If you’ve been following my channel for a while, you know I’ve tested a lot of eMTBs. Some were insanely powerful, some were just plain heavy, and a few made me question if full-power e-mountain bikes could ever really feel like “normal” bikes.
Well, I think I finally found one that does.
We took the Transition Regulator CX out to Leavenworth, Washington for a massive day on Xanadu and Tres Hombres — two of the most incredible (and sketchiest) trails in the state. With 6,000 feet of climbing, loose descents, rock slabs, and some truly wild exposure, this was the perfect testing ground for Transition’s first full-power 600W eMTB.
⚙️ First Impressions
From the moment I threw a leg over the Regulator CX, it felt different. The geometry just clicked — 64.5° head tube angle in high mode (slackens to 64° in low), 448–450mm chainstay, and a cockpit that felt dialed right out of the box.
I’m picky about cockpit setups, but Transition nailed it. The Race Face handlebar with a 35mm rise, already cut to 780mm, made it feel like home.
Even on the “lower build” we tested — with Shimano Deore drivetrain and brakes, a RockShox Domain fork, and a Super Deluxe shock — the bike felt balanced and predictable. The build weighs in around 49 pounds, which is just 2 pounds heavier than the higher-end model.
⚡ Climbing & Motor Feel
The Regulator CX uses the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, paired with a 600Wh battery. Power delivery felt smooth and intuitive — it gave me just enough boost to float up tech climbs without feeling like I was on a dirt bike.
On steep, loose sections, bumping it into Blue mode made climbing effortless. The motor’s support is strong, but it doesn’t yank you forward unexpectedly — something that really stood out compared to other full-power bikes I’ve tested.
The best part? Even with a heavy build, the geometry makes it climb naturally. The weight is centered and planted, so traction never feels sketchy.
🧗♂️ Descending Xanadu & Tres Hombres
Once we dropped in… things got spicy fast.
Loose corners, exposed ridge lines, and massive rock slabs made for one of the most beautiful — and nerve-wracking — rides we’ve done in a while.
The bike’s geometry felt predictable and confidence-inspiring, especially after flipping the chip into the low setting. That tiny adjustment slackens the head angle and lengthens the wheelbase just enough to make steep sections feel calmer.
Even with the stock suspension, the Regulator felt planted and responsive. It took some time to adjust to the Shimano Deore brakes — they’re powerful but very on/off, with little modulation. On long, loose descents, I definitely missed my TRPs.
🪂 Jumping & Playfulness
This is where things got interesting.
For a full-power eMTB, the Regulator CX feels surprisingly playful. It jumps well, manuals easily, and doesn’t fight you when changing lines mid-trail.
The only time I really noticed the extra weight was when trying to bunnyhop or nose pivot — it takes more muscle and brake control to make those moves smooth. Still, it’s one of the few full-power eMTBs that made me want to pop off features instead of just plow through.
🌄 The Leavenworth Factor
Honestly, it was hard to focus on testing when the views looked like this.
Leavenworth’s ridgelines are unreal — wildflowers, huge rock faces, and that Central Washington wind that makes you question your life choices mid-slab.
We ended the day with 24 miles, 6,000+ feet of vert, and just 20% battery left after hours of climbing, descending, and goofing around. A 30-minute top-up got us another full lap, which is pretty solid for a full-power bike.
💬 Final Thoughts
The Transition Regulator CX is the first full-power eMTB I’ve ridden that truly feels like a mountain bike.
The geometry and ride feel are incredible. It’s intuitive, playful, and planted — and it doesn’t scream “e-bike” unless you’re lifting it or trying to bunnyhop.
👍 What I Loved
- Super intuitive geometry and handling
- Bosch CX motor feels natural and powerful
- Flip-chip adjustability really changes the ride
- Feels like a “real” mountain bike
- Gorgeous design — clean lines and killer matte green paint
👎 What Could Be Better
- Stock suspension is stiff and limited on adjustments
- Shimano Deore brakes lack modulation on steep, loose terrain
- A bit on the heavy side at 49 lbs
- Charging port placement could be more convenient
If I were buying one, I’d personally go for the higher-end build — mainly for the RockShox Zeb fork, Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, and TRP Evo Pro brakes. But even this “lower” model impressed me with how capable and confidence-inspiring it felt.
At the end of the day, the Regulator CX proves that a full-power eMTB can ride like a real mountain bike — and that’s something I didn’t think I’d be saying anytime soon.
📹 Watch the Full Adventure Ride & Review on YouTube:
👉 Transition Regulator CX — The eMTB That Actually Feels Like a Mountain Bike
Where you can find and buy the Regulator’s
Transitions Website
Comparable Bike Reviews
Our Transition Regulator SX Review
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