FIRST RIDE - Transition's Repeater Powertrain eMTB 11

Making a not-so-subtle appearance in the release of SRAM's new Powertrain eMTB system just two weeks ago, the reveal of Transition's latest Repeater full-power eMTB was only a matter of time. While the top story is the exciting integration of SRAM's e-ecosystem, the second-generation Repeater has evolved to include more travel, slight geometry changes, and a larger battery. Refined, not redefined, the Repeater PT seeks to enhance rider experience through thoughtless assistance and balanced capability in any terrain. 

Highlights

• Carbon frame 
• 29-inch wheels (mixed-wheel compatible)
• 170mm (6.7 inches) of travel front and rear
• 63.5º head angle
• 78.5º effective seat tube angle (size medium)
• 12x148mm rear hub spacing
• Internal cable routing
• 90Nm SRAM Powertrain motor
• 720Wh Battery
• SRAM T-Type AXS Transmission
• Sizes: S-XL
• Claimed weight (size medium, XO Build): 52.80 lbs (23.9 kgs)
• MSRP: GX AXS Build - $10,4999 // XO AXS Build - $11,999 

Overview

The heart of the new Repeater is the integrated SRAM Powertrain Eagle system, where the motor, drivetrain, and controls operate in harmony for a minimalist look and feel designed to maximize the ride experience. One of only four bike brands to initially launch a Powertrain-equipped model, the development process between SRAM and Transition began nearly three years ago (before the first Repeater even launched). 

"We feel honored to have been selected to be a part of this SRAM program. It's never been them telling us or us telling them that it must be a certain way. It was a constantly evolving process." —Lars Sternberg, Transition's Product Marketing guru

SRAM's 90Nm Powertrain motor takes a minimalist approach, using only two power modes, but adds options such as Auto Shift and Coast Shift with numerous adjustments possible via SRAM's AXS app.

Frame Details

Transition's first-generation Repeater, still available as a more economical option, was designed around Shimano's EP8 motor with a 630Wh battery and had 160mm of travel. On the Repeater PT, travel has increased to 170mm because, well, why not, and the frame has been redesigned to accommodate the larger motor and larger 720Wh battery. However, overall weight has remained comparable. The slide-in battery design allows for a slightly slimmer down tube, but fundamentally, the frame has maintained similar aesthetics to its predecessor. 

The Repeater PT is built around 29-inch wheels but can accommodate a mixed-wheel setup. A flip chip at the bottom of the shock toggles between wheel size configurations while maintaining proper geometry. With AXS managing shifting, dropper, and motor settings wirelessly, the only cables on the Repeater are the brakes, which are internally routed through the head tube. Headset-routed cable haters rejoice. Other frame updates include decreasing the bottom bracket drop from 30mm to 25mm, and the head tube has slackened from 64 to 63.5 degrees. 

SRAM Powertrain Details 

We just covered Powertrain intensely from top to bottom, so we won't go into too many specifics about the system here. If you aren't familar with the system yet, give our Deep Dive article a read. 

The Repeater Powertrain is powered by SRAM's 90Nm Eagle Powertrain motor developed by Brose, the manufacturer of Specialized's Levo motors. The major differentiating factor between the 85Nm Levo motors and the 90Nm SRAM motors isn't the torque itself but the software interface. SRAM's software allows for the motor characteristics to be tuned to SRAM's preferences. 

Whereas other eMTB motors feature three or even five modes, SRAM took a minimalist approach, offering only two tunable power settings, Range and Rally. Selecting between either mode is simply done via a single button on the Pod Controller. Range is for extending battery life, while Rally offers an increase in power for higher torque and faster speed. 

Two exciting features looping into Powertrain are Auto Shift and Coast Shift. Enabled via the shifting abilities of SRAM's Transmission drivetrain, Auto Shift senses pedal cadence and torque to determine when to shift. Coast Shift allows riders to shift numerous gears instantly without pedaling, such as when coasting down a hill in preparation for an upcoming steep climb. 

