Steppenwolf Transterra Sport review: A buying guide for the Avinox Tourer

​The long-established Steppenwolf brand is making a comeback with the Transterra Sport. The bike is also available in more modest versions with Shimano and Bosch motors. Particularly exciting, however, is the Sport 9 with Avinox, which aims to set new technical standards at a price of around 5,000 euros. Incidentally, if you prefer, the bike is also available with a derailleur for 700 euros less or as a comfortable low-step model >> available here.

Unusual: both the model with the diamond frame and the low-step model feature a lightweight carbon chassis. On both models, however, the 800 Wh battery is permanently fitted inside the down tube and cannot be easily removed for charging – for a touring e-bike, that’s quite a bold decision.

The Avinox engine: Upgrade to the M2S

The Transterra Sport with Avinox was first unveiled at Eurobike 2025. At that time, of course, it was still fitted with the first-generation Avinox M1. As far as the motor is concerned, however, Steppenwolf is keeping up with developments and is now fitting The new Avinox M2S motor, delivering up to 150 Newton-metres and 1,300 watts at peak, is already available. So to say it’s ‘packed with power’ is an understatement, and the new engine is even more responsive than its predecessor.

Looking at it critically, one could say that the more affordable Avinox M2 motor, with ‘only’ 125 Newton metres and a peak power output of 1,100 watts, would certainly have done the job on the touring e-bike and might even have made the Transterra Sport slightly more affordable. But anyone who, as an early adopter, is already buying a trekking bike with an Avinox motor might as well go for the best of the best. A typical Avinox feature is a touchscreen display on the top tube, which can also be used to track the bike’s location via an optional SIM card. When it comes to the battery, Steppenwolf isn’t taking any chances and has fitted the largest available battery, with a capacity of 800 watt-hours. However, you’ll have to do without the 12-amp fast charger, which charges the battery from 0 to 80 per cent in 90 minutes. The Transterra charges at the standard rate of 4 amps.

The spec: Enviolo and a Rockshox fork

To this end, Steppenwolf has equipped the bike not only with a high-quality carbon frame but also with a number of standout features. Gear changes are seamless thanks to the mechanical Enviolo hub. A Gates drive belt also makes the bike low-maintenance. The Shimano hydraulic brakes with four pistons at the front are simple yet reliable. The affordable yet easily adjustable suspension fork (Rockshox Judy Silver) and the Limotec seatpost with telescopic function round off the package.

This is what the Steppenwolf Transterra is like to drive

The Steppenwolf also impresses in practice. The riding position strikes a pleasant balance between active and comfortable. Steppenwolf doesn’t take many risks with the geometry. As a result, the bike handles intuitively and effortlessly. The belt and the Enviolo continuously variable hub gear system These features further enhance comfort. Thanks to the belt drive and in-hub gear system, maintenance on the bike is largely eliminated; you can even change gears whilst stationary using the in-hub gear system. Steppenwolf also fits very wide tyres (55 millimetres) for a smooth, comfortable ride. We were particularly impressed by the Limotec suspension seat post: it responds smoothly, which is often not the case with suspension seat posts featuring a telescopic function.

A lot done right

All in all, the Transterra performs really well and proves its worth both in everyday use (luggage rack with spring-loaded flap!) and on long rides, provided the permanently fitted battery isn’t an issue. There are, however, a few minor criticisms: the high-pitched whirring of the motor was always present on the Steppenwolf. Many other Avinox bikes are quieter. The mudguards are also a bit narrow for the wide tyres, and the grips aren’t very comfortable. If you wish, you can easily upgrade the comfort here with proper ergonomic grips and perhaps a slightly curved handlebar with minimal effort. Please note: There are only two frame sizes available. Very tall and very short riders won’t find what they’re looking for here.

The Steppenwolf Transterra Sport at a glance

Strengths:

• Sporty and comfortable
• A brilliant electric drive with lots of smart features
• Low-maintenance with in-hub gearing and belt drive

Weaknesses:

• Only two frame sizes
• Battery permanently fitted
• moderate grips