Introducing the V2 evolution of the Whyte E-160 RS, a hard-hitting aluminium E-MTB that bucks the 29er trend and rolls on 27.5" wheels for a nimble and dynamic ride. Read on for our thoughts and some insights from the mountain biking media...
LATEST UPDATE: WE HAVE ONE SIZE LARGE IN STOCK , £6750, including full assembly and suspension set up.
Whyte was one of the first brands to spec the latest 4th generation Bosch Performance CX motor and developed the E-160 RS around this drive system. As usual, this UK brand has sweated the details – the geometry, sizing and specification are all on point.
For trail centres and bike parks, this super-capable E-MTB capitalises on the strength and manoeuvrability of the smaller 27.5" wheels , especially when they are shod with robust and grippy Maxxis rubber. It's spec'd with some real fit-for-purpose components too: rims, saddle and rear hub are notable choices where riding style and durability have been considered.
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'It’s not only Whyte’s understated British Racing Green paintwork that gives the E-160 RS a motorsport connection. By concentrating on getting the bike’s centre of mass as low as possible and central as possible, it has followed the most fundamental rule of race car design. And while many manufacturers claim to place this at the top of their priority lists, few have gone as far as Whyte in trying to achieve their goals. By rotating the motor, Whyte has been able to slide the base of the battery alongside, lowering the mass and bringing it closer to the centre of the bike' – MBR Magazine
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Just take a look over this E-Bike, it's not only dripping with premium hardware but it boast the most up to date geometry and design details.
SRAM GX/X01 EAGLE TRANSMISSION:
Super-wide 1x12 gearing from SRAM with a 10-52T cassette to get you up the steepest climbs. An E-MTB specific single-click shifter helps you get the best from your gearing .
SRAM CODE R DISC BRAKES:
It's SRAM again for the brakes – 4 Piston calipers with huge rotors (220mm front, 200mm rear) help modulate the speed and slow up the extra weight (and speed...) of an E-MTB.
BOSCH PERFORMANCE LINE CX (4TH GEN) MOTOR:
The top spec motor from Bosch, with 85Nm of torque giving you instantaneous drive and helping you up and over tricky stepped climbs. Quiet, fully-evolved and with a reputation for reliability.
BOSCH 625Wh BATTERY:
A large capacity battery gives a great range, whether that's a long haul on Dartmoor or a day of 'winch and plummet' thrill seeking at the bike park. Mounted further down in the frame, it gives a low centre of gravity resulting in a more dynamic ride.
FOX 38 PERFORMANCE FORKS:
These burly forks not only complement the fast and furious ride but also the looks of the E-180 RS. Stout 38mm stanchions and refined damping give you the confidence to push this bike hard into steep and beaten up tracks, staying in control.
MAXXIS TYRES – PREMIUM RUBBER:
Whyte has not compromised here with some seriously well-chosen tyre specs. Up front is the Assegai, with a 3C Maxx Terra compound and the mid weight EXO+ casing. On the rear (which takes more of a beating), there's a Minion DHR II with 3C Maxx Terra rubber but a tough Double Down (DD) casing. Smart choices for an E-MTB.
WTB HTZ I30 E-MTB SPECIFIC RIMS:
In order to combat the additional wear and tear of e-bikes, WTB designed the HTZ rims to be burlier in every way. Thicker rim walls , a proven I-Beam centre support, asymmetrical spoke hole drilling and dependable 6069 aluminium alloy deliver a rim that can stand a beating...
FIZIK AIDON E-MTB SADDLE:
The Fizik Aidon saddle is specifically designed for use with full-suspension E-MTBs. The shorter shape puts riders in a more planted position, making for greater stability, confidence and control when riding heavier pedal-assisted bikes.
WHYTE E-BIKE REAR HUB:
Wheels on an E-MTB take a beating. Along with tougher WTB rims, Whyte has spec'd its own rear hub design to deal with the added drivetrain torque as well as the heavier weight and more aggressive riding of motor assisted mountain bikes.
'Whyte has done a brilliant job of tuning the rear suspension, with a lively, poppy feel on small bumps and ripples but stacks of support to hold you up and push against to generate speed' – MBR Magazine
LONG TRAVEL SUSPENSION:
Suspension travel is 155mm at the rear, matched to a lighter damping tune to work with the extra weight of an E-MTB. A 160mm Fox 38 Performance fork leads the way up front.
PROGRESSIVE GEOMETRY:
As leaders in the geometry field you won't feel short changed here. Whyte's thinking on sizes and angles is as forward thinking as any brand.
LOWER CENTRE OF GRAVITY:
Whyte's designers have rotated the Bosch motor allowing the battery to sit lower in the frame. This, along with a low bottom bracket height (and 165mm crank arms for better ground clearance) gives improved handling, especially in the corners.
LIFETIME WARRANTIED BEARINGS:
Whyte specs premium bearings for the suspension pivots – ideal for mucky UK riding conditions – but backs them up with a lifetime warranty.
PRICE: £6750, Fully assembled, checked, charged and with a suspension set up.
Bay Cycles website link HERE
