Press Release

Remove the Battery, Ride Like a Regular Bike - Meet the Transition Relay 8

Dubbed the mountain biker's ebike, the Relay features Fazua's Ride60 system with an easily removable battery allowing riders to ride with or without electric assistance.

The ebike landscape has evolved drastically in recent years and has been at the pinnacle of many heated debates. We typically fall back on the fact that ebikes provide a much different on-trail experience compared to regular bikes and should be treated as such. But we’d be lying if we did not daydream from time to time of combining the stability of an ebike with the maneuverability and weight of our beloved pedal bike. Who doesn’t want to have their cake and eat it too? 

As one of the first brand to chase down this unicorn concept and see it through to reality, Transition has debuted the Relay. Pushing the ‘two bikes in one’ concept, the Relay features a smaller output motor and an easily removable battery, allowing riders to ride with or without pedal assistance. The battery-less weight of the Relay is expected to be under 40-pounds, while the Fazua’s Ride60 system claims to achieve similar power and range to a full-size ebike thanks to its lower weight and efficiency. We are incredibly curious if the hype will meet expectations, but already love the idea of having a jack-of-all-trades machine. The Relay won’t be available until Spring 2023, so for now, enjoy what little details we have below.


The Relay is the materialization of our goal to have a mountain bike and an ebike in a single product. It is a bike that can provide both experiences without compromise. The frame allows for 160 and 170mm travel, is compatible with dual 29 or mixed wheels, utilizes our renowned SBG geometry, and is equipped with the impressive Fazua Ride 60 system.

 

We have been exploring the concept of two bikes in one for many years. It was the first idea that got us excited about creating an ebike. The ability to have a lightweight powered bike with a removable battery was our ultimate dream. While there have been bikes with this capability in the past, this is our interpretation of the modular concept. The biggest challenge was doing justice to both options and not compromising either configuration. Achieving this was a long winding road that naturally intersected with the development of the Fazua Ride 60 system.

The Fazua Ride60 system is light in weight, but not in power, with a 430wh battery powering a highly efficient 60nm motor. This system punches way above its weight class, and can hang with higher powered ebikes, while remaining many pounds lighter. The battery is easily and quickly removable via a tool free door, allowing you to go between mountain bike or ebike mode in seconds. It strikes the perfect balance of power and weight while remaining incredibly natural and intuitive to a normal riding experience. While the motor stays in the frame, it is as efficient as a normal drive train with very little added weight once the battery is removed. The frame can be ridden at 160 or 170mm rear travel, dual 29" or mixed wheel sizes, and with or without assistance from the Ride60 system. In an effort to make this bike as accessible as possible, it will come in both aluminum and carbon frame materials and available in 6 sizes ranging from extra small to double extra large.

We see the cost of entry to owning both a mountain bike and an ebike as a major hinderance for many riders. With this, you can purchase one bike to ride on any trail, with any group or style you prefer. The options are nearly endless. Pull the battery out and go for a pedal lap on trails not open to ebikes, or hop on the chairlift to get some laps in the bike park. Put the battery back in and sneak in a few hot laps after work, or get another day of riding in when your legs are spent. The Relay is a bike that can truly do it all.

We are super excited to share more about the Relay and it’s story in the coming months. Keep your eyes peeled for chapter two this fall. Full product details and bikes available to purchase in spring of 2023!


View key specs, compare e-bikes, and rate the new Transition Relay in the Vital MTB Product Guide.

Related:
8 comments

View replies to: Remove the Battery, Ride Like a Regular Bike - Meet the Transition Relay

Comments

In reply to by Cougar797

In reply to by komyewest

In reply to by Timothy Crockett

The Latest