The Transition Repeater AXS Carbon – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

With the Repeater AXS Carbon, Transition enter the race with their first ever eMTB. The green, mean, € 12,399 trail machine relies on the proven integration standard of the Shimano EP8 motor and generates 160 mm of travel front and rear. We’ll tell you whether it was worth waiting for Transition’s e-ripper!

**Transition** Repeater AXS Carbon | Shimano EP8/630 Wh | 160/160 mm (f/r)
22.5 kg in size L | € 12,399 | Manufacturer’s website

The unveiling of the Repeater AXS Carbon caused a massive stir in the mountain biking world. Until not long ago, Transition’s HQ in Bellingham, in the Pacific Northwest, was considered the stronghold of eMTB scepticism. The thing is, Transition weren’t just quietly cynical about eMTBs, but openly and loudly making fun of the e-trend in a number of witty videos. So, what led them to rethink their position? The clue’s in the bike’s name, the Repeater. Transition’s developers wanted to create a bike that could convert their hometrails into an endless loop. Are they regretting their decision? Obviously not, because they’ve just expanded their portfolio with a brand-new Light-eMTB, the Transition Relay.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

Lovingly loveless – What sets the Transition Repeater AXS Carbon apart from the competition?

In keeping with the understated, sleek look, Transition chose the safest approach with the motor system integration, relying on a complete standard Shimano package built around the 85 Nm EP8 motor. The latter is combined with a discreet, intuitive Shimano remote with colour display on the handlebars. The downside of Shimano’s standard integration package is the battery and matching charging port. While the battery can be removed quickly and easily using a 4 mm Allen Key, it only has a 630 Wh capacity, which places it at the lower end of the range spectrum in the full-fat eMTB all-rounder category. The plastic cover of the small charging port isn’t exactly a highlight either, proving extremely finicky compared to other third-party solutions.

**One last thing**
Once the bike is charged and ready to go, you still have to fiddle around with the finicky charging port cover – good luck!

**Small upgrade, massive difference**
The Transition’s MAGURA MT7 brakes come standard with the HC1 lever upgrade, which improves modulation significantly.

**Drop it like it’s hot!**
The Repeater is the bike with the longest-travel dropper post in the entire test field – top!

The brainpower Transition saved by using a standard motor solution was utilised to create a very sensible spec package. For example, the Repeater AXS Carbon employs the longest dropper post in the entire test field, giving long-legged riders (and everyone else) some well-deserved peace of mind with its 210 mm of travel. The powerful MAGURA MT7 brakes come standard with the HC1 lever upgrade, which is meant to improve modulation over the standard levers. As the Repeater’s name extension suggests, shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM GX AXS drivetrain. Transition also have great taste in rubber, speccing the Repeater with Schwalbe Big Betty tires in the very robust Super Gravity casing front and rear – a combination that ensures excellent puncture protection and carefree trail fun. Moreover, the front wheel features Schwalbe’s super-tacky Ultra Soft rubber compound while the rear wheel comes in the slightly harder Soft version, offering a good compromise between grip and durability.

**In and out**
A 4 mm Allen key is all it takes to remove the 630 Wh battery.

**Keep your cool**
The cables are routed through the headset directly into the frame and only re-emerge at their exit point. While this ensures a great look, it could potentially drive you (or your mechanic) crazy…

**Heavy Metal**
The distinctive, metallic clunking noise of the Shimano EP8 motor provides the soundtrack to your rowdy trail expeditions.

Transition Repeater AXS Carbon

€ 12,399

Specifications

Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery Shimano 630 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM800
Fork FOX 38 GRIP2 Factory 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 2 Position 160 mm
Seatpost OneUp Dropper Post 210 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT7 HC1 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX AXS 1x12
Stem ANVL Swage 40 mm
Handlebar OneUp Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HX 1700 29"
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Gravity Ultra Soft/Schwalbe Big Betty Super Gravity Soft 2.4/2.4

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 22.5 kg
Perm. total weight 155 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 132 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

Toolmount

Tuning tip: None, just take the damn thing home as it is!

What is the Transition Repeater AXS Carbon capable of?

