Review: 2022 Transition Repeater - The Electric Sentinel

Mar 8, 2022
by Mike Kazimer  
Well, you can scratch Transition off the ever-shrinking list of mountain bike companies that don't have an e-bike in their lineup. They've entered the fray with the Repeater, a carbon framed, 160mm 29er powered by a Shimano EP8 motor and a 630 Wh battery. It's essentially an electric Sentinel, with a few geometry changes to make room for the motor.

There are three complete models, with prices ranging from $8,199 for the NX model to $10,999 for the AXS model. The version I've been testing for the last few months is essentially the AXS model, but without the AXS – all of the other parts match the spec list, with the exception of the cable-actuated GX derailleur.

Repeater Details

• Wheel size: 29
• Carbon frame
• Travel: 160mm
• 64-degree head angle
• 455mm chainstays
• Shimano EP8 motor
• 630 Wh battery
• Weight: 50 lb / 22.7 kg (size L)
• Price: $10,999 USD
transitionbikes.com






bigquotesIt does feel more alive at higher speeds versus picking and poking down a technical line. Those higher speeds make it easier to really lean into the turns, and to take advantage of all the traction that comes from the extra weight of the motor around the bottom bracket area. Mike Kazimer


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Frame Features & Motor Details

The Repeater's lines match the rest of Transition's lineup – it's only the oversized downtube and larger head tube junction that gives it away as being a motorized machine. The vertical shock orientation allows for plenty of room for a water bottle, and there are two bolts on the underside of the downtube for attaching a tube or tools.

The cables are internally routed through the Acros headset, a trend that I hope doesn't catch on. Yes, it means that there's no need to make ports in the side of carbon frame, but it also makes maintenance more difficult – it's not the most direct line from the brake or the shifter into the frame. There also aren't in-molded tubes for the housing, but removing the battery does provide better access to the inside of the frame than what would be possible on a 'regular' bike.

A molded chainslap protector helps keep the noise down, although I wouldn't mind if the coverage extended a little further down the chainstay to help prevent heel rub.

The configuration of the EP8 and its controls is fairly standard – the display is mounted on the handlebar to the right side of the stem, and the mode actuator sits to the left side of the bar next to the grip. The power button sits within easy reach on the top tube. The charging port for the 630 Wh battery is located underneath a flip-up plastic cover on the non-drive side, just above the motor.


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Geometry & Sizing

The Repeater is available in four sizes – S, M, L, and XL, with reach numbers ranging from from 425mm to 510mm. The large I tested has a 480mm reach, and a 64-degree head angle. The chainstay length is a moderately long (for an e-bike) 455mm for all sizes. The seat angle varies depending on the size, and sits at 77.4-degrees on the large.


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Suspension Design

The Repeater uses a 205 x 65mm trunnion mounted shock for its 160mm of travel, which is delivered via a Horst Link suspension layout. The leverage ratio has 25.9% progression, which should allow the bike to work with both air and coil shocks.


Specifications
Price $10999
Travel 160mm
Rear Shock Fox Float X2 Factory
Fork Fox Float 38 Factory 160mm
Headset Acros ICR
Cassette SRAM XG 1295
Crankarms Shimano EM900
Rear Derailleur SRAM GX AXS
Chain SRAM XX1 black
Shifter Pods SRAM GX AXS
Handlebar OneUp Carbon Bar
Stem ANVL Swage 40mm
Grips ODI Elite Flow lock-on
Brakes Magura MT7
Wheelset DT Swiss Hybrid HX 1700
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary, Ultra Soft / Big Betty Soft - Super Gravity
Seat ANVL Forge
Seatpost OneUp dropper post



photo











Test Bike Setup

Setting up the Repeater didn't require anything out of the ordinary - I was able to find suspension settings that worked well fairly quickly, and didn't need to add or subtract and volume spacers to the fork or shock.

Transition recommends running between 28-34% sag. I ended up settling on the firmer side of that scale – I inflated the Float X2 to 190 psi, which gave me 18mm, or 28% sag. I set up the Fox 38 with 100 psi, and 3 volume spacers.

Testing took place during the heart of winter, which meant the Repeater was subjected to deep puddles, ice, mud, snow, along with healthy dose of perfect dirt when the weather improved.




Me.
Mike Kazimer
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Age: 39
Height: 5'11" / 180cm
Inseam: 33" / 84cm
Weight: 160 lbs / 72.6 kg
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @mikekazimer


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Climbing

I mentioned before that this is essentially a motorized version of the Sentinel (a bike I've spent a bunch of time on), and out on the trail that translates to a bike with relatively neutral handling, one that doesn't feel overly lethargic, at least for a full-powered eMTB.

Thanks to those 455mm chainstays and dual 29” wheels, the Repeater does well on extended straight sections of climbing – the Big Betty tire provides tons of traction, and the longer wheelbase adds an extra level of stability. The seated climbing position is nice and comfortable, and the 30mm rise OneUp bars helped keep me from feeling too hunched over. On that note, it's great to see that the amount of bar rise goes up with each size, a fit detail that's often overlooked.

On tighter, twistier climbs the Repeater doesn't have quite the same level of maneuverability as some of its mixed-wheeled competition. I had an easier time navigating tight, awkward switchbacks on both the Specialized Turbo Levo and Santa Cruz Heckler, bikes that have smaller rear wheels and shorter chainstays, which results in shorter wheelbases. It's not that those maneuvers weren't possible on the Repeater, it's just that I noticed it took a little more effort to get around them without dabbing.

On non-motorized bikes I tend to prefer dual 29” wheels due to the improved rollover while climbing, but when there's a motor added to the equation that's less of a benefit. The climbing position on an e-bike ends up being a little different – I'm either seated, or standing up out of the saddle and trying to keep that rear wheel digging in, and that's where the 27.5” rear wheel can pay dividends. However, when it comes to good old-fashioned monster trucking, blasting straight at an obstacle and relying on momentum to take you up and over, the Repeater can more than hold its own.


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Descending

As fun as it was to zip up a fire road and then dive into a steep descent over and over (and over) again aboard the Repeater, my favorite rides were more exploratory in nature, seeing where little-used moto trails took me, and getting into areas that were a little further off the beaten path. The Repeater's geometry works well for both styles of rides – it's slack enough to get rowdy, but it's not so slack that it feels sluggish on more rolling terrain.

That being said, it does feel more alive at higher speeds versus picking and poking down a technical line. Those higher speeds make it easier to really lean into the turns, and to take advantage of all the traction that comes from the extra weight of the motor around the bottom bracket area. In addition, the suspension is well supported, which helps keep it from getting bogged down on really chopped up sections of trail. I could have run a little more sag to make it feel even plusher, but the setup I ended up with delivered plenty of grip without feeling too mushy on smoother sections of trail.

Jumping a 50-pound e-bike comes with a little bit of a learning curve – it can take a few runs to get used to how the extra heft handles in the air, especially if you're coming from a lighter, non-motorized bike. It's a little trickier to find the balance between going too far and not going far enough, but the good news is that throughout it all I didn't experience any harsh bottom outs – the Float X2 does a great job of dealing with bigger hits.

It's been mentioned countless times before, but the Shimano EP8 motor does make a rattling noise on rougher decents. How noticeable the rattle is seems to depend in part to the frame design – some frames are quieter than others. I'd place the Repeater in the middle of the road – the noise is there, but it wasn't that distracting. I'd still like it eliminated altogether, especially since it's not like we're talking about inexpensive bikes here.


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Santa Cruz Heckler 2022 review
Santa Cruz Heckler
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Transition Repeater

How Does It Compare?

I had the Repeater on hand at the same time I was testing the new Santa Cruz Heckler, so a comparison between the two seems apt. When it comes to geometry, the Repeater has 10mm more rear travel, and a half-degree slacker head angle. The reach on the Repeater is a little longer, at 480mm vs. 472mm, but not by much. I'd place both bikes in the same category when it comes to intended usage, although the Repeater has a better spec for more aggressive riding thanks to the Fox 38 or Zeb fork depending on the spec, burlier tires, and a longer dropper post.

Price is always a sticking point when it comes to e-bikes, especially ones with carbon frames - these things are damn expensive, and the Repeater is no exception. The GX AXS version of the Heckler is the same as the Repeater at $10,999 USD, but there are a few differences. The Heckler gets a Performance Elite Fox 36, while the Repeater has Factory level suspension. The Heckler has Code R brakes, compared to the Magura MT7's. There's also the aforementioned difference in tires, but it's the battery capacity difference that really separates them - the Heckler has a 720 Wh battery, versus the Repeater's 630 Wh.

What does all that mean out on the trail? Well, I was able to get in more miles before running out of juice on the Heckler. The range on the Repeater is still decent, but I wouldn't have said 'no' to an even larger battery. As far as the suspension feel goes, both bikes have great traction, although I'd give the nod to the Heckler when it comes to small bump sensitivity. The mixed-wheel Heckler was a little easier to handle in tighter, more awkward climbs, while the Repeater needed more room to really come alive. Out of the box, I'd say the Repeater is going to be a better fit for aggressive riders who tend to ride at higher speeds, while the Heckler is a little more of an all-rounder, and would likely need a couple component swaps for someone who was more focused on all-out descending performance.

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Technical Report

Schwalbe Magic Mary Ultra Soft / Big Betty tires: This was an excellent tire combo for riding during wet winter conditions. Not surprisingly, the Ultra Soft rubber on the Magic Mary doesn't last all that long. I'll take that tradeoff for improved grip, but riders in drier areas may want to swap it out for something with more longevity.

Magura MT7 brakes: Magura's MT7 brakes have great modulation, and plenty of power for slowing down a big bike like this. I don't totally get along with the lever shape, but Magura does have a bunch of different options – I think I'd prefer something like the Loic Bruni lever, which doesn't have a pronounced of a hook at the end of the blade. I did find that the pads didn't last very long – they wore out noticeably quicker then the metallic Code pads I was using on another bike in the same muddy conditions.

Battery life / motor profiles: There are a bunch of factors that will determine just how long that 630 Wh battery will last. Rider weight, trail gradient, and which mode the bike is in all play a part in the equation. Looking at my stats, it seems like ride lengths tended to be around 2.5 – 3 hours, with around 4,000 vertical feet of climbing, and that's without fully depleting the battery. Again, those numbers will vary depending on the aforementioned factors.

There are two motor profiles pre-loaded onto the Repeater that can be used to extend its range a little further – one of the modes reduces the max output in Boost and Trail mode, and increases the output in the Eco mode to maximize the efficiency. I tended to use the mode that place a priority on speed, but the battery-saving mode does make a difference for those bigger riders.


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Pros

+ Well thought out parts spec
+ Good traction and supportive suspension
+ Great high speed stability

Cons

- Headset design adds unnecessary inconvenience
- Battery capacity is good, but not the best
- The typical EP8 gripes still apply – it rattles, and the display could be better




Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesTransition may be a little late to the party, but the Repeater is a very solid entry into the eMTB world. It's well spec'd, with a parts kit that can handle aggressive riding, and just enough battery capacity to make bigger rides possible without suffering from range anxiety.

