Whyte Karve Evo
- Thread starter lh270519
- Start date
The 160mm looks an interesting option.
I'm 6'1 and currently on an E160 XL.....it feels a little big, but the L is too small.....even the Kado size L is too small.
Looking at the geo of these, the Karve is quite a bit longer than the E160 and could be a decent option.....
@Rob Rides EMTB any idea of release date yet?
Thanks
I'm 6'1 and currently on an E160 XL.....it feels a little big, but the L is too small.....even the Kado size L is too small.
Looking at the geo of these, the Karve is quite a bit longer than the E160 and could be a decent option.....
@Rob Rides EMTB any idea of release date yet?
Thanks
No idea mate just yet, I reckon late summer if I was to guess.
I’m surprised they’ve not stated weights for these - they must surely have built up a few frames, how difficult is it to put one on a scale?
c300g less for each of the fork and shock. A lighter mainframe and the carbon rear end. The rest of the build looks the same so It’s going to be in Rob’s range.
nice looking bike!
Leisure Lakes have them for sale since yesterday I believe...
Leisure Lakes have them for sale since yesterday I believe...
davosaurusrex
E*POWAH Master
Says either approx 79 or 120 days before despatch, depending on size
Think evo version is being delivered first according to retailer
Is it a lighter mainframe? From the limited info I can find the main differences are fork, shock & rear triangle?
Maybe not for the first year or so.
The frames look identical in terms of geo between the Karve and the Evo so no doubt its possible, but they might just want to keep costs down a bit so keep with the alloy on the Evo.
Do you think it's actually the same frame with only the linkage changing? So no weight saving between the two bikes there (only the carbon rear on the top end Karve)
Very possible that its only the shock stroke and fork length changed that seperate the two bikes (other than the carbon rear triangle)
If you wanted to, I recknon you could get the karve full carbon and create a full carbon Evo version. Although I've not seen the Karve in the flesh to confirm its the exact same linkage.
- Feb 10, 2026
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A reply on insta from Whyte confirms the frames are identical between the two bikes
I never buy a bike if the manufacturer doesn't list the weight, or if the word "weight" is usted to offer a philosophical lesson on whether weight is even important. A bike has many components clearly specified in the catalogs; they explain its geometry, its advantages, and its technology in great detail, but apparently they don't dare tell you how much it will weigh. I've always considered this lack of transparency disrespectful to the consumer.
Not to mention the seatpost insertion dimensions; it's a real ordeal trying to figure out if a 200mm seatpost will fit any current frame with a curved or cut seat tube to accommodate the shock. It's 2026, and I think decent measurements and a chart should be standard practice among manufacturers by now.
Sorry, I had to say it.... hahahaha
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I’m sure that’s a response to the 160/160 models, what we’re after is a comparison of the 160/160 & 180/180 frames. I could be wrong
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Cool.
So with the Karve, you can make it a 160 / 166 / 173 or 180mm rear travel with different stroke shocks, then pair with whaever fork travel you want. Excellent platform it seems.
- Feb 10, 2026
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The question in the comments was specifically asked if the frame was the same between the Karve and Karve Evo with only stroke length differentiating the models, Whyte replied that understanding was correct
Nice one!The question in the comments was specifically asked if the frame was the same between the Karve and Karve Evo with only stroke length differentiating the models, Whyte replied that understanding was correct
In this case I’m glad I’ve stuck with the EVO RSX. Plenty of scope for changing things later if required.
Now the long wait till August
I just got a bargain whyte elyte works from a friend its so good its got me worried about my druid ecore. Thinking the karve could be best of both worlds, handling of the elyte power of the avinox with big battery. I do wonder if the elytes great handling and playfulness is due to the battery being so low tho. Too many good bikes out atm!
- Feb 10, 2026
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I've ordered a 160/160, even longer wait for meNice one!
In this case I’m glad I’ve stuck with the EVO RSX. Plenty of scope for changing things later if required.
Now the long wait till August
Yeah I notice they haven't got anything about low COG in their sales pitch this time. That's probably because the Avinox batteries are long and thin, so there is necessarily lots of weight near the head tube. The Avinox motor is also lighter than Bosch CX, which will affect the distribution of weight. And according to their geo chart, the BB is also really high. For those reasons, I wouldn't expect them to handle as well as their other bikes, but hard to tell without a demo.
Some mention of the Karve on the latest EMBN video. With a suggestion Neil will have a hold of the Karve RSX this week.
Gonna be interesting to hear what he has to say. But, obviously these reviews come with a grain of salt.
Rob, any indication of when you’re getting the bike or is it all secret squirrel stuff?
Gonna be interesting to hear what he has to say. But, obviously these reviews come with a grain of salt.
Rob, any indication of when you’re getting the bike or is it all secret squirrel stuff?
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A uni‑directional carbon mainframe means the bike’s main frame is built primarily from carbon fibres all laid in one direction, rather than woven. This gives higher stiffness and strength in the load‑bearing directions and is the modern standard forhigh‑performance frames.
That’s from copilot, although I’m not sure it answers your question
pretty much all mtb/EMTB frames are uni directional then multi in areas that need strengthening
Ive been riding a Gen2 Kenevo for last 5years (and 29er'd it following your videos). Great bike although now on its 4th Motor FFS! But Ive just ordered a Karve to replace it !!
Such a good bike other than that motor! New Karve should be a great replacement.
