2024 Whyte

ELyte 140 Works XC

Given its overall agility, the reserves and reassuring feeling when pushing the Whyte ELyte EVO Stag Works hard are impressive.

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Is it groundhog day? It sure feels that way to me. Because exactly one year and three days ago, I was typing up a review on the (then) new Whyte E-Lyte 150 Works. Whyte’s first foray into the weird and wonderful world of SL e-bikes. Now, Whyte is launching the Evo version. To read our news story on the new Whyte ELyte 150 Evo Stag Works click here. – Short of time? Click here to skip to the verdict – So what’s evolved? Well, Whyte has dropped the hyphen and 150 from the name, so the new model is called the ELyte Evo. The important difference though, is that the new Evo version gets the brand new Bosch CX motor with 85Nm torque and zero rattle when coasting, rather than the 55Nm Bosch SX motor on the standard ELyte 150. There are two models in the ELyte Evo range – the flagship Stag Works build that I’m testing here at £9,999, and the ELyte Evo RS for £7,250.  And both come with the 250Wh Bosch Powermore range extender included in the price. Frame and Geometry So what else has changed? To be frank, not a lot. Sure, the new Evo rolls on an MX wheel format, rather than being a full 29er, but the carbon frame is identical in every way to the winning Whyte ELyte from our bumper SL E-bike of the Year test. So we already know that the geometry, suspension and handling are all best-in-class. The Evo version just has more low-end grunt and finesse to the power delivery, and you no longer have to spin like a maniac to get that 600 watts peak power. And I’m kinda kicking myself here. Because as a tech geek, I should have seen this coming from a mile away. Whyte’s custom housing that shrouds the Bosch SX motor on the standard ELyte was there to mask the fact that the frame was always designed with this upgrade in mind. So does that mean the standard ELyte is dead? No. Well, not yet anyway, as Whyte plans to run both platforms in tandem. It also means that you could potentially upgrade the existing Whyte ELyte from the SX motor to the CX. Whyte ELyte Evo Stag Works Need to know Two Evo models: Stag Works £9,999, RS £7,250 Same enduro-rated full-carbon ELyte frame Evo version gets new Bosch CX motor with 85Nm torque Peak power is still 600 watts Integrated 400Wh Bosch battery + 250Wh Powermore range extender included Fox Factory suspension on Stag Works Frame travel is 142mm, the fork gets 150mm High/Low geometry flip chip New 2.5in Maxxis Minion DHR II rear tyre Fidlock water bottle compatible (as well as range extender) SRAM X0 AXS T-type transmission Adjustable drop seat post 29er compatible with aftermarket Shape.it Link Weight 22.34kg (49.25lb) Sizes S to XL Motor and battery So with the extra torque, do you get more battery capacity? In short, no. The ELyte Evo gets the exact same …Continue reading »

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Verdict: An incredible e-bike from Whyte, with careful attention paid to all aspects of design

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