Transition Relay eMTB | Lightweight Electric MTB GAME CHANGER

[@nickmcdvtt]

Dude, this is a fantastic review video. I love that you called out anyone that's knocking this concept because TR, once again, absolutely crushed it with the Relay. I actually ran into one of the TR guys on a recent trip in Idaho. He had no place to camp for the night so he hung out with us in our site and gave us a little demo of this bike in camp. It's rad. Also, I had no idea how rad the trails are in NC. So sick!

[@binshuo]

bruh. I live in metro Vancouver and the trails in this video looks more tame than my local gravel ride trails

[@darrencarter7203]

I have a YT Jeffsy that’s weighs 33.5lbs on the trail. I would definitely take the 2.5lb hit to have an acoustic bike I could slide the battery into and go e-bike packing. Been wondering why no one has covered this yet. Thanks for saying it! Now, if I could just scrape up the ticket price …

[@bostondye3736]

I live in North Carolina, and pisgah is one of the reasons I have been hesitant about buying an ebike and selling my enduro. Can't afford both just yet. This bike stood out to me from the time they announced it for the reasons you cover. Thanks for the content 🙏

[@orangielegros]

I don’t understand the problem at pisgah. F them. Ride anyway

[@DrJMTB]

This thing would be totally rideable there. I wouldn't have any issues going and taking Black Mt on this, any more than I would've had my previous Santa Cruz Nomad that only weighed 3 lbs lighter than this one.

[@mikeyp3694]

You totally nailed it. The PNW edition has the same specs roughly as say a Santa Cruz Nomad and is maybe 6 lbs heavier without the battery......oh....and you get an E-bike as a bonus for just a bit more $$$. Total game changer....and was also surprised other reviews fail to mention this entirely. I don't have an ebike but this gets me closer for sure....

[@lukepetersen6683]

Good work mate, great to see a review focussing on how the bike rides without the battery. I'm hoping to get my hands on a PNW version in the next few months and expect to ride it more than half the time without battery. I noticed some juddering noise on the audio in a few sections, most notably 5:30 - 5:40; any idea what that is?

[@letsgomoreplacescarl]

Would be interested in how many vertical feet climbing was in your 25 mile ride. The vertical has huge effect on Range. In the nw we are doing steep to the point climbs for dh

[@jason5031]

Oh man... Now I NEED this!

[@AL-sd5cs]

For anyone doubting the exercise aspect of an ebike, go ride with a group of ebike riders and ride one up the hill and then hop back on your analog bike..I did yesterday and my feet felt like I had lead attached to them..e bikes give you way more riding opportunities in a day out and when you get to the top of trail, you’re not wiped out on the 2nd or third climb making the descents safer..I think most people who are hesitant need to look at SL bikes cause these heavy full power bikes are not necessary with the new smaller motors and more energy dense batteries coming out

[@GF-cb8rr]

Was looking for a review that went into more detail on the riding experience without the battery as this bike was designed to take advantage of. ... Thanks!

[@Petr388]

Great review, it really looks like one-to-do-it-all bike. I have been riding original Orbea Rise LTD for almost 3 years now and it is awesome trail e-bike. Only issue I hav with it is annoying rattle. It used to be quite ok but after some recent rough bike park riding it intensified quite alot. Partly due to characteristics of Shimano EP8 motor but i suspect more rattle comes from badly managed cable management inside of the carbon frame. How is the rattle issue with Relay? I hear a bit of in the No battery DHull part

[@LastAphelion]

I would love to try the PNW. I want to see more options for the Repeater like the Relay PNW, bc I think I think the Relay looks good but at 40+ pounds I feel like I might as well go full power and want a mullet with big battery, so I hope they'll offer a 700+ battery for the Repeater eventually and not sure if it can be mulleted with longer travel? I don't have the money to be buying and swapping parts after the cost of a bike

[@DrJMTB]

No real mullet option on the Repeater. And the weight difference will be noticeable. We have one in the shop. Great bike as well, just a completely different animal.

[@FlowFinderUSA]

This is the review of the Relay i've been looking for...nicely done!

