Is this still a light E-MTB? Or already a power bike? Lightweight e-MTBs with powerful motors are currently experiencing a real heyday. The reasoning: Why sacrifice uphill fun when that's what e-mountain biking is all about? The Cannondale Moterra SL and the BH Bikes iLynx+ are clearly trending in this direction. Even for the most hyped bike of all, the Amflow PL with DJI Avinox motoryou can recognise the same reasoning. Now Whyte Bikes from the UK is getting into the ring and transplanting the new Bosch CX motor into the chassis of the Elyte light E-MTB.
Whyte Elyte Evo at a glance
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 150/142 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch (Mullet compatible)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 8499 or 10,999 euros
- Weight: from 20.8 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Available from April 2025
- Special features: Lifetime warranty on the frame, two bottle cages from size M, compatible with Mullet and 29 inch, headset and classic cable routing
Familiar frame, more power: The Bosch CX drive
So far, Whyte has tended to fly under the radar in Germany. On the island, however, the brand has been well established for years. The British company's latest product to date: The Light E-MTB Elyte with carbon frame, 400 battery and Bosch SX. For the Elyte Evo RS, Whyte uses the identical frame and battery, but plants the new Bosch Performance Line CX with a full 85 Newton metres (tested here) into the chassis.
One thing is clear: the bike will not be setting any range records with its lightweight 400 battery and powerful motor. The battery is also permanently installed in the bike and can only be removed for maintenance purposes. However, the range can be significantly extended relatively easily with the Powermore 250 (1.5 kg / approx. 500 euros). The Whyte Elyte Evo RS should therefore be a convincing choice as a light, fun bike for a ride around the house or as a classic e-bike with 650 watt hours for longer tours. As usual, Whyte relies on a combination of mini-remote and system controller to operate the Bosch system.
Whyte Elyte Evo: Low centre of gravity, familiar geometry
Larger engine, disadvantage in handling? Whyte disagrees. The Elyte Evo RS is said to have a super low centre of gravity thanks to the larger motor, making it particularly easy to ride. The fact is that the higher weight and a low centre of gravity often make E-MTBs feel particularly stable and safe to ride.
As the frame of the Whyte Elyte Evo RS is identical to the classic Elyte, the geometry is also the same. The head angle is a modern 64.6 degrees and the reach measures 481 millimetres. Important: With a steep seat angle of 77.1 degrees and 450 millimetre chainstays, the e-bike should also cope well with the higher power of the large CX motor without constantly lifting the front wheel on the climbs.
From 8499 euros: The Elyte Evo models
As a high-end product, the Whyte Elyte is only available with a full carbon frame and clearly upscale equipment. Prices therefore start at 8499 euros. It starts with the Elyte Evo RS with Rockshox Select+ suspension and GX Transmission. The top-of-the-range Elyte Evo Stag Works model with Fox Factory suspension, Hope V4 brakes and X0 transmission costs €10,999. At 20.8 kilograms (Evo RS) and 20.9 kilograms (Evo Stag Works), both models should be extremely close to each other in terms of weight. The models should be available from April 2025.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