That said, it's a bike that's more 'of the moment' rather than being a groundbreaking new concept. It ticks all the boxes for a modern eMTB, but it doesn't push things into the future. That's a good tactic for a company's first foray into the motorized world, but I'll be interested to see what the follow-up act looks like, especially as battery and motor technology continues to evolve.
Mike Kazimer








Author Info:
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Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,721 articles

476 Comments
  • 13 0
 Perfect
  • 120 44
 The real win is that you can finally delete that word doc on your desktop that contains only this video link and the file name “First_comment_when_transition_sells_out”

Congrats on freeing up 3mb
  • 14 0
 Never say never.
  • 23 96
flag sempertoy (Mar 8, 2022 at 7:09) (Below Threshold)
 That video was put together 5 years ago.... with the amount and frequency of change in the bike industry, I would say that it did age well. I am happy to see them offer something in the E -bike world.
  • 122 1
 they really should have named their ebike the Petrol
  • 6 0
 You should have a glance at the cross-moped (mobcross) trend in France during the 80's 90's... Wink
  • 18 2
 I mean who doesn’t want to go longer, harder and deeper?
  • 39 6
 I can't believe they Transitioned into the EMTB+ community
  • 12 1
 @fjopsys: Underrated comment, especially since they should have made it a mullet as reviewers are already complaining about the 29 rear wheel and longer chainstay. Transition is saying it's more designed specifically for e-bike riding, climbs and big rides, but I thought the whole point of a motor was being able to comfortably do longer rides on a bike more designed for the downs... Sooo
  • 34 0
 I can immagine how people at Transition finally decided to make a ebike: i.pinimg.com/474x/81/93/64/819364fa7828f421a1cd1a317d6871f6--space-balls-john-candy.jpg
  • 6 0
 @Dustfarter: That's my favourite Justin Bieber quote right there!
  • 24 3
 $8k starting is insane, but when you realize how quickly motors/batteries are wearing out and how expensive they are to replace, it's even more nuts. And only a 2 year motor warranty. For example (same motor): nsmb.com/articles/2022-norco-range-vlt-full-review

Your bike is now a consumer electronic, with life span and replacement costs to match. Maybe this is why eBikes are a cash cow? As a company you can probably count on much shorter product purchase cycles as electric components fail or are quickly made obsolete?
  • 8 1
 @rickybobby18: Yep, same struggle with cars getting more and more electronics and now full electric cars. When a much smaller percent of mechanics know how to work on them and then getting any outside work done voids any warranty (cough Tesla cough)... Consumers are accepting this situation with their pants down. And people buying e-bikes in areas with no right to repair laws or laws that wave off predatory warranty practices are at a huge disadvantage.

Early adopters are only a good thing if they also hold the new thing accountable. If they set a precedent where e-bikes are overpriced and not reliable, then it just adds another chunk of time to the development of these products ever becoming a real consideration for the middle class and/or majority of riders/buyers.
  • 5 3
 Can't wait to see the new Banshee emtb next
  • 9 5
 @lepigpen: don't really agree with the analogy though...an ICE car needs waaaaay more maintenance than an EV. In 5+ years of owning EV's, all I've done to them as far as "maintenance" goes is adding some windshield wiper fluid and a YouTube-enabled DIY fix of a windows switch. When I owned ICE cars it was regular oil changes, transmission fluid, belts, radiator stuff, etc.
  • 4 1
 @rickybobby18: This is less about the maintenance itself, any mechanical vehicle needs something. Even a BMX bike. It's more about the warranty, proprietary parts/tools, and the outright reliability issues. Like you say, there are a lot of simple things that need to be done to any vehicle that the large majority of people can do. But when it comes to something less people can do, like a full suspension service, it turns into an issue if only certain people can work on it and if the warranty is void otherwise.

Also I was referencing more simple things like electronic windows vs manual ones. If the trend continues in this direction, you can end up with a bike that damn near feels like a car service with electronic shifting, dropper, suspension, and drivetrain motor. Which to me is only a bad thing if it has horrible reliability, service, and warranty surrounding it.
  • 2 0
 @lepigpen: aaaah yeah, agreed. A full suspension rebuild is the only thing I can't do to my bike right now and I'd hate to add electronics to the mix, especially if they are a weak point when it comes to reliability.
  • 3 0
 @rickybobby18: Yeah, which is why it's a serious issue when something like RockShox Sid's go out and have a notorious bushing play issue. And I'm not even sure if that's something you can take to a local shop and have fixed. I heard peopel talking about it like the shop sends it to RockShox to fix and then sends it back which is, especially nowadays, a LOT of time off the bike.

And that's what I was referencing because my friend was talking about his Commencal e-bike and how it had an outright motor failure and he waited basically months to get his bike back. And... There was some f*ckery with the warranty where they were trying to charge him and I think he just talked them out of it because it was BS. I'd have to see him again to get the details. But I'd be f*ckin... Up a wall if I had a motor failure in under 2 years and then the company tried to play games with the warranty being close to expiration and what not. After all that money invested. Yikess
  • 1 0
 Banshee's Keith Scott said in a PinkBike interview they couldn't afford the buy-in for the motors, But maybe they could get a loan? Wink
  • 4 0
 @rickybobby18: depending on what EV you have, you’re going to cringe when your HV battery needs to be replaced. It costs as much as a complete internal combustion engine replacement. The cost to install a high-power home charger should be factored, especially if you don’t have 220v pre-wired to a convenient location for charging. And motors/inverters & DC/DC converters go bad all the time. Worked for Tesla for several years, I speak from experience. There are trade offs, and in many cases cost operation reduction isn’t one of them.
  • 4 2
 @JDub713: I've owned an EV for 5+ years and you think I don't know this stuff? Our level 2 home charger was completely covered by rebates from our local electric company ($1500ish) and a lot of municipalities are doing that.

Some batteries go forever and some need replacing in relatively short order. One of my EV's has 96,000mi on it and is still going strong with no noticeable battery degradation year after year. There are scatterplots of this stuff you can find online. You can also find a lot of data on "true cost to own". EV's have been around for awhile now. We've got plenty of data. Maintenance costs of an ICE car are, on average, far higher than an EV over the long run. And the EV is better for the environment, all factors considered, after about 35,000 miles and on.
  • 1 1
 @rickybobby18: fake account. No profile
  • 1 0
 word to the WAD
  • 3 0
 @rickybobby18: no batteries go forever, that is factually false. The chemistry inside the cells change after numerous charge cycles and temperature cycles. The more you fast charge and/or expose your vehicle to diverging temperatures, the quicker your battery will deplete over time. Not all municipalities offer rebates, you just so happen to live in one. You’re paying for it in taxes I assure you. 35k miles is nothing. The maintenance costs for a comparable ICE vehicle at that mileage is generally negligible until you get to around double that mileage when fluid replacement intervals begin in to kick in. Many new ICE vehicles come with service included with the new vehicle warranty for the first couple years. Your EV will require some of this maintenance too. Brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, transmission oil and filter replacement (yes, EVs have a transmission that requires servicing), cabin pollen filter replacement, AC servicing (which is critical for HV battery cooling). EVs have their place, but they are not the end all be all remedy for everyone.
  • 1 0
 @lepigpen: @lepigpen: you cannot "void" a warranty, as consumers are protected under the magnuson moss act. The manufacturer and the dealer may claim they can, but they cannot. They can deny a warranty claim if they determine that what the consumer did caused the failure, but they cannot do a blanket voiding of warranty. Tesla, is an interesting case. I don't think you can even buy their parts from Tesla can you?

Now this doesn't mean that a manufacturer can't try and make your life very difficult if you don't play ball, but you as the consumer can fight them, and will more than likely win as the law is very clear when it comes to warranties.

I file warranty claims as part of my job, and most manufacturers are very happy to make sure the customer is made whole. There are some that are absolutely terrible about it, like Honda (power equipment) and Kawasaki engines, but most are very good.
  • 1 0
 @rickybobby18: You paid upfront costs for that convenience. EV's will not run for 20+ years without significant costs.
  • 292 4
 Cables internally routed through the headset... Please stop.
  • 17 1
 Yeah, good luck running zero spacers without cable rub. Quinny will love it.
  • 53 0
 Why do they do this? What are the pros? Genuinely curious. It just seems like a dumb solution.
  • 15 3
 It was a great bike till that
  • 67 4
 Transition are a bit overpriced here in the UK, but I'd always respected them as a rider-focused company. It might seem a petty little thing, but this does change that view somewhat.
  • 29 0
 Transition. A rider owned company, not a mechanic or diy repair-at-home-people owned company?
  • 22 10
 @JohSch: Literally not the case. Their bikes are super easy to work on and their support for exploded diagrams and info on suspension and parts numbers etc is spot on on their website. Favourite company to work with by far. Just spend some time on their site and you can tell they have the end consumer in mind.
  • 20 0
 seriously, I don't even like this fully internal thing on road bikes, even though I understand it might bring some minimal aero gains. But for mountain bikes? wtf?
  • 7 3
 @samstanden: yep I second this. I was so surprised and happy to find the clearly labelled exploded axo views that I emailed them a bit of positive feedback - easiest bike part searching ever.
  • 28 0
 Headset internal routing is ridiculous.
  • 11 0
 @samstanden: until they started using that headset
  • 2 13
flag samstanden (Mar 8, 2022 at 4:02) (Below Threshold)
 @JohSch: I just don't get why that isn't mechanic friendly? Everyone moaned that the other models had external rear brake routing and that it didn't look tidy and now people complain when they tidy it up. All cabling on ebikes is a bigger pain than a conventional bike so barely makes a difference. Just get one of the Sram threaded barbs that connect cables together, lube the outside of the cable and then gently push one end and pull the other if you want to change the brake.
  • 46 3
 @samstanden: That routing through a proprietary headset offers many benefits:


- eats up headset bearings because of water ingress
- cables wear fork shafts
- crowded headset are and need to put everything together each time makes fork service and fork installation way harder
- makes it impossible to use other headsets
- makes it harder to use other stems (often)
- will maybe make a whole bike useless one day once spares for the one headset that fits aren´t made anymore.
- ACROS, like Magura, likes to use plastics where metall would be the obvious and longer lasting material of choice

+ it looks great at the car park and the café stop and when recharging the bikes battery in town.
  • 23 3
 I can't help but feel like these bikes are designed for people who only ever have their bikes maintained at a shop. But that's no reason to abuse shop mechanics with these contrivances.
  • 7 0
 @JohSch: Acros also likes to make headsets where (shitty) bearings are pressfit to the cups. Imagine the joy trying to replace the bearing once they're destroyed!
  • 1 0
 I guess they needed a wider head tube because of the wider downtube (battery), so they did that in order to keep everything proportional. Some brands just have a huge reduction on frame width from DT to HT.
  • 10 0
 To keep proportions you need to use length times girth, over angle of the shaft divided by mass, over WIDTH. Only then will the vibration of the motor provide the most riding pleasure and fastest time to climbax.
  • 4 0
 @samstanden: Lol. The cable, wires and rear hose literally pass through the inside of the upper headset bearing. You can tell they don’t have the end consumer in mind
  • 167 34
 Noooooo,Transition, how could you??
  • 47 94
flag ridingloose (Mar 8, 2022 at 0:43) (Below Threshold)
 Oh, noooo. Transition is no longer a sports bike brand. I bought my Transitions among other things because they were not an e-bike company. I don't think my next bike will be Transition again ...
  • 104 11
 @ridingloose: so what happens when every mtb brand makes an ebike? You just give up to spite yourself?
  • 4 2
 @ridingloose: Hahahahaha
  • 11 1
 Because money
  • 71 40
 What is wrong with all you eBike Haters?
I personally dont own one, and dont plan on getting one, at least for the next 10 years.
But I don`t understand all the Hate.
None of you have a problem to go to a BikePark or even Shuttle with a Big Ass Truck.
How are eBikes bad?
  • 52 51
 @Prt: The fact that with a Bike Parks riders are channeled into specific trails/areas.
With ebikes, all the natural terrain can be ridden 4 5 times as much resulting in more damage to the trails, therefore closing because the city will not allow it anymore…
Happend in our city
  • 66 11
 @Prt: I will try to remain objective here. I don't think it's ebikes themselves people hate, maybe more about what they represent. Of course, to a company, they are a guaranteed sell. It doesn't matter how bad or good they are, by slinging on a motor, the markup is going to be considerably higher. That's probably just good business sense and why every company is doing it.