[@IIISentorIII]

I'm 41 and Ride Specialized Stumpjumper and Scott Genius here in Switzerland If I would buy a E-bike it would probably be a Transition Relay or Pivot Shuttle SL. I also did testride a Scott Lumen which I actually really liked since i like the normal Scott Spark too. I don't have the Budget for "another" Bike and given that my Stumpjumper Expert only did cost me 3400 Euro the asking price for those E-mtb is too high for me at around 10k. Yes, I could afford it, but I won't, the same way I will not spend 1200k for the latest graphics card😅 I have some wear and tear on my body ( Back pain, disk damage, often Migraines) from a lifetime of Snowboarding/Skiing, Skating, climbing, running around with my sled-dogs (Husky's and Samojed) and all the other crazy stuff I did 😅 Bottom line, my body would be ready for a E-bike for those "I'm in pain" days😁 But I like the direction those SL E-Bikes Bikes are going and my parents already own two at the age of 70 and 77. Cheers from Switzerland PS. Removable battery also means you can take this Bike on an Airplane theoretically.

[@DrJMTB]

All fantastic points. I hope you're able to get an e-bike when the time is right! Cheers

[@midlifeshredder]

Man I wish a shop in TN demo’d these! Would love to try one out. Great job on the video, very informative!

[@DrJMTB]

Where in TN are you?

[@midlifeshredder]

@@DrJMTB Nashville area.

[@DrJMTB]

@@midlifeshredder swing up and see us in Somerset!

[@ajandlucy]

Nice review thanks, no motor issues on relays yet?

[@DrJMTB]

Mine is cranking along fine. I haven’t heard of any yet. Fazua is becoming much more popular.

[@ajandlucy]

@@DrJMTB Great hopefully will get mne next month!

[@emtbtrailrider539]

Keep up the good work Great review

[@DrJMTB]

👊🏼👊🏼

[@emtbtrailrider539]

@@DrJMTB where do you charge the battery at on the Transition Relay?

[@DrJMTB]

@@emtbtrailrider539 see 13:10 where the cord is plugged into the back of the battery

[@InfoOTEFruita]

Hey Josh, What a coincidence! Shortly after meeting you and Ashley, I get a call from a guy coming our way with his Relay. I'm on YouYube looking at the bike and there you are! Be safe, have fun.

[@DrJMTB]

Enjoyed touring Over The Edge Cycles in Fruita, CO! Thanks again Kirk!

[@britishbassbikes]

You rock. Great review

[@DrJMTB]

👊🏼👊🏼

[@sasquatchmtb]

Nice man! I ride an Alloy Spire and minus the battery the Relay is very similar.

[@DrJMTB]

Love the Spires 👌

[@grahamplowman3126]

Hey there how would the top mode (Rocket) on the Fazua compare to an EP8? Similar to Eco or Trail?

[@DrJMTB]

Comparing it to an EP8 full power is tough, because the experience is very different. Id say a quick off the cuff comparison (thinking back to the Santa Cruz Heckler I've most recently trail ridden) that the on-trail difference would feel something like the Relay being ~75% of the EP8 in all-out power. To me, the on-trail power is not as far off as you'd think. When I ride the Repeater that we have in the shop around the parking lot, it just has a very different feel to it, and again, I prefer the lighter feel of the Relay.

[@grahamplowman3126]

@@DrJMTB Thanks for your thinking on this

[@brianrand7191]

Is a motorcycle with out gas not a motorcycle? Can I rip down Whistler in neutral with the motor cut?

[@DrJMTB]

I don’t know, but it would sure be cool to try…

[@beaproforever6677]

Bro I don't know you but your video is cool! most people who have seen this just don't get what kind of bike the relay is!! at one day you are with battery in squamish and the other day without in whistler. at the end of june i get a pnw test bike. I'll make a video about it then. hope you like it too. and when you will buy a santa or a spezi 16000$ up! greets from Zurich 🤙

[@2sully4]

25 miles but what was the elevation gain ?

[@catonabike2774]

I'm also 5'9" and am between sizes. Per the geometry charts I convinced myself that I'd prefer a large. Do you think you would've been comfortable on a large as well as this medium?

