The Whyte E‑160 RSX V2 is a class-leading electric enduro mountain bike priced around £7,000. Engineered for aggressive trail riders and e‑enduro racers, it blends premium components—Fox Performance Elite suspension, SRAM GX T‑Type wireless shifting—with a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor delivering 85 Nm torque and 600 W peak power. With a massive 750 Wh internal battery and Rock bottom centre of gravity thanks to Whyte’s Shape.It Link geometry, it inspires confidence on challenging terrain.
We subjected the E‑160 RSX V2 to extensive testing on UK technical climbs, Alpine-style descents, bike-park runs, and long technical days in varied terrain. This review evaluates motor performance, suspension response, handling agility, battery endurance, and component reliability. We also compare it to comparable high-spec e‑enduro models from Trek and YT to see if this bike offers better value or performance. Whether you’re chasing your fastest lap, tackling big descents or chasing distance on remote trails, we explore whether the RSX lives up to its bold reputation and delivers real-world trail dominance.
Specs at a Glance (75 words)
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm torque, 600 W peak
- Battery: 750 Wh fully integrated
- Range: Up to 100 km mixed trail use
- Weight: 26.3 kg (size M)
- Top speed: 25 km/h assist limit
- Frame Sizes: Medium, Large, XL with mixed-wheel set
- Tyres: Maxxis Assagai 29″ front × 2.5″, Minion DHR II 29″ rear × 2.4″
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC hydraulic 220/200 mm discs
- Suspension: Fox 38 Rhythm 160 mm fork, Fox Float X 155 mm rear
- Gearing: SRAM GX T‑Type AXS wireless 12‑speed (10–52T)
- Price: ~£7,000
Design and Build Quality
The E‑160 RSX V2 is built around a hydroformed 6061 T6 multi-butted aluminium frame that combines lightness with durability. Finish is high grade—quiet weld seams and internal routing keep things tidy. The Shape.It Link flip‑chip allows geometry adjustment: switching to the ‘Low’ position slackens head tube angle by 0.6° and lowers bottom bracket by 8 mm for technical descents, then reverses for climbing agility.
Integration of the Bosch motor and 750 Wh battery is seamless. The downtube cover conceals charging port access elegantly, and Yam handles assembly. Weight distribution is optimal—the chassis feels centred and stable, with the motor battery mass positioned low behind the bottom bracket.
Components are spec’d to match the bike’s mission. Fox suspension is custom‑tuned; DT Swiss 350 wheels paired to Whyte alloy rims have sealed bearings and wide internal width. SRAM Code RSC brakes and 12‑speed wireless shifting offer premium performance and clean cockpit aesthetics—no dropper routing clutter.
Cockpit ergonomics suit aggressive riding. The custom rise handlebars, sculpted grips and adjustable stem place the rider over the bike with responsive control. Saddle and dropper height allow confident transitions between seated climbs and technical drops.
In everyday use the build inspires confidence—split-second weight shifts on jumps or rough rock gardens never feel unsettled. Quality and fit feel consistent with the best eMTBs, with the bonus of true pedal assistance built in.
Motor Performance and Power Delivery (300 words)
Bosch Performance Line CX is the motor at the heart of the E‑160 RSX V2, providing class‑leading torque and reliability. Activated via Bosch’s eBike Flow app or the bar-mounted LED controller, it offers smooth boost with no jerk—ideal for technical trail momentum or steep climbs. At full power mode the motor delivers up to 600 W briefly, aiding acceleration from low speed or over rough surfaces.
Pedal responses are immediate yet refined; the system scales assistance with cadence and torque, letting the carriage feel natural. On gradients up to 20%, the motor maintained trail-speed climbing with relative ease, even under load and with 750 Wh battery. Crosswinds had minimal effect, demonstrating the system’s resilience. At assist cut-off around 25 km/h, the motor disengages cleanly without drag, enabling natural pedalling on flats or descent.
