The Yeti 160E T1 – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

In our huge 2023 eMTB group test, the Yeti 160E T1 takes on the competition as the defending champion after securing victory in last year’s group test. How does Yeti’s € 14,490 eMTB bruiser stack up against 29 of the hottest bikes of the season?

**Yeti** 160E T1 | Shimano EP8/630 Wh | 170/160 mm (f/r)
23.5 kg in size L | € 14,490 | Manufacturer’s website

On their website, Yeti divide their bikes into two categories: Race and Rip, or in other words, rigs for racing and bikes to have fun with outside the tapes. Yeti’s 160E T1 falls into the former category and, according to the Colorado-based manufacturer’s, is the world’s first race-specific eMTB. In last year’s group test, not only did the Yeti convince our test team as a potent PR hunting machine for demanding descents, but also secured our coveted Best in Test badge as the best all-rounder. In our huge 2023 group test, the Yeti 160E T1 enters the race almost unchanged, combining 170/160 mm of travel (f/r) and two big 29″ wheels. Complete with its Shimano EP8 motor and 630 Wh battery, Yeti’s full carbon eMTB tips the scales at 23.5 kg.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

What sets the Yeti 160E T1 apart from the competition?

Yeti mountain bikes thrive on their rear suspension performance. While the analogue full suspension models rely on the manufacturer’s proprietary Switch Infinity link, Yeti’s engineers had to come up with an entirely new 6-bar suspension design for their eMTB debut. The Sixfinity rear suspension was designed specifically for the weight and handling of eMTBs and harmonises extremely well with the Shimano EP8 motor system, as well as with the rest of the suspension components. Simply put, hardly any other Shimano bike in this test field transfers the power of the motor to the ground as efficiently as the Yeti. Moreover, a flip chip on the shock mount allows you to adjust the progression of the rear suspension in three stages to squeeze every ounce of performance out of the bike. If you prefer a linear feel and tend to use little travel, you should run the 25% setting, but if you bottom out on a regular basis, we recommend running the 35% setting. For everything in between, 30% is a good compromise. The geometry of the bike remains unchanged in all settings.

The chain guide adds a questionable colour accent. While it would definitely match Yeti’s iconic turquoise finish, it doesn’t looks so good with the “Rhino” finish on our test bike.

The Yeti 160E efficiently transfers the power of the Shimano EP8 motor into propulsion, making it easy to negotiate all sorts of climbs. Downhill, however, the distinctive Shimano clunking noise is rather annoying.

The 170 mm RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post works well, but in combination with the relatively long 450 mm seat tube (size L) it somewhat restricts freedom of movement on steep descents.

The standard Shimano charging port is a bit finicky, requiring long fingernails and patience.

Although the Yeti 160E T1 is pretty much all about the SIXFINITY rear suspension system, the rest of the bike is pretty impressive too. The carbon frame is high quality, and boasts a harmonious, proportionate silhouette, but the Yeti is far more understated than bikes like the UNNO Mith or Forestal Siryon, for example. The Shimano EP8 motor is neatly integrated into the frame while the beefy skid plate merges seamlessly into the battery cover. The 630 Wh battery can be removed from the downtube using a 4 mm Allen key. Unfortunately, there’s no tool mount on the frame, so you’ll have to carry a multitool with you all the time. If you want to charge the battery directly on the bike, you’ll have to get to grips with the finicky charging port cover first. All cables are neatly routed through the frame, swingarm and partly through the handlebars, showing impressive attention to detail. Just as impressive is the spec, which consists entirely of high-quality components from established third-party manufacturers. The highlight is the FOX Factory suspension consisting of a potent FLOAT 38 fork and matching FLOAT X2 shock, which both offer countless adjustment options for nerdy riders. However, if you’re still in the dark about suspension setups, you can dial in your new ride using Yeti’s Setup Calculator. Our 2023 test bike comes with one upgrade to last year’s model: Yeti have taken our criticism seriously and now deliver the 160E T1 with MAXXIS tires in the robust DoubleDown casing front and rear, and the ASSEGAI front tire features the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound.

Error 404: The battery can be removed quickly and easily from the downtube using a 4 mm Allen Key. Unfortunately, the frame of the Yeti doesn’t feature a tool mount or hidden multitool.

Feels like eternity: Yeti allegedly took a whopping five years to develop the 160E and its eMTB-specific Sixfinity rear suspension system. The wait was worth it, because the rear suspension delivers mind-boggling performance.

The golden mean: The flip chip on the shock mount allows you to change the progression of the rear suspension in three stages (25%, 30% in the middle and 35%) without altering the geometry of the bike.

