With the S.170E, Atherton Bikes are venturing into completely new territory. Expectations are high for the Welsh brand’s first e-mountainbike – and they’ve taken their time with its development accordingly. The result is a full-power enduro rig with 180/170 mm of travel (f/r) and the Avinox motor system. But the big question remains: can the Welsh outfit successfully electrify their racing DNA?
Hitting the Trails before the official Launch
The official launch of the S.170E isn’t scheduled until April, but this bike is already far more than just a rendering or an early teaser. The first batch of 50 pre-order bikes sold out in no time yesterday, and we had the exclusive opportunity to put a test model through its paces on the trails around Tremp, Spain. And not just for a quick first ride – we included it in our big 2026 e-mountainbike group test. Pitted against a field of top-tier competition, the new Welsh machine had to prove itself under some of the toughest testing conditions out there. How the S.170E fared in direct comparison will be revealed when we publish our full 2026 e-mountainbike group test.
Atherton S.170E – familiar DNA meets a whole new World
The new S.170E is part of Atherton Bikes’ S-series, known for their raw-finished aluminium frames handmade in Wales. What sets them apart is the unique manufacturing method: the main frame is built from aluminium tubes joined together using lugs – both the tubes and the lugs are made from high-strength 7075 aluminium. The “S” stands for “subtractive,” referring to the CNC machining process at the heart of the design. This involves removing excess material from solid aluminium blocks to produce the lugs for the main triangle and the one-piece machined rear end.
This manufacturing method doesn’t just give the bike a distinctive look – it also allows Atherton to offer an exceptionally refined range of sizes by using different tube lengths. As with all Atherton bikes, the S.170E comes in an impressive 12 frame sizes – something no other e-bike has offered to date.
The Motor System of the Atherton S.170E
For the drive system, Atherton Bikes have gone with the Avinox motor. The brand is keeping most details under wraps for now – especially when it comes to battery size. What we do know is that it’s a permanently integrated, full-sized solution with the same capacity across all frame sizes. Depending on how and where you ride, the claimed range should cover between 1,600 and 2,000 metres of climbing.
Spec Variants of The Atherton S.170E
For the pre-order launch, Atherton Bikes are offering the S.170E in three fixed build options, priced between £6,999 and £8,999. All builds share the same frame, identical kinematics and the same motor system. Across the range, you’ll find Hayes Dominion A4 brakes, Mavic E-Deemax wheels and Continental Kryptotal tyres. The main differences lie in the suspension and drivetrain components.
The entry-level S.170E.3 build pairs a RockShox Select suspension setup with a ZEB Select fork and Vivid Air shock. Shifting is handled by a mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission, while the cockpit features an FSA Gradient aluminium handlebar.
The S.170E.2 sits in the middle of the range as the most balanced option. It features a RockShox Ultimate suspension setup, with a ZEB Ultimate fork up front and a Vivid Air Ultimate shock at the rear. Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, which draws its power directly from the Avinox system’s main battery. Like the entry model, it comes with an FSA Gradient aluminium handlebar.
The top-spec S.170E.1 comes equipped with a FOX Factory suspension setup, complete with the signature Kashima coating on both fork and shock. Shifting is handled by the SRAM X0 Transmission, and the FSA Gradient handlebar is upgraded to the carbon version for this build.
After the official launch, the bikes will also be available through Atherton’s well-known configurator, allowing for full customisation. So if you’ve got specific preferences when it comes to components or setup, it might be worth holding off a little longer.
Even ahead of its official launch in April, it’s already clear that the Atherton S.170E 2026 is going to be a serious contender. That much became obvious during our big e-mountainbike group test. Our full review will follow with the official launch. Until then, one thing’s certain: understatement can be seriously exciting.
Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Atherton
