Transition Relay and Repeater Overview - Dissected Series

[@ScottEnnis-x3j]

Love my relay! Will take it to highlands for wednesduro and sometimes ride with battery to get more laps, sometimes without to work cardio. Either way loads of fun and capable

[@MrTonka]

You should try the PNW version. I got mine about a month ago. Went to TR HQ to pick it up and ride out there for a week. I was SHOCKED by how playful and poppy it is. First trail I rode in Bham I needed to hop a downed tree and was amazed at how easy it was to get off the ground. This is coming from a guy who lives in FL. (moving to Bham soon!)

[@bellinghambaseball2]

Please don't

[@finbox1000]

Great vid as always lads! I had the Repeater and sold it to buy the Relay. For me, it's far superior to the Repeater. My only issue is the lack of refinement on the Relay. It has a few rattles coming from loose cables and wires and also the internal battery mount. Most people with a Relay have spent much time finding and fixing rattles with zip ties and packing with rubber/foam. Apart from that the Bike is Freaking amazing!!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing

[@ErikinCA]

Helpful to hear when trying to make a decision between these 2 bikes. The aluminum relay weighs about as much as the full power repeater so it gets confusing.

[@scotthunt5565]

Thats my dilema right now. Alloy pnw relay or carbon repeater. Nearly same weight and geo...which wat to go??

[@ErikinCA]

t5565 I went with the alloy relay, and my local bike shop highly supported the idea, as they had ridden both. They, like others felt the relay was a more fun bike for some magical reason.

[@wgnwheels333]

We are so lucky in New Zealand I can't think of anywhere here were ebikes aren't welcome .Full power for me although the new bosch sl looks interesting

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing. One day we hope to get down there to ride.

[@matangistation]

Come over and race the linger & die at Matangi station mtb - its so good!

[@mrlemonadesandwich]

Sweet bikes. Bloody pricey like all ebikes these days. I still cant quantify the brain damage that must have been suffered by those who deem a pedal assist ebike not legal to be riden where non assist mountain bikes can be 🤔

[@davefellows]

Just bought the Relay PNW XO AXS, hopefully pick it up in about a week, can't wait! Upgrading from a Pivot Shuttle Team XTR V3

[@adrianpluskota7053]

I have ordered my Relay 6 months ago, early February. Still waiting… 😢 Since anounced I knew this is the bike for me. Can’t wait !

[@paulmaag6958]

I would really like to see the Mondraker Neat in your SL round up review. Its a very interesting, more stealth and endurro type SL e-bike. I love the planted forward design on Mondrakers!

[@topchoice1621]

I don’t see the big deal with riding e-bikes in bike parks and what all the fuss is about like come on how does the bike mess up the trails that’s such crap

[@LastAphelion]

Yep I called it, I knew the whole promise of "you can take this anywhere without the battery" promise was a bad reason to specifically get it knowing there will always be someone in charge somewhere who has no tolerance no sense policy. Even just read a comment from a trail builder that they never felt like the ebikes did any more damage so they don't mind them on their trails. The misinformation and fear that they can burn out and power shred everywhere like a moto needs to DIE. I will only agree on the logic that if you can do more laps you add more wear, but that isn't a valid point why someone shouldn't be able to come back x amount of times, unless you're also going to ban me on a normal bike from running more laps than normal. Love having rules being allowed to exist based on non-fact, un-proven misinformation.

[@topchoice1621]

@@LastAphelion exactly, burning out shredding everywhere lmfaooo what a joke

[@JimBag100]

Bentonville welcomes peddle assist e-bikes on all trails and their trails are in great shape. The “no e-bike under any circumstances” group is logically bankrupt.

[@tobysmusings]

These bikes look so great- but after 30+ years riding, I’m close to priced out of this sport. Gone back to fully rigid on local XC trails and loving it!

[@shalenamarez2091]

@@superyamagucci E

[@BobbySchaffer]

look what you saved on cigarettes = get the bike, it’s for us . i’m 57, yes we would be embarrassed to ride an E bike at 30 years old. but there’s enough sissys now they produced EBikes ,

[@christiancasado6153]

I'm interested in lightway E. bikes and i hope you guys won't forget to have the Scott Lumen in your bikes test soon.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We definitely have a Lumen! It’s an XC rocket.

[@classifiedcast1313]

I was looking at the Relay and the Timp Peak for a while. I ended up going with the Timp for value alone and it seems like Transition were having a hard time getting bikes in stock. I’m super happy with the Timp but I do wonder how you all feel about the relay long term.