For riders themselves, I guess ebikes represent having it come too easy. Mountainbiking is usually a sport where you suffer. Whether that is up or/and down, you don't tend to have it easy. Ebikes literally raise your ability to do the fundamental aspect of riding - to pedal - to superhuman levels, and this for a lot of people doesn't sit that well. Yes, it has a lot of good causes - getting those less able to ride bikes out and about - but from one rider to another, it just looks like an unfair advantage.

Either way, they're here to stay so I guess everyone just has to get used to them.
  • 38 31
 @dubod22: Not a fan of uplifts or chairlift access then?

Should I flog myself when I use a chairlift in order to introduce the required suffering?
  • 7 0
 @j0lsrud: yep- and staying current. If I remember correctly, they were one of the last to hold out against going to 148 Boost- and I wasn’t happy with it when they finally did- but, look at where we are all at now. Either stay current or get left behind and lose money.

They way I see it, if they make a ton of cash from these things, perhaps it’ll help put funds toward (keeping) making awesome non-eBikes. And they do make killer bikes. I don’t own one now, but I will again someday, and I have in the past.
  • 7 7
 @edfw: that's just ridiculous!
  • 18 30
flag beastmaster (Mar 8, 2022 at 4:26) (Below Threshold)
 @dubod22: Maybe its because they are FUN AF!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 7 13
flag mi-bike (Mar 8, 2022 at 4:29) (Below Threshold)
 @dubod22: "I will try to remain objective... I don't think it's ebike themselves... probably just good business... I guess ebikes represent ... I guess everyone just has to get used to them." Subjectively speaking, that the least objective post in this thread Wink
  • 9 14
flag justanotherusername (Mar 8, 2022 at 4:29) (Below Threshold)
 @vw4ever: Did you own a transition bike when you were unhappy they went to 148 boost? - People seem to get very emotional about the decisions Transition make.

I think the realistic view of this is that if you dont make an e-bike in the next 10 years you may struggle to even survive as Ebikes will begin to dominate the market.
  • 5 1
 @justanotherusername: Absolutely I was! I’m calling myself out on it. I had just purchased a 2017 Patrol. Then SBG and Boost came out a month later, and my bike was all of the sudden “lame”.

Just saying that I have perspective now- it sucked at the time to me, but it didn’t affect the handling of the bike.
Just numbers. And going forward, I understand why bike companies make the decision that they do (not always, but sometimes.)
  • 6 3
 @vw4ever: Ah OK, I understand now, you were angry because they moved to a new standard after your purchase, that's understandable but happens with every company or brand, just one of those annoying things.

I imagined somehow you were irrationally anti boost-wheels ;-)

This seems to have slowed a little now, covid supply chains have taken the edge off constantly new standards at least.
  • 4 1
 Because people want to buy them?
  • 8 17
flag jason475 (Mar 8, 2022 at 5:34) (Below Threshold)
 @Prt: what's wrong with big ass trucks. We have them, and use the shit out of them.. When we go on bike trips, we put 5 guys, 5 bikes, and all our shit in one truck. So for 10 of us, that's only 2 vehicles being used or parked. Cuts down on the number of vehicles in the area.
  • 8 4
 @jason475: What's wrong with big ass trucks? - The empty fuel tank and wallet.
  • 18 4
 @jason475: His point is many here like you use a truck to do even less work that someone that uses a ebike to get the top of the hill, but complain ebikes are being lazy....
  • 6 8
 What’s better, riding trails self shuttling that will recover or getting to the top using fuel that the the planet won’t recover from ? @edfw:
  • 7 8
 @edfw: 4-5x as much? 2x as much, max. Unless you’re a total newb an tap out at 1k on a self powered ride.
  • 16 2
 How dare transition sell a product with good margins to rich people? How dare they try to turn a profit!

In all seriousness, that stem is more offensive than the motor.
  • 2 0
 plugged into the vibe
  • 12 0
 To be fair, these guys aren’t spring chickens anymore. One thing is for certain, riding dirt jumps or ebikes, they’re out there riding and not picking up their phone.
  • 2 0
 Proven to not be the case@edfw:
  • 1 0
 @Prt: pissed at pricing probably.
  • 12 6
 @dubod22: Thats such BS though. If you were already a rider you still pedal your ass off. The difference is that you get more laps. Does that make a difference to trail wear? Perhaps, but I've also noticed tons more people doing trail work with their e-bikes because it's easier to get out there with tools etc and when they do ride they get tons of laps so paying back a little isn't as much of a sacrifice.
  • 4 0
 @vw4ever: BS. your 2017 was never ever 'lame'. it was a goldilocks bike of the day, pedalled very well, was a great descender, and looked gorgeous. they were everywhere and for good reason. still a great bike today for many riders.
  • 2 2
 @j0lsrud: right? I maybe foolishly thought that the objective of a business (bike or otherwise) was to make a profit Even their schtick is just to create a brand image to sell more bikes and...

wait for it...


make money.
  • 9 4
 @dubod22: There are plenty of days where I suffer greatly on an MTB. I still prefer regular biking, but it’s getting closer now. When I’m on an ebike I really enjoy passing people(safely) and whispering in their sweaty ear “I love ebikes”. When I’m on my normal bike and an ebike goes to pass me I generally try to grab on and say “shut up and tow me b****”.
What ever you ride just be decent and have fun!
  • 3 3
 Also: What the f*ck are those prices? Starting at 8k? For such a basic build? Seriously?
  • 2 6
flag CM999 (Mar 8, 2022 at 8:05) (Below Threshold)
 @justanotherusername: no because the trails are designed to cope with the extra beating
  • 13 3
 @Dustfarter: There's no where close to enough riders doing trailwork to the ratio of growing numbers riding including ebike riders for keeping up with trail maintenance. Check your anecdotal claims at the door.
  • 2 2
 @Muscovir: If they can't keep a product in stock, they need to raise prices. Sucks for us, but thats the reality for now.
  • 4 4
 @justanotherusername: No, I'm not a fan of turning fat, middle aged men into world tour roadies.
  • 4 0
 @edfw: the increased wear argument is imo the only truly worrying anti ebike argument. I would like to see manufacturers address this with a membership to the local trail organization included in the price. An extra $30 on $6-12k bike is nothing, would give money for maintenance and provide some personal buy in for folks (especially if they are new to the sport.
On the flip side lots of use ebikes to get our tools in to do maintenance
  • 4 4
 @postrock: The ratio of riders to trail work has NEVER been in trailwork's favor but , anecdotally ( to keep you happy) , in my riding area , where e-bikes are more or less accepted now, there has been a serious uptick in effort.
  • 6 2
 Yall are spoiled. I share my trails with actual motos.
  • 13 13
 @Prt: I have yet to see an ebiker on my local trails pick up a shovel…

The amount of holes, ruts, and loose rubble on the trail since the advent of ebikes is unbelievable.
  • 9 7
 @leviatanouroboro: Anecdotal bullshit - here’s why; The effective head of our local trail building (communicates with forestry commission on behalf of trail community) is an ebike rider (amongst other bikes) and so are many that are part of the trail building group.

So the point is - our personal experience means nothing in the wider world, it’s just anecdotal rubbish.
  • 11 4
 @leviatanouroboro: there's a good chance those older ebikers built many trails you ride today.
  • 4 0
 @dubod22: I really like ebikes for the right application (just like I enjoy motos for the right applicaiton.) However, I completely agree with you. Very well put
  • 6 10
flag SterlingArcher (Mar 8, 2022 at 12:09) (Below Threshold)
 @Prt: it’s all jealousy cuz people can’t afford one lol
  • 6 4
 @justanotherusername: so, Pinkbike tested ebikes by using the assist to climb the fire road to the top then turning off the bike for the downhill. How is this different than using a shuttle or chairlift. And when they are turned off, do they become a regular bike? Can I run my ebike down non motorized trails if I turn it off? Why not?
  • 13 7
 @dubod22: @dubod22: That is the cringest thing I ever read lol Who cares if the sport becomes "too easy." Who the hell says you have to suffer? Stop gatekeeping. If it makes you feel better, don't classify it as mtb. Call it a motorbike, scooter, dirtbike or whatever you want. No one cares just stop whining.

Many of the complainers still shuttle or use lift services but I don't see many people arguing that that is "too easy"
  • 5 5
 @justanotherusername: yup, another ebike riding head volunteer here, along with a couple of my main volunteers. We've got loads of extra work done because it's easy to head up for an hour or two.
  • 6 4
 Have you ridden an ebike or two? I laughed at e-bikers till I tried one, now I found a model I like and it's the only MTB I have-- sold everything else. I sold my daily driver car to afford this bike but find it's actually replaced some of my car trips around town too! The assist means, even with off road tires, I'd rather pedal the MTB downtown than my road bike and you can have fun riding down hillsides and jumping off stuff on the way. Way easier to park.
  • 6 4
 @manitunc: Class 1 ebikes aren't really going to tear up trails. I turn the assist off going downhill... if you adjust your pedals, sometimes the motor kicks in for a moment and throws off my balance. Do have to laugh at the people who complain about riding your ebike up a fire road... as if that somehow rips it up more than a pickup with six dudes in it.
  • 2 0
 @stumphumper92: You seem to have misunderstood me. My conclusion was based on a gathered public opinion rather than my own. Again, my attempt was to be objective and not a personal rant. Not entirely accurate by any means so maybe it needs a survey instead. I did mention to suffer can mean going up AND/OR down which qualifies XC right through to DH (shuttles/lift access).

Personally, they do offer a lot of potential to a lot of people but the original commenter asked why there was a lot of hate towards ebikes. I tried to answer concisely so it wasn't meant as a whine. Apologies, you seem more riled than I do about it.
  • 2 0
 @Dlakusta: What you meant was one guy to the group of ebikers made the trail back when he was pedaling. Now he doesn't give a #_-@ since almost nobody did trailwork then or now so he rides where he wants when he wants. State the facts, Dlakky.
  • 7 0
 @catweasel: They could make the bike a subscription and the assist will stop working if they don't pay the yearly trail fee Smile
  • 1 0
 @jamesbrant: I agree with your sentiment. At the time I had no perspective. I now know differently.

Read my response completely. “ Absolutely I was! I’m calling myself out on it. I had just purchased a 2017 Patrol. Then SBG and Boost came out a month later, and my bike was all of the sudden “lame”.

