2022 Whyte

E-160 S

When we tested the Whyte E-160 back in 2021, our only real criticism of the bike was how fiddly it was to remove the battery. Fast forward to today, and Whyte has one of the easiest battery removal systems we’ve used. On the V2 bike you simply remove the single hex bolt that secures the plastic motor cover, then pop the release catch on the 750Wh Bosch battery and it pulls straight out. No wires to tangle up in and no key, other than a hex key, to remember. So how does it perform and is it one of the best electric bikes on offer? Need to know: Shape.it Link has a flip-chip in the shock eyelet to provide low and lower geometry settings Clocking the Bosch Performance Line CX motor gets the 750Wh battery lower in the frame With a 36t chainring and 10-50t cassette the Whyte isn’t geared for climbing First gen SRAM GX AXS wireless shifting is rapid with a superlight action   The latest version also rolls on 29in wheels, instead of 27.5in, and the weight has crept by just over 1 kg to 26.17kg. Remarkably, the chainstay length has only increased by 3mm, an additional benefit of having the Bosch Performance Line CX clocked out of the way. As you’d expect the alloy frame is bomber solid and undoubtedly contributes to the E-160’s payload. Yes, if you were to jedison the Maxxis Double Down casing rear tyre it would sneak in just under 26kg, but it’s never going to build up as light as the full carbon Specialized or Mondraker. And while Whyte’s sizing dimensions are generous, the size L sporting a 482mm reach, the range of sizing is not, the E-160 RSX only offered in M, L and XL options. Whyte now includes the Shape.It Link in the build, which is a handy addition, because you can lower and slacken the E-160 for pure gravity fueled riding, or run it in the high position, as we did, for more technical climbing, or for improved pedal clearance on rolling terrain. Suspension Money saved by not having to splurge on a fancy carbon frame has wisely been invested in quality suspension components. The E-160 RSX benefits from the added adjustability of the Performance Elite level Fox 38 fork and corresponding Float X shock. Travel is 160mm up front combined with 150mm on the rear and while the E-160 has great poise and stability in rough terrain, is not the plushest bike in test, and not as plush or as planted as the V1. Components SRAM’s wireless GX AXS shifting may seem like a luxury item on an alloy bike, but the speed of the shifting really comes into its own when the contours tighten up rapidly, as it offers fast, precise, effortless shifting every time. The same can be said for the top-end Code RSC brakes, but again the flagship brakes offer vastly superior stopping performance when compared to the Codes RS brakes on the Specialized. And while …Continue reading »

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