Yeti MTe Light e-bike with new TQ HPR 60: Yeti & TQ - outrageously expensive, outrageously good?
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 03.06.2025
A double première: the Yeti MTe is not only the first light e-MTB from the American boutique brand Yeti. It is also the first ever e-bike with the new TQ HPR 60 motor! And the bike naturally has a few special features. The downhill trail speedster will be available from just 17.5 kilos - but only with a mini battery. This is because the bike relies on a variable battery concept and, unlike most other e-MTBs in this category, has a removable battery. This should make the high-end speedster particularly versatile.
But right from the start. The full carbon frame is of course the favourite in this category. Yeti targets trail and all-mountain use with 160/145 mm suspension travel. It also comes with 29er wheels. However, the bike can also be converted to mullet as an option. There is also a flip chip that equalises the geometry accordingly. In addition to the Yeti 160 E, a full-blown race enduro bikethe MTe is "only" the second e-mountainbike from the American cult manufacturer. Even though the lightweight MTe was not designed for racing, the lightweight e-bike also has a touch of racing character.
Brand new: The TQ drive in the Yeti MTe
While the Power-E-MTB of the Americans from Shimano EP801 Yeti has opted for an electric drive from Bavaria for its new lightweight: the well-known HPR 50 whisper motor from TQ has been given a makeover. Et voilà: The TQ HPR 60! Even if the small roundel looks like its predecessor at first glance - a lot has happened on the inside. According to TQ, the engine has been completely redeveloped.
En bloc: The newcomer has become more powerful. 60 instead of 50 Newton metres and 350 instead of 300 watts. It is also said to be more efficient and more stable. We can confirm the increase in power and torque after our tests. The engine pushes off much more powerfully, with extremely increased stability at the same time. The latter is probably due not least to the large cooling fins and good ventilation on the Yeti MTe.
The Americans install the large battery with 580 watt hours in the MTe. No surprise: compared to other light or mid-power eMTBs, this makes the bike a very long-range vehicle. Neither E-MTBs with Bosch's Performance SX (400 Wh) nor Fazua's Ride 60 (430 Wh) can keep up here. In our standardised range test, the Yeti MTe climbed 1536 metres in altitude at the highest support level, plus 222 metres in altitude with a low battery level and thus significantly reduced motor power. That is impressive.
Interesting: Yeti integrates the battery removably into the down tube, something that very few light eMTBs offer. However, this fact should be taken with a pinch of salt. Removing the battery downwards from the closed down tube of the Yeti MTe is a little fiddly and less suitable for daily removal. Four screws (some small or with loose washers, be careful when removing on the move!) have to be completely unscrewed and a fifth loosened. The energy carrier can then be pulled out downwards. Other manufacturers have solved this type of removal more conveniently.
Advantage: The upgrade option makes the MTe compatible with different battery sizes. In addition to the 580 battery, a 290 mini battery also fits into the down tube. Ideal for short trail loops - whether after work, during a lunch break or simply in between. The small battery saves over 1.2 kilos. The weight-optimised top model should therefore end up at 17.5 kilos.
The facts about the Yeti MTe
- Motor: TQ HPR 60
- Battery: 580 Wh, optionally also 290 Wh (1.2 kg lighter)
- Full carbon frame with Sixfinity rear triangle
- Suspension travel: 160/145 mm
- Wheels: 29 inch, option for mullet (geometry adjustment via flipchip)
- Progression adjustable in four stages via flipchip (12 - 25 %)
- Weight: 20.04 kg (test bike T3 in size L), top model from 17.5 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Three models for 9700, 12,500 and 13,900 euros
- Warranty: Lifetime on the frame for first owners
Sixfinity rear triangle: Yeti kinematics on the E-MTB
The Switch Infinity Link has been the speciality of Yeti mountain bikes for years. The Yeti SB 165, for example, was able to impress in our enduro test. A separate slider in the damper linkage moves the main pivot point of the rear suspension over the course of the suspension travel. This enables precise tuning of the suspension parameters - and should result in an ideal mix of drive neutrality and absorption capacity. On an e-mountainbike, however, the motor gets in the way of the Switch Inifinity. However, Yeti has found a way to transfer the special kinematics to the e-MTB.
As with the 160E, the first e-MTB in the portfolio, the solution is called Sixfinity. An elaborate six-bar design. As with the Switch Infinity, the main pivot point changes direction during the compression process. Unlike the bikes with Switch Infinity, and most other systems with a virtual pivot point, the rear triangle is not made from a single piece. The seat stay and chain stay are connected in the classic way via a joint.
Vectran: Reinforced carbon frame
Yeti uses additional material inserts in particularly stressed areas of the carbon chassis to make the frame more robust. These layers are made of Vectran, a high-performance multifilament that is said to be as resistant as Kevlar. Yeti has tested and developed this production method with its professional athletes in prototypes from the downhill and slopestyle sector. Vectran is designed to maximise impact resistance and robustness in the highly stressed frame areas.
The geometry of the Yeti MTe
There are no surprises in the geometry table of the Yeti MTe. The reach is moderately long without drifting into extremes. It ends at 505 millimetres in size XL. Very tall riders might miss more length or an XXL size, but for the vast majority of bikers, the four variants from S to XL should fit well.
The chassis has a slightly racy character. The chainstays and the wheelbase tend to be on the long side, which suggests a purposeful and smooth-running character. The short head tube allows for a rather low stack. However, the steering angle of 64 degrees is not extremely slack. Thanks to the steep seat angle of a good 77 degrees, the rider should sit in the centre of the bike even on steep climbs, which promises good control on difficult ascents.
