The Swiss bike manufacturer - as it calls itself - is characterized by the fact that its models can be individually built according to customer requirements and custom paintwork is also possible. The test bike comes in one of the three company colors and is discreetly peppered with pretty details. For example, the golden Transalpes lettering, which harmonizes visually with the decals on the suspension elements and the bronze Sram drivetrain. To ensure that the C2X lasts a long time, numerous protectors are installed at key points on the down tube and around the chain.

The carbon frame is designed for use with a 140 mm fork. In the standard position of the flip bridge (the linkage on the rear shock), it provides 130 millimetres of rear travel and, according to the manufacturer, offers the best performance. Reversing the rocker changes the geometry and is only recommended in individual cases.

Transalpes has made the following statement about its bike:

"When developing the C2X, the focus was on making the bike even more climbing-friendly and agile. The C2X is based on the C2, which was launched in 2020 and successfully established on the market.
By using a special flip bridge on the underside of the shock, the geometry is significantly changed in favor of the all-mountain capabilities of this bike:

- The seat tube is steeper by 0.7 degrees, which is noticeable in the even better climbing characteristics of the C2X.
- The head tube is 1.5 percent steeper, which has a positive effect on agility on the trail.
- The standover height is extremely low at 740 millimetres, which provides more safety and comfort.
- The bottom bracket remains very high at 335 millimeters."

Statement by: Markus Geiger, Managing Director Trail Supply AG

Special features

• Flip bridge
• Splash guard on the saddle bridge
• Engraving of the maximum torque and the required tool on the bearing bolts
• Various protectors around the chain
• Individual paint finish possible ex works

In the plane

The frame is long, and the seat is correspondingly sporty. This ensures good directional stability. On more moderate terrain, the C2X rides rather sluggishly, but when things get twisty and you use your body more, the fun begins. The suspension provides good feedback from the ground and the Transalpes is easy to steer.

Up the mountain

On the flat as well as uphill, the bike pedals as if you were on a cross-country bike without any major impact on the suspension. You don't feel much of the suspension, except that it works well when climbing up rough single trails. As if it were nothing, the C2X glides over obstacles, it is perfectly balanced and crisp climbs are child's play.

Downhill

On the descent, the suspension travel feels like more. It shoots down trails very smoothly and with steering precision. There is very little feedback from the suspension, it works unobtrusively and well. It is very linear, quickly releases a lot of travel and hits the ground now and then, but never harshly. Unfortunately, the pedal kickback is noticeable and the rear end hardens up and starts to bob during sharp braking maneuvers. The C2X is always easy to catch and control. Despite the length of the bike, it masters tight corners and hairpin bends well. Even on rough trails, it rides almost silently.

Conclusion

In terms of riding character, the C2X differs from its big brother, the C2: it is a thoroughbred trail bike. Shooting over moderate and winding single trails with this machine is just as much fun as mastering long, crisp climbs. The option of having the bike painted in the color of your choice and custom-built makes it something special.

Recommendation

The Transalpes C2X is a bike for sensitive riders who like to take it easy and for hard-boiled riders who like to let it rip from time to time.

Specifications

Geometry

All data here: Link

Manufacturer/distribution

www.transalpes.com

Test report published in issue 04/2021 of Ride Magazine.