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Anyone else own a Whyte 146s? Have you had any problems? Mine is 3 weeks old and is currently back at the LBS having the frame replaced under warranty. The rear wheel skewer (whatever the maxle thing is called) didn't align properly, so the frame was warped. Whilst back with the LBS, they've told me that the seals on the rear brake have also failed. What concerns me is that they say the seals is a known problem - they are replacing the rear brake, but I'm not too sure how confident I'll be riding something with brakes that have a known problem that might lead to failure at any point. Losing a back break I could live with - just. Losing a front brake would not be funny.
I've never heard or seen avid elixir seals fail??? I wouldn't worry
Had mine over a year and all good until recently. Had bearings done under warranty and forks making a creaking noise from the headset so they are back too. 2 year warranty too so all good 🙂
No probs with brakes. Been ok in the time i have had it.
Met a bloke on a 146 about a month ago. His was new but he had had a lot of problems with bearings etc. Whilst with him the carbon swing link snapped when he landed a jump. I was local, he was not and so I went home and got the car to drive him home. Bumped into him today in the supermarket and Whyte and his local bike shop are sorting him out with a brand new (he said) 2013 bike and lending him the shop demo in the meantime.
So good on them except for all the hassle. Despite the problems he is very happy with it. His is very bling and seemed to weigh nothing.
The brakes are likely to be the least of your worries..... 😐
I know a couple of people with 146s and they're up to 3 warranty replacement frames between the two of them... Not so good. But they both love the things when they're not broken, and Whyte have sorted out supply now so at least they don't need to wait months for a new one.
I wouldn't worry about the brakes personally.
My Carrera Banshee X has only ever had a punture out and about.£580 three years ago.I dont know why you Guys bother with these chocolate ego boost machines.
Then you have never ridden a truly great bike because then you would know what the difference is 😉
Mine has just had bearings replaced after 1 year and Im still awaiting a new frame 3.5 months on for a 'cosmetic' crack around the the bb/seat tube area.
I think because they only believe it to be cosmetic I keep getting pushed to the back of the line. They are only going on pics though... Having said that I'm still riding it and it hasn't broken yet! No probs with brakes.
Thanks guys. I've had my stumpy for 5 years, my cotic for 2.5 years and neither has suffered a failure other than wear and tear (pads/chains/cassette,chainrings etc).
I'm having serious doubts that the Whyte will make it to two years old, let alone 5 and after spending the amount I have on the bike I expect better.
Had mine since October, I changed the brakes to Hopes immediately as I don't like the feel of Avid brakes. They are on another bike that I sold and it is being used 4 or 5 times a week with no issues with the brakes. My bearings were duff when I got them and apparently Whyte had acknowledged a bad batch of bearings, got them replaced and the bike has been impeccable since. It is a brilliant bike that deserves a far better rider on it, but it has been trouble free since I've owned it.
I suspect you have been unlucky.
The brakes are an Avid issue, the frame is Whytes. Just because it's 'the bike' doesn't mean Whyte are responsible for the brakes surely?!
The brakes are an Avid issue, the frame is Whytes. Just because it's 'the bike' doesn't mean Whyte are responsible for the brakes surely?!
Erm - because I bought a Whyte 146s. It's a Whyte bike which comes fitted with Avid brakes (and Fox forks, Sram drive chain - any of those fail and it's still the Whyte bike that has failed).
Actually the LBS are responsible as my contract as a consumer is with them and not Whyte.
I've spoken to the LBS and it seems that the front brake had suffered the same failure and are both being replaced under warranty. Looks like I'll get the bike back on Thursday.
Yeah front brakes failing are not fun. I had brake fade recently on my front brake, I know it's not a failure in design etc but it's still not good lol.
I spoke to a geezer who had had two failures on these frames and was getting his money back.
As for Avid brakes............................ theyrrrrrrshit
I'm currently waiting for a new frame. I have the same cosmetic crack above the BB, and was told that a batch had been made without enough plasticizer in the paint. Whyte are still honouring it (who'd buy another if they didn't?).
