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It's also affordableHigh-end enduro from Privateer with full-throttle attitude

Max Fuchs

 · 21.03.2025

Pivateer 161 // 3289 euros // 17.9 kilos // 170/160 millimetres travel // 29-inch // aluminium
Photo: Max Fuchs
Great riding fun at a low price - that's the promise of the Privateer 161 aluminium enduro bike, currently priced at 3289 euros. Our test clarifies whether the UK manufacturer really keeps its word.
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Reliable, low-maintenance and affordable - this is Privateer's motto for taking on the overpriced hyper bikes in the enduro segment. As you can easily see from the name, the British company has a very specific target group in mind: private enduro racers. Those who want to enjoy first-class equipment even without sponsors. Our test bike is no exception.

>> We tested the Privateer in comparison with the €3499 Haro Greer Alloy 1. Click here for the test!

>> The overview of the duel between the two economy enduros can be found here.

Downhill, the 161 holds all the trump cards with its extremely smooth geometry and well-designed suspension.Photo: Max FuchsDownhill, the 161 holds all the trump cards with its extremely smooth geometry and well-designed suspension.

The facts about the Privateer 161 Enduro

  • Price: 3289 Euro (RRP)
  • Area of application: Enduro
  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Suspension travel: 170 mm front / 160 mm rear
  • Wheel size: 29-inch
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Weight: 17.9 kg in size L (BIKE measurement)
  • Weight of wheels: 5952 g
  • Acceleration wheels: 4903 kg x cm² (BIKE measured value)
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Special features: external cable routing, tubeless tyres ex works
The Privateer scores plenty of equipment points with its first-class Fox chassis, good workmanship and several flipchips.Photo: Max FuchsThe Privateer scores plenty of equipment points with its first-class Fox chassis, good workmanship and several flipchips.

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An enduro built for eternity

If Sylvester Stallone were to ride a bike in the role of Rambo, he would definitely throw himself into the fray on the Privateer 161. Everything about this bike is designed to take a beating. The massive Maxxis tyre combination with DH carcass on the rear wheel is virtually bulletproof. The oversized rear bearings promise long maintenance intervals. And the external cable routing facilitates quick repairs. The aluminium chassis itself also makes an indestructible impression: generous weld seams and tube cross-sections, additional bracing. The chain stays grow with the frame size. In this way, Privateer ensures that bikers of all sizes can enjoy a perfectly balanced geometry. So far, so good. The extremely high weight makes for negative headlines. 17.91 kilos without pedals - making the 161 the second heaviest enduro bike ever to hang on our scales.

Uphill fun? Forget it! Ready to ride, the Privateer weighs over 18 kilos. Where a lighter bike encourages uphill challenges, the Privateer would rather be pushed due to its excess weight.Photo: Max FuchsUphill fun? Forget it! Ready to ride, the Privateer weighs over 18 kilos. Where a lighter bike encourages uphill challenges, the Privateer would rather be pushed due to its excess weight.

The enduro equipment of the Privateer 161

  • Fork / shock: Fox 38 Performance Elite / Fox Float X2
  • Gears / range: Shimano SLX 1x12 / 510 %
  • Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4 / 203/ 180 mm
  • Wheels: Hunt Endurowide 29 V2
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai / Minion DHR II Maxx-Grip DD / DH 29 x 2.5 / 2.4
  • Seatpost: One Eighty / 180 mm
  • max. system weight: 130 kg
With a second pair of flip chips on the shock rocker, the geometry can be adapted for either a small 27.5-inch rear wheel or a 29er rear wheel. One design flaw: the bearing seat of the Horstlink bearing is slightly too large, which is why the bearing has significant play. Tighten it? No effect!
Photo: Max Fuchs

>> Fancy even more affordable enduro bikes? Here we have tested 6 models up to 4000 euros against each other.

Poised for departure

On tame trails or uphill, the downside of the smooth geometry and high weight becomes apparent. The bike feels sluggish and can only be kept up to speed with a lot of effort. Long climbs or short intermediate sprints are best avoided with the Privateer. The coarse tyres with their sticky Maxx Grip rubber compound roll too slowly. That's a shame, because the riding position is designed for propulsion. The long reach and steep seat angle position the rider far forward on the bike and put a lot of pressure on the front wheel. Tricky uphill trails can be climbed with ease despite the many pounds.

BIKE tester and guide Mario Presi takes a close look at the Privateer 161. The XXL bearings on the rear triangle and the solid, forged rocker link are immediately noticeable. Paired with the solid aluminium chassis and robust tyres, the 161 weighs a massive 17.9 kilos.Photo: Max FuchsBIKE tester and guide Mario Presi takes a close look at the Privateer 161. The XXL bearings on the rear triangle and the solid, forged rocker link are immediately noticeable. Paired with the solid aluminium chassis and robust tyres, the 161 weighs a massive 17.9 kilos.

As soon as gravity pulls sufficiently on the Privateer on the downhill, it breaks downhill like an avalanche. The combination of the super-high front end, the long reach and the generous chainstays is beyond reproach. This also applies to the excellent suspension. Both the 38 mm Fox fork and the Float X2 shock have adjustable rebound and compression stages that differentiate between high- and low-speed damping - an absolute highlight in this price range. This is the only way to adapt the suspension perfectly to different conditions or personal riding style. Once set up, the Privateer takes the fear out of even the nastiest downhills. Even boulders as big as ostrich eggs are greedily absorbed by the 161. The sensitive response behaviour generates traction en masse. With these attributes, the Privateer seems tailor-made for the requirements of price-conscious enduro racers - not just those of Rambo.

Privateer 161: Lab results & BIKE review

The geometry data of the Privateer 161 from the BIKE lab.
Photo: BIKE-Grafik
The BIKE rating and all lab results at a glance.

Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

It is impressive how much Privateer packs into the shipping box for 3289 euros. This applies to both the equipment and the performance. Downhill, the 161 is one of the most superior models on the market; the robust design and ease of servicing are unrivalled. The bike is too sluggish and too heavy for playful riders or enduro riders who also like to go on tour.
Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor and photographerPhoto: Dan GriffithsMax Fuchs, BIKE test editor and photographer

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Max Fuchs

Max Fuchs

Editor

Max Fuchs hat seine ersten Mountainbike-Kilometer bereits mit drei Jahren gesammelt. Zunächst Hobby-Rennfahrer und Worldcup-Fotograf im Cross-Country-Zirkus, jetzt Testredakteur und Fotograf bei BIKE. Sein Herz schlägt für Enduros und abfahrtsstarke Trailbikes – gern auch mit Motor. Bei der Streckenwahl gilt: je steiler und technischer, desto besser.

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