Just saying that I have perspective now- it sucked at the time to me, but it didn’t affect the handling of the bike.
Just numbers. And going forward, I understand why bike companies make the decision that they do (not always, but sometimes.)”
  • 2 0
 @jamesbrant: And for what it’s worth- I’ll admit this every GODDAxN day. I bought a Norco Sight, with all the bells and whistles on it. So many times, I feel faster on it than my old Patrol. It’s comfortable and eats up chunder so much better. But it’s simply not true. I’m not a Strava dude- but I do have a private account that I simply monitor my trail speed with. Guess what all my PRs are on? You get one guess.(and it’s not the Sight).
  • 1 0
 @rcrocha: LMAO I love that idea
  • 1 0
 @rcrocha: alternatively we could hand out tokens at dig days that you insert like a parking meter
  • 1 0
 @edfw: Upvoted ya cuz you're RIGHT
  • 1 0
 @rcrocha: Geo fencing!
  • 2 3
 @Dlakusta: also: shuttling means that with a real bike you have to pedal up when there is no shuttle option. Ebikes now allow assistance in every case, so it is not a really equal comparison. Anyone who tells you they buy an ebike to ride better means "for the up" as how it helps on the down escapes me. And if you do use it on the down, then how is it different from a gas powered motorbike?
  • 1 0
 @blackfly: they are overall worse on the downs but better through chatter and loose turns due to the high weight and low COG. I have a regular bike with super deluxe coil and lyric ultimate. The bike has the same geo and travel as my ebike but the eeb with super deluxe select and zeb select blows it out of the water through chatter.
  • 1 0
 @Justfucnsmash: haha thanks Smile
  • 1 0
 @Prt: it's because there are a lot of kids here. Once they hit 50 if they are still able to ride they all will be jumping in e-bikes and be writing comments like ( oh you all don't remember how shit e-bikes were in 2020 and how much progress happen in these last 20 years Big Grin )
  • 2 5
 @catweasel: the motor makes the bike far less "future proof" and the added weight is no compensation for riding style/finesse that you get in spades on a regular bike or even better, a hardtail, of which my titanium Knolly is superb. There is no benefit of the motor on the down and the assist on the up only helps those whom are lacking in the intestinal commitment department to get up to do trails that are the bare minimum on the down. On the Shore (and I remember when saying that used to mean something) most whom used ebikes are noobs with no riding skill simply using the assist on the up as they can't ride and it shows as most go down the groomed blue/bunny runs. Never see them on the REAL blacks but they are there in spades on Seventh, John Deer, or any groomed Shore run. I see it all the time. And the runs they go down have NO benefit to motor assist so the argument falls apart and leaves ONLY the fact they use it to wimp out on the ups as they can't ride and only ride the easiest runs as, in fact, they prove, they can't ride and wouldn't be there in the first place without the motor assist or groomed runs. Boy, I sure miss the old days where you had to earn the up and most times paid for the down......
  • 2 0
 @corerider: I’ve ridden e-bikes and they are fun as f*ck but they’re airpods yes. Eventually there won’t be support and or future proofing. A company who focuses on making them acoustic will be needed someday. But over generalizing the use user group has earned the down votes.

I’m too concerned about long term return on investment but I’d get one in a heartbeat if i could hop a bike path to some trails or speed up a climb. Some of us have commitments and 45 minutes only to get up and back down before we have to give a kid a bath or make dinner. Hero suffering and earning turns is bullshit
  • 2 4
 @usedbikestuff: Typical copp out that I hear all the time. Funny that those of us whom have been around for decades have had no problem grinding it up long before ebikes were a thing.....and yes, we had limited time and commitments as well (kids and jobs are nothing new). But this is a typical sentiment from a younger, entitled generation that thinks work is a four letter word. This might come as a shock but I have never liked the up either (well, tolerate it but I do enjoy the workout), but the effort in makes for a better ride since the fitness aspect of going up (hero suffering? I suppose all athletes are gods then....) makes for a better down since you are fit to make for longer downs. The fact you and many like you think that having to work to go up is a sad statement of not just the sport but society in general and is most likely going to cost us in the long run. In the US in particular bike access is already a contentious issue (and has been for years) and you think adding motors is going to help in any way outside of selfish interests? You'd be able to get up the hill on a regular bike in no time flat if you were fit. Ah....that work thing again.
  • 2 1
 @corerider: never said anything about not liking climbing but thanks for proving my point about hero suffering.

I regularly climb ventoux and alp du zwift virtually just for fun, try to do it once a month at least just to see if I can get a better time. And working to climb up a hill on a bike has f*ck all to do with a job. Those types of work aren’t even remotely comparable unless you walk up hills for a living. I’ve never sat at a desk and said f*ck this excel formula and thrown my bike down or had to check my heart rate.

And fitness going up a hill isn’t the issue, nor is doing the “work” of climbing. It’s having the convenience that if my wife gave me the green light some day at 5pm to pop out the door and ride over to the trails an ebike would technically make it much easier and faster to do the loop

But I guess since I said e-bikes would let me speed up a climb, I am just a fat and lazy American with no work ethic.
  • 3 2
 @corerider: what a ridiculous rant of a post. I'm of an older generation too and have spent many, many hours climbing. I've raced cross country, enjoyed big days in remote areas and enjoyed even more lift assisted downhill.

Now I enjoy my ebike - it's brilliant. There is no sense of entitlement here, just riding, accessing new areas and opening up more descending with increasingly limited time.

My ebike is most definitely a mountain bike. Without question! It's not a scooter, definitely not Moto. It's weightier than your usual MTB, sure, but still great fun. I still end up shattered after a day in the saddle, I've just covered more ground and descended a LOT. I could be fitter but heck, I love so many aspects of life and I'm going to enjoy them all. You live once, why not.

Ride as you wish to ride. Don't expect others to feel the same as you and stop taking a childish, ridiculous moral high ground. You're an example of the saddest aspect of society in general - the online keyboard warrior movement - you.

Get out there and ride. Enjoy it. Leave others to their riding. If I annoy you on my ebike, then you seriously need to grow up.
  • 2 1
 @corerider: Who gives a shit about your sanctimonious view.

People who like Ebikes will continue to buy and ride them, including me - I couldn't give a single shit what people say about their use so long as there are no land access issues to contend with, then its a legal argument and entirely separate.

As Jon Hall, Gwins mechanic said in the recent podcast - if you are anti e-bike its because you haven't tried one.

They sell because they are fun as shit you dullard.
  • 2 2
 @justanotherusername: you will give a shit when they are eventually banned for user conflicts, or worse, ecological damage in the form of a wildfire; and don't think this can't happen. Anything with a battery and motor can fail and burn. My only concern is when. And I sure wouldn't want this on my conscience if I were the cause. And when it happens you think access issues are tough or contentious now....just wait. Since there will be a blanket policy on this it will be all bikers, not just ebikes, that are banned.

Interesting that you get rid of ebikes you get rid of the problem.
  • 2 0
 @corerider: Did you miss the bit where I mentioned land access issues?

You are talking complete and utter shite though, now the reason not to ride them is they will set on fire when you are on the trail and burn the whole place down? yea right - have a chat with people who make bbq's and fires first, eh?

Its interesting that if you get rid of people obsessed with a puritan view of the hobby that is mountainbiking that you get rid of the problem.
  • 1 0
 @corerider: by that logic, mobile phones should be banned from nature, they can fail and burn (Samsung galaxy note 7 anyone? Far more documented than issues with real ebikes).
  • 1 0
 @corerider: also, land access issues, which I do agree are super valid and what not, is also not valid for Europeans, our governments accept that they're not motorised vehicles (again, proper ebikes, not homebrew or surons) and as such are treated identically to normal bikes. Maybe the government/land management is the issue more than the ebike that does nothing unless you are pedalling (like a normal bike).
  • 1 1
 @justanotherusername: tell that to the insurance companies that are most likely looking into higher home insurance rates for those whom have burned down houses or garages for battery failures on ebikes (of any stripe). This is not news and bike companies recalling ebikes for battery issues isn't a problem? If it never had the battery in the first place it would be no problem.

Puritanical? Not in the least. Just because technology allows for something does not make it better. My observation of ebike users (where I ride, here in Vancouver) are mostly those whom would not of ridden without the assistance of the motor, and certainly the large proportion (not all) are going down the smooth, groomed runs since without the constitution to go up they lack the practice and skill to go down. This is a regular occurrence. There is no purist of the sport. You ride, which means pedalling. That is what a bike was designed to do. Adding a motor makes it a motor bike. You seem to think the ability to ride is a right rather than a privilege, and privileges are earned. Strange no one complained about the up or how hard it was 20 years ago prior to the introduction of ebikes.

I have sent a couple of letters to both the province and municipality on the issue of fire risk but have not had a reply; but in your retort of batteries in phones, the same could be said. It only takes one incident and that will be it. One fire in a popular area (Squamish, North Van or anywhere in BC) will get all of us kicked out, not just bikers. Since a great preponderance of fires are human caused, the fact backcountry access is not limited yet bewilders me despite being an outdoorsman. And the evidence of a bike causing the fire will be obvious as much of the bike cannot burn.
  • 1 1
 @inked-up-metalhead: You are right. As I have stated, it would only take one incident to have everything change. Do you think that is worth the risk?
  • 3 0
 @corerider: Thankfully I am from and in the UK so far away from your bizarre efforts to shut Ebikes out of the areas you ride due to your fantastical views.

Just as a logical progression, are you also lobbying to ban electric cars from the trail car parks, they surely exhibit the same fire risk, no?

And no, Ebikes aren’t motorbikes, no matter how much you say it, how many letters you write or how high your blood pressure goes obsessing about it. Ebikes are here to stay and your letters unsurprisingly will continue to be ignored.
  • 2 0
 @corerider: well everyone still carries a mobile phone in their pocket, despite there being actual, documented cases of them basically spontaneously combusting. Find me an article about a proper ebike doing the same? Ive issues with dodgy homebrew ones, the police from the nearest city to me posted about one which causes a serious flat fire, but they categorically stated home made ones are the problem and people should buy one from a reputable brand to avoid this. Not saying it couldn't happen, but ffs man, you're infinitely more likely to crash and die while driving to the trails (something I don't do on my eeb, riding only), and possibly just as likely to drag your mech cage across a rock, which throws sparks into a pile of perfect tinder and boom, forest fire. If you want to be sensationalist, start lobbying to ban all human activity in nature because of microscopic chances.
  • 2 0
 @corerider: also 'Strange no one complained about the up or how hard it was 20 years ago prior to the introduction of ebikes' actually, practically everyone I've ever known has complained about the climbs (other than a few sadistic mfs) for the last 17 years (how long I've been riding). Literally, climbing has always been a burden you bear to gain the fun of the descents. It's why ebikes are outselling normal bikes in Europe, because lots of people hate the climbs and happily make them easier. Most of us don't care about anything other than fun.
  • 1 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: anything other than fun. Just about sums it all up :-) .. and my God they are... You ride places you'd never consider, you search for trails you'd previously not bother with and having to weight up effort/time to ride a descent is never an issue. Endless. Friggin. Fun :-)
  • 68 0
 Glad Kaz has such a strong opinion on the headset/cable routing. It's a shame to see this on a Transition.
  • 45 5
 Whirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr "on you left" Whirrrrrrrrrrr "sorry, didn't hear that, could you repeater?"
  • 10 1
 At least it only zaps your bank account once
  • 35 2
 So, in summary: “Meh”.
  • 31 11
 Meh is how most ebikes ride. Fine to get another few laps in but at the cost, a yamaha PW50/PW80 mx ride feel. I just cannot get into them. A long ride just leaves me feeling disconnected from everything. Even the new Kenevo SL left me feeling 'Meh'
  • 5 4
 @700-pirate: To me that says more about those specific bikes than e-bikes in general. I mean the Kenevo SL is really not far off the weight of a burly Norco Range or similar so I don't think it's the "e" component of it that's the issue. My Decoy Shred is an absolutely riot. It's just FUN. But then it is by modern standards a small bike (it's 40mm shorted reach than my Privateer) so perhaps that helps to keep it fun despite the weight.
  • 13 4
 Tried quite a few including the Decoy which is one of the better ones. Lived in the Tweed Valley until recently and that a good testing ground for them.
After a ride just feel a little off with ebikes. Never had that buzz. Even performance wise. Just feel a little numb. I tried to like them but more often just sell and get another up to date FS. I think as long as the human engine is there and capable of big rides. I am sure when older (40s) may get on it to preserve the heart!
  • 11 2
 Truth be told, I've never ridden an E-Bike that didn't leave me luke warm about the whole thing. They just do not live up to the hype.
  • 12 1
 @700-pirate: I just turned 50 and was thinking I won't need one till I'm 60Smile
  • 9 1
 @frenchfly: I turn 50 this year. Here is to 10 years and then thinking we don't need it until 70!
  • 4 1
 @rcrocha: THIS^^^
  • 2 5
 I got one when I turned 40 and kept thinking: man I should’ve done this when I turned 20!! So so fun!!
  • 2 0
 @700-pirate: Fair play, you like what you like! I live in Inners and the eeb has meant I just ride twice as much. Still ride my normal bike with my friends at the weekends though and there's no doubt that I am faster on the manual bike and if I'm riding something really scary, that's the bike I want to be on.