Brakes have been faultless, and I have to use them more than most at 103kg.
1st Frame
I purchased a Whyte146S from Evans in September 11 and found the same "cosmetic" crack on the BB.
Evans and ATB replaced the frame under warranty with about a 3 month wait for the frame.
2nd Frame
After the 1st ride on my second frame, i noticed that the seat stem and the suspension triangle had moved in some way and the they were rubbing against each other. the retailer had no idea why this happened, but they contacted ATB who again replaced the frame.
3rd Frame
Riding at a trail centre in Wales this week it became apparent that there is still a problem as the seat stem is sitting too far to the right of position in sus frame!
Next step - Contact Evans and ATB to gain their viewpoint. Very not impressed on a 3K bike! any views??
Well I now have a new 2013 frame, both front and rear brake have been rebuilt. The frame has an additional brace fitted which spoils the looks somewhat. I picked up the bike from the LBS (I won't mention what they did with the brakes 😯 👿 that I had to point out) on Thursday evening. I have ridden it at Cannock on Saturday, Hicks Lodge on Sunday and the Monsal Trail last night. During the ride last night the bottom bracket began creaking. Plus there is the occasional cracking noise coming from somewhere - haven't managed to track that down yet. And then to top it all it head set isn't tight so the forks judders. Really really not impressed - it's not like I've spent 5 bob on the damn bike!!!!
Please mention what they did with the brakes, you've made me curious 😀
First off.... Amazing bike to ride, rides like nothing else... But I have also had loads of problems, my bike has never been "right"....
Long cranks and low BB - not great for tech climbs
Creaking and cracking from around the BB
Chain/ gear issues
2nd headset
2nd BB
Coming up to 4th set of bearings, the last set came back with wrong bearings (3 different brands and sizes, 1 a completely wrong fit )causing cracking, creaking and frame twist
3rd rear triangle, 1st not aligned so skewer didnt fit properly and caused the frame to twist, 2nd had a rattle in it, 3rd...so far sound other than the decals are wrong apparently it is a 46S?!
2nd front triangle as first one had the cosmetic cracks and a crack in the head tube.
I've had the bike under a year, I'm not throwing it off jumps, It is my first mountainbike and kind of expected less problems and to ride it a bit more than I have been able to.... 10 months owning it, only 7 months when it has been in a fit state to ride.
Thoughts went through my head to sell it...but I love it too much... I have ridden other bikes, nothing touches it for me. But ATB seriously need to sort themselves out for quality control.
I wouldn't buy another bike that comes from ATB!
P.S Does anyone know what size and make bearing goes into the quadlink... I'm not sending it back to them!!!!
Rant over 😀
Bought a 146s on Saturday. Second (very gentle) ride out on Tuesday and hopped over a small pot-hole in road on way home and as I landed the rear triangle broke around the bottom of the shock. The rear completely collapsed and I had to carry it back 4 miles! Took it back to LBS and left it with them. They kindly lent me the shop's demo bike until they sort mine (grateful for that). Just got a call to say Whyte are going to replace whole frame with 2013 frame. Colour is totally different and it will have the old white coloured forks so not sure how it'll look!
Looked for ages trying to find the right bike, tried the demo and loved it so clearly this is really disappointing. Not sure I'll have great confidence in it when I take it on some tougher terrain and descents.
Did you but it for looks or ride? Assuming ride, then the fork colour won't make any odds...
Just got a call to say Whyte are going to replace whole frame with 2013 frame. Colour is totally different and it will have the old white coloured forks so not sure how it'll look!
When my frame was replaced it was a 2013 model, but it looked exactly the same other than the additional brace across the front triangle.
I really enjoyed the few decent rides I had on the 146, but the issues, especially given the cost, just meant the bike was not fit for purpose hence it went back to the LBS.
Did you but it for looks or ride? Assuming ride, then the fork colour won't make any odds...I'm not going to buy a bike for 3K for its looks!
I have had a 146S since June. I paid for the BB bearings to be replaced and now the headset has almost seized.
