Whyte E-lyte Evo Introduction
Whyte Bikes has carved a solid reputation for producing rugged machines capable of conquering the UK's demanding trails. Their latest offering, the E-Lyte Evo, throws them into the burgeoning lightweight e-MTB arena, and it’s clear they've done their homework. This isn't just about chasing grams; it's about crafting a high-performance ride that can handle proper British conditions.
Remember the E-Lyte prototype unveiled at Eurobike 2023? That was Whyte’s first foray into this category, and they clearly learned a lot. They resisted the temptation to compromise performance for the sake of a low number on the scales, opting instead for components that can withstand the rigours of UK riding. The result? The 2024 MBR Superlite EMTB award. Not bad, eh?
For 2025, Whyte has upped the ante with the Evo range, swapping out the SX motor for the punchier Gen 5 CX. That’s a jump from 55Nm to 85Nm, a welcome boost for those lung-busting climbs, without adding a heap of weight. Let's be honest, you might not always be cranking it up to max power, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there when you need it, whether you're smashing out a quick power hour or trying to keep up with your mates on their full-fat e-bikes.
E-lyte Model Comparison
The Evo range consists of two models: the RS and the Stagworks. See the image below to compare & see the differences between both the stagworks and RS models...
5 Key Features
Beyond the component variations, both models share five key features that define the E-Lyte Evo:
1 - Bosch Gen 5 CX Motor & 400Wh Integrated Battery: And for the epic rides, there’s a 250Wh range extender option, taking you up to a whopping 650Wh. Battery anxiety? Whyte recommends the Bosch Rangefinder app (link below) for a personalised estimate based on your riding style and terrain.
2 - 150mm Front & 142mm Rear Travel: Both models benefit from custom-tuned suspension, dialled for UK trails.
3 - 29er Wheels: For rolling speed and grip. Fancy a mullet setup? A geometry link makes it a doddle.
4 - Unidirectional Carbon Fibre Frame: Light, strong, and enduro-rated. Both the Stagwerks and RS tip the scales at under 21kg. Plus, Whyte offers free bearing replacements and a lifetime frame warranty. Now that’s confidence.
5 - Optimised Centre of Gravity: Whyte’s engineers have sweated the details here, focusing on achieving next-level balance.
Ride Review: Climbing
We took the E-Lyte Evo to our local testing ground, a mix of bridleways, techy climbs, and rooty singletrack shoots. On the climbs, the Bosch CX motor in Tour Plus mode provided smooth, predictable assistance. We found the steep seat angle really helps with power transfer.
When things got technical, we tapped into the full 85Nm in EMTB and Turbo modes. The balanced chassis and composed handling made navigating loose rock and step-ups a breeze. The low centre of gravity, less noticeable on the fire roads, really came into its own on the technical climbs, with the bike being easy to lift the front wheel and maneuver up the tricky sections.
Ride Review: Descending
On to the singletrack descents, the E-Lyte felt surprisingly agile, carving through wet, muddy chutes and small drops with confidence. The Maxxis Minion DHF (2.5" front) and DHF 2.4 (rear) tyres provided tenacious grip, even in the clag.
We even subjected it to a proper boulder run on an open bridleway. The E-Lyte remained composed and stable at speed, the 29er wheels smoothing out the bumps and chatter.
Conclusion:
The E-Lyte Evo is a definite step up with the new CX motor. The focus on a low centre of gravity is noticeable in every aspect of the ride, from climbing to descending. Whyte has built a lightweight e-MTB that doesn't compromise on componentry or performance in UK conditions. The modular battery system offers flexibility for different ride lengths, too.
Unless you’re hitting the DH tracks or bike parks with large jump / drop features, the Whyte E-Lyte Evo is a playful and capable all-rounder, perfect for UK trail centres, natural singletrack, and everything in between. It’s definitely one to consider for your next e-MTB purchase.
Got Questions?
Give the team at MTB Monster a shout if you have any questions or want a second opinion.
Posted by Paul Hoyle on 25th Feb 2025