For me, having the Decoy is absolutely nothing to do with my fitness, age, health etc. It's purely to allow me to get more riding in when I have limited time during the week and for that it's absolutely superb.
  • 2 0
 @militantmandy: Well said. They have a place for sure.
  • 4 2
 @militantmandy: But your not getting more riding in, if you have 45 minutes to go for a ride and you go ride for 45 minutes then you've rode 45 minutes whether you were on an ebike or not?

All the ebike did was pedal for you, it's didn't magically make you ride longer.
  • 2 1
 @stiingya: It allows you to go further in the 45 minutes and make it worthwhile.
  • 2 2
 @Bad-Mechanic: So how far do you have to ride in 45 minutes for it to be "worthwhile"...?
  • 1 0
 @stiingya: You're not wrong, but I fear you're missing the point. Where I live, the ride to the top of the hill takes between 45 mins and 1 hour on a normal bike. So if I have an hour to ride, I can probably do 1 lap, which is 2 trails. If I ride the ebike, I can do 4-6 trails. That to me seems like a better use of my time, for what I want out of riding a bike.

"Worthwhile" is clearly a totally subjective term.
  • 2 0
 @militantmandy: I got in about an hours ride last night after work and I sure didn't get back to my truck and think, "if only I would have rode 2-3 times faster and/or 2-3 times further so my ride would have been WORTHWHILE"...
  • 26 0
 I don't like the headset one bit and its not just the added complexity. You're locked into using that specific upper without a routing alternative. I've swapped out the headset on both my bikes for different reasons, one was an Acros.
  • 30 0
 Vital said in their video review the headset holes allowed a lot of water to enter and this led to excessive wear, needing a replacement within a couple of months. That is pretty bad...
  • 15 0
 I’ve got the same headset & cable routing on my bike as this, total garbage. The bottom bearing fails every 2 months and the cable rub eats through the steerer tube! 3 major grooves on my steerer from the gear, brake & dropper cables after 4 months.
  • 10 0
 @SimbaandHiggins: And Acros headsrts are pretty crap to begin with
  • 7 0
 @jonap: do you not have the option to put a foam ring around the hose? There must be some bodge fix that can help. Although having to talk about bodge fixes on a 10+k bike is ridiculous
  • 2 0
 @honourablegeorge: Aaahhh, Acros. What were ya'all smoking when you spec'd the rubber compression ring on my Decoy's Block Lock headset?
  • 4 0
 @bocomtb: I replaced the Acros headset on my son's "new" MTB. It's 6 months old and the bearing completely disintegrated. Whole thing was half rust already.
  • 36 9
 More cons:
- carbon frame on an E-Bike
- headset that WILL eat dirt like hell
- small battery
- underpowered Shimano motor
- Shimano motor that is not serviceable
  • 16 2
 I can't imagine paying $8k+ for a bike that rattles and clunks down the trail
  • 6 1
 I don't think any ebike motor is serviceable right now.
  • 3 1
 Battery isn't small. I have a Rise and the battery is half this size. And I've never dropped below 30% battery in six months. Don't run in boost mode if you are worried about range. There's zero drag from the EP8 so you can leave the assist off and get by (Rise is about 40 lbs so not really much heavier than a regular bike, I know this one is 50lbs).
  • 2 1
 @Caiokv: Bosch and Brose both have some amount of serviceable components (that wear out or break)
  • 31 4
 Here for the commenters losing their minds.
  • 8 1
 Remember when PB introduced the emtb filter for those exact commenters?
Pepperidge farm remembers...
  • 25 1
 Where is my carbon Smuggler? Big Grin
  • 4 0
 I was hoping this new bike was an updated Smuggler.
  • 2 2
 @mtbschrader: Me too! Needs to be a 130/140 bike with flex stays and I'm ALL IN. The 2021 Stumpy I had was the best trail bike I'd ever ridden. If a new Smuggler doesn't show up soon, I may have to get another Stumpy
  • 33 14
 It’s one thing to sell out. It’s another to sell out with a half assed effort that brings literally nothing new to the table except terrible cable routing.

Transition would rather grab the ebike cash than take care of people who have been waiting for Spur’s for ten months I guess.
  • 28 15
 Why do some of you see Transition as some kind of teenage rock band that 'sells out' if they do something different?

Time to grow up, surely?

Transition probably ordered these e-bikes well over a year (or two) ago from the manufacturer, the e-bike wont be taking capacity from the Spur or delaying its manufacture - did you miss the memo that covid has caused lead times measured in years?
  • 7 6
 Yeah totally dude that makes sense, they are using that precious precious carbon to make these trail destroying monsters instead of spurs. It's not like the reason spurs are impossible to get is because Sid forks are 10 months out, I bet when they come in they will put them on new ebikes to grab that cash.
  • 3 7
flag jamesbrant (Mar 8, 2022 at 7:31) (Below Threshold)
 @justanotherusername: bingo!! Tranny is not Fugazi or some straight edge punk bank that just went glam FFS.
  • 3 0
 @PremiumCyclingProducts: 10mo? More like 2 years if you need a few of them...
  • 5 3
 What about the people who have actually been waiting for a transition ebike?? Just because you don't want one does not mean others don't either. I know in 2022 noone is allowed to have differing opinions.
  • 2 0
 @justanotherusername: I just had a meeting today because my suppliers for a non-bike related good we’re saying lead times were 650 days. The only thing worse is people who refer to their 4 year old as 48 months
  • 21 1
 Stoked to see this. Only let-down is that even with GiddyUp suspension, it's not been named the ThunderPony!
  • 24 9
 All the ebike evangelists on here who don’t actually ride ebikes crack me up. They are funnier than the haters. It’s also funny to me that most of the “ebikeless ebike fans” are the same people who complain about “dentists” ruining the sport.
  • 20 3
 *Everyone climbing DH trails on Galbraith and Alger* -"It's ok everyone It's a Transition."
  • 2 3
 This guy gets it
  • 5 1
 Galbraith and Alg are tooooo steep, thank goodness I don't need to push up to Blue Rock anymore
  • 18 5
 Me waiting for the battery charge:

I am a patient boy.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait
My time, water down a drain

Me realizing damn everyone's ready to roll out:

Everybody's moving
Everybody's moving
Everybody's moving, moving, moving, moving
Please don't leave me to remain

My bros asking where I am at:

Sitting in the waiting room (ah)
Sitting in the waiting room (ah)
Sitting in the waiting room (ah)
Sitting in the waiting room (tell me why)
Because, they can't get up

Lol. I crack myself up. :-P
  • 3 0
 Dam good song.
  • 5 0
 The Argument is whether it’ll charge in 13 Songs.
  • 1 0
 @Eatsdirt: Well surely it's a matter of Greed. When you tally up and split your profits, let me know if you need help with Long Divison.
  • 14 1
 I don't know these need to be carbon. 8k for NX is a big yikes. NX does not belong on a long travel e-bike that chews drivetrain. For example I paid sub 8k for the Meta Power Ohlins with full XT. Sure it's 2lb heavier, but it's an e-bike, who gives a shiz?
  • 2 5
 I think 8k for NX says bad value for money but i don't understand the chews drivetrains part, a more expensive drivetrain would arguably wear out sooner then and cost more to replace.
  • 8 1
 @Garradmiller: Higher end drivetrain is made of better materials with tighter tolerances and generally lasts longer in my experience.
  • 2 2
 @PhoS: AFAIK low tier cassettes are made of steel while higher tear are made mostly of alloy, so they're lighter (but who cares on an ebike) but were out faster. This only applies to the cassette though, not the derailleur, shifter, etc.
  • 7 0
 @Will-narayan: not with SRAM. They are all steel for NX and SX. The only alloy gear is 50/52 in GX, X01 and XX1. The difference is construction techniques and hub driver compatibility. NX and SX are built same as Shimano with separate gears and spacers etc and work with HG hubs. GX is pinned together gears as one piece that is XD driver. X01 and XX1 are 11 gears machines from one chunk of steel with a 12th aluminum gear attached and XD driver.

Shimano is more basic with their 12 speed stuff. Deore is all steel in bunches of pieces. SLX has aluminum 45/51 tooth. XT has two aluminum gears and XTR has 3. All use the new micro spline driver (that still notches fyi). Count the black (aluminum) gears in back and you know which level it is.
  • 19 2
 $11k...I'll just stick to cocaine, thanks.
  • 14 2
 Are we just accepting this is how much ebikes cost? I know it's an ancient argument but a KTM 450sxf is literally $300 cheaper and rides the same trails as an ebike. I just don't see the appeal. For half the price you could buy a pretty rad sentinel. People talk about accessibility but Jesus, are people getting loans to buy these things?
  • 14 2
 Haha I have a '22 Sentinel and a '18 yz250f. Best of both worlds, I could never get into the ebike. Just kind of "meh"
  • 2 2
 Pay for some ktm engine rebuilds and you’ll change your tune.
  • 7 1
 @DHhack: but does the emoped go brrraaaaappppp ?!
  • 3 1
 @Bkbroila: nothing like my old 500EXC did!
  • 1 0
 @DHhack: replace your ebike battery after two years and the motor after 3 and maintenance is maintenance.
  • 3 0
 @bulletbassman: the first 40 hours of 250SX engine run time require 7.6 hours of maintenance according to the ktm schedule. E-bikes are so cheap, comparatively, to run per hour that a lot of moto riders do a fair amount of ride time on them instead of their moto.
  • 3 0
 @DHhack: idk I had a Husqvarna FX350 and the maintenance was minor up to the 50 hours I had it, yeah eventually a rebuild is costly but parts are also standardized. Chain and sprockets are sometimes cheaper than the MTB equivalent. I'll stick to a moto and my sentinel
  • 2 0
 @mikeandbike: amen brother
  • 1 0
 @mikeandbike: only needed full suspension service, valve adjust and a few other minor things by 40 lol
  • 1 0
 @DHhack: well if you're going by the manual then this bike is gonna need a suspension service at 30 hours. That's Fox's maintenance interval for fork oil and seals
  • 1 0
 @chrisclifford: 125 for full service. You’ll be on your 3rd service for the moto by then. There’s a reason why used motos more than 2 years old need pretty much everything if they’ve been ridden hard or even raced.