[@DrJMTB]

Yes, I can almost always do either. I’d probably do a large if I got another one. It was a spacious medium though

[@catonabike2774]

@@DrJMTB Thank you

[@dadventuretv2538]

So ’ve been toying with the idea of an enduro bike that is slightly slacker and bigger than my Santa Cruz Bronson V3 (2019) that is my current rig. Reason is I’m enjoying going steeper and gnarlier in the mountains as skills get better, and while Bronson can do it; I’d like something that can give me a bit extra safety net the way my Bronson does on the slightly lesser stuff. I’m 51 with more mileage on my body than I write in a sentence. Lol. But after a mtb trip over week of 4th I’m also looking at ebikes for miles and more gnar and more climbs and more downs in the mountains. I’m thinking the Relay might solve both for me. How would you feel using the Relay at lift assist bike park days? I’m a blue and lower end black flow/jump trails guy, black tech trails guy. That is mainly when I would ride it sans battery.

[@DrJMTB]

I’m very likely going to be taking mine on an out west trip very soon that will involve multiple lift access days. I personally think the relay would be tough to beat, especially if it were going to be your only bike, and you wanted some thing that could do all of the above.

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@DrJMTB awesome. Thanks man. I’d still keep my Bronson for other trails, but on mountain trips I would probably only take the Relay- so one day might be singletrack and big climbs with battery, and another might be lift day without. Love that versatility with it. Hopefully you get some footage of your trip. 🤙

[@DrJMTB]

@@dadventuretv2538 if you’re keeping the Bronson, I’d give the PNW version of the Relay a hard look 🤙🏼

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@DrJMTB great minds- lol. That’s the one I want!

[@237311]

How much is the weight without the battery?

[@kangsterizer]

but you have to take the batt out to charge even if you don't want to, and its annoying to remove each time. and stuff rattles in the bike. feels bad for the huge price of these to not have these 2 things fixed, it doesnt take much ...

[@searchpartyone]

Nice review

[@tonyrobinson1623]

Not having a range extender available is unacceptable on a mid power emtb.

[@DrJMTB]

I agree completely. I felt better about recommending at the time because Fazua were supposed to have one by now. Brands specing Fazua need to hold them accountable.

[@DarrenSmith-x6h]

Great review man ,the fact that it can be ridden without battery is the main reason I'm considering this bike

[@BobbySchaffer]

The motor could also be for emergencies, i’m 57 i would lug a light motor around and forget it , then it would be worth solid gold when i need it.

[@michaelyin2063]

Is it Dual Crown Compatible?

[@piotrkaczor2966]

@Flippy Number of crowns does matter, - dual crown forks are structurally stiffer and exert much higher forces on the headtube area of the frame. The use of dual crown forks is specifically forbidden in most bikes, regardless of the fork's travel (it would void the warranty).Relay is one of them, unfortunately (I was also thinking of putting DC on it) Here's the relevant bit of FAQ section, from their website: "Can I put a dual crown fork on the relay? No. The Relay has not been tested for use with a dual crown fork. Due to frame geometry, the steering range would also be too limited.

[@KurtRWalker]

Isnt this still 40 pounds with no battery? still kinda portly for days with no battery no?

[@thecount1001]

no.

[@DirtBikingFunWith14]

You brought up Great points that most people don’t bring up. Great job.

[@TeamCykelhold]

Not really sure the park ranger will take a "but no battery" as an excuse for taking an ebike to the non ebike trails. I don't know. But I do know that having to remove the battery to charge is annoying, and I'd worry a bit about rattle from the cover and battery. Living with a bike long term is different than trying it for a few rides. I think this bike looks really awesome, but lacks on a few fronts. Overall, great bike and I wish the fuel exe had the geo and travel of the relay or relay had the motor and integration of the fuel exe.

[@DrJMTB]

If all of the electricity is removed from the e-bike, is it still an electric bike? I’m a stickler for not riding e-bikes on trails that don’t allow them, but as shown I’ve been riding this one on them and will continue to do so. The battery cover doesn’t rattle, and the ability to charge the battery away from the bike for me is one it’s best features. And I usually avoid negativity or sweeping generalizations, but this bike would destroy the Trek in regards to power of the system and capability.

