Mid-Assist vs. Full Power eBike Range Comparison | What Goes Further?

With a new breed of mid-assist bikes arriving thanks to motors like the Bosch SX, putting out numbers similar to their full assist siblings, we thought it was about time to do a proper range comparison, including about as much science as we could stomach! With batteries that are specced to scale with the size of the motor, we're genuinely intrigued to find out how this goes, so we've racked up 2 new bikes from the Whyte range, the E-Lyte, and the E-160, to find out. So here we go folks, let's put some miles in, do some climbing, get the heart rate up, and see just how far these E-bikes can go on one charge.
⏱ Timestamps ⏱
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - The Bikes | Whyte E-Lyte | Whyte E-160
02:02 - What Is The Test Meassuring?
02:23 - Whyte E-Lyte Testing
07:02 - Whyte E-160 Testing
10:17 - Conclusion | Range Results
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[@mcxstar04]

Guys I'm SUCH a fan of EMTB's! I ride 4 times a week and try to get as many exciting places as possible! I have to say, your videos are getting to be so similar!!! its all about Range, Motor comparisons, SL vs Full fat, etc etc! GCN videos are so good and their ideas are super entertaining and appeal to a wide audience! I would love to see you guys doing more adventures, races, your own builds etc etc. Have a lovely Christmas!

[@joescott7500]

Id love to see more spec comparisons, timings etc. Seems they dont want to compare brands etc for monetary issues.

[@asifitmatters1]

Couldn’t agree more. EMBN content is absolutely rubbish! It’s basically nothing more than a permanent commercial for the same brands over and over and over.

[@pablojmcglynn2863]

Yeah , unfortunately, I have to agree . Let's compare the most recent sponsors' emtb range ... feel I've watched this content on the channel one too many times , same video next week but with giant ... not all negative love the adventure content. Would be great to see more brands being used on the epic videos

[@embn]

Hi there, its jones here by the way....i'm sorry you feel that way. Please bear in mind the range, effort, metrics in this vid will roughly apply to dozens of emtbs with the same Bosch system More adventures? These are in last month alone. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGapf5uBp7inoqc kzbin.info/www/bejne/noOvYaN8a56Zlac Racing? Tune in sunday More bikes?! I'm pretty sure we've had more brands on this channel in last month than any other Let me know if you need more. Also if you have any questions fire away, i'm happy to answer them

[@asifitmatters1]

@@embn wow! What a remarkable reply! People have told you how they feel and your reaction is to tell them that actually their feelings are completely wrong, because your content is actually really great… it’s like telling a chef that his soup is too salty, only to be served the same bowl of soup again! What a joke!

[@noelbrown6771]

The comments about heart rates and fatigue are exactly questions I've had about the power categories besides ranges etc. You're heart rate on the mid powered bike is right where I need to be myself, and your excellent point of not getting any breaks from hard charging on the full power bike make total sense to me. Thanks for giving me some food for thought 👍

[@vashon100]

Steve, thanks for all you do on this channel. Also always find your vids informative. You put a lot of effort into them. It's disappointing that the SX requires such a high rpm for the power. I'd like to understand that more. I wonder if you had kept same (ie lower) cadence for both (which would probably be my case) how the data would have changed?

[@rubinsteinkleer8334]

Range extender fitted doesn't really work for me, no need to do that, pretty obvious what's going to happen there. Best take away from the vid is the point made by Chris Akrigg on weight, spot on. Steve puffing after getting off the E Lyte tells you all you need to know about mid power. I get the same range out of a 430wh battery on my fazua ride 60 bike as I do from my Yamaha bike with 80nm and a 800wh battery, I don't work any harder, im just slower. Difference is the fazua bike is 7kg lighter, thats a lot of pasties lads 🤗

[@maxflight777]

2:50 125 km/h limiter … 😂. Did I hear that right Steve ? Super channel , completely compelling content.

