Privateer’s first electric bike promises winter-proof construction and enduro-ready geometry

E-161 eMTB has an aluminium frame and sealed bearings for harsh conditions

By Nick Clark

Published: Friday, 30 June 2023 at 12:00 am

Privateer’s new E-161 electric enduro mountain bike features size-specific chainstays, a Shimano EP801 drive system and oversized winter-ready bearings.

The electric mountain bike is based on the Privateer 161 enduro bike and uses a similar geometry and suspension linkage that offers 161mm of rear travel.

Only one model of the E-161 is available at launch, priced at £5,999/€7,499, with Privateer saying it’s now accepting orders for the bike.

The new bike has been in development for two years, with BikeRadar getting a sneak peek at Eurobike last week.

CNC-machined rocker and bashguard

"Privateer
The E-161 has 170mm of front travel and 161mm at the rear.
Privatee

Privateer says it has designed the E-161 to be easy to live with.

The new frame features dual-sealed oversized bearings, which Privateer says ensures high levels of durability whatever the weather.

It has three main bearings, with two on the driveside to help spread the load and increase bearing life

"Privateer
Over-sized bearings reduce stress in the linkage, making them more durable.
Privateer

Like the 161, the bike uses a one-piece rocker link in the suspension linkage.

The rocker is CNC machined out of forged aluminium. Privateer says this maintains the alloy’s grain structure, enhancing strength while removing the need for welding and heat treatment.

The bike has 170mm of front suspension in the form of an eMTB-specific Fox 38 Performance Elite fork, while the rear uses a Fox Float X2 Performance shock.

Privateer has given the E-161 internal cable routing that can be accessed from behind the battery. This should make servicing easier, while retaining a sleek look.

"Privateer
Privateer says the bash guard can protect the motor from big impacts and enables the bike to slide over obstacles.
Privateer

The full-aluminium construction goes further than most brands, with Privateer giving the bike a 4mm-thick anodised bash guard on the motor that looks as if it came straight off a motocross bike.

Privateer has also given the bike seatstay and chainstay protection to quieten chain slap on rough terrain.

Shimano’s EP801 electric bike motor and 630Wh battery give the bike 85Nm of peak torque.

Enduro-ready geometry

"Privateer
The E-161 has the same reach and head-angle measurements as the non-assisted bike.
Privateer

Privateer calls its geometry ‘enduro-ready’, having spent time trying to refine the E-161 to be as capable and confident as the non-assisted 161.

The bike remains similar to the 161, with the 64-degree head angle and reach measurements the same on both bikes.

One of the main differences is the slackened effective seat tube angle, which now sits at 78.7 degrees, compared to 80 degrees on the 161.

"Privateer
The geometry remains similar to the 161, though some adjustments have been made to benefit the addition of a motor.
Privateer

Privateer says it has made this change to position the rider over the rear wheel for increased traction on steep climbs.

Privateer has also followed the industry trend by giving the E-161 size-specific chainstays.

It says this enables riders of all sizes to enjoy high levels of stability by maintaining a balanced weight-bias ratio.

The bike is also only available as a mullet setup, meaning it uses a 29in wheel on the front and a 27.5in wheel at the rear.

Privateer E-161 spec and price

"Privateer
The E-161 will also be available in a black colourway.
Privateer
  • Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite E-Bike, 170mm
  • Shock: Fox Float X2 Performance
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX
  • Motor: Shimano EP801
  • Battery: Shimano 630Wh
  • Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4
  • Wheels: Hunt E All-Mountain
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 29×2.5in (f), Maxxis Minion DHRII 27.5×2.4 (r)
  • Price: £5,999/€7,499