[@TeamCykelhold]

@@DrJMTB I'm not saying you are doing anything wrong, I'm all for it. I'm just saying that it's possible that not all people see it that way. It's nice that it doesn't rattle. Regarding battery - horses for courses. Best of both worlds would without a doubt be an easily removable battery and also be able to charge it without taking it out. Regarding fuel exe, I think it's a matter of horses for courses once again. Fuel set up with a 27.5 rear wheel with frame in high setting and a 160mm Zeb / 38 fork has roughly the same geo as relay but less travel and a lower BB making it unsuitable for some spots but great on most other spots. I have no idea about the power delivery though, but I'll take your word for it since I haven't tried the relay. Happy riding!

[@DrJMTB]

@@TeamCykelhold I will definitely meet halfway and say that it would be cool to be able to charge it with the battery in as well. That being said, I've never had an e-bike where I didn't worry a bit about accidentally leaving the charge port cover open during riding or washing, or in the case of the Rise, breaking 2 different charge port covers. Not having one does take that off the table. Regarding the TQ power, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZuzZmd-oZqXY6M for a good comparison. Happy riding!

[@ianmangham4570]

I was reading Transistor Relay 😅

[@ianmangham4570]

Rides like a TANK

[@DrJMTB]

It can definitely mow down some rough stuff. I probably wouldn't go quite "tank" level on maneuverability though. It handles quite well for what it is.

[@ianmangham4570]

@@DrJMTB She sure is beautiful 😍 🤟👍🤠💯

[@orangielegros]

Full power Bosch. I’ll take a few pounds penalty

[@DrJMTB]

Also a great motor that is very smooth and has great power. I was able to ride an Orbea Wild with the Bosch and it was great, but definitely didn't have the spry feel of this one. I've yet to ride the new version of the Wild though and would love to try it.

[@dag681]

Yeah, the idea in America that riding an E-bike doesn't keep you in shape, is stupid. But that's America for ya. IT's actually far far better to target your HR is ALL workouts. It is simply not good over long term MTB, with the ups and downs of your HR.

[@BobbySchaffer]

soon they can’t tell who has an E bike and who doesn’t, get H U F F Y stickers 😮

[@TheNationalTrails]

Koolaid

[@DrJMTB]

If you're asking which flavor, I prefer fruit punch hands down.

[@TheNationalTrails]

Ridden 90+ custom carbon full suspension MTBs. Wrenched them up for Arizona mid-summer desert heat as legit tech climbers/descenders. Could ride at 10mph and cool off with a "26-pound complete" full suspension MTB. Had an unthawing ice-pack to bypass the dynamics of over heating and leg cramping. This motor concept is taking place of the all important "wrenching, component selections, precision geometry, and bike fitting" mastery. It's koolaid. I agree with flavor and selection. It's just that the carry over... Carry over... Carry over of the "not needed, non-organic energy" pulsing upon nature's frontier pace will only continue to develop a law for that place and it's not the law of nature.

[@TheNationalTrails]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3STiZWqg7ljgpI Here's an interesting cover photo of a Dirt bike climbing the pits of a mand-made mining dig. Is the bull-dozer or the Redbull dirt bike the greatest machine? Who's the better driver/rider? Conceptually, I'm just illustrating how "pure" the Redbull rider rides, when it's in essence the worse case of non-natural disaster.

[@siriosstar4789]

"Game changer "? 😂 ridiculous hyperbole .

[@DrJMTB]

Tell that to someone who wants an e-bike and a regular bike, but can't afford both 🙂

[@siriosstar4789]

Woosh !

[@bikebudha01]

As someone who rides a 23lbs hardtail, I am laughing out loud at "without battery... 36lbs..." Must be nice to live on the east coast where there are no climbs...

[@DrJMTB]

I’m also over here laughing at anyone who thinks the East Coast doesn’t have any climbs. I also have a Transition Smuggler that weighs 27 lbs, so my frame of reference is crystal clear.

