Manufacturers usually use elaborate designs for their mountain bikes. Transalpes wraps its "AM 650B" all-mountain bike in red without any frills and gives the rear triangle an orange paint job - or, more correctly, powder coating. The customer also has the choice of having the aluminium frame powder-coated or anodized. Transalpes specifies the test bike with a solid XT groupset from Shimano. The sturdy brakes also come from the same company. The suspension elements rely on shock absorbers from Rock Shox. At the front is a Revelation suspension fork with a 140 millimeter stroke. At the rear, a Monarch suspension strut ensures a smooth rear end. The finest Notubes wheels serve as a transmitter between the shocks and the bumpers. The company has also gone to great lengths with the seat dome and installed a Kind Shock LEV vario seatpost with a Kore-Repute saddle. The seatpost cable is routed externally, with all other cables and lines running inside the frame.

While the settings are being made, the long top tube catches the eye. At 600 millimetres, it is not exactly short. However, with the 60 millimeter long Kore stem, the riding position is back within the natural range. This combination also results in direct steering behavior. During the test ride, the "AM 650B" offers the good feeling of being anchored to the bike. In fact, the bike is easy to maneuver. However, when changing direction very quickly, the "AM 650B" requires a little more physical effort. The trump card of the Transalpes "AM 650B" is its smoothness. This makes it particularly easy on long descents, which is a pleasant advantage for long tours. If you want to go downhill at a faster pace, the bike keeps up for a relatively long time and gives you a secure feeling. However, this is also thanks to the suspension. The four-link suspension is a real joy to ride. In addition to a fine response, the suspension system also has the necessary progression to ensure that you always get sufficient feedback from the rear wheel when riding actively. In order to make optimum use of the suspension travel, we give the shock 25 percent negative travel - with the suspension fork it is 27 to 30 percent depending on the gear. Transalpes thus proves that a good suspension can do without complex pivot points and suspensions on the rear triangle.The good riding position comes into its own on the climbs and also on longer flat sections. Not quite as low as a marathon bike, but also not as upright as a freerider, the power can be transferred perfectly to the pedals. However, the active suspension has the minor disadvantage that the rear shock oscillates slightly as the cadence increases. However, this is only slightly noticeable and only straight ahead on asphalt roads. To prevent this, the "pedal" platform stage or even the lockout are recommended. Uphill or on gravel roads, this mini-bobbing is no longer noticeable. The Transalpes, together with the 27-inch wheels, offers sufficient traction on uphill terrain. This means that even steeper to slightly technical climbs can be mastered well.

Conclusion: With the Transalpes "AM 650B", the theory and the riding experience are in balance. With the geometry, the small bike manufacturer has pretty much achieved what is meant by all-mountain. Strong both uphill and downhill and with sufficient safety reserves, it appeals to touring bikers and trail bikers who are looking for a solid mountain bike without frills.

Specifications

Frame material:	Aluminum
Price:	CHF 5'558.00, from CHF 3'399.00
Weight:	13.1 kg (size M, with pedals)
Suspension travel:	140 mm
Forks:	Rock Shox Revelation, 140mm, 2 position
Suspension strut:	Rock Shox Monarch RT3
Shifting:	Shimano XT 2x10
Brakes:	Shimano XT
Crankset:	Shimano XT 2x10
Rims:	NoTubes ZTR Arch EX 650B
Hubs:	NoTubes ZTR 3.30
Tires:	Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5x2.35
Saddle:	Fizik
Saddle post:	Kind Shock LEV 150mm
Grips:	Acros A-Grip
stem:	Kore Repute
handlebars:	Kore Durox 740mm

Manufacturer: www.transalpes.com