Whyte T-129 SCR Works – long-term test roundup
The 120 mm travel big-wheeled green chariot has done itself proud over a season of action-packed kilometers; the Whyte’s incredible capability and stability, combined with good component choice, have resulted in a fantastic year of trouble-free biking. The T-129 is loud and proud with its Tic-Tac green colouring and handsome, aggressive outline, and it’s a delight to ride. It comes equipped with a well-chosen build kit, as you would expect of a high-end trail bike, and its aggressive geometry makes it a bike that can slay almost any terrain.
The Whyte T-129 SCR Works demonstrates the stability and confidence of a great 29er, blending XC climbing speed with ultra-short chainstays for a nimble and agile character. It relishes the corners, railing around berms and snapping through trickier and tech-ier bends. The slack head angle and long reach make the bike feel more aggressive than many trail 29ers, and is very confidence-inspiring at fast or slow speeds. The Rockshox Pike is a welcome addition to the burly build, and on the limit this is one of the best-handling trail bikes on the market.
The only unfortunate flaw, and one that really holds it back, is the very tight clearance for the rear tyre. There is no chance of running anything more than a 2.2” tyre, as there just isn’t the space, which is disappointing for a bike with such ability – it’s like putting high heels on Usain Bolt. Running a bigger 2.35” rear tyre would really open up the T-129’s potential, so I am pleased to see that the 2016 version has increased clearance at the back.
The only unfortunate flaw, and one that really holds it back, is the very tight clearance for the rear tyre. There is no chance of running anything more than a 2.2” tyre, as there just isn’t the space, which is disappointing for a bike with such ability – it’s like putting high heels on Usain Bolt. Running a bigger 2.35” rear tyre would really open up the Whyte T-129’s potential, so I am pleased to see that the 2016 version has increased clearance at the back.
Mechanically, the T-129 has held together well over a year of international riding; the bearings are well sealed and are all original, with a lifetime warranty too. The paintwork has shrugged off the rigours of UK weather well and looks capable of trucking through a good few more long-term tests without any issue. The T-129 is an exceptional bike, and if the new one has more tyre clearance, it will be the perfect trailbike!
Price: £ 3,099
Weight: 13.1 kg
Travel: 120/120 mm
More info: Whyte Website
KMs ridden: 1,642 km
Downhill metres: 37,800 m
Issues: none
Would I buy the Whyte T-129 SCR Works?
The Whyte T-129 has been everything I hoped it would be: fast, stable, comfortable, and fun to ride. The aggressive geometry and easy manners means the bike can turn its hand to any trail, bringing a speed that’s very easy to exploit. The tight tyre clearance has been revised on the 2016 model, so I would buy one as a ‘bike to do it all’ without hesitation.
Here you can find cats First Look and the complete test review of the Whyte T-129 SCR Works.
If you want to see what kind of adventures our testbikes have lived check our long-term timeline.
Words: Cat Smith Photos: Trev Worsey
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