We admit to being fans of the old Whyte G-160, a heretic at the time of launch, its uncompromising geometry screamed “race”. Today, Whyte announced news of the latest incarnation, the EWS-ready beast is back but now it has longer legs and a new carbon frame. It’s time to check out the new Whyte G-170.
The new Whyte G-170 now delivers 170 mm of travel from its Quad 4 Suspension and metric shock, pushing out the 27.5 inched wheeled bikes capability, important now the formidable new Whyte S-150 had dropped into the Whyte lineup, stealing the ‘all-rounder, lite EWS’ title. The new carbon front triangle is designed to allow riders and racers to run either air or coil springs, and we have to admit looks brutally handsome.
All the normal Whyte features remain, such as the sealed InterGrip seatpost, huge mud clearance, and a new bigger Enduro bearing design that claims to offer increased reliability, and Whyte’s ‘lifetime bearing guarantee’ still stands. Whyte has made small changes to the geometry after feedback from their Enduro Race Team, to provide a more neutral riding position, lengthening the chainstays to 430 mm to provide more grip on the front wheel to help with aggressive cornering. There’s even space for a water bottle, which is often forgotten these days.
Geometry of the Whyte G-170
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | 65° | 65° | 65° | 65° |
| Seat Tube Angle | 75.8° | 75.5° | 75.2° | 74.9° |
| Top Tube | 582.9 mm | 602.7 mm | 627.5 mm | 652.3 mm |
| Head Tube Length | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 135 mm |
| Seat Tube Length | 406.4 mm | 431.8 mm | 457.2 mm | 482.6 mm |
| BB Height | 335.5 mm | 335.5 mm | 335.5 mm | 335.5 mm |
| Chain Stay Length | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1195.6 mm | 1215.6 mm | 1240.6 mm | 1265.6 mm |
| Stack | 619 mm | 628.1 mm | 637.1 mm | 641.7 mm |
| Reach | 442.2 mm | 458.0 mm | 478.8 mm | 501.7 mm |
The Whyte G-170 will be available in three models.
NOTE: The aluminium framed S model will be available in all 4 sizes, the carbon RS and Works versions will be offered in Medium and Large only.Whyte G-170 S £2399
The affordable aluminum framed G-170 S will feature a RockShox Yari RC fork with a Deluxe R metric rear shock. Running on 29mm wide WTB TCS tubeless ready rims and tyres with a SRAM NX 11-speed drivetrain and SRAM Guide R brakes we can expect this bike to be a favourite at grassroots enduro races.
Whyte G-170C RS £3799
Beefed up and ready to race, the carbon frint triangle G-170 RS sees an upgrade to a RockShox Lyrik RC fork, Deluxe shock and Reverb Stealth seat post. Rolling on 29mm wide WTB TCS tubeless ready rims the RS model features a full SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with SRAM Guide R brakes.
Whyte G-170C Works £5499
For those who want the best of the best, the Whyte G-170 is built to take on the toughest EWS stages. Featuring Whyte’s Carbon 30mm Hookless Tubeless Rims with Hope Pro 4 Boost hubs traction should be very high. A RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork and impressive Super Deluxe air shock provide the damping, while a full SRAM XO1 Eagle 12 speed drivetrain with SRAM Guide RSC brakes complete the package. The cockpit features an oversized RaceFace 35mm 820mm carbon bars – mind those trees – and RaceFace Turbine alloy 40mm long stem.
We were asked not to ride the bike until the launch – though we may have taken it for a quick spin :>). We will bring a full review very soon.
For more information, check out the Whyte website.
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