The new Yeti 160E is the first e-mountainbike from the US cult brand. With a completely independent frame design, 170/160 millimetre suspension and 29-inch wheels, the engineers in Colorado want to have created the first racy race E-Enduro. The newcomer to the E-EWS is intended to build on the success of the re-motorised SB150. The E-features: Shimano EP8 motor and a 630 watt-hour battery.
Sixfinity: The new suspension platform of the Yeti e-bike 160E
The centrepiece of the new Yeti E-Bike 160E is the so-called Sixfinity rear triangle. Unlike the other mountain bikes in the Yeti range, the rear shock is located in the frame triangle. During compression, the lower lever (switch link) rotates upwards with the rear triangle up to half of the suspension travel. From the second half, the external strut pushes the switch link back down against the direction of compression.
This should give the 160E a very good anti-squat value at the beginning of the spring travel. If the switch link rotates downwards again, the anti-squat value decreases, allowing the suspension to develop its full absorption capacity in the higher suspension travel.
Also very exciting: A flip chip on the shock mount allows the transmission ratio of the kinematics to be adjusted in three stages from more linear (25 % progression) to more comfortable (plush), but with more pop and 35 % final progression. Yeti recommends the latter setting for steel spring shocks in particular.
The facts about the Yeti 160E e-mountainbike
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Shimano battery with 630 watt hours
- Wheel size: 29-inch (optional 27.5" rear wheel)
- Full carbon frame
- 170/160 millimetre spring travel
- Maximum system weight: 130 kilos
- Two models for 13790 euros and 10990 euros
The geometry of the Yeti 160E
The race ambitions of the Yeti 160E are evident from the very first glance at the geometry table. The steering angle measures a slack 64.5 degrees, as befits a racy enduro bike. At 480 millimetres, the reach is on the long side and, in combination with the steering angle, should ensure a very smooth ride.
Yeti 160E: Models and prices
Typical Yeti: even the entry-level Yeti 160E T1 model costs as much as some small cars. For 10990 euros, you get a full carbon frame, SLX components from Shimano, Fox suspension from the Performance series and carbon wheels. The top model, which costs 13770 euros, also has a carbon frame and wheels. The surcharge is only noticeable due to the Shimano XT equipment and the Fox Factory suspension.
Max Fuchs
Editor