There’s just no argument that moto is more expensive to run compared to mtb/emtb.
  • 1 0
 @DHhack: I own a Moto and it’s not my first. They are more expensive to run, yes. But my point is your estimates don’t seem to be based off of real life experience. 90% of people don’t need to follow the maintenance intervals recommended. If all of your riding is mellow trail riding your valves won’t be out of spec in 8 hours and you absolutely do not need a full suspension service in 40
  • 1 0
 @chrisclifford: those are not my estimates. You do know ktm lists everything online? Most people ignore valves until it’s hard to start the bike. I’d rather not ruin a ride personally.
  • 1 0
 @DHhack: or you could get a two stroke and not worry about that
  • 1 0
 @chrisclifford: I’ve got a box of cr250 pistons from my 2T days, clutch plates too.
  • 1 1
 @DHhack: just like you'll have stacks of dead batteries and blown eBike motors in 10 years. Both require maintainence
  • 2 0
 @chrisclifford: I don’t ride e-bikes lol
  • 13 0
 With the whole industry pushing towards cable integration, it would have been so easy for Transition to appeal to the (their) core mountain bike market. Potential wasted!
  • 5 0
 +1
  • 19 5
 I’d respect and support a bike company who just made real bikes without motors. Is there anyone left now?
  • 4 0
 RAAW, Ibis, Guerilla Gravity, Banshee, Evil
  • 4 0
 @Muscovir: Um, not Evil.
  • 10 0
 Can’t wait to work out who has the right of way when I run into a frat party of ebikers sessioning the local janky uphill tracks (aka, the descents). Maybe uphill loam will be a thing?
  • 21 5
 Nothing to work out. Never yield to ebikes.
  • 13 1
 8000 bucks for nx… nope
  • 10 2
 If there is demand, it will be made. Without jumping the ebike wave TR would loose shop floorspace over other brands. The bike looks great. If it had a Bosch motor I would trade my Mondraker for one.
  • 22 10
 insert vomit emoji
  • 7 0
 455mm chainstays is not long for a 29er rear ebike. YT Decoy 29 has 458, the Sight VLT has 462. Seeing these bikes in smaller sizes is hilarious, because the reach is shorter than the chainstays. Mullet makes so much sense on most bikes, but especially on ebikes.
  • 12 4
 Stupid headset. Terrible paint. Clunky motor. Mid-sized battery. X2 that won’t last 6 months (look at the vital review unit).

If you’re going to sellout, at least get a few details right.
  • 13 4
 I think e-bikes are a thing for sure, but bicycles they are not. I guess I don't understand why we can't just call them what they are - mopeds.
  • 7 9
 Probably because they aren't mopeds
  • 11 4
 @wburnes: by definition, that's exactly what they are.

Definition of moped (Entry 1 of 2)
: a lightweight, low-powered motorbike that can be pedaled
  • 8 4
 @kingtut87: You're proving my point. "Motorbike that can be pedaled", not "bike that has motor assist only when pedaled".
  • 11 1
 I think the resale on all Ebikes will be way worse than a normal bike. Like selling a used laptop.
  • 1 0
 Yep. Can’t say I’ll never buy an ebike, but pretty confident I’ll never buy a used ebike. Anything with a battery needs a solid warranty.
  • 9 1
 $10k bikes that rattle!
Hows the warranty?
Too many friends have has spesh and orbeas fail.
Usually seat stays. And usually the bike mfg claims user crashed it.
  • 9 0
 Hey Acros, on behalf of mechanics everywhere, fuck off!
  • 7 0
 Thank u very much for prices from to riders to riders. And thank u very much for maintainance from riders to riders
  • 3 0
 True that.
  • 18 13
 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA. i seem to believe that the company said they would never make an Ebike. just like YETI. BAHAHAHAHA Ebikes for the win. ps. i will have to get one.
  • 10 2
 Id rather buy 6 pit bikes
  • 2 0
 You'd be lucky to find one at a dealer right now and if you do, even luckier to get it for less than $4k OTD. Pedal bikes aren't the only thing that has gone up ‍
  • 4 3
 Thats fine. Stay off the mtb trails & out of the bikeparks with them though wont you.
  • 12 4
 I'm just here for the tears
  • 8 0
 Love that they named it the Repeater . A true nod.
  • 2 2
 It's one of the only reasons to own an ebike. iykyk.
  • 11 3
 I feel sorry for Kaz having to test all these ebikes
  • 7 0
 It's ok, I still get to test all the cool non-motorized bikes too. It's good to mix it up every once in a while.
  • 4 0
 Im not gonna get into the whole Ebike hate thing, high bike costs. Etc. everyone is entitled to they’re own opinion….to each their own…. I love the brand for sure and the bike looks really fun. Shame they used a shimano motor. Any review out there will say how weak (and noisy) it is compared to other motors. Any nearly every new Ebike coming out these days has a battery of 700 or more. I’m sure cost and availability are factors. Still looks like a cool bike.
  • 32 26
 NOOOOOOOOOOOO... i was so proud of Transition not going the E route........ urrghhh
  • 9 11
 Weird.....
  • 6 6
 I know - as a Transition owner it broke my heart that they can no longer be regarded as purists. Nice to see Mike use the word 'motorized' - something that is usually avoided when talking about e-bikes.
  • 8 1
 I came came here only for comments section Big Grin
  • 5 0
 I sometimes wonder if Transition realise how expensive their bikes are in the UK. I love my PBJ but all the others are way out of reach.
  • 4 1
 Current Patrol GX seems like amazing value compared to other similar bikes.
  • 2 3
 Legit have comparable prices or less than direct competitors such as Santa Cruz, Evil, Yeti etc. Comparing a jump bikes pricing to a trail bike makes no sense.
  • 5 0
 @samstanden: Do you think those brands are their real competitors though? I always thought of Transition as no-nonsense, reliable four-bar bikes for hardcore riders, rather than complicated suspension designs for fancy dans.
  • 1 0
 @chakaping: I get what you're saying, but I don't totally agree. I think Transition sit way higher up the "perceived fanciness" scale than say Bird or Privateer or even Cayon / YT. Perhaps though, they aren't up with Santa Cruz / Yet etc, but then they are substantially less expensive. Round here Santa Cruz are common as muck, so a Transition somehow seems a bit more exotic!.
  • 2 4
 @chakaping: Theres four bar and then there is Transitions SBG which is by far the best polished four bar system. Bikes don't have to have complicated suspension systems to make them a perceived better bike though. They probably just seems more expensive compared to direct order brands but god am I bored of talking to customers with warranty issues with Canyons and YT's.
  • 4 0
 @samstanden: Really ? I mean I like their bikes but to me SBG seems to be just an acronym to brand what is otherwise a conventional four bar.
  • 2 0
 @samstanden: I'm reading your post in the voice of the M&S voiceover woman.
They're decent frames I know (I've owned one myself), but I see the alloy frames as comparable to Nukeproof.
The asking price of £2.2k for an alloy Spire seems a bit "aspirational" and out of step with their market position in the US.
  • 1 0
 @Will-narayan:
“SBG” is Transition’s approach to geometry. It has nothing to do with their suspension design (which they call “GiddyUp”).
  • 2 0
 @solar-evolution: Indeed, Samstanden mentioned the four bar setup so I talked about the kinematic.
But anyway, while I like their bikes, GiddyUp is a brand name for a four bar, and SBG is a brand name for well, a geometry. Maybe, IIRC, Transition may be among the 1st brands to bring back a shorter fork offset.
  • 7 0
 Poor cable routing and long chainstays, I’m out.
  • 6 2
 They needed to put the Bosch 750 in this bike and a 170 fork. Those 2 changes especially the former and they would have a sold tons of them. Ep8 motor was a huge mistake, its the absolute worst one
  • 2 2
 ^This.
Any ep8 motored bike automatically goes into the I wouldn't own one category.
Underpowered, rattly, shit display.
Haha I've owned one, not again!
  • 4 1
 damn, i'm bummed that shimano still hasn't fixed that dreaded rattle... i mean how the hell am i expected to spend 8 grand on a bike just for it to rattle in a way that isn't fixable. blows my mind that these companies aren't speccing other motors on their bikes to make them as good as possible.
  • 6 0
 Never thought I would see Transition make an e-bike before Ibis
  • 6 2
 The only thing that surprises me here is the 64• head tube angle. Coming from transition I was expecting 60 or below lol
  • 18 11
 Nice moped
  • 15 5
 Nah my dude. It’s either bro-ped or boomer scooter. Trust me!
  • 5 3
 Annnnnnd another eMTB offering that looks amazing, but reaffirms that my wallet just ain't fat enough. Will eMTB become it's own offshoot of the sport that's really only for rich people? Like, who can really afford these things? In all seriousness, I get that good shit costs money, and I'm super keen on owning an eMTB one day as I totally see the potential, but I'd love to see brands figure out creative ways to bring the cost down a bit to make it more approachable. Maybe I'm just a little surprised to see a "RIDER OWNED, FOR LIFE!" brand pushing what truly are, "Dentist bikes." The local Bellingham trail builders and shop homies that ride a bunch are too busy trying to pay rent to consider going into debt owning one of these things. Just my initial thoughts

I know there are plenty of sub $5K eMTB's out there, which is a start.
  • 6 1
 Adding a motor and a battery for $3500 more than an already too expensive Sentinel does not sound like a good value.
  • 2 0
 Darn, I was hoping this might be the ebike for me when I heard rumours that Transition was developing an ebike. I've really been enjoying my Transition Spire. Sadly, the lack of an XXL size just takes it off the list for me immediately.
  • 5 0
 Sitting here patiently for the Aluminum version, hopefully they launch one and its out of the double digit range
  • 3 0
 I hope you’ve found something comfortable to sit on…
  • 2 0
 What's the problem with the display? It's the most stealth design of all! I really like mine, that doesn't looks like a cheap speedometer from early 2000's (like the Bosch ones for example). Also the brightness of the Shimano display is can be set easily from the app. What the hell on Earth you want more from it? Would you like a holographic one, which projects the best path for you on your favorite trail? I really can't understand what's the problem with it.
  • 2 0
 It displays the battery level in bars rather than a percentage, which I find annoying. The Specialized Levo display is much nicer.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: this is the biggest problem with Shimano ebikes right now...two bars left can mean 21-39%. That's can be the difference between another sick lap and the worst exit ever.

You're not pro-ebike but you're right about this and it is worth mentioning.

That said, I still choose Shimano.
  • 2 0
 Handsome machine, would buy if in the market for an eMTB

Note that ~5yrs ago, all ebikes were hideous offerings *except* for Specialized, and I credit them for raising the esthetics bar.

Dear @TransitionBikeCompany: Charge 10% less than the competition and get this to many riders. Brand abundance on the mountain is exceptional marketing.
  • 3 0
 plastic bikes .....cutting trees for trails.... driving to whistler ....and now add none recyclable batteries .... now all we need is more north-west virtue signalling environmental statements.
  • 3 1
 Transition make great bikes, there’s no question about that. I love my two year old Patrol and the Scout that I bought in January has made a massive impression too.
Don’t have any issue with ebikes and it’s not really a surprise that Transition have now produced one, but as long as I can haul myself up those climbs under my own steam, I won’t be getting an ebike.
  • 3 1
 I'm sure @TransitionBikeCompany will sell a bunch of these but this bums me out. I've been a long time customer (patrol and smuggler) and have always been stoked about your company. You guys have had a pretty good thing going and made some big contributions to mountain biking, like SBG. It has always seemed like you designed your bikes for the enthusiast crowd that really rides and this feels like a step away from that. Maybe I'm way off and e-bikes will be adopted by serious riders but I doubt it...

Like my dad used to say: I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed.
  • 6 1
 first yeti now transition, what's next Evil?
  • 8 1
 Sure, pics are already floating around the internet Smile
  • 5 0
 chromag
  • 5 0
 Evil already has some pics of it floating around the internet and it’s awful looking. I think ibis is the only ones holding out now.
  • 1 0
 The eEvil was shown here on PB a month ago or so. It’s in a Shimano catalog already.
  • 6 0
 great name
  • 3 0
 What do you mean? Can you repeat?
  • 6 0
 @styq64: GREAT NAME
  • 3 0
 @optimumnotmaximum: 123 Repeater
  • 24 19
 No transition for me . I still identify as a mountain biker
  • 6 1
 I don’t think Fugazi endorses eBikes.
  • 4 1
 You are the only one realizing this. Great album. Endorsement not likely.
  • 2 0
 @Texicans: It’s more than a double entendre
  • 1 0
 Fugazi was the same thing that came to mind for me as well. For those wondering: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVCMLWtVN5E
  • 4 0
 Me: SURELY Transition would offer a frame only e-bike.

