In amongst the full-suspension enduro machines, trail hardtails, and gravel bikes we were introduced to a new go-everywhere (well almost…) E-bike, the Whyte E-506. Referred to as the E-bike equivalent of a Sports Utility Vehicle (an SUV in the car world), this bike had us intrigued. One ride in and we were sold on it too – with this bike we see Whyte’s forward-thinking off-road frame geometry blended with multi-surface tyres, a powerful Bosch motor and some stylishly integrated mudguards, lights and luggage rack. An e-bike that’s ready for it all… adventure, commuting, family riding or weekend errands. If you’ve been looking at the Trek Allant+ (one of our best sellers) but want a bit more ‘mountainbike’ DNA in your e-bike, then this could be the machine for you…
Keen to know more? Let’s run through the features.
FRAME:
Whyte’s development team has taken the design cues and geometry from the new E-Trail hardtails and transferred the thinking to this E-506 model. The result is a frame that comes equipped with practical features such as mudguards and luggage compatibility but has mountain bike handling, stability and character at its heart. Based around Whyte’s proven T6 aluminium tubing, the frame has all the latest industry standards keeping it future proof and performance focused. It’s a fully evolved design.
SUSPENSION FORK:
RockShox is a brand that’s renowned for both reliability and ease of use when it comes to suspension forks. Here, Whyte has chosen a 35 series model fork with the fit-and-forget reassurance and buttery smoothness of a coil sprung system. Stout 35mm upper legs and a 12mm bolt through axle keeping the bike tracking well, whether it’s on rough tracks or through pot-holed streets. It adds some extra security for the wheel too.
MOTOR:
Whyte uses Bosch for the motors and batteries an all of its E-bike range. On the go-almost-anywhere E-506, the most powerful 85Nm/250W Performance CX (Gen 4) motor is used to assist you on the steepest climbs even with a full load in your bags. The proven Bosch Purion display and controller is fixed to the handlebars for security and is intuitive to use – ideal if you’re new to the e-bike way of life…
Read more about the Bosch E-Bike motors, batteries and controllers HERE
BATTERY:
It’s a big battery on this Whyte E-506, with a 500Wh capacity, giving you plenty of short rides (or one full day out) before you need to plug in and recharge.
WHEELS:
You need strong, well-built wheels on an e-bike, with a fit-for-purpose pair of tyres too. The E-506 rolls on 27.5” mountainbike wheels, with sealed hubs and rims that can be run with inner tubes or set up tubeless. These are fitted with Schwalbe’s well-regarded Super Moto tyres with Green Guard puncture protection. The file tread may not look that versatile but if you vary the air pressure then they’ll give you plenty of ability on gravel paths and rough lanes. Big, heavy and knobbly tyres can reduce the range of the battery as well as giving a less comfortable ride when on smoother tarmac.
TRANSMISSION:
Modern e-bikes are user friendly and use just a right hand gear shifter. On this bike Whyte uses the robust and reliable SRAM GX 11 speed drivetrain upgraded with the ‘one click’ e-bike specific shift lever. It has a wide range of gear ratios and when combined with the electric assistance will get you to the top of most hills.
BRAKES:
Whyte’s product managers are fans of the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and after test riding this bike we can only agree with their choice. Tektro Orion brakes are the stock spec and here you get powerful, yet easy to control braking from the 4 piston calipers (normally found on hard-hitting enduro mountainbikes). Added bonuses are the thicker disc rotors – giving lots more life than those from Shimano or SRAM – ideal for the hilly terrain we have here in Devon…
EQUIPMENT:
It’s a fully equipped package with this new E-506. This multi-surface e-bike is ready for action, regardless of where you are heading. Fully integrated metal mudguards, luggage rack, lights and kickstand let you load up, whether it’s an adventure out onto Dartmoor, a weekly supermarket trip or a shuttle across town to the office. The lights run off the main Bosch battery, so they’re always on board and there’s no need to charge them.
The dropper seatpost – controlled from a lever on the handlebars – has many benefits. Drop the height for more stability off-road, or in town with a heavy load on board. It also allows different height riders in your family to jump on board without reaching for tools. This tech from the mountainbike world makes perfect sense on this bike.
WRAP UP:
So this Whyte E-Bike is incredibly versatile... equipped to tackle a daily commute or a trip out along the towpath but robust enough for getting off road and exploring – ideal for the Spicers trail at Haldon forest.
2022 WHYTE E-506 V1 RRP £3999, CURRENT SIZES IN STOCK REDUCED TO £3699
Bay Cycles website link HERE
Whyte Bikes website link HERE
Phil Holdsworth
What is the overall weight [ in kg ] of this e bike please ?