Hero Dirt All Year: The New Yeti LTe

This is the new Yeti LTe and for the past month, it's been my constant companion on the trails. I've put it through its paces, pushed its limits, and honestly, fallen completely in love with almost everything about it. And when I say "almost everything," I'm really just talking about the color of this specific test rig! But trust me, that’s a minor detail when you experience what this machine is capable of and the grip it provides. 

Unboxing / Build: First Impressions

In true Yeti fashion, the fit and finish of the bike is just perfect. The paint has this beautiful, high-quality feel, with that two-tone split we've seen on the ASR, but it looks even more refined here. 

Yeti's offering three fantastic colors: there’s the Raw Carbon, which honestly, is just incredible – a perfect canvas for any accent you want to add. Then you have the classic Yeti Turquoise, instantly recognizable, iconic. And finally, Manjo – a vibrant tangerine that reminds me of the current McLaren F1 Livery, it's truly eye-catching. Even the new graphics are cool, bigger logos, but with this subtle fade that actually makes them feel less pronounced, really letting the frame's lines speak for themselves.

 

I should also note, I really disliked the Manjo color way to start, I almost hated it. After riding the bike, notably a recent sunset ride, I took a photo and in that moment really started to like the color. It's a step away from what Yeti normally does, and after some time thinking about it, it works.

Parts Spec

Now, let’s talk spec. On the T3 build I’ve been railing, you won’t find any 'special' or super fancy parts here. And that, in my opinion, is a huge win. Yeti has opted for what simply works. This is a masterclass in selecting components that perfectly balance performance, unwavering durability, and smart weight savings. We’re talking SRAM X0 Transmission with 160mm cranks, a Factory Fox 38 up front, and the new X2 rear shock that features a new monotube design which in my opinion is a huge improvement on the X2’s that we’ve been seeing the last few years (though, time will ultimately tell with these shocks). DT Swiss XMC Carbon wheels – absolute workhorses that are still surprisingly light. And Maven silver brakes, giving you phenomenal stopping power exactly when you need it - however, being a lighter rider I did want some MTX Red pads. At its heart, the Bosch Gen 5 Drive system paired with the sleek new Kiox 400C Color Touch Screen. For me the only miss is Schwalbe Radial tires (which don't really work for me), and on a bike like this, I’m a huge fan of the Continental Kryptotal. 

The best part? When you grab a bike like this from us at Pro Bike Supply, we'll swap those tires out for whatever you prefer, free of charge, to get you absolutely dialed from day one.

1 Month Of Rides (and Counting)

My very first ride on the LTe was more notable than other new bikes ive ridden because of 1 trait. The traction... it's just insane. Seriously, it feels like hero dirt year-round. This is where Yeti's Sixfinity system truly shines. For me, coming off the Switch Infinity system on the SB140 and SB160, the Sixfinity felt noticeably more supple off the top, just gluing the rear wheel to the ground. Setup took a little bit of trial and error – I started undersprung – but after a few test laps and a bit more air than I initially expected, the bike transformed. The grip it provides is simply unbelievable.

Picture this: You're sliding into a flat corner, pushing it hard, and the rear wheel just hooks up. Or you're dropping into a steep, loose rock roll, and you've got so much grip to modulate your speed with total confidence. And those technical, punchy climbs we have here in Southern California? Done. Effortlessly. It's not just the mechanical grip; the Bosch system has this almost traction-control-like quality that ensures you never spin out while climbing tech, always delivering power exactly when and where you need it. 

I've spent plenty of time sessioning specific trail sections, finding out just how far this bike can be pushed. We've got some lips that launch you pretty far, often into gnarly, chunky landings. The LTe maintains its composure with an almost eerie silence, just soaking up those impacts. I'm used to a certain level of stability from e-bikes, but this… this is a step above anything I’ve ridden. And I’m a huge fan of the 29-inch wheels front and rear, and left it set up as a full 29. But, for those who prefer, it’s mullet compatible. You just use the provided flip chips, and your geometry remains totally unaffected. Again, no compromise there either.

Genius Design & Geometry

Let’s dive into the genius of the geometry and frame. Yeti has truly thought of everything to build a no-compromise machine. We’ve got an adjustable leverage rate with those fantastic chips, a confidence-inspiring 64-degree head tube angle, and a perfectly steep 78-degree effective seat tube angle that puts you in an ideal climbing position. 160mm of rear travel, 170mm up front – it’s ready for anything you throw at it. For me 449mm chainstays  are a touch on the longer side, but oddly this struck a beautiful balance of stability and agility. 

The frame itself is packed with smart features: Small to XL sizing, those adjustable mixed-wheel flip chips with no geometry impact, and leverage rate chips. The ZS44/56 headtube is great for riders who want to tinker and customize. In Yeti's words, “A spec decision optimized for aftermarket reach and angle-adjust headsets.”

And even little details like moto brake routing capability show that this bike is built for riders who demand the absolute best.

Gen 5 Bosch

And finally, the power. The e-spec on this bike is truly the muscle behind its uncompromising performance. My T3 build runs the Bosch CX Gen 5 Drive Unit – though if you want the absolute pinnacle, the T4 gets the CX Race unit which uses ceramic bearings, cuts weight by 100 grams, and adds in ‘race’ software for more aggressive acceleration. Both motors feature increased power and torque – 100 Newton meters, 750 watts – all easily adjustable through the Bosch Flow app to fine-tune your ride experience. It’s got a massive 800Wh battery for a huge range, but it's also 600Wh compatible if you prioritize a lighter setup. The new color top tube display, the Bosch Kiox 400C, is super clear and intuitive, paired with a wireless remote and a speed sensor. And for those truly epic, all-day adventures, its PowerMore range extender compatible. This system is powerful, it’s reliable, and it’s incredibly efficient. And a feature I've been told to point out is the ability to charge your smart phone, lights, or other devices straight from the bike. This seems a bit useless to me, but then again, I'm probably not the best gauge for a feature like this - though, I could see this as useful on long winter night riders for charging my lights. 

My Humble Conclusion

So, what does this all add up to? The Yeti LTe is not just another e-bike on the market. It’s a declaration that you don’t have to compromise. You want unwavering confidence on every descent? You got it. Unbelievable traction on every climb? Check. A spec that’s built for abuse and peak performance? Absolutely. This bike takes the bar and raises it significantly. It redefines what’s possible, pushing the boundaries of what an e-MTB can be. If you’re a rider who refuses to settle, who demands the very best, the Yeti LTe is not just a bike – it’s your next adventure.

Click HERE to shop the new LTe and make sure you read our other blogs to stay up to date on the coolest and latest products. We'll see you on the trails!