Also me: No. No, they don't.
  • 1 3
 Spoiler: I don’t think anyone will lest consumers fit non-e-rated components, especially forks and wheels.
  • 10 7
 Well I guess if you can't be bothered to pedal up a hill you will not be working on your bike at home so internally routed cables don't bother you.
  • 3 2
 Regular mountain bikes have become so freakin good that there are only incremental improvements to be made. Because of this, bike companies see ebikes as a new segment to throw engineering resources at because there’s a lot of room to improve, and higher prices mean
  • 10 9
 Idk from my point of view just wish we could stop masquerading these as "mountain bikes" they are motorcycles and we already have moto specific trails (how lucky for people purchasing them) for them to ride. These are not to be ridden on mountain bike specific trails as usually "no motorized vehicles" signs adorn most mountains. Just keep these rattily turds with their shit eating dentists blowing you off the trail on the way up off mtb trails and we're all good. Wanna make specific E-bike trails that would be awesome why don't you lazy boys get out there and build those trails you've got the bike to haul all the tools. Also thought Transition was a company that would stand by their sentiment of anti e bike just a slap in the face to have been funding this with my last 5 bikes purchased from them.
  • 3 2
 Because most of the trails you ride on were built by us 10,20 and 30 tyrants ago. And if you are concerned about a speed differential, watch a ktm 450 pass an ebike up a trail.
  • 3 2
 @manitunc: Nope not really a speed issue just a motorized vs human powered issue here. You can't really make the "I'm old" argument. I know plenty of guys in their 60's still at it on real bikes. I'm just over the experience ruiner that is people. More access means more people where they shouldn't be. If its too hard of a ride on a normal bike for you then maybe choose a trail that more suits your fitness and skill...
  • 1 1
 @MougeyTheMaster: and I’m over condescending newbies trying to block me from trails I have built over the past 25 years because too many of the wrong kind of people are using the trails. I don’t come close to catching the various KOMs on the trails around me on my best days. The speed differential is red herring to justify your dislike of anything not in you acceptable range. Get over yourself
  • 3 0
 @manitunc: Alright bud, chill out. You've hand built all the trails yourself impressive. Well I didn't realize my mistake. Just stating a fact motor's are motor's, mtb specific trails are not the place for motorcycles.. as if hikers needed another reason to try and shut trail access. And "newbie" come on you're almost 70 too old to be calling people names on the internet.
  • 5 1
 It's like when your favorite snowboard company starts selling skis, or vice versa.
  • 3 1
 There also was a post sometime ago where they said they weren't at Eurobike because they would never make a electric scooter... really sad... especially the internal cable thing at the headset, could it be more ugly?
  • 1 0
 The guys who joking with elaborated suspension linked tech designs like maestro ,DW,VPP etc with his C.O.C.K. B.A.L.L.S and GiddyUp which means zero patented design tech and R&D while at the toilet now almost only have top carbon frames and bikes to sell to his following customers .
"OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS,Transition Bikes has always strived ....blablabla
They have nice bikes ,their clips are the best and nice to look at but the vil metal are doing damages on them and i am a follower from them since Dirtbag bikes.From there till today the rules changed $$$$$$
About the Repeater its everithing said back here .
If it is a Enduro bike like Patrol should take the 2 wheels back option with some flipchips or Cockchips....
.A Carbon option but also or first manufactured Allu frame, a bike ,for the rider and a bike for a Armani rider.
Maybe battery capacity its right .Not too heavy for the handling If someone wants more maybe with a booster or a diiferent bike Spur /Sentinel based .
But Primarily No Shimano motor should be in the bike .Sofware App uppdates shity problems ,bigger rattling noise than everything else -Shimano motor that is not serviceable,no parts available ,? Ñobody wants to assist and repair the motor
Shimano motors Should not be authorized to be on the maket ,every market.
And the bike manufactors who use shimano motor must be only because they are making money with shimano ,leading customers to have losses later after the warranty expired ,but then they have another bike to sell us and we have an expensive useless object .Shimano is not the only one but its the worst at the moment.
  • 1 0
 This is an old post and just want to say I bought this bike not to long ago and Transition I feel made a good Ebike and it’s now 2023 and their prices and customer care is probably the best in the market good job Transition
  • 7 7
 Non-starter without that 720 battery for me, which is a real shame as the rest of the bike looks like it would suit me well. Having the lowest range in your riding group sucks. No matter how good the geometry/suspension/tyres/rider, if everyone else can ride in Turbo and you're stuck in Eco just to complete the ride, it's not going to be a fun time.
  • 12 1
 It's interesting seeing this kind of class system play out with ebikes. Where I ride it was primarily regular bikes about 18 months ago, now I'm one of only a handful of people not on an e-bike. I can't remember the last time I bumped into another rider on a non-e setup.

That kind of killed a lot of group rides (some are cool and just potter op climbs on Eco, but some apparently just can't get enough of that Turbo life) but on the ones I've still gone on there's been that "tension" between people on SL-style bikes and the full fat ones. Must suck to drop the better part of £10k on a bike then find you can't do the rides your friends are doing because they have bigger range.
  • 9 1
 Is this really a thing? A prejudice against smaller motors or people that cant afford them? How is that diff than having a buddy that wasnt quite as fit or fast riding with you? Why wouldnt your group just drop to the eco mode and ride with you? Or is that too hard for them and they ONLY ride turb these days? Seems a bit asinine.
  • 16 3
 @wilsonians:
Most e-bikers only ride in turbo. Shop I worked at did a quick diagnostic on every e bike we worked on that lets you see how much time was spent in each mode. Nearly all riders were >80% turbo. There’s was a single customer with >50% eco mode and the whole shop was freaking out for a day.
  • 3 0
 @wilsonians: Ironically it was people spending big money on Specialized SL bikes who were finding they didn't have the power/range, so not really a "can't afford it" problem.

Like I said, some do just drop to Eco but now there are so many people here with eebs it's more common to just get eeb only group rides these days. Being the only regular bike rider in a group of ebike riders isn't a great feeling simply because you know you're limiting what people could be doing. The unfit thing is kind of similar I guess but it's on a different scale with eebs.

It sounds like our area isn't representative of the whole though, just in terms of the ratio of regular to ebikes out there, so my experience may not be that "normal".
  • 2 0
 @Lylat: WALL-E in real life.
  • 4 0
 @wilsonians: In my experience, it's not a prejudice thing, just practicality. There's a group of exclusively ebike riders I ride with every so often, and it's only ever long days out in big terrain, batteries from full to flat.

One guy got himself a brand new YT Decoy with the 500 battery, and suddenly he was having to find shortcuts and ducking out of rides early, because he just couldn't coax the bike around compared to the rest of us with 700 batteries. As the odd one out it was a real problem for him and kinda ruins his enjoyment of the new bike. So much so that he sold it after a month and got a Mondraker.

I get that maybe this is an edge case, hence why I say "for me" the Transition doesn't work, and that's a shame.
  • 3 0
 @brit-100: Yeah makes sense, just kinda sad that group rides with friends have inadvertently become 'must have specific bike' to realistically participate in a ride.
  • 2 1
 You're right that it sucks to have a 2022 eMTB being released with a 630Wh battery when everyone now moved to 750Wh or even 900Wh for Norco. Anyway, a quick way to fix this if you're riding laps at the bike park is to buy a second battery. For these longer rides with no pit stop to the car, out of luck...
  • 7 1
 @rick26: Why would you ride an ebike at a bike park?....those have lifts already.
  • 3 2
 @wilsonians: most do, some don't. Kanuga comes to mind
  • 1 1
 @Lylat: maybe because they turbo up the fire road an turn off for the downhill. It’s very hard to ride technical uphill Singletrack in turbo.
  • 2 1
 @manitunc:
Yes it is hard but its sooo much fun. Technical trails in turbo are awesome fun
  • 2 1
 Someone is frantically designing a watertight headset cap or will after this comment section. One stupid piece of an otherwise sorted unit seems a shame. A bit of silicone and an O ring? Something hydrophobic maybe?
  • 7 3
 Damn ebikes really are taking over, Transition what happened
  • 8 3
 RIP
  • 6 1
 Oh no they didn’t.
  • 4 0
 Aaaaand Pinkbike just exploded. LOL.
  • 4 0
 Should have been named " Eat Crow and Die!" lol
  • 9 4
 Muscle bikes forever!
  • 3 2
 Muscle bikes! That's awesome.
  • 1 0
 @TransitionBikeCompany Any plans to introduce a XXL e-bike? I love my XXL Sentinel, and as a 6'7" rider it's challenging to find geo that works for me. Hopeful something is in the works.
  • 1 0
 Not everyone wants to drag around 900 watt/hr batteries on every ride. My Levo sl has enough battery at 320w/hr, and I have an extender for days I expect more. Haven’t ran out yet,
  • 1 0
 I’m riding an sl also and agree completely.
  • 3 1
 So if I get a www.toysforbigboys.com/lopifit-electric-walking-bike am I still considered a runner?
  • 4 0
 the inevitable
  • 4 3
 NOOOOOOOOOOO ! Not you !
Why'd you do an ebike ?!
I just ordered a Commencal one !

Nah that's cool, it's heavier but less expensive and about as well spec'd.
  • 8 4
 All is lost.
  • 6 3
 She looks a little bloated.
  • 4 1
 I am truly just here for the comments...let the karma begin!
  • 3 0
 Everybody will be happy if there's a new TR11 in a few days
  • 15 13
 Transition lost a good opportunity. They could have been the anti eBike bike brand.
  • 9 18
flag justanotherusername (Mar 8, 2022 at 7:37) (Below Threshold)
 Only a very strange individual would purchase a bike from a company who is 'anti ebike' - just odd.
  • 17 9
 @justanotherusername: what's odd is the number of ebikers who've made their moped a personality trait and then feel personally attacked when not everyone else is onboard.
  • 6 9
 Yes with a primary market of penniless school kids. What could possibly go wrong.
  • 7 8
 @kingtut87: What's odd is that you have just made all of that up and it only exists in your head (dont have an ebike btw)
  • 13 8
 @justanotherusername: Strange individual here. I won't be buying a mountain bike from a company who sells an Emtb.
  • 5 11
flag justanotherusername (Mar 8, 2022 at 8:37) (Below Threshold)
 @nattysupper: Haha, good for, good for you. Slow clap.
  • 2 0
 The world as we know it, is coming to a end!Smile
Who left Ibis, Guerrilla, Diamondback.
  • 3 0
 I know an other to ride "without suffering from range anxiety"
  • 4 0
 BANSHEE
  • 2 3
 Hey @TransitionBikeCompany be cool and make a Spur but an eBike called the eStimulant or whatever you want it to be called but make the dang thing light to compete with the Orbea Rise. No one needs a 50lb eBike but sales numbers would show I am wrong. But there are us out there that want a light eBike
  • 4 1
 This makes me a little sad.
  • 2 0
 SERIOUS QUESTION:

Are there any E-MTB's where the battery and/or motor is load bearing? Why are these things 50lbs?
  • 1 0
 No.
and
Battery technology.
There might be lighter batteries out there (I am sure there are, prob in orbit on satellites or on lunar rovers) but that would only make these bikes more expensive.
  • 2 1
 the bike as a whole looks nice, but im still not sold on having a 11000 pound bike, with the same generic display as a entry level 4000 pound, that seems pretty poor
  • 1 0
 This is the first thing that popped into my head with this press release.

youtu.be/PBwAxmrE194

Next I wondered how many beers can fit in the downtube??
  • 4 4
 I've been riding for a long time and am not bothered by the ebike trend, and it will be an inevitable and good inclusion to the MTB sport. I don't see the need to keep it a "purist" activity.
  • 1 2
 No different than running 12 speed dt’s and lockouts
  • 1 0
 @mknott9: I don't know the reference.
  • 1 0
 How are you going to fix the headset issue @TransitionBikeCompany Already complaints about water getting in and rusting the lower headset bearings.
  • 2 1
 E bikes are fun. People want E bikes. Bicycle store like to sell stuff. People buy E bikes. E bikes make riding fun. I like fun. You like fun?
  • 1 0
 @ridingloose: hahahaha! Fact. Plus Transition made a klunker! Totally awesome! They are a business and like most industry leaders, stay with the pack or get left behind.
  • 4 1
 They did it.
  • 2 0
 Is the Fox X2 e-bike rated?
  • 10 1
 at least on an ebike it's sure to break before the 1 year warranty ends
  • 4 0
 @olslash: I haven't seen one last a year on just an enduro bike, never mind an ebike....lol
  • 21 20
 Oh no... That's sad. Transition used to be such a cool brand. And now they gave in to the hype...
  • 21 11
 How dare they give in to the hype of over half of the revenue of their industry?