[@joshuafine]

Same exact consideration set here for myself and my buddy. We both went Timp Peak. Arriving in a few weeks.

[@mattmatthews40]

@@joshuafine I'm pondering the same. Everyone raves about the Timp Peak.

[@MrT0rres]

Was in the same boat, ended up with the timp peak, RAD bike

[@mattmatthews40]

@@MrT0rres Is it super playful? I'm leery of the full powered ebikes because they plow through stuff.

[@MrT0rres]

@@mattmatthews40 hard to say, this is my first ebike, it feels great and maneuverable at speed, my other bike is a transition spire, and I have a transition scout, loved transition as a company and was ready to shell out the dough on the not so great value relay.. but something put me off about the relay release.. like they announced it to the world as the missing link, then they kind of went quiet on it when problems on the forums started arising..the lack of official reviews also is off putting, not sure as comparable stuff like the levo sl came and got tons of press, reviews right off the bat, etc etc

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nice video Drew!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hey what's up Jeff, thank you very much. Appreciate the kind words! Keep up the great work yourself!

[@jordanmackay3568]

There's loads of reviews on different lightweight motors and there isn't much between them really that would make me buy a bike because it had one compared to full fat it would have to be Bosch but I'd love to see a bike comparison between the relay, kenevo sl and rotwild E750 & G375. I don't understand why more companies aren't making super enduro ebikes. With a motor it makes sense to have more travel. I've never felt over biked even with 180/180.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for the input.

[@jordanmackay3568]

@@TheLoamWolf Also the Simplon Pmax TQ geometry makes me horny. Considering the regular simplon won bike of the year previously I'd like to see that compared too. Btw my keveno SL weighs 21kg with dh tyres and coil etc without the extender so all these stated weights like 19kg are pointless if you ride hard and spec it correctly. Durability over weight!

[@yofoo138]

Bro horny? Wth? 😂

[@andersonsridebikes]

This is awesome! I’ve got the Repeater and my son rides the Relay! The XS Relay is awesome for younger riders thanks to the full 27.5 wheels and low stand over height. I love how both bikes have easily replaceable batteries and Transition keeps them in stock

[@TheLoamWolf]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing.

[@tonyrobinson1623]

How often/many miles do you have to buy a new battery?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Typically they go by charge cycles (full empty to fully charged) and most brands claim around 1,000 cycles. SO, if you rode 365 days a year and drained your battery on every ride, you'd drop to about 80% battery capacity compared to when new in less than 3 years. Of course, most people aren't lucky enough to drain batteries 7 days a week, in which case you'd likely get 6+ years out of it.

[@battleboardstudios6952]

Wife and I are demoing Relays next week, Ride Patrols now. Curious how you'd rank the Relay compared to the other Ebikes you had in the shootout a few months back.

[@yofoo138]

I have the repeater and couldn’t be happier I had creaking issues with my repeater especially the rear triangle and linkage bolts but after redoing everything and applying the blue loctite as instructed the bike is super quiet I was considering the relay but my gut told me full Ebike and couldn’t be happier

[@ajandlucy]

You should give it a try as a mullet. I love mine @ 170mm but you could even have a 160mm mullet.

[@steveaj1985]

Thought it was awesome it’s a E bike but does not have real chunky e-bike look until I just noticed the front sprocket that has to go! Is it plastic?

[@yofoo138]

So did transition just make the repeater in a rush and hope for the best? Because they nailed it and it’s a killer bike

[@timquinn465]

Great video! Nice idea Transition has but I cannot think of a time I would stash the battery in the trees. You still have to climb back out. Would rather go all e or just ride an analog bike if e-bikes not allowed.

[@paulshanks6645]

Include the Forestal Siryon in the SL review please! Currently trying to decide between the Relay or the Siryon so that would be great to hear how you think they compare.

[@ProjectZillertal]

Eon Drive in Siryon have the most annoying motor sound ever :/ You need to hear it live..

[@TheLoamWolf]

We've got one coming last minute!

[@brianbass4971]

I demo’ed both with my family at the Outpost in Bellingham. We collectively decided that the light weight, long travel, and battery removal gave the edge to the Relay. There is nothing wrong with the Repeater and it comps well with the SC Heckler. For my money, the PNW Relay was the right answer. You really need to ride this with a coil. So smooth! I’ve also had no issues removing the battery for bike park laps. The lighter weight also helps me keep up with friends on full powered bikes and has all day range. It’s definitely a gateway bike and an excellent choice as a first e MTB. I can also put my wife or 10 yr old son on it with no problem.

