Applies to: 160E e-bike frames with either a Shimano EP8 or a Shimano EP801 drive unit. The 160E is a previous model and is no longer in the current Yeti lineup.
The 160E is a 29" e-bike with 160mm of rear travel and Yeti's Sixfinity suspension. The 160E was built with two different Shimano drive units: the EP8 and the EP801. The frame, suspension, and most parts are the same on both, but the drive unit, battery model, charging adaptor, and app connection differ. Check which drive unit your 160E has (it is printed on the drive unit and shown in the Shimano E-Tube Project app) before following battery or motor answers.
160E EP8 vs EP801: what is different
Which drive unit does my 160E have, and what changes between them?
The drive unit model is printed on the motor and shown in the Shimano E-Tube Project app. Both drive units give up to 85Nm of torque and use a 630Wh battery, but the parts are not interchangeable:
- 160E with Shimano EP8: Shimano BT-E8036 630Wh battery only. Off-bike charging needs the Shimano BT-E8035 adaptor. EP8-compatible crank arms.
- 160E with Shimano EP801: Shimano BT-EN806 630Wh battery only. Off-bike charging needs the Shimano SM-BTE80 adaptor. EP801-compatible crank arms; SRAM direct mount chainrings for the EP801 also fit.
Batteries are not interchangeable between the EP8 and EP801 versions. When ordering a spare battery, charger adaptor, crank arms, or motor cover, confirm the drive unit first.
160E frame specs
- Rear travel: 160mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
- Drive unit: Shimano EP8 or Shimano EP801 (85Nm), depending on the bike
- Battery: Shimano 630Wh (BT-E8036 on EP8 bikes; BT-EN806 on EP801 bikes)
- Max system weight: 130kg (rider, gear, and bike); ASTM condition 4
- Recommended fork travel: 170mm (up to 190mm; max axle-to-crown 607mm; dual crown forks OK)
- Rear shock size: 205 x 65mm trunnion (air or coil)
- Shock hardware: top trunnion mount; bottom M8 x 43.69mm with leverage rate chips (stock 30%, plus a 25/35% chip set)
- Rear hub spacing: 148 x 12mm Boost
- Rear thru axle: 172mm long, M12 x 1.0 thread pitch
- Derailleur hanger: SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH)
- Chainline: 53mm and 55mm Boost
- Chainring: 34T round only
- Chain guide: custom top guide mount for the OneUp top guide; no ISCG mounts
- Headset: integrated 41mm/52mm tapered, with a 51mm top cap
- Seat post diameter: 31.6mm
- Seat collar: 36.4mm
- Rear brake mount: post mount, 180mm (no adaptor needed for a 180mm rotor)
- Rear rotor size: 180mm minimum, 220mm maximum
- Maximum tire width: 2.6"
160E Shimano system and battery
What is the range of the 160E battery?
Both 160E versions have a 630Wh battery. Range depends on rider and bike weight, terrain, gradient, support mode, temperature, and more. The range reading on the display gives the best estimate for your ride.
How long does the 160E battery take to charge?
With the supplied Shimano charger, a fully drained 630Wh battery takes about 10.2 hours to fully charge. The battery ships partly charged, so charge it fully before your first ride. To charge the battery off the bike, you need a Shimano adaptor: BT-E8035 for EP8 bikes or SM-BTE80 for EP801 bikes. Only use certified Shimano chargers, and never charge the bike while riding it.
Can I run a different size battery in the 160E?
No. A 160E with an EP8 drive unit only works with the Shimano BT-E8036 630Wh battery. A 160E with an EP801 drive unit only works with the Shimano BT-EN806 630Wh battery.
How do I get a spare battery for the 160E?
Get the battery that matches your drive unit from Shimano: BT-E8036 for EP8 bikes, or BT-EN806 for EP801 bikes. Spare battery covers are available on the Yeti webstore or from your local Yeti dealer.
Can I ride the 160E without a battery?
No. The 160E down tube cover is attached to the battery, so riding without the battery exposes the internal frame and electrical parts to damage.
How do I change assist modes on the 160E?
Use the mode switch on the left side of the handlebar to choose Off, Eco, Trail, or Boost. The 160E also has a walk assist mode. The system turns off on its own after 10 minutes without use.
How do I connect my phone to the 160E's Shimano system?
Use the Shimano E-Tube Project app. Turn the system on and connect right away; if you do not connect shortly after power-on, the Bluetooth connection times out and you need to restart the bike. On EP8 bikes, you can also open the Bluetooth LE menu with the button on the bottom of the display.
How do I update the 160E firmware?
Update the 160E's Shimano system through the Shimano E-Tube Project app, which has step-by-step instructions. Yeti recommends checking for updates monthly.
What do I do if my 160E loses power while riding?
You can still pedal the 160E without motor assist. If the power loss was not from a drained battery, turn the system off and back on. If the problem continues, contact Yeti Cycles support.
What if I get an error code on my 160E?
Look up the error code in the Shimano E-Tube Project FAQs, which have troubleshooting steps.
Are the 160E electronics waterproof?
The Shimano system is water-resistant and the 160E frame is designed to drain water. Do not submerge the bike, spray the electronics directly, or power wash it.
Can I service the 160E's electrical parts myself?
No. Any part of the Shimano system should only be serviced by a certified mechanic at an authorized Yeti dealer. Battery mount adjustments should also be done by an authorized Yeti dealer.
How do I repair my 160E on the trail?
The 160E uses a standard Shimano drive unit, so no special tools are needed for trailside repairs.
Can I take my 160E on a plane?
