2022 Emtb Shootout - Yeti 160E T1 Review

[@rynolindz]

I've had a totally different experience with this bike. I think it climbs very well and has great traction. Its plush on the downs as well. I couldn't ask for much more. I love the tune.. However, I'm 240lbs.. that may make the difference. I get way more hand, leg fatigue on my Heckler in the rough stuff. One thing to note as well is how silent this bike is compared to others. Very noticeable for me. Great review and content LW team!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing! and compared to the Heckler, yes this bike would feel a bit smoother, granted it's also got more travel. It's closer to the Bullit for that side of things. However when compared to some of the other bikes, it's still a bit stiffer. Which is fine as it is intended to be a race bike, we just want to be sure people know it. haha. Thanks for your input as well!

[@emtbtrailrider539]

I got the Yeti 160e and a SC Bullit and they both are great but I luv them both, I’m 230 Ibs and it feels Plush

[@SDmountainbiker]

Have ~750 miles on my Yeti-160E and really enjoy the way it rides. Agree with most of your review comments as far as performance. It's very unique that it wants to ride fast and the faster you go, the better it performs! Had a Gen2 Levo that climbed liked a billygoat and would say the Yeti is on par in regard to climbing taking into consideration I keep the rear shock wide open, all the time. Due to the unique rear suspension design, run a little more sag then I do on my other emtbs which help smooth out the ride. Concur its stiffer then most bikes whichs lends itself well to performance for the types of trails I ride when I take the Yeti . Think it climbs more like a trail bike then an Enduro and handles most of the knar I throw at it. I changed the bars to 40mm rise which offsets the bit of uncertaintyI had going down the really steep stuff, run 2.6 Eddy Currents f/r and have a DSD RUNT installed on the Fox 38 fork. Does it perform twice as good as other emtbs you can get for half the price? Most certainly not. For some of us $ is not a consideration and the Yeti brand still carries a lot of weight. I admire how you share open and opposing viewpoints of your riding team. Just goes to show that some bikes are better matches for certain weight/style of riders. Loam Wolf pack tells it like it is and gives its fans data driven information to help them decide which bike best meet their need(s) Ride on brothers!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you so much for your detailed response and also for the kind words and support. We realize people work hard to spend big dollars on these bikes and we want to do our best to give them the info needed to make those decisions as best as possible. Thank you! And stoked you like your bike.

[@paulschumacher2228]

What is the app used for this bike ?

[@porroco]

I have a yeti T1 30% flipchip yeti calculator shock seting and do not feel that bike riding rough even i came from 2020 turbo levo with rockshox deluxe shock.

[@SDmountainbiker]

Any thoughts on how a coil shock would effect/improve the ride quality on a Yeti-160E? Would it improve the stiff feeling without impacting performance?

[@NH-il6uc]

I love my 160E. I like that it feels as nimble and “Twitchy” as my non-assist Pivot Switchblade. I switch between both bikes and find the ride fairly comparable between the two…except for how fast I can climb on the Yeti!

[@ericcicero7045]

That's exactly what I felt about my SB150, not the most plush ride but it definitely helps maintain speed once you push it to the limit! I imagine a a race car would handle phenomenally on the track but be very harsh for day to day commuting. Yeti builds race bikes, and they win

[@TheLoamWolf]

Solid comparison and yes, it's a fast machine.

[@jamsxr]

99% of riders don’t need a race bike

[@benny360]

I found my SB150 the same, fast as hell, but never smooth/comfortable. The Spesh enduro that replaced it however, not as fast, but a magic carpet ride.

[@bobbyvee_mtb]

the verdict is it’s a fantastic bike for heavy riders? I’m 6’2 230lb - can it be fixed with suspension upgrades or coil? Or you think it’s just the kinematics/overall stiffness? I rode a ibis Ripmo once and really enjoyed how stiff that bike was on the climb

[@sl500benz01]

I have the 160e and the bullit the 160 is exactly as yet states a emtb enduro race bike the faster you push the bike the more it performs with tons of grip if your not into high speeds through the gnar its prob not the bike for you for basic trail riding this bike is made for efficient speed and going fast , depending how you have the x2 set up the rear suspension is totally amazing yeti def nailed it no need for a coil, if your into smashing your prs on strava or racing e enduro it’s definitely the bike , i love it and highly recommend it, the bullit on the other hand is another amazing bike a point and shoot just smashing through everything , bike parks , big sends etc not as nimble as the 160e but much more forgiving when the gnar gets real

[@TheLoamWolf]

Great feedback thank you.

[@HobbyB19]

The Yeti is super rad and tons of fun but man, why no Transition Repeater??? Hands down the BEST EMTB I've ridden.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We asked transitions multiple times to send us a bike but they did not want to be included in our head to head test… not sure why?

[@HobbyB19]

@@TheLoamWolf oh that's a fricken bummer!