The Shape.It Link geometry further amplifies motor synergy on climbs or descents. Flipping to ‘Low’ gives stability but still allows spry pedal strokes under assist. The integrated system outperforms less powerful motors like Yamaha or older Shimano EP8 in modulation and response under boost load.
Compared to other e‑enduro bikes like the Trek Rail or YT Decoy, the RSX V2’s motor pairing feels smoother and more responsive in tight trail sections. Leveraging SRAM GX’s wireless shifting ensures seamless gear changes even under assist power. Chain management is efficient, and inverted chain guide keeps chainline stable.
Battery modes can be customised via app to control maximum power output or cadence thresholds. MicroTune style adjustments also affect feel under pedalling—helpful in preserving battery or surfacing traction characteristics.
In sustained long rides the motor offers scalable consistency. Occasional underpower occurs on steeper mud-laden climbs, but manual pedal input and geometry tuning can mitigate this. Overall power delivery is intuitive, stable and motivating.
Battery Range and Charging
The 750 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery gives outstanding range for serious trail riding. In real-world testing over steep climbs, technical descents and moderate PAS settings, range averaged 90–100 km. In economy mode on flatter terrain, riders hit 110–120 km before reserve.
Charging from empty takes about 4 hours using Bosch’s 4 A charger. The port is neatly hidden under the downtube and fully sealed. Battery removal requires access through the back of the side cover—simple but not mid-ride swap friendly. Bosch cells and integrated management offer over 1,000 cycles to 80% capacity, insulating riders from rapid degradation.
Range variations are less pronounced with weight shifts; heavy riders (95 kg) recorded 10–15% shorter distances on same terrain. Tech-intensive riding drains battery faster—high-speed descents use regen minimally but add resistance. Manual assist level reduction and geo mode adjustment help lengthen range in peaks.
Software within the eBike Flow app provides precise capacity readouts, power mode presets, ride logs and firmware updates. The combination of battery size, motor efficiency and intelligent geofencing support extended days in the saddle without range anxiety.
Ride Quality and Comfort
Ride posture is active yet supportive. Reach and stack are moderate, enabling both climbing power and descent control. Sitting on the saddle maintains torso alignment without tiring upper body muscles—even after several hours riding.
Fox’s 160 mm front travel and 155 mm rear Float X shock are tuned for absorbed impact without wallow. On rocky descents or rooty singletrack, the RSX V2 stays planted. Initial small bump compliance is superb; mid-stroke support prevents sag under intense braking or cornering.
Maxxis tyres deliver confidence-inspiring grip with sidewall stiffness and volume for cushion. Rock gardens and chundery transitions remain manageable. Heavy riders report no frame flex or geometry shift through jarring terrain.
Long enduro days revealed minimal fatigue. The cockpit is control-oriented, and the dropper allows shifts between attack and pedal modes seamlessly. Climbing technical sections under power felt athletic, with pedal-bob minimal thanks to suspension calibration.
Urban commuting or bike‑park runs are within its remit. The geometry transitions smoothly between low-speed manoeuvring and high-speed gravity runs. The bike doesn’t feel ponderous mid-ride; mass feels concentrated and anchored.
Even despite weight, corners can be hit with aggression thanks to low centre of gravity and Shape.It Link tuning. Overall, ride quality is enduro‑focused: stable, predictable and fatigue‑resistant.
Braking and Handling
SRAM Code RSC hydraulic brakes paired with 220 mm front and 200 mm rear rotors deliver superb braking performance. Lever modulation is consistent and powerful—even under trail packs or late braking. Brake pads remain cool over extended descents and fade is minimal.
Handling is superb for this weight class. The slack head angle, short fork offset and low bottom bracket reinforce smooth cornering and tracking over choppy terrain. High-speed chutes and berms remain composed. Even full-on descents feel predictable thanks to frame geometry tuned with shape adjustment.
At low speeds or tight corners, the bike feels responsive with manageable weight feedback. The mixed 29/29 wheelset gives roll-through momentum without sacrificing control. Transitioning from climb to descent is intuitive—the geometry flip remains usable by trail centres or race day settings.