How to drive the Yeti MTe
But what effect does this have on the trail? We have already had the opportunity to thoroughly test the Yeti MTe T3, the mid-range model with a full focus on downhill performance. On angry trails on Lake Garda as well as on various laps in the Bavarian low mountain range and the Alpine foothills. The riding position is really balanced. At no time do you feel like you're pedalling from behind, but you don't feel squat on the bike either. The position is not too far forward, as is the case with some modern enduro bikes with an extremely steep seat angle. The length is a comfortable means of making decent kilometres even on flat terrain.
On difficult climbs, the MTe is competent by light standards. The new HPR 60 convinces with good torque and strong control. For tricky key sections and steps, we were only missing a little more trail for uphill happiness. Don't get the wrong idea: Of course, this little beast can't compete with a classic Bosch motor in the power category. We are clearly in the light category here!
The balanced riding position gives you good control of the bike on the climbs. This is also due to the fact that the suspension is very stable in its travel and does not sag even under a lot of pressure. Nevertheless, the rear generates really good traction. The grippy Schwalbe tyres with radial carcass do the rest to ensure that you hardly have to struggle with loss of grip even in nasty conditions. On really steep ramps, however, you have to actively keep the MTe on the fence to keep the front on track. But by light standards, the climbing skills are remarkable.
Even downhill, it quickly becomes clear that the MTe is a serious sports machine. With sporty definition in the suspension, the bike encourages an active riding style. This also applies to the riding position. With a rather low front end, the rider is stretched over the bike in a sporty manner. The load distribution between the front and rear wheels is very balanced and the riding safety is high. With the rather long rear end and wheelbase, the bike likes to be purposeful and fast. But don't worry: the Yeti is not a sluggish beast. With its balanced handling and light wheels, it is lively and agile even on shallower trails. The good support provided by the strong rear suspension also helps here.
The MTe does not want to be the ultimate playful and lively trail bike. It's good on the rear and in the air, but at heart it prefers a direct and fast line. If you give the bike the spurs on rougher descents, you'll be surprised by the bike's tremendous descending qualities and good rear-end absorption. The suspension in particular really blossoms when you leave it to stand still on rough terrain. However, if you prefer a high front end, you will need to help out with a handlebar with a massive rise. With the standard riser handlebars, the front still feels rather low despite the spacers under the stem.
Background noise on the Yeti MTe
In our experience, there is no quieter motor than the small TQ uphill. This has not changed with the new edition of the HPR 60. The TQ is clearly audible when you call up full power on a steep incline at a slow speed - but even in this scenario it is not unpleasant. In many riding situations, the engine noise is drowned out by the ambient noise.
At times, however, we had to contend with cracking noises from the bottom bracket area on one of two test bikes. The manufacturer was able to rectify this and it was apparently caused by the connection between the frame and motor. Going downhill, the TQ HPR 60 remains nice and quiet. The Yeti is one of the pleasantly quiet e-bikes and glides very quietly over the trail.
BIKE summary of the Yeti MTe
With the MTe, Yeti has created a successful light eMTB that impresses on the trail with a strong compromise between handling qualities and riding fun. It can really blossom when you give it the spurs off-road. The TQ drive is super small and quiet - and still delivers plenty of power and a good range. The result is a powerful mix that makes the new Yeti a successful all-rounder. Not least the exorbitant price, however, will ensure that the newcomer will retain an exclusive touch! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Yeti MTe - Models and prices
Attention, please hold on tight! Traditionally, Yeti's prices are not for the faint-hearted. The new MTe is no exception. The light bike comes in three equipment variants. It starts at an exorbitant 9700 euros for the C2 model. This makes the entry-level prices of other US high-end brands such as Pivot, Santa Cruz or Transition seem almost favourable.
The MTe T3 model costs 12,500 euros and is the top model for demanding trail shredders. The most expensive variant, the T4, costs 13,900 euros and is explicitly designed for lightweight construction. With the 290 mini battery, the e-bike is said to weigh just 17.5 kilos. All models are available in the two colours Turq and Midnight.
Yeti MTe C2 - 9700 Euro
The entry-level Yeti MTe model for € 9,700 comes with an electronic Reverb AXS wireless dropper post, but saves money with Fox performance suspension and affordable 1900 mm wheels from DT Swiss.
- Fork/shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float X Performance
- Gear system: Sram Eagle 90 Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Maven Brz
- Wheels: DT Swiss E 1900
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Trail Pro / Albert Trail Pro
- Seatpost: Sram Reverb AXS
Yeti MTe T3 - 12,500 euros
For 12,500 euros, the Yeti MTe T3 has virtually everything on board that even the most ambitious trail enthusiasts with the necessary pocket money could wish for. Fox Factory suspension, carbon wheels from DT Swiss and an electronic X0-Transmission wireless drivetrain.
- Fork/shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip X2 / Float X Factory
- Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Maven Slv
- Wheels: DT Swiss EXC 1701 Carbon
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Trail Pro / Albert Trail Pro
- Seatpost: Sram Reverb AXS
Yeti MTe T4 - 13,900 euros
The top model in the MTe range is a little out of line and is explicitly trimmed to minimise weight. To achieve this, only the small 290 mm battery is fitted. Yeti also saves weight with lightweight Exo tyres from Maxxis, the lighter Fox GripX cartridge, 1501 carbon wheels and a Float shock without a reservoir. The bike is said to weigh a slim 17.5 kilos.
- Fork/shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip X / Float Factory
- Gear system: Sram XX Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Motive Ultimate
- Wheels: DT Swiss EXC 1501 Carbon
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II Exo tyres
- Seatpost: Sram Reverb AXS
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
