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!
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review
All bikes in test: Berria Mako Hybrid GT LTD (Click for review) | Bulls SONIC EVO SL EN-1 (Click for review) | Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon LT1 (Click for review) | Flyer Uproc X 9.50 (Click for review) | Focus SAM² 6.9 (Click for review) | Focus JAM² 6.9 (Click for review) | Focus Jam² SL 9.9 (Click for review) | Forestal Siryon Diōde (Click for review) | Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Ltd (Click for review) | Haibike Lyke CF SE (Click for review) | Ibis OSO (Click for review) | KTM Macina Prowler Exonic (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 975 (Click for review) | Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-Team (Click for review) | Orbea WILD M-LTD (Click for review) | Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01 (Click for review) | Pivot Shuttle LT Team XTR (Click for review) | Radon Deft 10.0 (Click for review) | Rotwild R.X735 Ultra (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Heckler MX XO1 AXS RSV (Click for review) | SCOTT Lumen eRide 900 SL (Click for review) | Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo Expert (Click for review) | Transition Repeater AXS Carbon | Thömus Lightrider E Ultimate (Click for review) | Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | UNNO Mith Race (Click for review) | Yeti 160E T1 (Click for review)
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Felix Rauch Photos: Peter Walker