Load handling is solid; bike remains controlled with luggage attached to the frame or rider packs. Overall braking and handling reinforce confidence for aggressive riders seeking full-throttle descent and technical ride ability.
Features and Accessories
The RSX V2 includes the Bosch Smart System: eBike Flow app, bar-mounted LED remote, GPS ride logging, motor tuning, and secure pairing. Haptic feedback from the remote and app-guided firmware updates ensure system longevity and adaptability.
There are no built-in racks, lights or fenders—its mission is trail performance. However it features integrated chainstay protector, internal wiring, and frame bosses for bottle cages or minimalist luggage mounts. Few bikes at this spec level balance performance and practicality so quietly.
No alarm or GPS tracker is embedded but app-based eBike Lock via smartphone disables the motor remotely. Tool-less access to link pivot bearings and a lifetime bearing warranty reflect Whyte’s long-term build ethos.
Wireless SRAM shifting and dropper controls are minimal and refined. Cabling remains clean even with optional accessory additions. Though no light mounts are welded, clip-on options integrate well without disturbing frame lines.
Overall the RSX V2’s feature set targets riders who prioritise trail functionality over commuting accessories. That said, smart features, app integration and geometry adjustment deliver modern eMTB control.
Weight and Portability
At 26.3 kg, the RSX V2 is competitive among high-end e‑enduro bikes. Though heavy relative to non-electric models, weight is distributed centrally and low, making handling on trails surprisingly unencumbered.
Lifting the bike into a car or onto a van rack is feasible for most riders. The compact frame size and rigid structure help manage bulk. Movement in tight spaces or workshops is stable, though not agile like a lightweight XC bike.
Transport is straightforward using standard eMTB mounts—many riders found frame padding unnecessary thanks to sturdy construction. While weight prevents daily stairs-based commuting, occasional loading and unloading is realistic for most trail riders.
Value for Money
Priced at approximately £7,000, the E‑160 RSX V2 competes well in the premium enduro e‑bike segment. It costs less than comparable Trek Rail, YT Decoy or Santa Cruz Bullit models equipped with Bosch CX motor and equivalent suspension setup.
What sets it apart is the incredibly tweakable geometry via Shape.It Link, fully integrated 750 Wh battery, and polished component spec—Fox Performance Elite, SRAM wireless GX, DT Swiss wheels, Maxxis tyres—all delivering trail proficiency with longevity.
Whyte offers a four-year extended frame warranty and lifetime bearing support, and UK‑based service network ensures reliable after-sales backing. Replacement parts are readily available via Whyte’s network.
Ideal for riders seeking race‑spec trail capability with Bosch’s proven motor and high‑end suspension, this bike justifies its price through confidence-inspiring handling and power. Those after lightweight XC support bikes or commuter e‑bikes should look elsewhere; but for serious gravity-assisted trail work, it delivers premium capability at a compelling price.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bosch CX motor with 85 Nm torque and 750 Wh battery for serious trail power
- Adjustable geometry with Shape.It Link for climbing or descending tuning
- Premium suspension and wireless SRAM drivetrain
- Confident handling thanks to low centre of gravity
- Excellent braking modulation with SRAM Code RSC
Cons
- Heavy at over 26 kg for carrying or tight manoeuvre
- No commuter accessories included
- Premium price remains inaccessible for casual riders
- Lacks integrated lighting or rack mounts
- Large frame may feel oversized for smaller riders
Verdict
The Whyte E‑160 RSX V2 is a masterclass in electric trail bike engineering, delivering aggressive power, precise control, and high-end componentry in a premium package. Its geometry adjustment, substantial battery capacity, Bosch CX motor, and refined suspension make it ideal for serious riders tackling technical descents and long trail days. While not city-friendly or lightweight, it shines in downhill stability and climbing support with minimal compromise. Backed by an excellent warranty and UK support, this bike represents strong value in the high-end e‑enduro segment. If you ride steep terrain regularly and demand performance without compromise, the E‑160 RSX V2 is a standout choice.
