Really now? 23,499 euros are standing in front of us, in the form of the two duelling partners that we are just unloading from the car. Almost 25,000 euros for two bikes. That's surreal - but almost to be expected when it comes to this subject. Pivot and Yeti have always been among the favourites when it comes to the most expensive mountain bikes on the planet. In our search for the best light eMTB, we asked the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Pro with Bosch SX motor (€10,999) and the TQ-HPR60-powered Yeti MTe T3 X0 (€12,500) to do battle.
The two American brands have firmly anchored the theme of exclusivity in their brand essence. Special rear suspension kinematics, high-quality carbon frames with great attention to detail and a lifetime guarantee are just some of the goodies that bikers get for their savings with the premium brands. But does the price also make itself felt on the trail?
For this test, we have reached into the middle price range. The top models are a step higher at 12999 euros for the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Team and 13900 euros for the Yeti MTe T4. The model ranges actually start at € 8599 and € 9700 respectively.
Bosch SX vs. TQ HPR 60: Motors and batteries
Both new releases are classic light e-MTBs. In other words: slightly less motor power and smaller batteries than classic e-bikes. This should pay off in a sleek look and low weight. With the MTe, Yeti is putting the first bike with the new TQ HPR 60 on the trail. The circular power unit is smaller, quieter and more discreet than Bosch's Performance SX in the Pivot. It couldn't be more inconspicuous. The "small" Bosch, on the other hand, is very powerful in a light comparison.
Yeti, on the other hand, reports on the battery: Don't mess around, go big. With 580 watt hours, the Yeti is well equipped for a light bike and therefore has a long range. However, it clearly misses out on a record weight. It weighs 20.0 kilos in size L. The Shuttle SL/AM with its small 400 Wh battery is 400 grams lighter and therefore wins the duel on the scales, especially as the top model of the Shuttle SL/AM, which is even noticeably lighter, would almost be sold for the price of the Yeti.
The battery in the Yeti is not only larger, but also removable. Although this is fiddly and takes a little longer, it is a big plus point overall, as very few light bikes offer this luxury. There is also the option of using a 1.2kg lighter 290 Wh mini battery. The Shuttle SL/AM, on the other hand, is on the classic light track: 400 slim watt hours are permanently installed in the down tube. This means that the Pivot has significantly less range. The external range extender from Bosch with 250 Wh is available for extra-long rides on the Shuttle. At TQ in the Yeti, the additional battery for the bottle cage has 160 Wh.
160 mm fork, 29 inch: Real all-rounders?
The hard facts of the two noble duellists are otherwise very similar. Of course, both have a full carbon frame, and both offer 160 millimetres of travel at the fork. At the rear, the Pivot has 150 millimetres, the Yeti 145 - a difference that you won't notice off-road. Both bikes come from the factory exclusively in a 29er setup. However, Mullet fans will find a flipchip with which they can adjust the geometry to fit a small 27.5 mm rear wheel.
Both brands specialise in special rear suspension kinematics. The Shuttle SL/AM uses the well-known DW-Link rear suspension with virtual pivot point from the pen of kinematics mastermind Dave Weagle - exactly as we have come to know and love it in other Pivot bikes. Yeti has to deviate from its famous Switch Infinity rear triangle concept on the E-bike for space reasons. As on the Power-E-MTB Yeti 160 E instead, the Americans use a special form of six-bar linkage, called Sixfinity.
It's getting serious, the trail is calling
But what good is all the magic if the bike doesn't shine on the trail? The duel between the two high-end bikes is also so exciting because they are very similar on paper. One difference becomes clear as soon as you get on the bike: while you sit in the centre of the bike on the Yeti, the position on the Shuttle SL is somewhat rear-heavy. The slacker seat angle is more reminiscent of a classic touring bike than a modern enduro bike. This becomes a disadvantage on steep climbs. To keep the front of the Pivot in check, you have to be very active and slide far forwards. Even though the Yeti is not a designated mountain goat, the Yeti MTe clearly wins the uphill points.
The two engines reveal contrasting characters. The SX has a high peak power, but can only unleash it when pedalling very fast. This allows you to pick up momentum dynamically for a climb, but the forced fast pedalling can cause unrest in technical passages. The small Bosch lacks torque on long, steep climbs. TQ's HPR 60 feels stronger when pedalling slowly. With it, the ride is more controlled overall.
On a whispering course - are light e-bikes quiet?
Another difference is the background noise. The TQ engine in the Yeti lives up to its reputation even when travelling uphill. Although it is audible at full power, no other engine remains so discreet and quiet. Bosch's SX is not unpleasantly loud, but its sound is more perceptible in every situation. Downhill, the small Bosch reveals a weakness: it rattles when rolling over roots and obstacles. In the Shuttle SL/AM, the noise is unfortunately very present, which doesn't really fit in with the high-quality overall appearance and classy image. The Yeti MTe also keeps its cool downhill.
Showdown in the downhill run
Anyone who buys one of these two bikes probably has one thing in mind above all else: downhill fun on demanding trails! And here, too, the differences are greater than you would expect from the (geometry) data. On the Pivot, you're more integrated behind the high front end, while the Yeti pushes the rider into an active racing position. The very defined suspension of the MTe matches this, which really blossoms when you give the bike the spurs. Here, the Sixfinity rear end offers even more absorption capacity than the DW-Link rear suspension in the Pivot.
On the other hand, the Shuttle exudes more comfort at a leisurely pace. It is also the more playful and lively candidate. Manuals and bunny hops are very easy and the cornering robber also feels very comfortable on tight trails. Although the Yeti MTe remains lively and light-footed, the pointer points a little more towards smoothness and riding stability. Despite similar reach values, the Pivot feels much more compact. Yeti's MTe clearly has more descending qualities and downhill strength. The Yeti's stronger downhill capabilities are also due to the much grippier tyres and more powerful brakes. Pivot still has tuning potential here.
The assessment of the duelling partners in detail
The Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Pro in the BIKE test
Strengths Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Pro
- agile, fun trail handling
- Integrated driving position
- Traction in the rear
Weaknesses Pivot Shuttle SL/AM Pro
- Permanently installed battery
- Engine rattles
- somewhat rear-heavy seating position
The Yeti MTe T3 XO in the BIKE test
Strengths Yeti MTe T3 XO
- Strong handling with top chassis
- Variable battery concept
- strong reach
- Quietly uphill and downhill
Weaknesses Yeti MTe T3 XO
- Fiddly battery removal
- expensive
BIKE summary of the MTe vs. Shuttle SL/AM duel
If you're looking purely at the riding characteristics, you don't have to fork out that much money for a good light eMTB. But Pivot and Yeti deliver that little bit extra with top workmanship and a lifetime guarantee. The MTe convinced us even more with its more consistent riding characteristics, more downhill qualities and its pleasant drive. The range is also excellent in a light comparison. Pivot offers maximum playfulness. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
