BIKER'S EDGE

We’re back with another eMTB, and this time around, it’s the lightweight Yeti MTe. The mentality behind the MTe is bike first, motor second. You know how a bike can completely disappear beneath you, and all you have to think about is the trail ahead? That’s a rare feeling on an eMTB, but not with the MTe. It looks, rides, and weighs a lot like a burrito-powered pedal bike. It features the updated TQ HPR60 motor with 60Nm of peak torque and 350 watts of assistance. Let’s jump right in and talk about it. Oh, and we’re changing up the format of these reviews to match the scoring rubric.

Here’s What you Need to know about the yeti mte

Here’s what you need to know about the Yeti MTe. We’ve got 145mm of travel and a 160mm fork. You can run a mixed setup or two 29” wheels. We have Yeti’s Sixfinity suspension platform with four different progression rates based on how you want it to feel. The range is big, too, going from 12-25% average progression. We also have a flip chip to maintain geometry between an MX wheel setup and a 29” setup.

For the motor bits, we have the TQ THPR60 drive unit and a 580Wh battery. It’s worth noting the T4 build comes with a smaller (read lighter) 290Wh battery, which should help get that build under the 40Lb mark. Now, that sounds like a small battery, and it is, but the efficiency of this new TQ motor is some of the best I’ve seen. We’ll get into that later. There is a range extender that will fit only on MD-XL frames.

Let’s get into the ride review now.

Yeti MTe : Ride Review

DriveSystem

Efficiency monster

Buckle up. We’re probably going to spend a bit of time here on the MTe’s drive system. This new TQ motor ups the power over the previous version by 10Nm. It puts it more in line with the other SL options like the Fazua Ride 60, Bosch SX, and Shimano EP8 RS. That said, the TQ seems to prioritize a stealthy look and feel from both the aesthetics and output side of things.

The TQ HPR60 does an excellent job of delivering smooth power that kicks in nearly instantly and inaudibly. It’s quiet, quick, and very natural. On the flip side, it doesn’t feel as helpful as other ebike motors, even other SL motors. It has noticeably less power delivery on steep climbs. I consistently found myself maxing out the 350 watts of power and having to put in 250-450 watts myself. It certainly still is easier than pedaling a burrito-powered bicycle, but it’s not a “motor doing all the work for you” type of experience. For some people, that might be a deal breaker, for others, it’s the whole reason to buy the MTe. 

It’s been a minute since I’ve ridden a lightweight eMTB. I’ve mostly been riding the new crop of full-power bikes. Luckily, most of these are now coming in under 50 lb., with some even in the mid-40s. To be honest, I’ve been trying to come up with reasons why the SL category isn’t just going to disappear, and the MTe is a perfect example of why the category is still relevant. We’ll get into my biggest reason when we talk about DH performance, but there are a few to discuss now. The SL category is better on singletrack and rolling terrain. They accelerate quicker on those tight and twisty climbs with fewer straightaways. They also feel more like pedaling your regular bike with just a little bit of help, which is exactly what some folks are looking for. They aren’t for the folks looking to use the bike as a shuttle truck or chairlift. If you find yourself blasting up a fire road for endless DH laps, this probably isn’t your category. If you’re looking for a singletrack bike, this is more likely going to be your category. 

Now, let’s chat range for a second. SL eMTBs are a mixed bag when it comes to range. Some are drastically limited, while others are efficiency freaks. The MTe falls into the efficient bunch. I’m consistently getting over nine vertical feet per watt hour. With my 580Wh battery, that puts my total range around 5000’ of vert on a single charge. For reference, I weigh about 190 Lb. these days and always use full boost on this bike. Considering you can add a range extender, this might be one of the best eMTBs from a range standpoint – period.

And I promise this is the last thing for the drive system. The integration on the TQ unit is pretty sleek and sexy. The controller is tiny and minimal, the color screen doesn’t stick out above the frame, and the cables route through Yeti’s carbon e-bar, so you don’t see much. But my favorite part is where the charging port is. Instead of near the bottom bracket, it’s up close to the head tube. First of all, it’s easier to reach and plug in your charger, but it’s also less likely to see water from the trail. I don’t know a ton, but I’m pretty sure water and electricity aren’t the best of friends. 

Phew, now let’s talk about how the bike itself rides.

Uphill

Climbing on the Yeti MTe is a bit of a mixed bag. Traction is solid—right in the middle of the class—and the pedal platform feels efficient, especially in the lower progression setting. It doesn’t wallow or feel overly active under power, which helps on smoother climbs and rolling terrain. 

On an SL eMTB, the pedal platform matters a bit more than on a full-power bike because you’re doing a more measurable share of the work. I appreciate the improved support on the MTe. The bike doesn’t suck energy under power, and there’s minimal bob when grinding up climbs or hammering across flatter terrain.

But that efficiency comes with tradeoffs. A firmer pedaling platform also means the suspension doesn’t stay as active when things get rough. In loose or bumpy sections, the rear end can feel slightly less planted, and traction takes a hit compared to more plush or ground-hugging bikes. It’s not harsh, but it’s noticeable—especially when climbing over technical terrain.

That said, the four-position progression chip gives you a wide range of tuning options. Riders looking for more traction can bump up progression to add bottom-out resistance and increase small-bump compliance. 