Not making an ebike in 2022 is leaving most of the money you could make on the table.

The people who spend actual money on actual retail price mountain bikes (not pro deals or bro deals or end of line or last year's model on sale) aren't on pinkbike making comments, they are buying e bikes. The numbers don't lie.
  • 5 7
 Its a bike company ffs.
  • 6 4
 @justanotherusername: YOUR WRONG!!! Transition is a movement, an ideology, a way of being, and my world view is now shattered, how could they do this to our people!!
  • 6 3
 @justanotherusername: You left dismissive comments under nearly every negative comment in this reviews' comment section. Maybe chill for a bit.
  • 4 9
flag justanotherusername (Mar 8, 2022 at 8:02) (Below Threshold)
 @Muscovir: Stop being dismissive of me being dismissive you fanny.
  • 1 1
 @Patrick9-32: This is completely true.
  • 2 0
 Ebike release-same comments-Repeater
  • 17 16
 Damn shame that Transition decided to cater to the lazy A-hole crowd ... Damn shame!
  • 11 5
 I'm going to age this comment and stock you on social media when you post your new ebike. lol (wink)
  • 2 3
 LOL! So now eMTBer are just lazy A-holes. I always thought eMTBer were lazy old people that just wanted to have fun riding 2-wheelsSmile
  • 2 5
 @mr-epic-3: If you're older or have some physical issue & a E-bike is the only way to get on the trail. more power too you. If you're fit & healthy on a E-bike you're just lazy period!
  • 3 2
 @Darknut: If you ride an eMTB like most people ride their aMTB, then yes you are lazy. Because most aMTB are saving their legs for the next climb. When I ride my eMTB, I am doing 2x the miles (ascending & descending) in half the time then on a aMTB. If you are using an eMTB properly the only different between a eMTB & aMTB is speed, distance and time, the workout is about same.
  • 3 2
 @mr-epic-3: Keep telling yourself that. Some local guys I know went to Ebikes & now after a year they can't ride a actual bike even 5 miles without being gassed. no thanks. If I wanted a motorcycle I would get a CR 250R ... it would be cheaper!
  • 3 2
 @Darknut I will never know about getting gassed on a aMTB again, because all I ride now is my eMTB and my Motox.
I do get gassed when I ride my eMTB or Motox hard, but I guess that doesn't count as a workout.
  • 2 1
 @mr-epic-3: WTF is an aMTB?
  • 1 0
 @lightsgetdimmer: eMTB & aMTB (electric & acoustic guitar)
  • 1 0
 @mr-epic-3: what are talking about?
  • 2 0
 Well played on the Fugazi inspired name!
  • 4 2
 I had my money on the "Sellout".... Repeater?? Boring.
  • 1 0
 This is the moment in Helm's deep where we have fallen back to the final keep. RIDE OUT WITH ME.
  • 4 3
 Sign me up! Bike looks great, can't wait to get my hands on one. Haters gonna hate, especially on PinkBike.
  • 2 0
 Can't wait to ride my repeater. Can't wait to ride my repeater.
  • 2 0
 Climbs like an electroshocked monkey
  • 2 0
 Wait till Evil releases their ebike and the circle is complete.....lol
  • 2 0
 Was “Transistor” already trademarked then?
  • 2 2
 All you #Ebike haterz only hate because you think your part of the cool crew, wake up and get with the future! Its only $130 for seven years on a intrest free loan.
  • 1 0
 I vote for a showdown -Yeti 160E, Sentinel, and Pivot Shuttle. All same motor and similar travel.
  • 3 2
 A Transition Bikes E-MTB needs no one!
  • 1 0
 Someone sponsor Kaz!
#sponsorkaz
  • 1 0
 They hesitated with "wingman" For the name... (Geek joke)
  • 3 2
 Does it break at the chainstay like the other models?
  • 6 8
 Wonder if transition choked on the big old slice of humble pie they had to eat after 'that' video a few years back?
Regardless the flowing salty tears of the haters has brightened up my day tremendously.
  • 5 8
 that video was pretty much a Tranny joke, they never said they hated eebs at that time, or motorcycles, which they all have by the way. they all have KTM dirtbikes too. these guys love to fuck around and make videos if you didn't notice.
  • 12 14
 News flash for people who hate E-bikes: Once they become cheap enough and the technology more advanced, every household will have at least 2 E-bikes. Consider mobile phones in the early 90s
  • 5 2
 I tend to agree with this. Basically anytime something makes anything more convenient or easier, people will gravitate toward that. The only barrier is money. There will always be a place for bikes and people who want to pedal unassisted, but for most people, I think they just want to have fun, go fast, go far, go downhill. And if the tool that lets you do that is an e-bike, once it becomes more attainable to more people, that's what will dominate.
  • 5 0
 The chance of prices dropping on these as sales volumes increase is… infinitesimal.
  • 3 0
 Do you really think an e-bike is anywhere close to as revolutionary as a cell phone?
  • 10 10
 Oh no! More people will be having fun riding E bikes! What is this world coming to?
  • 6 6
 A world full of lazy people?
  • 3 2
 e-bikes suck and I fucking love them
  • 5 3
 EMtb=SUP
  • 4 2
 I say nay!
  • 3 3
 "Industry affiliations / sponsors: None"

@mikekazimer Does Pinkbike really not count?
  • 13 0
 I mean, it's pretty much a given that I'm affiliated with my employer. That line is where I'll put my future CocoCoast coconut water sponsorship when it happens...
  • 10 8
 yay another moped
  • 3 1
 ew
  • 1 0
 current ELaps champ rides one, what more do you need to know?
  • 5 4
 Same price as brand new KTM dirt bike, I'll never get over that.
  • 1 0
 Why only 630w ? @transitionbikes
  • 1 1
 And it's the best looking eeb on the market. Wouldn't buy one myself but do love my Spire!!!
  • 1 1
 So much money. In my head i always think of transition as more of a moderately priced brand. But not really.
  • 1 0
 Them chainstays be looooong
  • 1 0
 Transitions
  • 1 3
 Not sure the battery is a con, it seems 720wh batteries are not big enough for longer rides, but pretty big in the backpack, so 2x500 or 2x630 may be better.
  • 2 0
 I see I get neg proped, but it depends on how you ride.
If you want to make +50km rides with lot of elevation gain (or full day ride), a 720wh battery is not enough, or at best you start to get anxious as your battery is getting empty.
Also 720wh batteries are getting pretty big and can probably make it tough to fit in smaller sizes (I guess Norco couldn't place a 900wh battery without flipping the motor).
Really I don't get why there isn't more brands pushing the +-630wh battery + powerboost solution.
Motor brands could even think about it (no shit !) and make some sort of "powerboost clog" that would fit in the space between the wheel and downtube (not in the wheel travel of course).
  • 3 3
 Well, at least now there is a good looking e-bike!? Money talks...
  • 3 3
 I'm pretty stoked on this one.
  • 2 2
 Another EP-8 non starter.
  • 2 0
 Agree…..ep-8 is clearly the weakest motor out currently. I’m sure it’s a cost/availability thing but I dunno why any brand would spec that motor. Yeti made they’re Ebike and supposedly the rear end works amazingly, great geometry and ride characteristics. They tout it is a “race bike” but they ain’t gonna be winning any races with an EP8. Just take a look at what power system is winning and at the top of the EWS-E races….nearly all bosch motors.
  • 1 1
 No useless 'flip chip'? I'm out!
  • 1 0
 …more profits.
  • 15 16
 I'm just here to listen to people who can't afford ebikes complain about ebikes.
  • 2 4
 should start charging electric motor bikers to ride our trails
  • 1 1
 @DroppingThreeTwoOne: It's ok, we can afford it. I'll bring my KTM too.
  • 3 5
 Went to go buy one, geo lines up but is baby poop green. Really? 8.5K to start and ONE ugly ass color. Fire your graphic designer. Seriously.
  • 1 1
 Nice one. I just saved myself $10,999.
  • 2 2
 Finally!
  • 1 1
 Hmmm..
  • 2 3
 Is the rear suspension harsh like the other transition bikes
  • 1 1
 Time to giddy up
  • 4 5
 Welcome to the party Transition
  • 4 4
 welcome to more e trash
  • 4 4
 @DroppingThreeTwoOne: Hahaha... Morons like you make me smile Smile
  • 5 8
 Everyone that hates on ebikes cause they tear up the trails due to more laps/ride time can help by not riding the trails anymore...just sayin.
  • 2 5
 Hope someone steals your bike scumbag.
  • 5 5
 I fukkin hate "e-sport"
  • 3 3
 more e trash
  • 8 9
 Blah scooter blah blah
  • 2 3
 Pedal damn it!
  • 2 0
 Last time I checked even an ebike won't go if you don't pedal it....lol
  • 4 6
 transition why?? ..money money money..
  • 4 7
 That is so well made!!!!!!!! Well done transition!
  • 22 25
 Its a sad day, when Transition bow down to the money making trend.
  • 12 10
 sorry to break it to you, but the so-called "money making trend" has been around longer than e-bikes and is basically what running a company is all about. That being said, I would give kudos to a brand that stays away from emtb as well, because the cake is big enough either way
  • 10 5
 Is that the "running a business" money making trend or some other money making trend I'm not familiar with?
  • 11 11
 Its a sad day when grown adults still see bicycle companies in this way and forget they are a business there to provide a product people want - People want E-bikes, however much that concept makes you piss your pants. Transition couldnt survive just selling bikes to wierd teenage 'anti e-bike' bros - they would sell a handful of bikes a year.
  • 6 3
 @justanotherusername: just to clarify. Transition 4 years ago stated they did not like the way the mountain bike industry was going into e-bike/fat bikes. there words not mine.
  • 7 8
 @PG-23: So they changed opinion? Again, its not a teenagers rock band or political movement you are part of - its a bike company making bikes, get a grip.
  • 5 4
 Capitalism is a trend. It will pass.
  • 1 2
 @AndrewFleming: We can only hope
  • 1 0
 Kinda weird to have to say this... demand drives the market. TR is just responding to the demand for e-bikes.

Now... if you want to criticize the product they have offered here, thats a different story. I must say... if you are going to be late to the market, then you need to have learned from the early mistakes and dont make any new mistakes. The 29" rear wheel has already proven to be inferior to the 27.5 on e-bikes, and that cable routing is horrendous.
  • 2 4
 E-bike is e-vil.
  • 4 6
 Nice moped
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