[@locar12]

Lol! Heard the same. Rewind it again and heard "under 25km/h limiter" 😂👍🏽

[@jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Great comparison & useful data. Where's the Range Extender though?

[@CMZPICTURES]

I wonder if it's possible to log and display current draw in a phone app. I think that would help me understand where my battery is going.

[@garthflint]

I am not sure about people dumping on EMTB. If you do not like it, do not watch it! As far as brands, almost none of the brands ridden are seen in the US. Giant, yes. Whyte, no. I would like to see some brand comparisons but that might kill the channel. Sponsors get a bit testy if their brand get dumped on. This video pretty much convinced me to not trade in my full power for a mid-power. I live in Montana USA. Every ride is serious up and long down. Lots of techy stuff. Lots of 30+ mile rides. We need all the power and range possible. I have a couple of rides were I am thinking of carrying a spare battery. 40+ miles. Probably make it in Eco but it would royaly suck to run out of juice in the middle of nowhere.

[@cnewto12]

Steve, you sure you fitted the range extender to the Lyte as I didn’t notice it on the video?

[@siimot]

I have an e hybrid bike to commute and take on gravel tracks etc, would love an emtb too maybe one day :)

[@juliandommett725]

What is the weight with range extender fitted

[@Twentykixx]

This is why the sweet spot for eMTB is under 50lbs with +85nm, and +630wH battery. Suspension 150-180, and depending on the kinematics, can be an all-in-one everyday killer. With a lockout or pedal rear shock + a modestly progressive fork, it will gitter done for everything. Mine does, it’s a 170-170 wrecking ball! 🤘🏼😁

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

Yep, the lightweight e-bikes are like 42 pounds. I’d gladly give up 7-8 pounds to get full power and a bigger battery

[@Twentykixx]

@@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS don’t forget to increase the travel also. Most of the lighter emtbs are running 160-max, while typically around 150 travel to keep the weight in check so it stays relatively light. This unfortunately limits the ride capabilities. With the increased addition power and battery it can easily push +170 at practically no added penalty. 🤘🏼 and another reason it benefits the buyer to think about a bike that can do it all basically. If you’re a weight weenie with an e-bike, you’re missing the point IMHO.

[@beaugoring1]

My Bosch powered cube action team has the auto mode on the motor. Best of all worlds. Definitely improved the range of the battery and I don’t have to faff about changing modes.

[@EddInLancs01]

Same on my Cube Stereo hpc 140. I leave it in auto 95% of the time. The other 5% I'll use Turbo with all the responses turned up to maximum via the Bosch Flow app on my phone.

[@beaugoring1]

Yeah. That’s the same for me also. 👍

[@anonymousone6075]

auto is for road bikes, EMTB is for EMTBs

[@beaugoring1]

Oh ok. I’ll contact Bosch and tell them they’ve made a mistake putting the auto setting on my emtb. Watch this space. I’ll let you know what they say.

[@garrystevens8793]

When will we see the Whyte E-lyte in the bike shops? I could not spend that much money on a bike without test riding first. I’m considering an SL bike and I tried a Trek fuel E-xe 9.7 which felt great, natural power delivery and rode like a normal MTB. I want to try the Santa Cruz Heckler SL and the Whyte E-lyte before I commit my hard earned cash.

[@paularthur6456]

Don't exclude the new levo sl from your choices.

[@AdamFrench1972]

Would have been better to hear how nimble the elight bike was with the extender on it. That would change the “light”weight. Was it used? No vid of it on bike.

[@raziel8321]

Usually it is simple and clear physic. Under really the same conditions with identical support (and not 250% vs 370% or something like that) the consumption and therefore the range is 95% identical. The size of the battery will decide, whereby the normal full power usually wins in the maximum range because the bigger Battery. In a comparison with identical battery capacity, however, the kind of track decides. The more high loads are ridden, the more efficiently the full power bike will be, usually. On average, both bikes will travel a similar distance. Only when there is a big difference in support and the full power supports significantly more (which is the person's choice) will the Light emtb have a chance of driving identically or slightly further with one battery.

