UK-based brand Privateer has tried to do things their way with each bike release. Aggressive geometry, heavy duty aluminum tubing, and bearings that should last seasons upon seasons of abuse are part of their design.
With their latest release of the Privateer E161, it appears they’re continuing to incorporate those ideals with an e-bike. Privateer says the new bike was inspired by their sponsored riders and made to be a training tool for professional enduro riders.
The E161 uses an updated Shimano EP801 motor, size-specific chainstays, oversized bearings with a one piece rocker, and a mixed-wheel platform.
Geometry
The numbers are not too different than the motor-less 161. The seat tube angle was slackened to 78.7° and the HTA stayed the same at at 64°, as did reach lengths. On a medium, the chainstay length is 446mm, and it gets longer by 10mm on each size after. The wheelbases are slightly longer.
Suspension
Privateer says they dedicated a lot of time on the suspension kinematics, trying to give a familiar handling feel on the e-bike, but they enhanced small bump sensitivity and increased suspension progression to compensate for the added weight of the bike. They also increased the anti-rise for better braking stability and load management. Anti-squat is lowered as well for traction and performance across gears.
A one-piece rocker link gives the suspension layout strength, reliability and precise bearing alignment, said the brand. The piece is forged to maintain the alloy’s properties while enhancing strength. Similar to the 161, the E161 has three main bearings with two on the drive side to spread the load and increase bearing life. Privateer uses dual-sealed bearings for long-lasting performance in adverse weather.
Other frame features
Unlike their other bikes, the E161 has incorporated internal cable routing though they say it’s still easily serviceable. A large, 4mm thick alloy bash guard covers the battery but still makes everything accessible.
The updated Shimano EP801 motor has 85Nm of torque and riders can tune the motor via a Shimano E-Tube app. The smaller sized Shimano EP801 motor gives the bike nimbler handling like the regular 161 and the E161 has a controller on the handlebar to flip between the different modes of the bike. The E161 uses a 630Wh battery that can be removed with a 4mm hex key.
Build kit and cost
The Privateer E161’s build kit includes one option with a Fox Float X2 Performance and 38 Performance Elite fork, a Privateer handlebar, OneUp dropper post, Hayes Dominion brakes with 203mm rotors front and rear, a Shimano SLX drivetrain and Hunt wheels.
It will be available exclusively on the Privateer website and it appears to be only available in the UK as of now at a price of €7499.
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