Whyte Bikes announce new 2017 range

UK brand Whyte Bikes have always possessed the uncanny ability to stay one step ahead of the competition, they were the first to realise the benefits of 1x, adopting a single ring specific design across their range. They also understand geometry too, and their long, low and slack ethos leaves many brands who boast the same looking short tall and steep. We take a look at the Whyte 2017 range.

For 2017 Whyte have made some important and smart changes across their range. Works models of their enduro and trail bikes are now fitted with a SRAM Eagle drivetrain. The range of the 12-speed drivetrain stands in testament to Whyte’s early commitment to the 1x drivetrain. Whyte are also adopting a 1x approach from some of their trail hardtails too. Whyte have not just focussed on the most expensive bikes in the range, even the very affordable 600 series has been revised with a wider bar, shorter stem and a new geometry that ensures that even riders taking their very early steps into mountain biking can enjoy a ‘proper’ bike. Let’s have a look through the highlights.

Whyte G-160S

In post Brexit Britain everyone is going to feel the pinch, and Whyte has released a new model of the G-160, the G-160 S. Offering the same aggressive geometry as our long term G-160 Works, the G-160 S will be available for just £2399, knocking hard on the door of the direct sales brands. The G-160 S comes fitted with a SRAM GX drivetrain, RockShox Yari 160 mm RC fork and SRAM Guide R brakes. The wheelset is a WTB i29mm with proper WTB Convict and Riddler TCS tyres. The G-160 S is a bike that’s ready to shred out of the box at a great price! We look forward to testing one.

SRAM Eagle lands on Works and RS models

Both the G-160 Works and RS models now feature SRAM XO1 Eagle 12 speed drivetrains, with the huge 50 tooth cassette delivering huge range. Both bikes move away from the SRAM RAIL aluminium wheels, which is a good thing as we have found them problematic, in place are WTB i29’s in the RS and SRAM’s new ROAM 60 carbon wheels on the Works bike. Both bikes also see an upgrade from the RockShox Pike to the more aggressive Lyrik which seems sensible for a bike with such angry intentions. The new G-160 RS will retail for £2999 and the G-160 Works will be £4499.

The G-160 Works (pictured) now features a SRAM Eagle 12 speed drivetrain.

SRAM's Eagle 12 speed drivetrain boosts range on the G-160 RS and Works models — SRAM’s Eagle 12 speed drivetrain boosts range on the G-160 RS and Works models

T-130C RS gets an overhaul

Sitting over £1200 cheaper than the top of the line T-130C Works at £3599 we really like the look of the new black Whyte T-130C RS (2016 version reviewed here). With a full SRAM Eagle X01 12 speed drivetrain, RockShox Pike RC fork and wide Raceface ARC-30 rims and with unchanged (excellent) geometry it looks ready to rule your home trails. The Works model sees an upgrade to Whyte’s own 30 mm wide hookless carbon wheels, XX1 Eagle drivetrain, RockShox Pike RCT3 and SRAM Guide RSC brakes for £4799.

We have always liked the T-130C, and now we have a new colour, black! We approve.

Whyte’s 900 series Hardtails go 1x

Whyte’s 900 series hardtails have become the yardstick against which other ‘trail’ hardtails are measured, fusing excellent geometry with well-considered componentry. For 2017 we see a switch to 1x drivetrains and the use of a 12 mm x 148 mm rear end to boost stiffness and control. Priced at £1199, £1599 and £1999 for the 901,905 and 909 respectively there is a bike for every budget, but it was the 909 that caught our eye. The Shimano XT M8000 drivetrain, new 2017 FOX 34 GRIP and WTB STs i29 rims laced to Hope PRO4 hubs looks perfect for getting loose in the mud.

Everyone should own a good hardtail and we like the look of Whyte's 909 — Everyone should own a good hardtail and we like the look of Whyte’s 909

The new BBX internal cable routing looks neat and easy to install.

The new Whyte 605 opens the door for first time buyers

You don’t get much for £625 in the mountain bike world, so when we tested the 2016 Whyte 605 we were not expecting much. However, we discovered a cracking little bike that was great fun to ride. Only only complaints were that it was a little too short and the bar and stem were poorly chosen. We are very happy to see that for 2017 the 605 is now significantly longer in the top tube, and has a new 45 – 60 mm stem and 700 mm wide bars (from 80 mm and 680 mm), excellent! For first time buyers and those looking for a bike to throw around the woods, the new 605 is perhaps the bargain of the century. We have a test coming soon!

We enjoyed the Whyte 605 but it needed a wider bar and shorter stem, Whyte listened. It looks like someone has already had some fun on this one!

The new Whyte Gisburn is a road bike for mountain bikers.

The ENDURO team were impressed with the new Gisburn, aimed at Gravel / Adventure riding we think this would be great almost anywhere. With a slacker MTB inspired geometry it’s not going to steal any KOM’s on the tarmac, but damn it looks like it will be a lot of fun on gravel roads. With a 1×11 SRAM Force drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and 480 mm wide bars it looks a whole lot of crazy action for only £1899. But best of all it has a simple dropper post! Hallelujah, well done Whyte!

The new Gravel / Adventure Gisburn is a mountain bikers road bike!

Wide 480 mm bars should provide confidence when far from the road

To check out the rest of the Whyte bikes range have a look at the Whyte Website.

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