First Ride Review: The All-New Transition Regulator eMTB – A Dialed Machine for Big Days
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been waiting to see what Transition would cook up in the eMTB world. Well, it finally happened—the Transition Regulator is here. And let me tell you, this thing rips.
I took the Regulator out for a proper first ride—big climbs, chunky descents, and all the rowdiness my legs (and battery) could handle. Here’s my take on Transition’s new electrified rig and whether it’s worth throwing a leg over.
First Impressions: That Transition Feel, But Supercharged
Right outta the box, the Regulator looks like a Transition—aggressive stance, clean lines, and that signature party-on-wheels vibe. The geo is dialed: long, slack, and built for sending. It’s got that familiar Speed Balanced Geometry (SBG), so even though it’s an e-bike, it still rides like a Transition.
The build quality is top-notch. Internal cable routing is clean, the motor integration is seamless, and it doesn’t scream “e-bike” at first glance. It’s clear the crew in Bellingham put serious thought into this thing.
Power & Motor: Natural, But With That Extra Kick
Transition partnered up with Bosch for the Regulator and we’re stoked they did! We’re absolutely huge fans of Bosch’s reliability and performance.
This AllMtn steed comes in 2 Builds:
Option 1:
Bosch CX equipped with 85 NM and a 600Wh battery for those looking for full power and huge days in the saddle. If you’ve ridden an eMTB before, you know this motor is a beast—it’s smooth, torquey, and doesn’t have that awkward on/off surge some systems do.
It’ll chew through steep, punchy climbs without feeling like a dirt bike. The power delivery is intuitive—you can stay playful on the pedals without it taking over the ride. And when you need to hammer up a fire road or blast through techy switchbacks? Boom. It’s got your back.
Weight-wise, the CX Build comes in at 47 Lbs.
Option 2:
Bosch SX equipped with 55 NM and a 400 Wh battery for those looking for a lighter and more nimble rig. Although the CX is more powerful, don’t sleep on the SX. This is a great option for those who really still want to be a part of the action and looking for a lighter bike that feels more natural. We also think this is a great option for lighter weight riders. It offers solid range without excess weight. Whether you're crushing climbs or ripping descents, the SX keeps the ride fun, fast, and fluid.
Weight-wise, the SX comes in at just over 41 Lbs.
Both options are Bosch Powermore compatible and can add another 250Wh to your ride time.
Climbing: No More Suffering (But Still Plenty of Fun)
Climbing on the Regulator is pure joy. It sticks to the trail like Velcro, and the Bosch motor helps you keep traction even on loose or rooty sections.
I found myself actually enjoying technical climbs—stuff I’d normally be dreading on a regular bike. You can stay seated and grind, or pop into EMTB mode and power up without losing finesse. This thing will get you to the top with fresh legs and a huge grin.
Descending: Like a Transition Should
Here’s where things get spicy. Transition bikes are all about the descent, and the Regulator doesn’t disappoint. The 160mm front / 160mm rear travel setup is money—plush when you need it, but poppy enough to keep things playful.
The head tube angle is 64 ½ on all builds. Couple this with size specific chain stays and this bike really comes to life on the trail.
The weight of the motor and battery actually helps in some ways. The bike sticks to the ground when you want it to, but it’s not a tank. I could still flick it around corners, boost off lips, and hold my line through rough sections without feeling like I was wrestling it.
Even on big, rowdy descents, I never felt like the bike was riding me. It’s got that classic Transition DNA—stable, confidence-inspiring, but not boring. If you’re the kind of rider who loves to charge through chunky terrain but still wants to jib and pop off features, this thing will suit you perfectly.
Who Is the Regulator For?
If you love big mountain days, rowdy descents, and want a well-balanced eMTB that feels natural, the Regulator is a killer choice. It’s playful but planted, powerful but intuitive, and built to last.
It’s for riders who want to get more laps, climb faster, and shred harder without feeling like they’re compromising their riding style.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy One?
If you’re already a Transition fan and have been waiting for an eMTB that keeps the party going—yes. 100% yes.
If you’re new to eMTBs and want something that rides like a real bike, not just a motorized machine, this is one of the best options out there.
At the end of the day, the Transition Regulator is just flat-out fun. It’s a bike built for riders who want to go bigger, ride farther, and still get rowdy when the descent comes. I’m sold.
Thanks for reading and we’ve got demos for riding on our singletrack out back available now! 🤘
