Atherton S.170E with DJI Avinox: First E-Enduro from the Brits with trendy drive system
Stefan Frey
· 10.03.2026
Fans of the British brand Atherton Bikes have had to wait a long time for a model with a motor. Now the time has finally come: Atherton is opening pre-orders for its first e-mountainbike. The full-power e-MTB S.170E is based on the Enduro S.170 and has been developed with a clear focus: It should ride like an Atherton bike on the trail and not just like an ordinary E-MTB.
Atherton S.170E with DJI Avinox limited to 50 units
The British company took its time developing the new model, incorporating years of e-MTB experience and extensive testing in the Dyfi Valley in Wales. The motor chosen was the DJI Avinox, the lightweight powerhouse from China. Pre-orders are now open, with delivery planned for April/May 2026. Initially, only 50 bikes will be available for customers in the UK and the EU.
Atherton S.170E - Details & Info
- Material7075 Aluminium
- Spring travel180/170 millimetres
- ChassisDW4 Suspension (Dave Weagle)
- Frame sizes: 12 sizes (from 415 mm reach)
- Steering angle: 63.6 degrees
- Seat angle: 75.6-77.6 degrees
- DriveDJI Avinox system
- BatteryFully integrated in the down tube
- Reachapprox. 1600-2000 metres altitude
- Prices6999 / 7999 / 8999 pounds (approx. 8300 / 9500 / 10,700 euros)
Geometry and chassis for optimum balance
The S.170E was developed from the outset with the aim of realising the best possible handling in a full-power e-MTB. Geometry, suspension kinematics, frame stiffness, motor selection and battery integration were developed as an overall system, with weight distribution and balance taking centre stage from the outset. The suspension is based on Dave Weagle's proven DW4 platform and delivers 170 millimetres of suspension travel, which has been specially tuned for E-MTB use. At the front is a suspension fork with 180 millimetres of travel.
Avinox drive system and battery integration
For the drive, Atherton relies on the Avinox system, which not only impresses with its performance, but also with its compact design and sensitive power delivery. The battery is fully integrated into the down tube and is therefore not designed for quick changes on the trail, but can be removed for servicing or transport within a few minutes if required. Each of the twelve frame sizes is equipped with the same fully-fledged battery, although the exact capacity in watt hours will not be announced until the official market launch. During tests in the Dyfi Valley, however, the battery is said to have already enabled 1600-2000 metres of altitude.
>> Megamo Reason CRB 01: The All Mountain with DJI Avinox in a detailed test. Get all the info here!
Twelve frame sizes for a perfect fit
While the exact details have not yet been announced, the frame will be manufactured in the same way as Atherton's S-series bikes: the lugs will be made from 7075 aluminium and joined with tubes made from the same alloy. This approach should provide the necessary strength and durability for a high-performance E-MTB and also offer a higher production capacity and a more favourable entry-level price compared to the manufacturer's additively manufactured platforms. The battery fits into the down tube, which is surprisingly slim by e-bike standards. It can be removed from the bottom of the down tube if required.
The Athertons also rely on their "Perfect Fit" principle for the S.170E, which is offered in a total of twelve different frame sizes, starting with a reach of 415 millimetres. The decisive factor here is that each size has the same motor system and full battery capacity. This means that smaller riders get the same performance, range and riding experience as taller people without having to compromise. With a steering angle of 63.6 degrees and a seat angle of 75.6-77.6 degrees, the E-Enduro is designed to give you confidence on steep descents and an efficient and balanced climbing position at the same time. The best way to calculate the optimum frame size is to use the tool on the Atherton website.
Three equipment variants with a focus on durability
The S.170E is available in three different equipment variants. The top-of-the-range version, priced at £8999 (approx. €10,700), includes Fox Factory suspension elements with a 38 mm fork and an X2 shock as well as a Sram X0 Eagle transmission and carbon components from FSA.
The mid-range model costs 7999 pounds (approx. 9500 euros) and offers Rockshox Ultimate suspension elements with ZEB fork and Vivid Air shock, Sram GX Eagle transmission and FSA aluminium components. The entry-level version is available for 6999 pounds (approx. 8300 euros) and comes with Rockshox Select suspension elements, a Sram Eagle 90 Transmission drivetrain and also an FSA aluminium gradient handlebar. All equipment variants are fitted with Hayes Dominion A4 brakes, Mavic E-Deemax wheels and Continental Kryptotal tyres, providing a solid basis for demanding trails.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