[@Mr_Cerecero]

You opened my eyes sir🙌🏽 relay sounds like the move for me. It’s good to have options and with the repeater I’d be heavy for life and it wouldn’t be ideal for jump parks/stevens pass. Thanks much

[@der_arvid]

Depends on the frame material: in alloy, the relay pnw still clocks in at 23 kilos in L...that is merely 3 kilos lighter than the average full-power E-Bike. Still deciding for me if that's worth the 9500€

[@2sully4]

How’s the range on the relay tho. I’d like it to do about 20 mile ride with 4-5k in elevation

[@brianbass4971]

@@2sully4 I think you will be ok, especially if you stay in eco or trail. I just did a 37 mile/3500 ft elevation ride. I routinely get 20 miles and 4k of climbing.

[@brianbass4971]

@@der_arvid yes, mine is carbon in size small.

[@scott5783]

How does the relay handle without the battery? Do you need to adjust the fork settings?

[@ProjectZillertal]

nope. It handles almost same as alloy Spire.

[@TheLoamWolf]

It handles really well! If you’d adjust your suspension if you gained or lost 5lbs or put on a heavy backpack for your ride, then you may…. We suspect most riders will not.

[@brianbass4971]

I have not felt any adjustments are needed with the battery in vs. battery out.

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Is there any noticable drag from the motor riding with the battery removed? 36lb is impressive.. would love to demo one, looking forward to further reviews👍

[@roguesender]

None. I ride the PNW version and there is no drag.

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@roguesender thanks for the info👍 sounds like the bike for me

[@TheLoamWolf]

Imagine running a low-profile tire like the Dissector and then running an Assegai, it'd be almost that noticeable.

[@JoeS97756]

Does the Repeater have the Shimano motor rattling sound on descents? How about the Relay, any motor noise rattling on descents?

[@xav_1029]

Does the Fazua have an app that allows you to adjust settings like others?

[@lakeforesteastridge_mtber4906]

It does

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes it does.

[@maximecoulombe9554]

How is the pull on the relay vs the ep8 in trail mode in the same hill , and the mileage during same trail ? Because i want to go lightweight bike and a bike you can run ex: electric failure …. Thank s !!!

[@curtrobertson6799]

Prices on some of these e-bikes are ridiculous.

[@jdmbeaner182]

Mtb as a whole have gotten ridiculous in the last 5 years.

[@shawnpritchard366]

One of many reasons why I prefer my single speed.

[@shawnpritchard366]

Crazy that these bicycles cost much more than a motocross motorcycle. Lots more.

[@didgineil]

Hi, awesome review. What’s your thoughts on the relay being an entry to emit. Looking for their first bike, the lt range interests me, as suppose to going full power, I’m a small rider so bike weight is something I consider. Thanks team, awesome review 👍

[@ProjectZillertal]

for me, its definitely not entry e mtb, i had 3 full ebikes, but non of them was close to my analog Sentinel, ended up with Relay and this is advanced hybrid between analog and full ebike world :)

[@tonyrobinson1623]

My question is why Transition chose to mke the Relay unable to use a booster battery? I know there is/was a delay in Fazua making the batteries so maybe Relays in the future will use boosters, but that help people who buy current models. Any fure booster shuld be backward compatible with curren bikes.

[@ProjectZillertal]

Relay is ready for Fazua range extender that will be available spring 2024.

[@blakkpatron]

now we need a review of the 2023 Lapierre E-Zesty

[@Pienimusta]

Relay looking super slick

[@TheLoamWolf]

It is a standout for us this year!

[@whitest_kyle]

I demoed the Relay up against the Trek Fuel EXe while looking for lightweight ebikes and unfortunately the Fazua motor was super jerky and unrefined compared to the TQ in the Trek, plus I just didn't vibe well the geo of the Transition so I ended up going with the Trek. Also the Transition was markedly more expensive for builds with alloy wheels/bar/stem compared to Trek's all carbon build, and didn't quite feel as well built (it rattled pretty loud and the paint quality wasn't amazing).

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@diversityfire]

How does the Relay's overall power and battery life hang when riding with other bigger motor/battery ebikes? Can it still keep up...relatively speaking? I really like the Relay's versatility, but if riding with other ebikes, I want to be able to keep up and still go far.

