The first e-MTB from US cult brand Transition is only a few weeks old: the Repeater is a surprisingly conventional bike with Shimano Ep8, long geometry and a 630 watt-hour battery. The surprise was all the greater when Transition now launched a completely unconventional E-MTB: The Relay is the first Light-E-MTB from the Americans, the first E-MTB with Fazua's new Ride 60 engine at all. It should even cut a fine figure as a bike without an E. Can this balancing act be achieved?
Transition launches first Light E-MTB with Fazua Ride 60
Firstly, the facts that have been finalised so far: Optionally there are 160 or 170 millimetre stroke, 29 inch front and rear or the MX wheel mix. It's quite clear that the Transition Relay wants to be a genuine E-Enduro not a light eMTB with maximum handling. It is more likely to play in the same league as Rotwild's R.E 375 and Specialized's Kenevo SL than with Orbeas Rise or the Levo SL.
The Transition Relay at a glance
- Range of use: Enduro, Light E-MTB
- Frame material: carbon, aluminium
- Drive: Fazua Ride 60 (60 Nm, up to 450 watts)
- Battery: 430 Wh (removable)
- Wheel size: 29 inch or MX
- Suspension travel: 160 or 170 millimetres
- Frame sizes: XS to XXL
Thanks to frames made of Carbon and aluminium and sizes from XS to XXL the Relay should suit both small and large riders with small and large budgets. Weight, spec and geometry? We'll have to wait a little longer to find out, as Transition has so far only released sparse information about the bike. However, the Relay should also Only available from the beginning of 2023 be.
Fazua Ride 60: The drive of the Transition Relay
On the drive side, Transition has opted for the new Fazua Ride 60 System: Maximum 60 Newton metres and 450 watts of power are therefore available. The energy for the permanently installed lightweight motor comes from a removable battery with a capacity of 430 watt hours.
Although the motor - unlike the older Ride 50 system - can no longer be removed from the bike, Transition praises the Relay as a 2-in-1 bike: Without a battery, it should also cut a fine figure as a mountain bike without a motor, For example, in a bike park or on one of the many trails in the States where riding an e-bike is prohibited.
Mountain bike and E-MTB: 2 in 1 at the Transition Relay
Weights for the Relay have not yet been published. Based on the already published Repeater with EP8 motor and 630 watt hours (22.3 kilograms - top model - factory specification), you can expect the Relay to weigh around 20 kilograms for the top model. Light for an e-MTB, but still on the heavy side among mountain bikes at 18 kilograms without the battery. It remains to be seen in practice whether the bike is still fun to ride purely with leg power.
Equipment and prices have also not yet been published. We will stay tuned!
Adrian Kaether
Editor
