Top 10 · Compare
Compare Best Mountain Bikes head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#4 on this list
Sentinel
Transition
Speed Balanced Geometry with a slack head angle and steep seat tube. Confidence at speed without wandering on climbs.
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- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched

#5 on this list
Trail 429
Pivot
Downcountry done right: 120 mm rear, 130 mm fork, and a carbon layup that resists twisting on off-camber lines.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Sentinel | Trail 429 |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Transition Bikes | — |
| Model | Sentinel | — |
| Suspension | Full Suspension | — |
| Frame Material | Aluminum or Carbon | Carbon Fiber |
| Geometry | Speed Balanced | — |
| Category | — | Trail / Downcountry Mountain Bike |
| Rear Travel | — | 120 mm |
| Fork Travel | — | 130 mm |
| Wheel Size | — | 29 inch |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Sentinel
- Very composed at high speed
- Sensible spec at each price
- Alloy option available
- Long wheelbase feels lazy on tight trails
Trail 429
- Light for its travel
- Snappy acceleration
- Superb build quality
- Firm ride on big hits
- Proprietary hardware
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.


