The Swiss brand Transalpes enjoys a high reputation among connoisseurs. As a very small brand, they manage to design surprising bikes that do not reveal their potential at first glance. Simple, plain frame design, simple lettering and color-coordinated cables or parts - that's how we know Transalpes. The C2 is no exception, but impresses with its great handling.

Stefan Gruber, Managing Director of Trail Supply

Equipment

The tested C2 is equipped with a "Super Deluxe Select+" suspension strut and a "Lyrik Select Plus" fork - both from Rock Shox. The latter is equipped with the AWK system from Chickadeehill. This offers an almost linear spring characteristic curve and provides more counterpressure in the mid-travel range. The XX1 Eagle drivetrain from Sram provides propulsion, while an XTR 4-piston brake from Shimano slows it down. The bike rolls on 2.6 inch wide Hans-Dampf tires from Schwalbe, on carbon rims from Hoops with Acros-Ninteen hubs. The Kind Shock dropper post has a full 175 millimetres of travel.

Processing & detail

The simple carbon frame has a lot of material on the head tube and in the bottom bracket area, which gives it a high level of stiffness. The struts at the rear are robustly designed and fitted with large bearings. The internally routed cables run almost invisibly from the main frame to the rear. The short seat tube allows the use of long-travel seat posts. Depending on the wheel size, the lower suspension of the shock absorber is rotated by 180 degrees. In the 27.5-inch setup, the bottom bracket height is thus maintained, while the steering angle and seat angle become slightly steeper.

On the flat

Lightly stretched and sitting centrally above the bike, pedaling is comfortable. The stiff frame in combination with the long wheelbase results in good propulsion and a smooth ride. The rear end remains nice and neutral. On moderate terrain, you get good feedback from the ground. It rides more smoothly than playfully, but with a little physical effort, it goes through the corners well.

Up the mountain

The bike climbs really quickly. You don't feel the 13.8 kilos at all and long climbs are easy to master. Exposed terrain is mastered without any problems, the rear end just slides over it. Perhaps the C on the bike stands for cool?

Downhill

The tuned fork and the rear correspond perfectly. It can be ridden at high speed over the roughest terrain with plenty of grip. When the rear is low in its travel, it gives little feedback from the ground, but it is still very easy to control. The long machine requires some physical effort, but also masters tight sections with flying colors. Jumps are easy, you hardly notice any botched landings, a real mini DH feeling with only 145 millimeters of travel. The handling is really great. Or cool², maybe that's the formula for the model name.

Conclusion

The C2 is a cool bike that offers a lot of riding fun. Stefan Gruber is right: whether it's long days in the saddle or shuttle tours, where you're hurtling down the mountain at Mach 2, this Transalpes can do it all.

Recommendation

If you don't care about bells and whistles and "big" brands, but value an individual bike, the Transalpes C2 is the right choice. The riding fun comes on top, at no extra charge.

Specifications

Manufacturer/distributor
www.transalpes.com

Test report published in issue 02/2020 of Ride magazine