I stand by my earlier statement. Transition has always delivered 'boutique maker' quality at closer to a catalog-frame price. Yes, the Trans-Am lists at $570. But, as you point out, the Sinister Ridge lists for $130 more; Santa Cruz Chameleon is $80 more at $650; and, although there's no Yeti equivalent to the TA, an ARC frame lists for $750. Shucks, even the lowly ol' Azonic Steelhead - - old-school epitome of a bargain-build AM/FR hardtail frame in its day - - was pushing $400 list price.

Granted, that's all pretty heady stuff from my perspective too - - I'd have a real hard time dropping $5-700 for a hardtail frame - - but kept in context, not out of line.