Transition launched their lightweight Relay e-MTB earlier this year and the Washington state-based bike brand said that the Relay would challenge as one of the best electric mountain bikes around. The Relay joined the original Repeater in the Transition range, and meant the brand offered versatile electric mountain bike offerings to go alongside their already established and highly rated range of mountain bikes, such as their cult trail bike, the Transition Smuggler.
However, the Transition Repeater has now evolved with tweaked geometry and increased travel, but also featuring the new and exciting SRAM Powertrain system that our own Guy Kesteven has been raving about for weeks. He also gave it a 5/5 score in his recent review, saying the SRAM Powertrain system is "the most seismic change in mountain biking in years."
SRAM Powertrain
The previous models of the Repeater came with a Shimano motor and battery, and the new models now adopt the new and revolutionary SRAM Powertrain system. It features a 90Nm Eagle Powertrain motor, SRAM 720Wh battery, SRAM T-Type AXS Transmission, and the SRAM Powertrain brain.
Having not ridden the SRAM Powertrain System, and without delving too much into the detail (Guy's review has all that), Transition's take on the system and how it performs on their e-MTBs, is that the Powertrain and the Powertrain brain behind the whole system unlocks many new features designed to create a bike that simply allows the rider to ride to the best of their ability with maximum enjoyment. Features such as Auto Shift and Coast Shift (which allows the rider to shift at any time without turning the cranks) become an added tool in the box available when needed, with these modes able to enhance climbing, making it smoother and faster. Descending also becomes safer, and the Transition Repeater and the SRAM system give a rider more confidence, adding it's less about having a fully automatic system, and more about the system assisting you when you need it most.
The Transition Repeater comes in two builds – the GX AXS and the XO AXS both getting 170mm of travel front and rear from RockShox, which is also complimented with the RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post. The new Repeater also looks super clean and tidy with only brake cables to manage, two AXS pod controllers, and a small top tube screen, giving a refreshingly simplified approach to an e-MTB. AXS pods allow access to every feature easily and ergonomically. The majority of the components work wirelessly, which also adds to the tidy-looking frame.
Geometry tweaks
Transition likes to give buyers as much information as possible when it comes to geometry, and says the geometry on the Repeater has evolved to give a confident steering feel that adapts to wheel speed, with more stability when going fast, and more agility on technical slow speed maneuvering, as well as improved traction, control and confidence for any skill level of rider. Looking over the geometry specifications details the tweaks are as follows:
Compared to the previous models the geometry changes include the head tube angle going from 64 degrees to 63.5, and the seat tube angle increases from 77.9 degrees on a Medium to 78.5. The reach remains the same across the sizing, and the stack increases from 631mm on a Medium to 635mm. Other slight tweaks see the top tube length drop from 589mm to 584mm, and BB height goes from 340mm to 345mm. Chainstay lengths remain unaltered at 455mm across the sizings.
Availability and tech spec
Both models are available to order direct from Transition and Transition dealers. The GX and XO builds come in either Graphite Grey or Bonfire Red colorways. Pricing on both is still to be confirmed and we'll update soon as it appears. Meanwhile check out the specs below or visit Transitionbikes.com.
Transition Repeater GX AXS
- Frame: Repeater PT Carbon 170mm
- Motor: SRAM Eagle Powertrain (90nm)
- Battery: SRAM Eagle Powertrain Full-Size (720wh)
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Select (170mm)
- Shock: RockShox Vivid Select+
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX AXS Eagle
- Shifters: SRAM POD Bridge MMX
- Stem: ANVL Swage
- Bar: ANVL Mandrel Alloy
- Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle E-MTB (160mm)
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb AXS
- Saddle: SDG Bel Air 3
- Brakes: SRAM Code Bronze Stealth 220mm F/R
- Wheels: DT Swiss H 1900 Spline
- Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary F, Schwalbe Big Betty R
- Color: Graphite Grey or Bonfire Red
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 24.01 kg (Medium)
- Price: TBC
Transition Repeater XO AXS
- Frame: Repeater PT Carbon 170mm
- Motor: SRAM Eagle Powertrain (90nm)
- Battery: SRAM Eagle Powertrain Full-Size (720wh)
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate (170mm)
- Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM XO AXS Eagle Transmission
- Shifters: SRAM POD Ultimate Bridge MMX
- Stem: ANVL Swage
- Bar: OneUp Carbon
- Crankset: SRAM XO Eagle E-MTB (160mm)
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb AXS
- Saddle: SDG Bel Air 3
- Brakes: SRAM Code Silver Stealth 220mm F/R
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis E-Bike Alloy
- Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary F, Schwalbe Big Betty R
- Color: Graphite Grey or Bonfire Red
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 23.95 kg (Medium)
- Price: TBC