Yeti 160E T1

€ 14,490

Specifications

Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery Shimano BT-E8036 630 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM800
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 Kashima 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 160 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 170 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 220/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 1x12
Stem Burgtec Enduro MK3 50 mm
Handlebar Yeti Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss EX 1700 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI Doubledown 3C MaxxGrip/MAXXIS Minion DHR II Doubledown 3C MaxxTerra 2.5/2.4

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 23.5 kg
Perm. total weight 130 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 106 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

Flip-Chip

Tuning tip: Play around with the flip chip to test all the different progression settings

Defending the title over 29 rounds – What is the Yeti 160E T1 capable of on the trail?

Given that the Yeti 160E T1 secured victory in last year’s eMTB group test, it’s pretty obvious that it’s a first-class all-rounder. Now the question is: how does it fare against a test field that includes 29 of the hottest bikes of 2023? Once again, the Yeti ranks amongst the more capable tourers in this test, providing a high level of riding comfort. That said, the seat angle is relatively steep, resulting in a slightly front-heavy pedalling position that prevents it from keeping up with the most comfortable competitors, like the Cannondale Moterra. Moreover, the frame of the Yeti lacks practical everyday features, and if you’re simply looking for a bike with a huge battery capacity, there are far better options in this test field. Round 1 therefore goes to the competition. Round 2 is all about climbing performance: whether you’re shuttling to the trailhead on fire roads or negotiating technical climbs, the Yeti has your back, transferring every single Watt of the powerful Shimano EP8 motor efficiently to the ground with its efficient yet super-grippy rear suspension and converting every crank spin into propulsion. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, keeping the front wheel planted to the ground. Only the Orbea WILD climbs a little more willingly than the Yeti. Again, not a clear point victory for the Yeti.

The efficient suspension doesn’t waste the rider’s energy, making the Yeti 160E T1 a very eager climber.

Downhill, the Yeti generates tons of traction and responds to bumps sensitively.

The Yeti comes to life as soon as you turn its nose downhill. On flowing trails, the 160E hides its 23.5 kg weight rather well, providing tons of support and inviting you to play with the trail features. With its agile handling, the Yeti is cheerfully playful but struggles to match the excellent fun factor of bikes like the Pivot Shuttle SL or, once again, the Orbea WILD. When you zip-up your racing jersey to chase seconds on steep, technical descents, the Yeti slaps a massive grin on your face. The intuitive handling makes it easy to ride even for beginners, while the sensitive rear suspension filters out bumps efficiently, ensuring a high level of composure. This inspires a huge amount of confidence and encourages you to push your limits. In the hands of a seasoned racer, the Yeti outclasses nearly the entire test field, racing its way to the finish line head-to-head with the Orbea WILD and SIMPLON Rapcon. That said, the Yeti’s rear suspension still remains unmatched in this group test. The harder and faster the hits, the better the suspension works, generating huge amounts of traction and encouraging you to commit even for the bravest lines – only the Orbea WILD gets away with its razor-sharp, confidence-inspiring handling.

Yeti divide their bikes into two categories, racers and rippers. If you ask us, the 160E T1 is both.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	561 mm	592 mm	613 mm	642 mm
Seat tube	380 mm	410 mm	450 mm	495 mm
Head tube	105 mm	110 mm	122 mm	133 mm
Head angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat angle	78.0°	78.0°	78.0°	78.0°
Chainstays	446 mm	446 mm	446 mm	446 mm
BB Height	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm
Wheelbase	1,209 mm	1,240 mm	1,262 mm	1,292 mm
Reach	430 mm	460 mm	480 mm	505 mm
Stack	617 mm	620 mm	625 mm	635 mm

**Helmet** POC Tectal | **Glasses** 100% Glendale | **Backpack** FOX Utility Hydration Pack
**Jersey** Monserat F02 | **Pants** Monserat TP01 | **Shoes** Endura Hummvee | **Gloves** Prologo Proxim

Who should take a closer look at the Yeti 160E T1 and who should look elsewhere?

The Yeti 160E T1 offers an excellent platform to live out your riding style, regardless of the type of rider you are. The predictable handling makes it a trusted companion for beginners while the near-endless reserves allow experienced riders to turn the heat up to eleven on the trail. Yeti devotees won’t be disappointed either, because the first eMTB of the Colorado-based cult brand preserves the distinctive features of Yeti’s legendary analogue bikes. The only drawback is the relatively high price tag, which makes it accessible only to a very small circle of wealthy racers and… dentists!

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the Yeti 160E T1

The Yeti 160E T1 is one of the most expensive eMTBs in the entire test field. On the other hand, you’ll get a bike with a top-tier spec that delivers a mind boggling performance in a wide range of applications – and this somehow justifies the price. The Yeti is a great companion for riders of all levels but only comes to life when the going gets rough. Although an entire year has gone by since it secured our coveted Best in Test, the Yeti has hardly aged. Unfortunately, that’s not good enough to claim victory for a second year running, so the 160E has to clear the throne for a new top dog – although the race was very close!

Tops

Wide range of applications
mind boggling suspension performance
near-perfect spec

Flops

Finicky charging port

You can find out more about at yeticycles.com

The test field