[@emtbtrailrider539]

@@TheLoamWolf the Yeti 160 e is very similar build in my opinion, I luv the #Yeti160e & SC Bullit though top performers in my opinion 🇺🇸

[@86309]

question on your guys suspension setup for different testers- how much time do you spend getting the front and rear dialed in for each person. I mean I have the Grip 2 on my 36, and only the Float X (2022) rear and can completely change the feel of my KTM Prowler if I really get after the settings and and volume spacers. I can take it from a stiff platform hard charging to a much more mellow and subdued feel with balanced adjusting front and rear. Just curious how much time you guys spend on that, as you only have so much daylight and so many bikes! (1st world problem to have)- thanks for the testing regardless- love the channel !

[@TheLoamWolf]

Great question. I think we’re actually spend more days than any other shootout conducting our tests just so we can be more thorough than anyone else. Many of the bike we have before even arriving at camp and have ridden and gotten to know them. This bike is the same one I rode in July at the Yeti camp which I set up with Yeti employees. I’ve had the bike since then and we’ve done a ton of testing on it, suspension changes, etc etc. once there however each rider does whatever tweaking and tuning they need to do until they’re happy. Hope that helps, Drew

[@86309]

@@TheLoamWolf thanks for the reply!

[@GMANS_BIKES_CARS]

Shame you guys over the pond don’t get the Whyte E180RS as it’s without doubt one of the best Enduro bikes on sale today and 5k cheaper than that Yeti 😎

[@TheLoamWolf]

Would be great to try one out.

[@jamsxr]

Here in the U.K. there’s no way I would spend this money on a bike without local support. If something goes wrong it’s a massive pain and will take ages to fix. Fortunately/unfortunately Specialized is my only option when it comes to good LBS support. You guys should review the alloy Levo.

[@lukeegga6676]

It’s double the price of the Scott. Is it twice as good?

[@323johnnybravo]

With a yeti if it’s harsh it because you aren’t going fast enough lol.

[@TeamCykelhold]

if they use this linkage on their new 2023 bikes I would consider getting a yeti again but I just can't be bothered with the IS and the constant attention it needs. It's doesn't feel well thought out to create a huge dirt ledge and a sensitive expensive stanchion right next to each other without protection from the elements. Great bikes, if you never ride in bad weather. new linkage could solve that.

[@curtrodriguez1036]

An eMTBE shootout in Knoxville? Great bike lineup and experienced rider talent, much respect but not-so-great test conditions in terms of altitude and or max descents and or accents. This coming from a Colorado native.

[@mtbaxel9643]

I think you should include the Nukeproof Megawatt Factory....

[@TheLoamWolf]

We agree!

[@jltrack]

Sounds like it needs a coil?

[@mtbjunarell1545]

love the setup. except the brakes.

[@ericcicero7045]

Agreed. The Yeti e-bike race team runs xtr levers and saint calipers

[@roadwarrior1459]

4:44. Bullshit. I ride this bike for everything. I rag it down my local trials, I’ll ride it to my local supermarket. I’ll ride it to work. I’ll ride it on a chilled Sunday down the river cycle path with the mrs, it’s perfect in every situation. Best bike I’ve ever ridden.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We don't believe that just because people have differing opinions on things, that it is bullshit, but we appreciate you sharing your experience on this bike and we're glad you love it!

[@roadwarrior1459]

@@TheLoamWolf fair point. I’m sorry if I came across as a bit rude. Wasnt my intention. And thank you, it really is a weapon

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for writing back and no worries there! We appreciate you writing in and sharing. Have a great weekend and hope you get on the trails!

[@garradmiller5025]

13k ? Component cost add up to how much of that? They're charging a fortune for that frame.

[@DougieFresh13]

My Dentist buddy's new gift from his wifey....

[@emtbtrailrider539]

My #Yeti160e is Plush, I’m very happy 😃 with it

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome, glad to hear it.

[@emtbtrailrider539]

@@TheLoamWolf never bottomed out yet completely, and it s a full 29er with Carbon rims 170 f / 160 r my rear is in the Plush setting & I Did swap out the rear shock with the Kitsuma Air shock perfect 👍

[@porroco]

What shwalbe tires are on that yeti?

[@TheLoamWolf]

For our entire shootout we equipped all enduro bikes with Big Betty Magic Mary tire combos. And the Eddy Currents for the Trail categories.

[@shylaskitchen1703]

Plz hybrid nike review

[@michalmalanowicz7595]

2x the price of Scott and in Scott you get Bosch, which eats EP8 for breakfast. Sorry Yeti, not this time....

[@TheLoamWolf]

Not gonna disagree there!

[@ianswayne7296]

So this bike isn’t for someone who’s under 200lbs and who doesn’t go full blast.

[@abelramos8983]

and the winner is ...

[@mindless7377]

Sounds like a coil shock could work out some of the issues of this bike´s suspension for a "normal" rider.

[@TheLoamWolf]

It probably would help yes! Or find another option that just suits your riding better, we just reviewed one yesterday and it costs half as much with no shock change needed.

