Crestline Bike Test: The best e-MTBs for DH & Enduro fans?

Crestline describes the LS 160 as the perfect e-MTB for shredding your local trails. The 160 – surprise, surprise – refers to the front and rear suspension travel. The kinematics, suspension layout , and rocker link were developed in collaboration with the experts at Cascade Components – meaning you get top-notch engineering, including premium squish from MTB suspension specialists.

What makes it special: The LS 160 Special Edition is limited to 50 units worldwide. Built for the most aggressive trail riding, the new Crestline LS 160 makes a powerful impression even when standing still. Nice: The LS 160 is available as a mullet (MX) with a 29" front and 27.5" rear wheel, as well as all 29" wheels. We rode the MX version, the Crestline LS 160 Special Edition.

A little anecdote about Cascade Components : "Suspension gurus" is a very apt description. The company has been building extremely high-quality links (rocker arms) for many leading brands (as tuning components) for a long time.

You know how it is. Some bikes have less individuality than your grandma's drab gray VW Golf: you see them practically everywhere. The Crestline LS 160 is different. Standing in front of the bike, the first thing you notice is the beautifully designed top tube. Straight and understated, it looks extremely elegant. What we particularly liked: the massive head tube tapers in a very cool way, providing a visual counterpoint to the rest of the frame. According to the guys at Crestline, the LS 160 is designed for true hardcore trails .

Overall, the LS 160 represents true craftsmanship. Interestingly , the rear suspension is somewhat reminiscent of Santa Cruz's VPP system. However, there are subtle differences! Crestline's VPP-style dual-link design allows for travel adjustment using flip chips.

A brilliant rear suspension, a 64° head angle practically made for fast trail rides, and plenty of travel: the LS 160 Special Edition felt great right from the start. The riding position is very comfortable thanks to the 78° seat angle. You feel perfectly integrated and secure. The bike feels familiar after just a few minutes.

Uphill, the new Bosch CX motor propels the bike powerfully and, above all, extremely quietly. A really cool feature: the drive system responds very naturally to every pedal stroke, without yanking you upwards like a maniac. Our opinion: this is how e-MTBs should be. Everything remains controllable at all times , and there are plenty of reserves. The LS 160 Special Edition climbs very, very well for a 160mm enduro bike.

What the Crestline LS 160 delivers on the descent is truly spectacular. The suspension performs at its best, the natural riding position inspires confidence, and the bike feels so planted on the trail that you might have to do a double-take to make sure you're not accidentally riding the 180mm version.

Downhill is in its DNA: With a 63.5° head angle and 180 mm of travel (front/rear), the S 180 makes its intentions immediately clear: Hot laps on repeat! Anyone who thinks this bike is just a "single-talented" downhill shredder will quickly be proven wrong. A 77° seat angle and the central riding position also allow for long climbs.

A great team: The bike and the new Bosch CX drive unit harmonize perfectly. Once you're seated, you quickly feel right at home. Despite the 180mm RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork, the riding position is a far cry from the chopper-like feel of older, long-travel mountain bikes. Propulsion is always readily available, even on steep sections. Overall, we were surprised by how well the bike climbs. The power delivery is incredibly smooth – regardless of whether you're in RACE, eMTB, AUTO, or TOUR+ mode. We give it high praise – especially considering that uphill performance was, at best, a secondary priority in the design brief.

And now for the really fun part: When gravity takes over, the Crestline S 180 delivers the stability and confidence of a true downhill mountain bike. We felt completely at ease with the bike after what felt like just 10 meters of descent. No matter what you throw at the S 180's Continental Kryptotal tires (in Enduro SOFT casing), it smooths it out with ease.

The handling is excellent even on the most challenging trails. Despite its weight, the bike remains agile, easy to control, and sometimes incredibly fast. Just pick your line, stick with it, and have fun. Corners, berms, or drops: it works perfectly right out of the box.

We know how well VPP rear suspension works. But what the Americans have delivered here (thanks to Cascade Components ) is truly something special. The rear suspension is a real all-rounder, offering both progression and reserves (in case the landing is less than ideal). The suspension remains composed even on rough trails. Depending on the sag setting (25% for Jumper), the bike generates plenty of pop – perfect for those who enjoy extended airtime.

A 63.5° steering angle takes the sting out of steep sections.

Once a test of courage – now taken lightly: The geometry of the S 180 ensures a relaxed heart rate while your buddies are debating whether to really ride that line. The very natural riding position inspires a great deal of confidence.