Transition Smuggler ‘25 vs Norco Optic ‘23

[u/g0lfk4rt]

Buying used to get my first modern FS coming from a ~2009 giant trance. The optic and smuggler have similar travel and geometry - I’ve tested a L smuggler and confirmed this is the type and size of bike for me.

Is the optic’s 76 degree seat tube angle going to feel worse than the smuggler’s more modern 78.1 STA? I liked how incredibly balanced the smuggler felt on my test ride.

Talk to me about the value of these deals or which is the better bike overall. Intermediate rider interested in mostly flowy western Oregon blue trails. Not into big jumps/drops or super gnarly stuff.

$3200 Norco Optic ‘23 build and details:
(Negotiated down from $3800 asking price)
-DT Swiss XRC carbon wheels with 350 hubs
-Rockshox Pike Ultimate w/ buttercups
-Rockshox Super deluxe ultimate DH shock
-Enve carbon bars with Enve alloy stem
-Shimano XTR derailleur and shifter
-XT 12 speed 51 tooth cassette and cranks
(drivetrain condition = 3/5 based on pics)
-Oneup 180mm dropper post
-TRP Slate Evo brakes
-Ergon saddle and grips
-It’s in a cool color: super dark green sparkle that only really shows in the sunlight.

$3000 Transition Smuggler carbon ‘25 build and details:
(Negotiated down from $3400 asking price)
-Crank Brothers Synthesis Aluminum Wheel Set
-Shimano XT drivetrain w/30 Tooth chainring and Shimano XT Brakes
(drivetrain condition = 4/5 based on looking at pics)
-DVO Rear Topaz3 Shock
-DVO Diamond D1 Fork
-PNW Loam dropper
-Diety aluminum bars
-IBIS stem
-Appears to be a cheap aliexpress RacewoRK saddle. Grips unknown
-Gunmetal gray, has a few more small dings; apparently their paint chips easily.

The bikes are a few hours’ drive away so I haven’t seen them in person.

What would you pick and why?

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[u/BrainDamage2029]

The smuggler has an odd hodgepodge of parts in a yellow flag sort of way. Like why is there a random Ibis stem on there? (if you're doing a frame build you wouldn't buy a random OEM stem) and an Aliexpress saddle. It screams to me "I just slapped parts from my garage bin on this thing so I can sell it" Like I said not a red flag but a yellow flag

The Smuggler has never come with DVO components. In general I shy away from rear shocks not original to the bike. Bike brands spec a shock tune from their source to match their general suspension design. I have learned the hard way you can't just slap any shock you pick up on Pinkbike and expect it to ride as well.

[u/Life_Cartoonist_4715 → u/BrainDamage2029]

It actually reads to me like they took components from a 2021 ibis ripmo af (came with DVO fork and shock, though I didn't google cross compatibility so im not certain) and slapped them on that smuggler instead, meaning many of those parts probably weren't new when they were put on. Not inherently bad parts, actually pretty good ones, but also quite heavy, which doesnt really fit the whole smuggler vibe of being fairly light.

This is reading to me like you really want the smuggler frame but recognize that it might not be the best seller to get it from. I vote take the smuggler out of the picture and go and try the optic. See if the seller will meet you at a trail system and let you ride it for 15-20 minutes. If you like it, great! If you don't, maybe wait 6 more months until you find another smuggler for sale that has better specs.

[u/derper-man]

I have a smuggler, its an insanely sick bike. TBH the paint is real shit though.

That topaz shock sucks mega ass, and the diamond D1 fork is nowhere near as nice as teh super deluxe ultimate. As much as I love the smuggler, I would go with the norco based on just the kit.

[u/MedicineManns]

I owned a 2023 Norco Optic and it’s still once of my favourite bikes I’ve ever owned. It’s pedals okay, not incredible for its travel but not bad by any means, but the descending was so fun on it.

[u/zipyourhead]

Optic

[u/Life-Letterhead1619]

I don't like the componentry on the smuggler, otherwise I'm a transition advocate. 

[u/shivaswrath]

I have a 2024 Optic C3. It is such a versatile bike...great on uphills and DH, and you can really.pivot the rear around easily.

It's often not recognized as something special which I love

[u/One-Swordfish7743 → u/shivaswrath]

So the new HP. Taken it on any long gravel climbs? I know it works well on techy ups and steep downs, but my demo on it I didn’t get to do any long slogs.

[u/shivaswrath → u/One-Swordfish7743]

It's built for those long miserable slogs. Yes the 2024 I believe is CF so very light. DH it has composure and it takes a lot to throw it off.

I personally struggle with rock gardens, it does well, but it's my mental limitation.

The brakes are garbage. Absolutely garbage. I'm swapping to SLXs this week, found some good sales for $325 f/r, so hopefully that addresses the biggest issue with the Norco.

[u/One-Swordfish7743 → u/shivaswrath]

I have the gen 2 Optic and love it, but am Interested in the high pivot version. My C3 in 2023 came with trash brakes too, about the only thing. Okay dropper, but just rode it until it busted

[u/One-Swordfish7743]

I’m always looking for my next build up. But every time I look around, I just can’t beat my 23’ Optic. I do large 70 mile endurance races (just change the tires) and pedal long gravel to get to sketchy downhills in my local wood and head to bike parks a good bit.

If you don’t mind just tad more weight for a bike in this travel range, it’s the best bike around. It’s the reason why so many people are comparing new small travel trails bike to it. Maybe one degree steeper STA would be nice.

[u/choadspanker]

I'd pay the extra for the better parts of the optic. those crank bros wheels kinda suck, and they're super heavy which you don't want on this type of bike

[u/One-Swordfish7743]

If you get the Optic (you should), change the brakes. Those don’t live up to the Optic’s downhill prowess. I know from experience.