When making your way to the trailhead, the Transition Repeater AXS Carbon places you in a central, compact yet comfortable riding position, proving an excellent companion for long tours on level ground. On technical climbs and uphill trails, the sensitive rear suspension and soft, grippy Schwalbe Big Betty rear tire generate tons of traction, ensuring consistent propulsion. Even on steep climbs, the Transition doesn’t try to throw you off the back, so you don’t have to actively weight the front wheel – the long chainstays play a crucial role here. The excellent climbing qualities and Shimano EP8 motor, which is a smidge weaker than some other full-fat motors in this test, make the Transition a rather relaxed climber. As a result, the Repeater takes a little longer to get to the trailhead than the more powerful FLYER Uproc and Orbea WILD.

**Traction wonder**
No matter how steep the climb, the rear end of the Transition Repeater still manages to find traction.

**Always use your indicator**
When bombing down straight highspeed sections, you’ll inevitably end up in the fast lane onboard the Repeater.

When gravity takes over, the Transition Repeater AXS Carbon places you centrally on the bike. On flowing, winding trails as well as in technical sections that require spontaneous line changes, the Transition feels rather sluggish and torpid, especially in tight corners. On the other hand, it comes to life on fast, gnarly trails, where it impresses with its composed character and sensitive rear suspension, which both rank amongst the best in test. That said, the Transition still falls slightly behind the Yeti 160E and Orbea WILD in this regard. The suspension is on the firm end of the spectrum in the full-wack eMTB all-rounder category, combining tons of support and endless reserves, and thus making it easy to pop off ledges while at the same time taking the edge off harsh landings. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, the high front end inspires huge amounts of confidence on steep trails and nasty steps.

Together with the potent, performance-oriented spec, all of this makes for a coherent, downhill-capable overall package. Even the somewhat unexciting Shimano standard integration seems to fit the concept somehow, almost as if the Transition team didn’t want to hang around too long and just hit the trails with the repeater – can you blame them?

Holy mackerel, that’s fast! With the Transition Repeater AXS Carbon, tears of joy roll straight to the back of your head in a horizontal line!

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	559 mm	589 mm	617 mm	650 mm
Seat tube	375 mm	400 mm	440 mm	470 mm
Head tube	110 mm	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm
Head angle	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°
Seat angle	78.4°	77.9°	77.4°	77.1°
Chainstays	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm
BB Drop	30 mm	30 mm	30 mm	30 mm
Wheelbase	1,221 mm	1,251 mm	1,280 mm	1,315 mm
Reach	425 mm	455 mm	480 mm	510 mm
Stack	631 mm	631 mm	640 mm	649 mm

**Helmet** Oakley DRT5 | **Glasses** 100% Glendale | **Jacket** POC Pro Thermal Vest
**Jersey** Fox Calibrated Long Sleeve | **Pants** SQLab ONE10 S | **Shoes** Five Ten Freerider Pro
**Socks** Havanna Club | **Gloves** SQlab SQ-Gloves ONE11

Who should take a closer look at the Transition Repeater AXS Carbon and who should look elsewhere?

The Transition Repeater AXS Carbon is an excellent choice for trail shredders and purists. Experienced riders will find a trusted companion for savage PR hunts and bike park sessions – you can even save some money on the uplifts ;). Beginners won’t have an easy time onboard the Repeater, especially when negotiating winding trails with tight switchbacks. On the other hand, they can benefit from the excellent composure and huge amounts of confidence it conveys. In a nutshell, the Transition Repeater AXS Carbon is an excellent option for romantic purists who just want to ride a bike and don’t care about spaceship styling and gimmicks!

The Transition Repeater AXS Carbon generates tons of traction, both up and downhill!

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the Transition Repeater AXS Carbon

With their very first eMTB, Transition didn’t do anything extraordinary, but did everything right! While the Repeater still looks rather unspectacular when stationary, with its plain look and loveless motor integration struggling to awake our emotions, on the trail it shines as bright as a diamond. The spec is nothing short of perfect, allowing you to really open the tap on the trail and turn the heat up to eleven. Overall, the Repeater AXS Carbon is a very good bike for trail shredders who don’t care about fancy details.

Tops

Consistent spec suits the intended use
Inspires huge amounts of confidence on the trail
Potent, firm suspension

Flops

Finicky charging port

You can find out more about at transitionbikes.com

The test field