[@bikebudha01]

@@DrJMTB Are your 'climbs' bigger than the Rockies? Or the Cascades? Just curious... (Also, your bike is NINE pounds lighter than the bike WITHOUT the battery. AND, it's about a $3,000 hit to get the battery/motor. I suppose if you're really old and weak...)

[@TheWrigle]

What so you consider a climb? My enduro bike weighs 36lbs, and I do 2,000 foot plus climbs on it all the time in SoCal. The climbs here are brutal, much worse then the more gradual climbs in utah where I used to live. Straight up and then straight down. I honestly don't notice the weight that much. I have also got a 29lbs trail bike I ride regularly.

[@Jimmy-oq9zq]

Bro you're so hardcore.

[@bikebudha01]

@@TheWrigle Funny, Dr J was talking about 'east coast climbs' and you respond with stories about west coast climbs... Also, borrow a lightweight xc bike and do your 2,000 foot climb. Then do it on your enduro. Let me know which one felt better. And why do you ride your lighter trail bike 'regularly'? Is it because it's 7lbs lighter than your enduro? I bet it is. And my point was the featured bike weighs 36lbs WITHOUT the battery. Which means when you run without the battery, your are carrying 3-6 lbs of 'dead weight motor' for no reason. Better off to just by a non-battery bike. Save the money, save the hassle, get in better shape...

[@archetype.music.studio]

I raced my Relay at Bryce in the recent Down-Duro and I took the battery out. It was awesome and pedaling around the base of the park with no battery was no problem. My relay is 38 lbs in L size with no battery (42.6 w/ battery). Not anorexic but for what it is, that’s killer!

[@gnar_tar]

did your relay rattled ?? which build you have at 38lbs ? thank you

[@southpawlibranine3511]

It comes with shitty tires. The weight is over 20kg. The new giant with a full power motor in a lighter bike than this os the real game changer😊

[@southpawlibranine3511]

@Flippy not once you put proper tires on it

[@southpawlibranine3511]

@Flippy who cares its still less powerful and evem with battery removed no one wnats to pedal a pig around

[@southpawlibranine3511]

It weighs over 18kgs as a regular bike. Whats the point. And the motor will drag even just a little

[@KiwiInGermanyMTB]

My Aluminum normal patrol is 18 kg and feels awesome. I've heard there is almost no drag without the battery

[@southpawlibranine3511]

@@KiwiInGermanyMTB there is still a little drag. Ive already tried it. And it has weak tires. Once you put real tires on theres no point riding it without the battery

[@DrJMTB]

If the motor drags, it's not noticeable. And the point is you can ride it as an e-bike as well.

[@DrJMTB]

@@southpawlibranine3511 I actually put EXO casing on the front and EXO+ on the rear intentionally and haven't had a single flat. I am a lighter rider, but I completely disagree about an Assegai /DHRII in EXO+ factory offering not being enough.

[@JohnArthur]

@@DrJMTB I've ridden the Relay and would agree that if there's drag, you can't actually feel it.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

Its 22000 dollars on aistralia no thanks

[@megane230f1]

I have a 2018 focus jam 2 e bike thats not much heavier than what the lightweight market is offering 5 years later

[@ajandlucy]

@@megane230f1 Yeah focus was ahead of the game there, but their geo was a bit behind, seem to have caught up now and they have JAM 2 SL that is almost the same as this bike just a bit shorter travel but also with removable battery.

[@archetype.music.studio]

Any battery rattle or any rattle at all from the bike?? I have a Relay on pre-order and I have nightmares about rattling e-bikes since my current full-fat emtb has a. rattling battery door and b. rattling seat post. It’s an exhausting annoyance

[@mikeromano38]

Yes it rattles

[@btk5256]

@@mikeromano38 dang :/ see that’s what I hear.. what’s the rattle from ? Battery area ?

[@mikeromano38]

@@btk5256 yeah. I can’t tell if it’s the door or some wires within? The battery itself seems pretty secure.

[@mikeromano38]

Though I’d say that I almost never notice it. This bike rips and I’m 100% satisfied.

[@archetype.music.studio]

@@mikeromano38 sweet!