The original Transmitter subverted expectations of how nuts you could go on a sub-$1500 bike. Now it’s been stretched out for more balanced handling, without losing the bargain price tag.
The frame
If you think you’re going to be getting a basic frame ($450 separately) from this bargain-priced brand, think again. The Transmitter was designed by one of the best in the business, and oversize multi-section, tapered, split and ridged main tubes and plate chainstay sections make for a pedigree ride that’s efficiently purposeful without being punishing. Bolted clips hold the gear, brake and semi-internal dropper post lines, and there’s an ISCG mount on the threaded BB shell. Boost dropouts complete the shortest back end on test (425mm), which means clearance is tight with a 2.8in tyre.
The kit
This mid-range model costs $3300 if you buy it through one of Alpkit’s three shops, but choosing to have it shipped to you (for free) from their UK workshop saves you $450. It’s still the most expensive bike here, but that extra cash gets you SRAM’s GX Eagle 12-speed transmission, with its massive 10-50t cassette and X-SYNC 2 chainring. Whether the smooth-feeling, 125mm-stroke RockShox Reverb hydraulic dropper post is a reliability win compared to the cheaper cable-operated posts on the other bikes here is debatable.
The fork is (again) a 130mm Revelation RC, and the kit from inhouse brand Love Mud is comparable with that on the rest of the bikes. This includes super-wide (45mm internal) but very heavy (2,500g) wheels. A lightweight (but massive) 3.0in WTB Ranger front tyre keeps the whole package relatively competitive on mass, while the ‘Tough’ carcass of the 2.8in rear tyre stops premature puncturing and sidewall damage.
The ride
Even with an obvious ‘armoured’ stiffness from the rear tyre and a bar that feels harsh when slammed hard, the massive, minimal-tread rubber means the Transmitter is still a smoothly efficient terrain skimmer. It flows across roots, rocks and other ripples as though you’ve got micro motor assist. While the heavy rims and rear tyre mean acceleration isn’t quite as clean and crisp as on the Nukeproof 29er on smoother surfaces, it’s no slouch when it comes to gaining speed. The way the tyres crawl over and mould around irregularities gives surprisingly good traction considering how little physical tread they have, and plenty of room under the BB makes pedalling over rough ground easier.
The wide 780mm bar in a 35mm stem gives a super-responsive yet power-assisted steering feel through the uber-stable 65-degree front end. Add a very short rear triangle, and the result is a surprisingly well-weighted feel to the handling, considering the radical angles. The shortest wheelbase on test mean it’ll tweak through tight tree lines and switchbacks easily, whether on the flat under power or surfing vert lines.
As soon as things get wet or sloppy you’re going to need more bite up front, but you can negotiate your own tyre choice when you order rather than pay for full-price replacements. Sonder’s decision to fit a ‘Tough’ version on the rear is a massive confidence and survival bonus when you’re battering through rocks or sprinting as hard as the Transmitter insists you do to get the most from its insolent character. All that tube manipulation means the frame still feels effervescently lithe and lively, too. Swap the wheels and it’ll even take 29er rubber for XC speed without feeling overly harsh, although clearance maxes out at around 2.25in on the bigger rims and they jack up the BB, giving a more precarious feel in dicey situations.
Keep the Sonder on the right sort of plus tyres for your riding and it’s an absolutely brilliant partner in late braking, chance taking, rude-line crime, with a surprisingly useful turn of getaway speed too.
DETAILS
ALLOY CAN FEEL ‘REAL’ TOO
Massively manipulated, semi smooth-welded aluminium frame tubing gives the Transmitter a lively and buoyant but still responsive ride character
RAPID RUBBER
The low-tread WTB tyres roll quickly and smoothly, helping to offset the excessive rim weight, but are slippery in the wet
TURNING IT UP TO 12
Buying online gets you super-smooth SRAM GX Eagle with its comedy-sized 50t sprocket at a price where most bikes are still 11-speed
HIGHS
- Addictively lively ride feel
- Excellent value SRAM Eagle based spec
LOWS
- Heavy wheels
- Slippery front tyre
Addictively rowdy, hovercraft-smooth, plus-tyred play fighter at a fantastic direct-sell price
WEIGHT 13.31kg (29.34lb)
SIZE S, M, L, XL
FRAME Triple-butted, hydroformed 6061-T6 aluminium
FORK RockShox Revelation RC 29, 130mm (5.1in) travel
HEADSET Love Mud Rumour
WHEELS:
HUBS Love Mud Rumpus
AXLES Boost – 110x15mm (f), 148x12mm (r)
RIMS Love Mud Rumpus
SPOKES 32x stainless
WHEEL WEIGHT 2.43kg (f), 3.09kg (r), inc tyres
TYRES WTB Ranger TCS Light/Fast Rolling 27.5x3.0in (f), 27.5x2.8in (r)
CRANKSET/BOTTOM BRACKET SRAM GX Eagle, 34t/SRAM GXP
MECH(S) SRAM GX Eagle
SHIFTER(S) SRAM GX Eagle (1x12)
CASSETTE/CHAIN SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 10-50t/SRAM GX Eagle
BRAKES SRAM Guide R, 180mm rotors
BAR/STEM/GRIPS Love Mud Aspect, 31.8x780mm/Love Mud Piskie, 31.8x35mm/Love Mud Grabby lock-on
SEATPOST/SADDLE RockShox Reverb Stealth 125mm dropper/Love Mud Abode
Price $2850