Yeti MTe — The SL eMTB Everyone’s Been Waiting For?

Intro: Yeti’s Take on a SL E-Bike

Lightweight eMTBs — or SL bikes — aren’t exactly new anymore. But Yeti's long-awaited entry into the category brings something we haven’t seen yet: a featherweight, natural-feeling ride powered by a brand-new TQ motor, wrapped in a Sixfinity-equipped chassis that still rides like a proper Yeti. It’s an ideal option for riders who want to stick with their analog-bike friends but could use a bit of help on the climbs — or for those looking to squeeze in one more lap without burning out for the day. The 2026 MTe isn’t just lighter for the sake of it — it’s a refined, silent, and trail-focused machine built for riders who want just enough assistance to keep the laps coming, without sacrificing ride quality.

“The MTe is a mountain bike first. That also lets you get away with it. Welcome to the good guilt” — Yeti Cycles

This is Yeti’s first SL eMTB, and they didn’t just slap a smaller battery on the 160E and call it a day. The MTe gets a brand-new TQ HPR 60 drive unit that brings 60Nm of torque, 350W of peak power, and one of the most natural-feeling power deliveries we’ve ever felt. Sporting 145 rear and 160 front travel numbers, think of this bike as a SB140 electrified.  With builds as light as 38.6 lbs, this is one of the stealthiest, cleanest-looking, and best-riding eMTBs on the market. More on this below. 

The New TQ HPR 60: What You Need to Know

 The MTe features the updated TQ HPR 60 drive unit, an evolution of the HPR 50. It delivers 60Nm of torque and 350W of peak power in a lightweight and compact form factor. Key updates include improved cooling, better energy efficiency, quieter operation, and a refined ride feel.

The system uses TQ’s Harmonic Pin Ring technology, which reduces mechanical complexity and drag while providing responsive and consistent support. It includes:

• Three ride modes: Eco, Mid, High

• Walk-assist feature

• ANT+ and Bluetooth compatibility

• A high-res integrated top tube display

• Battery options: 290Wh, 580Wh, and a 160Wh range extender (aftermarket)

The HPR 60 is designed to provide assist that feels unobtrusive and natural, aligning with Yeti’s goal of building a “mountain bike first” eMTB.

Specs:

The MTe is available in three complete build kits that prioritize weight, ride quality, and efficiency. Each model includes trail ready components like DT Swiss wheels, SRAM Transmission drivetrains, and the proven Sixfinity suspension platform. Riders can also adjust geometry, leverage rate, and choose from two battery sizes depending on the build. Important to note that the T4 build comes with a smaller and lighter 290Wh battery.  The downtube features a rock guard that also acts as a access door to swap batteries or access the internally routed cables. 

• 145mm rear travel / 160mm front fork
  

• TQ HPR 60 motor with integrated top tube display
  

• Leverage rate adjust chip (14–25%)
  

• Adjustable MX/29 geometry flip chip (geo preserved)
  

• Vectran-reinforced carbon frame, first features on their prototype DH frame (SM–XL)

• Accessory mount underneath the toptube

• SRAM Maven or Motive brakes (varies by build)
  

• DT Swiss wheels across all tiers (Carbon on T3/T4)

• New Schwalbe Radial tire spec for improved grip and reduced rolling resistance

• New Reverb AXS B1 

Spec Highlights by Build:

• T4 XX — 38.6 lbs, $14,300, 290Wh battery, DT Swiss EXC1501, SRAM XX Transmission, Motive Ultimate brakes

• T3 XO — 43.3 lbs, $12,650, 580Wh battery, DT Swiss EXC1700, SRAM XO Transmission, Maven Silver brakes

• C2 90 — 44.3 lbs, $9,850, 580Wh battery, DT Swiss E1900, SRAM GX Transmission, Maven Bronze brakes

Geometry: 

The geometry of the 2026 Yeti MTe closely mirrors what we’ve come to expect from Yeti’s trail-focused lineup, especially the SB140. With a 64° head tube angle, 77° effective seat tube angle, and a consistent 449mm chainstay across all sizes, the MTe delivers a confident yet nimble ride. Reach numbers range from 430mm in Small to 505mm in XL, providing a progressive fit without straying from Yeti’s familiar sizing feel. The 145 rear travel and 160mm fork cement its capability on rough terrain while maintaining that signature Yeti balance of playfulness and composure. Geometry remains consistent across wheel configurations thanks to flip chip adjustability.

MTe vs. 160E - What's Different 

On paper, these two bikes share lineage, but their personalities diverge quickly. The MTe is lighter (by nearly 10 lbs in some builds), slimmer and stealthier, and built for riders who want a "mountain bike first" approach with just enough juice to keep things fun. Think of the MTe as the 160e's smaller more fun brother.

• Motor: TQ HPR 60 vs. Shimano EP801 (160E)

• Torque: TQ (60Nm) vs. Shimano (85Nm)

• Battery: 290Wh/580Wh (MTe) vs. 630Wh (160E)

• Weight: ~38–44 lbs (MTe) vs. ~50+ lbs (160E)

• Assist Feel: More natural ride feel from the TQ. More punch from the EP801

• Suspension Tuning: MTe anti-squat is tuned higher than 160E to match the lighter assist. Both use Yeti's Sixfinity platform 

• Purpose: MTe is for riders chasing agility and natural trail feel; 160E is built for full-power, big-day adventures

On Trail Performance: 

The big promise from Yeti is this: the MTe is designed to ride like the mountain bike you always wanted, but with a secret weapon hiding inside. We've had this bike for a couple of weeks now so let's find out how it actually felt in the real world, on real trails. The TQ drive unit’s near-silent operation and immediate torque response mean there’s no lag in assistance and while descending the motor remains virtually silent, something that we look for in judging these new generation e bikes. Sixfinity delivers the same mid-stroke support and traction that we loved so much from the 160E,  but it’s now tuned specifically to complement lighter weight and more responsive handling. Riders can tweak leverage rate, keep geometry consistent across wheel setups, and choose how much battery they want with a range extender depending on their ride goals. 

Jimmy Smith boosting on board a Yeti MTe 

On trail, the ride feels exceptionally balanced. Sixfinity is just awesome and is one of the only unique systems on the market that is tuned specifically for the demands of e bikes. The MTe carries momentum with ease and maintains a lively, connected feel on trail. It’s quiet, smooth, and never overbearing. With its relative light weight for a bike with any kind of assist, its maneuverability combined with a proper build spec for a bike of this class was very welcome and put on a big smile :) If you’re looking for longer rides on familiar trails or adding just enough power to punch above your weight on tech climbs, the MTe delivers a trail experience that feels assisted but not over the top like some e-bikes are starting to get to. We tested this bike with a 29/29 wheel sizes but do think that it would be seriously fun as a MX mullet setup for added maneuverability. 

Yeti also includes smart features like internal moto-routing compatibility, integrated chainguide, frame protection, and a top-tube display that syncs with ANT+ and Bluetooth devices. Some of these little things are expected from a premium brand like Yeti but go a long way in keeping the bike dialed, tight and quiet. 

What’s Worldwide’s Takeaway?

The MTe is Yeti’s answer to a question a lot of riders have been asking for years: What if an eMTB didn’t feel like an eMTB? With a World Cup proven, e-specific suspension platform, natural assist, and one of the best frame designs we’ve seen in its category, the MTe doesn’t just meet expectations, it recalibrates them.

If you’re the kind of rider who wants more laps, more range, and more fun without sacrificing that “bike feel,” Yeti might’ve just made your dream bike.