer and did some great rides. My favourite is Col de la Forclaz which is great in either direction and can be done as a nice loop from Doussard. It’s a big climb but the views are awesome. I cycled up to watch the Tour which was just awesome.
I also rode a fabulous loop over Col Lescheux – the plan was to include climbing Le Semnoz also but I took my 13 year old and he wasn’t up for the final big climb despite being very fit for his age (he’s a swimmer).
The cycle path alongside the lake is fab for easier riding with the family but watch out for locals hammering along at full speed!
It’s just about my favourite place in Europe. Have fun!

The rally at Ae is this weekend.
But the forest is being used now for practice. Due to completely inadequate signing my wife and dog almost got run over this morning whilst out walking – not realising that they were in any danger.
Think Ae is best avoided at present.

I currently use an annual Dogtag family policy to cover family hols and an annual mtb trip to Spain. Currently my Crohn’s is excluded from the policy meaning the policy is at the regular price. The last quote was a bit problematic because the Crohn’s has misbehaved a bit in the last couple of years, hence I had it excluded.
I’m not too worried about this as my Crohn’s has generally caused trouble slowly so in most circumstances I could get back home if trouble was brewing. Not necessarily recommending this approach but it works for me and it’s important to me that Crohn’s doesn’t get in the way of my life anymore than absolutely necessary.

Nice write up – thanks.
I’m sure you need to try a shorter stem, from everything I’ve read these really need something like a 30 – 40mm stem to make the most of the new geometry.
Hope you carry on enjoying just as much for the long term.

That does look nice!
Very similar to what I’m hoping to build up soon. Please post up a ride report once you’ve had a proper ride on it.

Hi Sig,
Don’t know if I can help but I can try.
I’ve had crohn’s since my early twenties. I’m in my forties now. I wish I didn’t have Crohn’s but I do ok in spite of it and it doesn’t stop me doing most of what I want to do with my life. I have a difficult but very rewarding job and Crohn’s hasn’t held me back. I have a wonderful family. I’m pretty fit and active and enjoy life. Every so often the Crohn’s causes trouble (on a few occasions quite big trouble) but there’s way more positives in my life than negatives caused by Crohn’s.
I also see it from a different angle as I work as a paediatrician and have a special interest in gastroenterology. Most of the teenagers we see cope incredibly well and it’s pretty humbling to watch them deal with difficult stuff in such a positive way.
The medicines we have now are much better than when I was diagnosed and there are lots of potential new treatments in the future.
It’s difficult to give you any specific advice over a forum but hang in there and stay strong for your daughter – she’s going to need lots of support from you.
There’s lots of help out there. Crohn’s and Colitis Uk is a good place to start, they have an excellent website. There are also lots of support groups, particularly if you’re attending a bigger hospital with a larger population of patients.
Be a bit careful on the Internet – there’s lots of crazy stuff out ther which is unlikely to be helpful.
Let me know if I can be of any further help.
Andy

There are a few hospital vacancies in Dumfries also.
If any medics (hospital or GP) are thinking about Dumfries and Galloway feel free to give me a shout. Happy to give advice about the area and local medical jobs.
I’ve been very happy to live here since moving to take up a hospital consultant post ten years ago.

We lived in Calgary a few years ago but back in Scotland now. Some of our Calgary friends have moved to Kelowna and absolutely love it there.
Haven’t had the chance to visit them but will do one of these days. It looks fantastic with amazing biking, skiing etc.
I had the chance to apply for a job there last year and still really wish I had applied. But our kids are in high school and we couldn’t face the disruption it would have caused them.
Maybe one day…

Covert 26, with rp23. Mostly leave it open. I don’t find the pro pedal makes much difference on climbs. It’s a bit of a slow winch to the top whichever setting it’s in. Always fun on the way down though.
Bandit 27.5 with CTD. Keep it mostly in trail which is great pretty much all the time. Use the climb setting on long fire roads which helps.
I do like my transitions 😀

Pedals in Edinburgh do a discount on a frame, fork, wheels bundle. Or at least they did when I got my Bandit 27.5. I was very impressed with the service and would happily recommend them.
I do wish people would stop posting up about how good the new Transitions are – I love my Bandit but keep getting tempted by the Scout.

Nice new bike there, John!
Look forward to seeing that out on the trails.
That new bike feeling is great. 😀

Snakes and lizards are very commonly carriers of salmonella bacteria (often rather unusual strains of salmonella).
If you keep getting gastroenteritis it would be well worth getting a stool sample checked asap.