AXS Pod Controllers 

Other than the Code brakes and the two buttons embedded in the Bridge display, the only hand controls on the Repeater are two SRAM Pod Controllers. The upper non-drive side button toggles between the Range and Rally modes, while the lower button controls the AXS dropper post. The upper drive-side button shifts the Transmission derailleur up, and the lower button shifts it down. Long-holding each button (except the dropper) accesses other features, including Push Mode (non-drive side upper button), Auto Shift on/off (drive side upper button), and Auto Shift adjustment (drive side lower button). All buttons are reconfigurable to personal preference via the AXS app. 

Build Kits

Repeater PT is available in two builds, XO and GX. The premium XO build features a Rock Shox Zeb Ultimate fork paired with a Vivid Ultimate shock, Crankbrothers Synthesis E-bike Alloy wheels, and an XO AXS drivetrain. The GX build utilizes the Zeb Select and Vivid Select suspension and GX AXS drivetrain. 

Repeater Geometry - Gen 1 vs. Gen 2

On The Trail | Ripping the Repeater on Home Soil

A few weeks back, Transition invited us to their Bellingham, WA headquarters to become acquainted with the new Repeater and its SRAM Powertrain system. After an introduction in the corporate meeting room with the company's top suits, Transition's Lars Sternberg and SRAM's Chris Mandell, Bellingham locals, blindfolded us and led us deep in the woods to experience some "trails less-ridden," not too far from the Transition HQ (we think, but we really can't be sure). 

Our first day on the bike consisted of a 30-mile, 5,000-foot ascent loop that included a variety of moto-made trails, epic views, and terrain that Sternberg called "weird stuff." We wouldn't ordinarily seek out such trails on a mountain bike ride, but they proved perfect testing grounds for the new Repeater. "I think there's sometimes a perception that e-bikes are only for self-shuttling or lazy people," remarked Sternberg. "Many people don't really know what you can do with an e-bike, and I want to expose people to what's possible." Lucky for us, we were his students for the next few days. 

As we adapted to Powertrain's controls, we appreciated the simplicity of the two assist modes and clean cockpit. The lack of cockpit clutter combined with the basic Bridge display on the down tube allowed us to focus more on the trail and overall riding experience. There was confusion at first, remembering that the motor assist mode button was on top and the dropper button on the bottom, but eventually, we became accustomed. These settings are switchable in the AXS app now but were not ready for our use at the time of testing. However, we felt at home with the stock button functions and don't see ourselves making many (if any) button or motor adjustments in the future.

We tested both GX and XO models under two testers, and while three days are not enough to put a huge toll on components, we did not feel like either build was lacking in any way. Transition has always crushed its build kit specs, and the Repeater PT comes decked out with burly parts to complement its sending abilities. 

Climbing Performance

Generally, 170mm bikes are manageable at best when climbing. Sure, adding e-assist can make climbing quite fun, but often, it is still a means to an end for arriving at the descents. 

The Repeater, however, took climbing to a new realm. 

First, Powertrain's simplified two-mode system took the guessing out of choosing the right mode for a climb. Either mode works well in most situations, and if more power is required, you only have to push the Pod controller once for Rally. Focus can be placed on technique rather than sifting through various modes. 

The Repeater's ability to grab traction on climbs was super impressive. The motor provided the optimal amount of torque to coincide with our pedal cadence, with very little overrun after the cranks stopped turning. It was refreshing to discover that rather than being forced to adapt our climbing technique to comply with the motor's power output first and the bike's handling characteristics second —a fact that occurs to some degree on most eMTBs — the Repeater had a very naturally responsive feel. Now, the term "natural feel" gets thrown around a lot regarding eMTB motors. But we never experienced any unpredictable surges of power that broke our focus or sent the front wheel dangling in the air. 

In addition to traction, composure during heinous ascents was a standout highlight during our time on the Repeater PT. While experiencing some of Sternberg's "weird stuff," we discovered that steep climbs were best conquered with our saddle at half-mast and rider weight low over the rear tire. We were awestruck with how slowly the bike could track up steep, loose sections. Tackling climbs we would have previously considered unthinkable became not only possible but quite fun. The motor supplied the perfect amount of consistent, natural torque without spiking or dropping out at low rpm like some motors do.   