[@Magoo71]

My bike has a 1100Wh battery and weighs 54lbs. I always ride about 25 ish miles and about 3500 ft climbing....I still have 50% + battery!

[@dadventuretv2538]

What’s the weight without the battery extender? There is no way it’s 42 lbs. I’d like to know the range of the “lightweight “ without the extender. Because I dont see the point of buying a lightweight emtb and then immediately adding all the weight back on with a range extender.

[@rampchamp9283]

Awesome video

[@alexanderscott2567]

Instead of heart rate, why not publish rider average power output? Measuring the power that I put into my bicycle is one of the things that I love about the Bosch. And I love slamming the power on, after the motor has hit top speed and has quit assisting. The beauty of the EMTB is that you can recover practically wherever, and whenever you like.

[@marauder7412]

I wish you tested without range extender and also give us wh/km.

[@bradsanders6954]

If the bike didnt come stock with range extender, then it shouldnt be in a comparison.

[@eBikerHowie]

Ok. I keep all my riding stats (because I'm a tech nerd). Here's the average numbers for my rides on my Pole Voima with full power Bosch CX motor: 35 miles, 3500 vertical feet of climbing, 3 hours, 12mph, 450wH of battery 7.5 miles/100wH, 1100 vertical feet/100wH. I typically ride in Tour+ and eMTB. Never really use ECO or TURBO. My bike has a 750wH battery. I weigh 150lbs soaking wet. My bike weighs 55 lbs. And I don't need a range extender to keep up with my buddies or ride for 6+ hours.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@eBikerHowie 750WH should be plenty for most any ride. The weight of the rider, and his adding his strength, or not......really makes a difference, there are a lot of variables. Some want to pedal hard, some want to go along for the ride as much as possible. Heavy guys use up batteries.

[@LivingInTheBayAreaToday]

With a range extender??? That defeats the purpose of being lite 🤨.

[@easty-stage-4-fighter.]

but which bike would you pick to run for a year?

[@user-qy8ph8tf3d]

One look in a mirror will tell you that. If you are a chonk - full power, if you are a stick - low power.

[@helicopter12345678]

I think keeping it simple and general is fine otherwise you may as well put the bikes on a test rig under strict scrutiny and that's never going to happen on the trail ...just enjoy

[@manfredstrappen7491]

Now ride the heavy bike first and then the light one. Wouldn’t your heart rate just naturally be higher after 2.5 hrs of riding, even with a break?

[@tobyehillier]

Orbea Wild '21 520wh I did 42km in 2 hrs 20 mostly in Tour+ Clipped in though

[@anonymousone6075]

I've done 63 miles on a bosch cx with 750wh battery and I way 108kg, was in eco/tour the whole time

[@tobyehillier]

@@anonymousone6075 Nice! 💪🏼

[@konannanok4961]

Hmm, 33km on e-bike and that's it ?? WTF ?? I can do 2,3 times more on analog bike. Not in given time similar to e-bike but if i'd like to do longer trip say 80-100km what type of assist would be required to do it ?? 25% of max torque in eco mode ?? Been thinking of buing e-bike but judging from this test I have doubts. Numbers are numbers and E-bike may be a good option in real mountains with 1-2km elevation and max 50km distance. But in typical less ondulated terrain analog is still a better option IMHO.

[@toshman696969]

ebikes are relatively new tech (talking about big brands stuff), i have only ridden an ebike once around town since my lbs let me try out the new trek which was awesome, and where i live i see no reason to have one because its pancake flat and parks don't allow them. but if i lived anywhere near elevation or rollers bet your ass i would trade one in, what is missing from this test is elevation gain vs similar ride on analog bike. guarantee that if he was to ride same trail on analog for 20 miles or so he would be at 3 hrs. he is riding this trail with massive assist, as you heard the lyte was up to 400 watt assist and e160 600 watt assit, if i heard that right. there are other tests i have seen where guys do one hour on ebike vs analog and they cover literally double elevation and distance at similar heart rate. that is where the benefit comes in. if you are like me and have relatively minimal elevation and are pretty fit then you are right, doesn't make sense. but having lived in utah i would of loved to do some adventuring with one doing a 60-80 km ride with 1-2k m of elevation gain.