Usually not with the battery. The 160E's 630Wh battery is typically larger than airlines allow. Check your airline's and local regulations before you fly.
How do I recycle or dispose of my 160E battery?
Do not put the 160E battery in household trash. In the US and Canada, recycle it through Call2Recycle: return it to the shop where you bought the bike or any certified drop-off site (use the Call2Recycle locator and select E-Bike Battery). US dealers charge a $15 recycling fee at purchase to fund the program. Outside the US and Canada, follow your local e-bike battery recycling rules.
160E adjustments and compatibility
Why would I adjust the leverage rate on the 160E?
The 160E ships with 30% leverage rate chips, which is the best place to start, plus a 25/35% chip set to move the rate down or up by 5%. Experiment to find what suits your riding style and terrain. Your local Yeti dealer can help you swap the chips.
Can I run a SRAM drivetrain with the Shimano motor on the 160E?
Yes. Keep the stock Shimano chainring spider and replace the chainring with a SRAM 104 BCD 34T chainring. On EP801 bikes, SRAM direct mount chainrings made for the EP801 also fit. The 160E only accepts a 34T chainring. The crank arms do not need replacing, but Yeti recommends replacing the whole drivetrain (derailleur, shifter, cassette, chain, and chainring) rather than mixing brands.
What cranks can I use on the 160E?
The Shimano drive unit replaces the bottom bracket, and the crank spindle is built into the drive unit. Use crank arms compatible with your drive unit: EP8-compatible on EP8 bikes, EP801-compatible on EP801 bikes.
What chainring and chainline does the 160E use?
The 160E was designed around 53mm and 55mm Boost chainlines and only accepts a 34T round chainring.
Does the 160E have ISCG mounts?
No. The 160E has a custom top guide mount designed for the OneUp top guide.
What travel fork is the 160E designed to use? Can I run a dual crown?
The 160E is designed for a 170mm travel fork. Yeti tested the frame to 20mm over the spec fork, so you can run up to a 190mm fork, including a dual crown fork. The maximum axle-to-crown measurement is 607mm.
What headset and top cap does the 160E use?
The 160E uses an integrated 41mm/52mm tapered headset with a 51mm top cap, because the 160E is tested to Yeti's downhill test standards, which require a thicker head tube wall.
Can I use an angleset on the 160E?
No. The 160E has an integrated headset with the cups molded into the frame. The frame was not tested with aftermarket anglesets, and installing one voids the warranty.
What size seat post and seat collar does the 160E use?
The 160E uses a 31.6mm seat post and a 36.4mm seat collar. It has routing for stealth (internally routed) dropper posts only.
What is the longest travel dropper post I can run on the 160E?
The longest 160E dropper post depends mostly on your inseam. The 160E has an uninterrupted seat tube, so you can run any travel as long as the post is above its minimum insertion mark, your tire does not rub your saddle, and the dropper does not bottom out. Your local Yeti dealer can help you choose.
Can I convert the 160E to a mullet (27.5" rear wheel)?
It is possible, but Yeti does not recommend it. A 27.5" rear wheel on the 160E lowers the bottom bracket too much and slackens the head tube and seat tube angles.
What rear wheel axle fits on my 160E?
The 160E works only with SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) axle at 12 x 148mm spacing, 172mm long with a 12 x 1.0 thread pitch.
How big a rear rotor and tire fit on the 160E?
The 160E runs a 180mm rear rotor without an adaptor and up to a 220mm rotor with an adaptor. It fits tires up to 2.6" wide.
Can I fit a water bottle inside the 160E front triangle?
Yes. 160E sizes MD to XL fit a standard water bottle inside the front triangle with a piggyback shock. Size SM fits Yeti's 15oz Hot Lap bottle. Only mount a standard bottle cage and bottle there; bolting other items to the mount can damage the frame.
160E suspension setup
What shock and shock hardware does the 160E use?
The 160E uses a 205 x 65mm trunnion-mount shock with custom hardware at both ends; the lower mount holds the leverage rate chips. Some shocks can be locked out, but Yeti recommends running the shock fully open.
Can I put a coil shock on the 160E?
Yes. The 160E works with air and coil shocks. With a coil shock, Yeti suggests a higher leverage rate chip setting.
What sag should I run on the 160E?
Start the 160E at 30% sag, which is 19.5mm of shock stroke, set at your normal riding weight with your gear on. The Yeti shock setup calculator gives starting settings.
What is Sixfinity and does it need maintenance?
Sixfinity is the 160E's 6-bar suspension platform, tuned for the extra weight of a drive unit and battery. Check the whole bike monthly for loose bolts, including the Sixfinity links, and clean the pivots with a rag without lubricating them. Bearing service intervals depend on conditions and how often you ride.
160E parts, upgrades, and warranty
Can I upgrade or replace parts on my 160E?
Many aftermarket parts fit the 160E; have a professional mechanic confirm each part matches the 160E's standards. Use only genuine Yeti replacement frame parts, from your local Yeti dealer or the Yeti webstore. If any frame part is modified or replaced with a non-Yeti part, all warranties are void and the customer assumes all liability.
What is the warranty on the 160E?
The 160E frame has a lifetime manufacturer's warranty against defects for the original purchaser from an authorized Yeti Cycles dealer. Paint and finish are covered for 1 year. Yeti will repair or replace, at its discretion, any frame it finds defective. To use the warranty, register your bike online at yeticycles.com and take it to an authorized Yeti Cycles dealer for processing. The warranty does not cover ordinary wear and tear, neglect, or intentional damage. See the Yeti Cycles Warranty for full terms.