The SRAM motor did exude a low whine when climbing, but the overall noise level was consistent with many other full-power motors on the market, not silent but not distracting. 

Descending Performance

Per Transition and SRAM's recommendation, we set our shock to 30% sag for the testing period. With a 26% progression rate, bottom-out resistance was satisfying, and we enjoyed the supportive feel of the Vivid Select's mid-stroke support. The Repeater's 170mm of rear travel did not feel incredibly plush through trail chatter, per se, but it was effective and predictable, which is what we seek most when pushing our limits on a full-size eMTB on the type of terrain found in Bellingham. 

The weight of the motor and battery was noticeably low in the frame, translating to plenty of traction in corners or when leaning the bike across technical off-cambers. The weight did become more evident when needing to move and place the bike quickly; however, this wasn't a surprise. We simply gave ourselves more time to prepare or brake for the trail ahead and, when we could, relied on the size and stability of the Repeater to manage and plow through rough sections.

The slack head angle and comfortable wheelbase made for a confident descender on Bellingham's steep rock rolls and a hard charger when trails opened to a faster pace. Like many Transition bikes, the Repeater feels more at home when it can be utilized on aggressive, demanding terrain. The bike came to life the harder we pushed it, and finding the limit of its capabilities was difficult. 

Long Term Durability

After three days of riding, the Repeater PT appears to be a stout rig that can withstand much trail abuse. Should a defect occur, Transition covers the frame for life. With most other components on the bike being SRAM, SRAM handles warranty issues related to those.

A major advantage of SRAM Powertrain is the dealer network and warranty process behind it should an issue occur. As SRAM is sold by nearly every bicycle dealer across the globe, getting access to service should be frictionless in theory. 

Room For Improvement?

The Repeater PT was not the quietest eMTB we've ridden. We heard complaints from many Gen-1 Repeater owners about the noise of the bike, and while the new model has resolved some of the 'knocking' that seemed to stem from the down tube, we still experienced some cable rattle and undistinguishable clanking. On the upside, the motor itself produced no obnoxious noises. 

The 720wh battery-equipped bike tips the scales at 53 pounds, in line with many full-power, large battery eMTBs. We would like to see a build with a smaller battery for riders who may not require the capacity of the 720wh battery or would prefer to save weight. When it comes to eMTBs, the easiest place to cut weight is in the battery. 

At a starting price of $10,4999, Repeater PT is above budget for many consumers. We hope to see SRAM offer a trickle-down, more economical version of Powertrain in the future. 

What's The Bottom Line?

Sans SRAM integration, the latest Repeater is not a massive departure from the first generation, focusing more on evolving the geometry and suspension feel. Powertrain has undoubtedly enhanced the overall package of the bike, with the 'less is more' rider interface delivering a highly integrated, natural e-biking experience. The motor delivers class-leading traction and composure that, when matched with the Repeater's calm response to the gnarliest descents, make it a highly versatile platform.  

However, with all this new e-tech comes a price. Repeater PT will undoubtedly be above budget for many eMTB consumers. Fortunately, the Shimano EP8 build remains an option. For those who can justify its price and have access to a variety of vast terrain like we sampled during our testing time, the refined Repeater PT will show you a damn good time.

For more information, please visit transitionbikes.com

View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the new Transition Repeater Powertrain in the Vital MTB Product Guide.

About The Reviewer

Rick Reed - Age: 39 // Years Riding MTB: Who’s counting? // Height: 5' 9” (1.75m) // Weight: 142 pounds (64.4kg)

A veteran of the bike industry, Rick now finds himself in his first phase of self-described “early retirement,” allowing him time to actually ride. Obsessive about bike setup, dissecting products and European croissants, Rick enjoys riding fast tech, backcountry singletrack, and bike parks, occasionally with the company of a select human being or two (you know who you are). He resides and takes siestas in Reno, NV with his terror dog, Zuul.