First Look | Whyte Bikes Announce New 2016 Range
UK based company Whyte Bikes pride themselves on building no-nonsense bikes, with proven geometry that works for real riders. Not constrained by having to build bikes for the global market, Whyte can concentrate and react to what works best in the UK, one of the toughest proving grounds for new technology.
For Whyte, geometry has always been paramount, offering long and low front triangles with compact rear ends for a stable yet engaging ride. Whyte have always had the confidence to build bikes that suit real riders, shunning industry traditions like long stems and rubbish tyres, and were one of the first brands to offer 1x specific bikes. Seeing the potential of single chain rings they bravely freed themselves from the design constraints of having to include provision for a front mech in their SCR range (Single Chain Ring). This allowed for a stiffer rear end with bigger full width pivots, and was a sell-out success. Whyte have now released their new 2016 range and have made some functional revisions to the lineup, keeping them up to date with new emerging standards.
Whyte G-160
The Whyte G-150 was a sell out hit in the UK blurring the lines between trail and full on enduro riding, demand outstripped supply and we were very impressed when we got our hands on one. For 2016 the 27.5″ G-160 will replace the G-150, and is now 15 – 20 mm longer (depending on frame size) and is optimised for the supplied Easton 32 mm stem. The bike is more potent with 160 mm of travel and Boost technology front and back, keeping it current with the emerging standards. If there was one bike we’re looking forward to testing, it’s this one. The G-150 is dead, long live the G-160.
After feedback from the Enduro Race Team there have been a number of changes over the popular G-150, most noticeable is the increase in travel from 150 – 160 mm. The £3999 Works model manages it’s suspension with a RockShox Monarch Debonair RC3 and Rockshox Pike RCT3 with Boost and runs on SRAM Rail 40 wheels featuring the latest Boost standard. A SRAM XX1/XO drivetrain is always high on any wish list, and SRAM Guide RSC brakes should provide powerful deceleration. Speed freaks will love the Maxxis Minion SS rear tyre and an Easton Haven 32 mm stem and 35 mm RaceFace 800 mm carbon bars finishes off the superb race ready package.
The more affordable RS Model retailing for £2799, includes a RockShox Monarch Debonair RT3 and Rockshox Pike RC with Boost and rolls on impressively wide 29 mm WTB Asym i29 TCS rims with a fantastic WTB Vigilante/Riddler tyre combo. A full SRAM X1 drivetrain and SRAM Guide R brakes round up the well specced bike. Both models of the G-160 will only be available in three sizes, Small, Medium and Large, but the sizing is certainly generous (607.6 mm, 636.6 mm and 655.9 mm top tubes respectively), and the short seat mast means riders who prefer a long top tube without too much height will be well accommodated.
Whyte T-130
The popular T-130 is a real 130 mm category buster, great for throwing around your home trails or for the occasional trip to the Alps. The main changes in the T-130 lineup is the incorporation of Boost throughout the range and a welcome wider range of sizes, from Extra Small to Extra Large and some fresh new colours. We can see this being a very popular bike in the UK for trail centre shredding and the 67 degree head angle and class leading 420 mm chainstays should make for a nimble and confidence inspiring trail rocket.
There is also a range topping £2750 T-130 RS running an aggressive 130 mm RockShox Pike RC fork and SRAM Roam 30 27.5″ wheels . There were a few other sneak peeks at the Whyte launch, but we promised we would not talk about it yet.
For full details of the new Whyte range, check out their website.
Words and photos: Trev Worsey
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