But on steeper, more technical climbs, the long reach and relatively slack actual seat tube angle paired with my giraffe legs make it harder to get weight over the front wheel. As a result, the front end can feel light and prone to wandering, especially in seated climbing positions. It’s manageable with some creative positions on the saddle, but it’s a trait that stands out compared to other bikes in this category. To test, I rode a climb that was pretty steep. For reference, it’s hike-a-bike territory for me on a pedal bike and a climb; I’ve got a 90-ish percent success rate on a full-power eMTB. I did not make it on the MTe. I did struggle to find the power I needed, but more impactful, the front wheel wandered enough that I ended up in the weeds. 

Downhill

Downhill Capability

Let’s start with the suspension. We have four different settings with four different qualities. I think I’ve come to find that, for the most part, I prefer a more linear suspension curve with moderate progression. I really enjoy the least amount of progression setting on the MTe. It feels consistent and predictable throughout the entire curve. I like how supportive the mid-stroke feels, and I only had a few clangs at the end of the travel. The only downside I’ve encountered on the suspension is the back wheel can hang up on sharp edges. Even with my full 29” setup, I found that wheel snagging the occasional rock. It’s a reminder that while the MTe punches above its weight class, it’s not a long-travel enduro bike.

From a geometry standpoint, the MTe craves speed. It’s sporty, racy, and stable — a rare combo. It rewards aggressive riding with a long and low demeanor. It holds traction on off-cambers, manages speed well, and keeps you feeling confident.

Handling

Now, here is where the SL category really shines. This is where the power reduction is worth it — in spades. The MTe completely disappears beneath you in the best way. It has none of the eMTB wrestling match to counter. It rides more like a modern trail bike than anything with a motor and battery bolted on. It’s easy to move around, quick to respond to inputs, and surprisingly light on its feet. Whether you’re pushing into a corner, hopping over rocks and roots, or threading a tight, slow-speed line, the MTe never feels cumbersome. I’ve yet to find a place where it feels like a fish out of water. 

The way the MTe leans over in a corner is pretty special. I’m curious to try it in an MX setup because even in a full 29” configuration, it leans incredibly well. I can only imagine how snappy it gets with a smaller back wheel. What’s really impressive, though, is the way the bike balances that responsiveness with forgiveness. It doesn’t punish you for small mistakes or feel squirrely in the slightest. 

Versatility

Let’s chat versatility for a minute. And remember, this is a blend of ride quality versatility as well as adjustments and setup versatility. From a ride quality standpoint, the MTe is incredibly versatile. It’s lively, snappy, and sharp, so it clearly manages easier terrain well. It also punches above its weight class so it handles the upper end of the difficulty range as well. It’s the kind of bike that will go anywhere. 

It might lose a few points for the reduced power. It’s less versatile than other eMTBs that will climb steeper grades and allow you to use it as a self-shuttle. 

From an adjustments and setup standpoint, it gets all the points. We have four suspension progression positions, MX or 29” wheels, battery size options, and a semi-hot-swap battery. I don’t think you can ask for more.

Yeti MTE: Comparisons

Let’s take a look at how the Yeti MTe stacks up against some of the top bikes in the lightweight eMTB category. From motor performance to handling and overall ride quality, here’s how it compares to the Orbea Rise LT, Transition Regulator SX, and Santa Cruz Heckler SL.

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What Would I Change About the mte?

First and foremost, I think it’s silly that an eMTB, even an SL one, comes with trail casing tires. I flatted within about 3 seconds on my first ride, even at 30+ PSI. I also wouldn’t hate a touch more power and assistance even if it meant sacrificing a bit of range. There’s plenty of range on this bike to give some up in favor of more power.

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yeti mte scores

yeti mte

drivesystem: 0

The TQ HPR60 is smooth and quiet, but underpowered compared to Shimano, Fazua, and Bosch SL motors. Range is excellent—about 9 feet per watt-hour—and battery swaps are reasonably quick.

Climbing Performance: 0

The XL’s long seated position makes it hard to keep weight over the front, leading to some front-end wander on steeps. Traction and pedal efficiency are solid but unremarkable.

Descending Capability: +1

It rides bigger than the numbers suggest—stable, fast, and composed. The rear wheel can hang up in rougher sections, but overall, it’s a confident descender.

Suspension Performance: +1

The progression chip delivers four distinct settings, and they actually matter. I preferred the lowest progression mode for its consistency.

Handling: +2

Sharp, quick, and responsive. It corners fast, pops easily, and never feels like an e-bike.

Versatility: +2

MX or 29, four progression settings, and geo that stays consistent no matter how you set it up. Super tunable. Maximum points.

Intangibles: +1

Smart charger port placement. Silly tire spec—trail casings don’t belong here.

Who is the yeti mte for?

As we talked about a bit before, I think the SL eMTB category and, subsequently, the Yeti MTe is better suited for the rider who isn’t looking to self-shuttle. Instead, it’s better suited to the rider who wants to ride a bike like their pedal bike but they want to move a bit quicker and ride further. It’s great for rolling terrain, singletrack, and covering a lot of ground. It’s less great at blasting up a fire ride and hitting endless DH laps.

It’s also for the rider who is unwilling to sacrifice handling characteristics. It’s great for the rider who doesn’t want to feel like they have to wrestle their bike at any time. It’s quick, snappy, sharp, light, and most importantly, extremely fun to ride.

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Yeti MTe faq