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I think Whyte had the colours sorted 3 years ago .. but please these new offerings are just awful .. Im sure the reviews again will be well sorted they always seem "Brilliiaaaaant " when Guy gets to grips with them
Reminds me of the Titus El Guapo, unfortunately for Whyte.
First thing I'd want to know is are they durable? Back in the day nothing matched their pivot bearings.
I didn't mean to sound too harsh about Whyte, the lower models seem to be decent VFM still and they have a good rep for how they ride and for durability. Just that there are more attractive options, for me.
The longer-travel models do look strangely tall and short considering they are actually quite long bikes though, eh?
I always see the same complaints re Whyte.
1) Weight being on the heavy side
2) Colours / Styling being less appeasing
3) Niche / Market Positioning being behind the curve
All true, definately sometimes subjective but unequivocally they ride as well as or better than their competitors.
They do have a very solid and consistent rider base and most models still seem to sell out before end of season sales.
Personally, I've never had warranty issues left unresolved and they seem to have picked the better dealer network to sell through.
2020/21 prices have crept up and/or equipment spec isn't as vfm as last season. This seems consistent across many brands though.
I own an s-150c and I'm not sure if I'd own another Whyte. As others have said it's a very hefty frame that lacks some of the small touches. The cable routing is a nightmare and also rattles, and I've gone through 5 sets of pivot bearings in 2300 miles.
It does ride really well but as others have said everyone else seems to have caught up. At the time very few bikes had short offset forks or a BB anywhere near as low, but nowadays everyone has similar geo. I'm also definitely going to make sure my next bike has 445mm+ chainstays as an XL rider, it really doesn't make sense for all sizes to have the same stays.
cloggy
Full MemberFirst thing I’d want to know is are they durable? Back in the day nothing matched their pivot bearings.
Kinda. The bearings are pretty standard these days, but they do offer lifetime replacements (not labour). So good, but not as good as they used to be when Mr Whyte was still involved.
sync
Free MemberI always see the same complaints re Whyte.
3) Niche / Market Positioning being behind the curve
Really? The G-160 is still a big bike even by modern standards (475mm of reaches on my medium iirc), and the 9XX series are very progressive too. I'd wager that Whyte have actually felt they've had to dial things back a bit in order to not alienate the customer base (much like the majority of mainstream brands). Also difficult to say any long travel, 29er enduro bike could really be behind the curve.
Personally I gave up on Whyte after my T-130 ate shocks for fun - riding a bike where you know it's damaging the shock every time the rear wheel compresses isn't fun.
After two years on my 160 and having owned a couple of 905s the bikes were brilliant , sizing was spot on on the 905 at xl the large 160 was a tad to short in the reach but a stem sorted that. Never really had an issue with bearings apart from headsets which both failed after 3months . Im sure the new ones will be just as good but for goodness sake Matt green ...like dried up mushy peas
I tend to agree that they look pretty naff but having previously been happy with the 905 properly went off them at the show at the nec when I asKed to see the s120 off the locked stand and got a curt ‘no’ in response. Fair enough I thought but it was not busy and there wasn’t even any attempt to talk to me about the bike. The individual in question couldn’t have been less interested.....
This contrasted greatly with most other stands and in particular ribble who couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful.
Certainly left me feeling cold to them...
Been riding my S150 for over 2 years now with no issues whatsoever, great bike that rides very well.
As for Whyte bikes being heavy mines a shade under 32lbs which is ok for a Alluminuim 150mm travel bike not much heavier than some overpriced Carbon bikes with similar travel.
Clearily I'm in minority on the STW forum but I quite like the looks too, maybe I need to go to spec savers.
S150 doesn’t have the seat tube bend from hell, so you’re ok
The 'free' bearings they supply for life have been out of stock for nearly a month now. I'd have had to buy my own if I wasn't injured which is really frustrating.
The mech hanger for s-150/g-170's has also been out of stock for at least 6 weeks. I snapped one and been checking the site ever since. If I didnt also knacker myself in the same crash I'd have been without a bike for ages.
Great bikes but the after sales isn't impressing me so far.
Love my Whyte bike