[@lakeforesteastridge_mtber4906]

It holds up decent…I did a range test and hit 23.41 miles with 3600ft of elevation with maybe 5-10% battery left (still had a bar) in mostly eco mode. If you do runs with less elevation and miles, keeping it boost or trail, you can hang with anyone. This bike is awesome!

[@ProjectZillertal]

on my tuned Eco mode I can do around 80 km and 1600 m up. its really crazy how composed this system is. Im 88Kg with gear.,

[@adrianpluskota7053]

@@ProjectZillertalcan you share some tuning tips ?

[@ProjectZillertal]

@@adrianpluskota7053 max power 90w, max rider input 180, ramp up 28%

[@ajandlucy]

The relay in Boost is like a full powered bike in trail mode. You can keep up with full powered bikes so long as they are not in boost. In terms of range/elevation the fazua seems efficient, obviously depends how much effort you put in but 1000-1250m vertical in full boost all the time is doable for me.

[@topchoice1621]

The relay is really nice

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes it is.

[@topchoice1621]

@@TheLoamWolf one of the workers at the LBS spartan rides has one and I got an up and close look at it and it was beautiful he said he paid 12grand and offered to let me ride it but I kindly said no thanks now looking back I should’ve took it for a quick ride lol but I really like the idea of taking the battery out and still being able to ride it I think all e-bikes should be that way

[@ccsc9728]

can someone explain to me why theres certain spots where e-bikes are banned/not allowed? im curious

[@peterfairhurst]

In the US, each trail system is managed by a different government entity ranging from city, county, state and federal agencies. Each land manager has different rules and regulations in effect which creates all the variability in what is or is not allowed. Basically government red tape at its finest and a process that is extremely slow to adapt and understand impact. A lot of the controversy is built around wilderness access protections as well as balancing multi-use trail systems. Hikers, horseback riders, and MTB already have contentious issues so add in a motor to an MTB and you get a lot of misinformation in other trail users building assumptions they will be further impacted by essentially motos riding out of control. Land Managers in turn then have to balance all the negative complaints and concerns to assess what they are willing to take on based on a specific trails and rules in place that govern it. Basically it’s a complex hot mess.

[@ccsc9728]

thank you!@@peterfairhurst makes sense in a political complex way as you said it!

[@Roaming50]

Here in Wisconsin, ebikes are regulated as regular bikes and are allowed on nearly all city and county parks but the State parks still don't allow them on soft surface trails and neither does the national forest which on USFS land. It's a mess. That said, there is no enforcement, no "no-ebike signs" and we generally run on a don't ask, don't tell policy and don't be a dick. I.e. ride like a decent human people, be nice, slow down when passing people, and no one cares. Most people do not even realize you're on an ebike these days. No I would get the relay. I have the Orbea Rise and love it, but, it's suspension action is not the best and it creaks somewhat. The Relay gives 20mm more travel, is 3lb lighter (for the high end build) and I would hope has better build quality. The removable battery is a draw as well..

[@netposerx]

Here on the east coast ebikes are still not allowed in Pisgah and DuPont. Ugh!

[@mattmatthews40]

Better to ask for forgiveness.....

[@NerdsonDirtMTB]

Did Batchy give you the boot?

[@TheLoamWolf]

They sure did, atleast we were able to get 2 laps in before they noticed.

[@NerdsonDirtMTB]

@@TheLoamWolf Well dang!

[@richardulrich9001]

"I'm not here to talk about my Transition!" -Heather Swanson

[@BobbySchaffer]

put HUFFY stickers, tell Ranger it’s not E

[@cliffordrichardc]

great

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for watching.

[@thim8009]

It's a damn shame they think of ebikes as more of a motorcycle than a mtb. They don't do any more harm than than an analog bike. To answer your question, I'm 6'2" and 240 pounds. Definitely full power.

[@brianrand7191]

I think it’s interesting that there are repeated claims that an ebike without a battery is not an ebike. Where did that claim come from? Hopefully you fact checked before claiming that. I would not assume a plane without jet fuel is a glider. That’s not how objects work. lol

[@trollingthunder152]

what bike park was being that stupid

[@TheLoamWolf]

Mt. Bachelor, though we'd imagine any bike park that's operating in National Forest with a permit for use could pull this move.

[@nicks8026]

I know you guys gotta pay the bills but “ebikes” uh… yeah.