Dirt Jumper From the UK

At a time when suspension innovation is front and center in mountain biking, the DMR Transition doesn't even attempt to fit the trend. The Transition is a single-speed, rigid, jump and skatepark-style bike with 24-inch wheels. How's that for approaching mountain biking from a unique angle?
There's a good chance that when asked, "What's the first mountain bike company that comes to your mind?" DMR isn't the answer. DesignMakeRide is a rider-owned company out of the United Kingdom focused on making components to suit hardcore riders' needs. DMR makes over 100 different components and sells four complete dirt jump-oriented bikes. The DMR Transition is spec'd front to back with DMR components, everything from the fork to tires.

MAKING THE TRANSITION
It's obvious at first glance that the DMR Transition is more BMX bike than mountain bike, and built to take punishment. The 24-inch wheels, V brakes and chromoly frame, fork, handlebar and cranks resemble a street-ready BMX cruiser.
The 4130 chromoly frame has an integrated headset and European bottom bracket. The unique fork is DMR's Trailblade 2 fork with a 14-millimeter dropout with both cantilever lever and disc brake mounts. The single-speed drivetrain uses a 36-tooth chainring and a 16-tooth Shimano freewheel. The 48-spoke rear wheel and 36-spoke front, combined with 14-millimeter hubs, shows yet another aspect of how the Transition is spec'd with a BMX influence.

Use as directed: The DMR Transition is more BMX than mountain bike, and is more at home at the skatepark than on a trail. The 24-inch wheels make navigating ramps easier than with standard 26ers.

LIFE ON THE STREET
Although the Transition could be fun on dirt jumps, we feel it's best suited for street and skateparks. Thankfully, in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles, there are plenty of places to ride. Here's what we think of the unique DMR Transition.
Pedaling: The basic drivetrain of the DMR gives little room for error and no chance for missed shifts. The 36-16 gear ratio is right on the money for pedaling between ramps in a skatepark or cruising around the neighborhood. The two-piece chromoly cranks are tough as nails, and the half-type bashguard works well at protecting the chainring when doing stalls on concrete, steel or ramps. DMR's basic V8 platform pedals are popular, and for good reason. They have a chromoly shaft, replaceable pins and are fully serviceable with a grease port and V-Lube syringe available from DMR.
Handling: A quick-steering, 71-degree head angle is key for street-style tricks and maneuvers. We ran between 50 and 60 psi in the DMR's Transition model tires to make them roll quickly and be responsive on concrete and ramps.
Braking: Tektro V brakes handled the Transition's braking duties. Rarely does a V brake setup equal the power of disc brakes, but in this application the choice makes sense. When riding street and skateparks, stalls and grinds are popular maneuvers and can pose a problem should you bend a rotor. What the V brakes give up in power they make up for in practicality.
Jumping: Across the board, the Transition is built to perform on ramps or in a skatepark. It's not the lightest jump bike we've ridden, but durability is the main goal. The Transition is well spec'd for taking to the air. The 50-millimeter stem, durable saddle and beefy chromoly DMR Wingbar handlebar are appropriate cockpit components to handle harsh landings and the occasional bail.
Jumping a rigid bike may be a shock for anyone used to even just front suspension. No little miscalculation will go unnoticed.

WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?
The most obvious complaint about the DMR Transition is that it's not really a mountain bike. Take this bike out of an urban environment and it is a fish out of water. If skateparks and rails are all you ride, great. If you want your bike to do more, look elsewhere.
DMR does not have much of a presence in the United States. The bikes and parts are imported by a distributor. This puts the brand at a disadvantage against bike companies with American facilities.

GOOD FIT
The DMR Transition is a fun, nimble jump bike and built to last for this niche within a niche of mountain biking. The geometry and design make navigating jumps and obstacles a blast, while keeping the setup simple. If you are a jumper looking for something outside the box, the Transition makes a good choice. Whether your roots are mountain biking or BMX, you'll find the Transition a unique fit.

Tighten up: The chain tensioner keeps the 14-millimeter rear axle in the preferred location throughout repeated abuse from harsh landings. The beefy front and rear axles are a direct result of the BMX influence on the Transition.

DMR TRANSITION SPECS

Price   $1120
Country of origin:   United Kingdom
Weight:   39 pounds
Hotline:   (888) 255-6933
Frame tested:   One size
Bottom bracket height:    11.8"
Chainstay length:    15.7"
Top tube length:    21.8"
Head angle:   71°
Seat tube angle:    72.5°
Standover height:   28"
Wheelbase:    40"
Frame material:   Chromoly steel
Fork:  DMR Trailblade 2
Rims:   DMR DV
Tires:   DMR Transition
Hub:   DMR (14mm)
Brakes:   Tektro V brakes
Brake levers:   Tektro V brakes
Crankset:   Chromoly
Chainrings:   36-tooth
Freewheel:   Shimano 16-tooth
Pedals:   DMR platform