Way back during the first meetings with our EWS racer Matt Stuttard, before the 161 was even finished, he was asking about the possibility of us creating an e-MTB. He wanted to use it as a training tool, just as capable as his race rig, but with the assistance to get him back up to the top, letting him squeeze more runs out of those short winter days.
When Shimano approached us to work with their upcoming drive unit, we were humbled. Knowing this to be an incredible opportunity, we went straight to the drawing board to design Matt's e-bike.
The what?
The E-161, as the name suggests, borrows a lot from it's EWS proven sibling. Taking the key ingredients like progressive geometry and rider-focused features, then mixing them with Shimano's brand new EP8 drive unit, creates the blueprints for our race-ready e-MTB. To ensure it's ready to handle any stage, the E-161 utilises the same 64˚ head angle and 445-515mm reach figures of the 161, whilst the 78.7˚ seat angle keeps you centred as you climb to the next peak.
After almost 12 months of discussion and design work, the E-161 finally took it's first spin. Whilst we are already proud parents, we know there is still room for improvement.
Over the coming season we're going to be testing and developing the E-161 with Matt Stuttard, Chloe Taylor, and Matt Simmonds, to ensure it's ready to serve riders like you.
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW AND WIN EVERY 2 MONTHS
We're always testing and developing, so join The Privateer Journal for exclusive product releases including the E-161 release date, news, blogs and discussions.
You can also win a prize pack from one of our partners every 2 months.
e-MTB's allow you to explore more extreme terrain, whilst also being a great training tool for Enduro and DH racing. Plus they let me keep up with my 86 year old Grandad while he's in turbo!
- Matt Stuttard
Ride the Revolution
E-bike systems continue to revolutionise the cycling world.
Shimano's preceding drive units were celebrated by riders across the globe, propelling the e-MTB revolution forward to unmatched new levels.
Building on this experience, Shimano refined their design philosophy to raise the benchmark even higher.
Through evolution, they introduce you to EP8.
With their rider-first design approach, Shimano reduced drag by a further 36% to ensure you're always in complete control while experiencing a smooth, natural ride feel
An improved clutch mechanism results in a more responsive ride, allowing for a smoother cut-off when pedalling above 25km/h.
Despite its power, the EP8 operates with little noise so you can still enjoy the natural sounds of the trails without distraction.
A newly refined Trail Mode utilizes all 85Nm of EP8’s power to boost rider comfort, control and confidence. Their most versatile assist mode to date is perfectly tuned for you to ‘set and forget’ so you can take advantage of almost any trail. The harder you push; you can be reassured the more power will be delivered to assist.
You receive the right power boost at the right time, safe in the knowledge you’ll always have maximum traction and control. Whether tackling loose sand or steep mountain ranges, the drive unit rapidly and seamlessly self-adjusts so you can concentrate fully on the trail ahead.
Shimano's batteries are renowned for keeping you out on the trails and riding further. We’ve chosen the 630Wh internal battery for even more capacity and longer rides.
This means you can keep lapping your favourite singletrack sections during the longest days and focus on the next switchback, not the battery indicator.
Every ride is different. Every rider is unique. Your favourite trails change with the seasons. From dry, dusty days through to muddy, dirty rides.
Sometimes you want to shred hard and fast. Occasionally it’s time to cruise.
The E-Tube Project App gives you, the rider, the power to customise your ride way before you buckle up your helmet.
With their rider-first design approach, Shimano reduced drag by a further 36% to ensure you're always in complete control while experiencing a smooth, natural ride feel
An improved clutch mechanism results in a more responsive ride, allowing for a smoother cut-off when pedalling above 25km/h.
Despite its power, the EP8 operates with little noise so you can still enjoy the natural sounds of the trails without distraction.
A newly refined Trail Mode utilizes all 85Nm of EP8’s power to boost rider comfort, control and confidence. Their most versatile assist mode to date is perfectly tuned for you to ‘set and forget’ so you can take advantage of almost any trail. The harder you push; you can be reassured the more power will be delivered to assist.
You receive the right power boost at the right time, safe in the knowledge you’ll always have maximum traction and control. Whether tackling loose sand or steep mountain ranges, the drive unit rapidly and seamlessly self-adjusts so you can concentrate fully on the trail ahead.
Shimano's batteries are renowned for keeping you out on the trails and riding further. We’ve chosen the 630Wh internal battery for even more capacity and longer rides.
This means you can keep lapping your favourite singletrack sections during the longest days and focus on the next switchback, not the battery indicator.
Every ride is different. Every rider is unique. Your favourite trails change with the seasons. From dry, dusty days through to muddy, dirty rides.
Sometimes you want to shred hard and fast. Occasionally it’s time to cruise.
The E-Tube Project App gives you, the rider, the power to customise your ride way before you buckle up your helmet.
We’ve been part of cycling for a century.
It’s this experience, expertise and know-how that powers you on the trails and drives our rider first approach.
- Shimano
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW AND WIN EVERY 2 MONTHS
We're always testing and developing, so join The Privateer Journal for exclusive product releases including the E-161 release date, news, blogs and discussions.
You can also win a prize pack from one of our partners every 2 months.