[@TheBikeRoom]

Agree, you've described my South Wales valleys trail centre loops where you can get 2 or 3 trails in inside the same time as 1 on analogue.

[@AK-ContentCreatIon]

HI! Full power ALL THE WAY

[@user-qy8ph8tf3d]

Which bike is more of a workout you ask? The answer is neither, 123 to 128 avg HR is ridiculous if you need a workout. And don't even start about you could have pushed if you wanted to, everybody knows that people don't buy Ebikes to start pushing, it is quite the opposite in fact. Just imaging bragging about it in front of your mates with a beer in a hand: "I did a two hour ride in zone one, I felt like I'm about to die!" P.S. Not a hater of Ebikes, just don't fool yourself when you buy one "to workout and get in shape". It is a great tool to have fun, let it stay there.

[@bradsanders6954]

I dunno how you guys wear those jackets all the time, even if its 40 degrees here in nor cal, I turn into a ball of sweat wearing my GORE jacket. Especially climbing.

[@bradsanders6954]

Weve already done this test, with a trek mini battery, mini motor bike. And a rider who isnt light, or strong. He gave the bike to his wife and bought a real E Mt bike with real motor and 750WH battery, he couldnt keep up on climbs, 15 miles was about it for the Trek if any climbing was involved. But the Trek is a cool bike. (and yeah this video stinks of repetition) No range extender allowed, that isnt how the bike is delivered. 120 RPM is TOO much rpm, its not realistic, its hard to do technical climbs all spun out.

[@islandaerial3414]

Turbo mode? Hardly ever use it...

[@garthflint]

Like wise. I use mostly Tour and EMTB. Turbo spins the rear too easily on steep climbs. I tried Turbo on Slickrock at Moab. Uncontrolled wheelies. Almost unrideable.

[@user-qy8ph8tf3d]

It would have taken too long to conduct this this test in eco, hence the turbo

[@kingerz]

Oh no what are you putting the range extender on one for???????

[@michaelwalker2795]

Not much of a comparison really while using a range extender.

[@Tumid1]

I hope this comparison finally puts to rest the notion that someone on a mid-assist bike can ride with someone of equal ability on a full power bike. 20%+ slower is just too much. Think of waiting 4 minutes at the top of a 20 minute climb (on a freezing cold winter day) for your mate. You're not riding "together" you're just riding the same route. I think the only practical place for mid-power bikes is when a weaker rider wants to ride with a stronger rider on a pedal bike or riding with another mid-power bike.

[@romero424]

Obviously the full power emtb then put it on Eco

[@Eelcodocter]

Says the e-Lyte tested with range extender, then any side shots don’t show an extender fitted . Also why do you not quote height gained?… which is the all important number. Problem with sponsored videos… pinch of salt .

[@hein_mcleod]

The bosch extender battery only weighs 1kg.

[@Dannyjones1]

I've seen guys with SL's not keep up with full power bikes. Nothing to do with fitness either. Full power all the way baby!

[@thim8009]

The only reason I would want a lighter bike, is for jumping and real technical terrain. Even then, I will probably stick with full power until they come out with a nuclear battery that can go forever.

[@gregorykulinski2186]

E bike always should be dependent off of your fitness.

[@Bierce88]

Re upload

[@asifitmatters1]

Another bland commercial for Whyte…

[@noelbrown6771]

The comments about heart rates and fatigue are exactly questions I've had about the power categories besides ranges etc. You're heart rate on the mid powered bike is right where I need to be myself, and your excellent point of not getting any breaks from hard charging on the full power bike make total sense to me. Thanks for giving me some food for thought 👍