[@americanidiotz]

15 years of mountain biking and I can say with confidence this review is absolutely trash! The 160e is extremely playful, nimble, comfortable and one of the best technical climbing ebikes I’ve ridden here in the high desert. The bike tracks through tech unbelievably well. I watched this channel during my “research” stage of buying and dismissed the 160e because of this review. Im a slightly above average rider that enjoys moderate technical terrain. A friend of mine ended up buying a 160e, let me ride it and I was immediately pissed at this review! The 160e is absolutely amazing and I would strongly consider anyone thinking of buying one to test ride it. This channel lost a ton of respect from me. The 2 riders that didn’t like this bike either set their suspension up incorrectly or has some hang up with Yeti because thier over the top poor review is just simply wrong!!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for writing in and happy to hear you are enjoying your new bike! The views of our riders and impressions are our own and we try our best to describe feedback, experience and who we believe intended users/riders are for those bikes. We never claim to present facts as we know riders expect and want different things from their ride and terrain. Could we ask how much you weigh? Perhaps you weigh more than the 160-165lbs of the riders who were least happy with the bike? Our heavier testers certainly had less of the feedback and there are more than a couple bikes that do ride better with heavier riders in them.

[@americanidiotz]

@@TheLoamWolf i am 6’3 and 200 lbs but I really do not think it’s a weight thing. I’ve ridden the levo, levo sl, rise, heckler mx, fuel exe, rail and trance e. I ended up with a fuel exe due to how great it handled and I liked how quiet it was. I was very surprised how similar the 160e handled compared to the lighter weight fuel exe; however It tracked and climbed better than my fuel with the added bonus of of more travel and way more battery range. I appreciate the response and enjoy y’all’s content. I’m just bummed I didn’t go with the 160e. Absolutely phenomenal ebike. I think it’s a great all arounder. it’s probably not the most forgiving option but man it absolutely rips!

[@TheLoamWolf]

We are always stoked when people like their bikes, and we have never tried to say that just because we do or do not like a bike nobody else will. Ultimately we know these are expensive purchases and try our best to get people the best info we can, that is based on our opinion as riders. So, we're glad you got to hop on a friend's bike and get yourself a sweet new ride. Several riders said, if we only rode the Yeti and 2 or 3 other bikes, we'd really like it. But, in a game of inches and when we have 15 other bikes, plus the countless others that didn't come to the shootout, being able to nitpick and point out smaller things is the only way we can really differentiate all the good bikes from the great bikes, for our style and taste... Thanks again for watching and sharing your opinion. We hope others who are interested in the Yeti will take note and give one a try! We are huge proponents of test rides.

[@SteveHofsaess]

Its a Ferrari, they are not comfortable, but fast

[@stevecabrera6718]

You guys need to stop rating these as all arounders. Rate them as what they are enduro bikes. Haha ofcoursee some bikes like the range arent gonna be good on trail rides haha

[@TheLoamWolf]

We’re rating them as all around Enduro bikes, or all around trail bikes. We’re well aware they have different applications and terrain. As an all around Enduro bike, the Yeti is very focused.

[@stevecabrera6718]

@@TheLoamWolf haha yea its quite hard to classify. Also another interesting bit of info to have would be test rider ability. an intermediate rider would definatly perceive geo different than a advanced rider. Haha none the less im just nit picking here im loving this series.

[@pmowe]

Someone’s lying about their weight 😂

[@jamesw1791]

They put some magic in those bikes and it's very expensive. The substance of the magic is called dentist and Doctor dust. I want to like this bike but it is at the Apex of pretentiousness.

[@jamsxr]

Well said. Good marketing and smooth lines.

[@robertosmmjlist]

These reviews are terrible! You are all complaining about it and then give it a 9? Not to mention the un warranted price.

[@dodgechristopher]

Hey Drew...Why doesn't anyone mention the God awful Shimano motor clanking anymore? That alone is enough to steer me away from any Shimano motor equipped bike. I don't want my bike sounding like a shopping cart.

[@-phos-]

Because this "issue" is greatly overstated?

[@TheLoamWolf]

None of us mention it because it’s not that huge of an issue to any of our testers, some bikes are louder for sure, though we think it’s acoustics and battery /hose rattle more than motor rattle that annoys us. For example the Santa Cruz Heckler got really loud towards the end of the shootout, but we’ve since found out there’s a recall on a battery latch and that was more of an issue than the EP 8 noise. The motor stuff isn’t as big of a distraction as rattling from the rest of the bike and once we’re riding at speed and over chunky stuff, it fades away for our crew. Thanks for asking though.

[@sl500benz01]

If your riding hard enough and fast enough i dont think your gona be listing to sounds from the ep8 lol the ep8 does its job and pretty amazing as well as the 160e , to be honest im so into the actual shred that i dont pay any attention to sounds from the motor lol just ride and enjoy the bike

[@xElectricblaze]

First