Spoke to LBS and sent them this thread. They've spoken to ATB and they've agreed to new bearings subject to inspection.
I am asking for the £50 back I paid for the BB bearings.
One of my mates is on his 3rd one now.
Most recent had some delamination around the BB area. But even before he noticed it on the latest warranty frame, I could get it flexing like hell on fast corners, and I'm only 70kg.
Apparently they have now added braces all over the place to improve things, but not exactly confidence inspiring......
The only difference is an additional brace between the seat and down tubes.
Still waiting for my replacement frame. Now due some time in December...
At least I am getting replies from Whyte/ATB now, much to the relief of my LBS.
Although I have been less than impressed with the wait (since March!) I have found the bike to be fantastic. I had new bearings after a year, but the bike has had no other problems and always rides fantastically well. But... its time to move on, 29er style, so when my brand new 2013 'special' frame (in the same black and white colour scheme of the original) does arrive it's going straight in the classifieds if anyone is interested.
I'm waiting on a replacement frame also( hairline crack around BB area), I've been told by my lbs that it will be in the new colour scheme Wich is orange and black
Kevinpp are you defo getting yours in the old colour, I'd be interested to know as I'm getting mine December also, surely they would be on the same shipment?
Leaking seals don't often end up in catastrophic failure, it'll get gradually worse and you'll notice it happen. So I wouldn't worry too much.
But of course if it happens multiple times I;d probably ask the shop to put a different set of brakes on.
sjp1 - That's what I am told...
These are different to the main run of frames, a special run with the new strut but supposedly without the routing for the 'stealth' Reverb that the new frames have got, and in the original black and white. Apparently the factory that make them for Whyte are having to pay for them too hence why they are taking so long.
Have you been given a date yet? Emailed Whyte for an update but not heard back... Ominous...
My first thought is that if the factory are paying for them, what's the quality / quality control going to be like? 😕
Bloody hell lads, I know to stay away from Whyte now!
I would have thought the quality will be good. Otherwise they would have to replace them a second time.
KevinPP & sip1,
Like you guys I've been waiting a long time (beginning of July) for a *replacement frame (2012 Whyte 146 Works). Last Friday I was specifically told it was due on the 21st December albeit I won't hold my breath as I've been let down on at least 4 occasions so far (previous promises).
Would be good if you keep this thread going with any updates? I'll do the same...
*cosmetic crack above the bottom bracket due to plasticiser in the paintwork as well as cosmetic damage on top of the swing arm as my Reverb wasn't supplied / fitted with a bucket clamp to route the cable away from the underside of the top tube (was getting trapped between the top tube and swing arm upon compression).
sounds shocking for a 3k bike! what is more shocking though is the fact that people seem to be giving the impression that it's okay? well okay when the frame isn't cracking, moving out of allignment or seals going after 1 or 2 rides ❓
christ if this had been with an On-one or something you guys would be all over it like a rash saying what a POS it is.
if i'd paid 3k for a bike (which i wouldn't dream of shelling out) i would expect it to be of the highest quality and use the best materials out there......not shoddy quality like i am reading??
andrewlowe - Yes, I have been told this week that they will be arriving on 21st. So they will probably sit in Customs or the carriers warehouse until New Year... Maybe we will see them 2nd week of Jan...?!
pickle - I hear what you are saying, but in fairness to Whyte they are actually sorting it and have never said that they won't Just been a f@@@ing long wait! The problem was caused by the factory that made the frames and it is only in the paint/top coat. I have ridden mine as normal since finding it (well, 'normal' after a week or so when I became convinced it wasn't going to fail on me) and it has not got any worse. And as carbon bikes go they are still cracking value. (Excuse the pun...).
So overall they're a really nice bike but just have a habit of falling apart and needing to be sent back? Which is a shame because I've always liked how Whyte bikes ride. Glad i didn't buy a 146 now.
Buy something else that you'll be able to ride every week rather than waiting for it to be repaired.
Glad I stuck to my guns when I went back with the bike after the rear brake failed for a second time (on the rocks on Upper Cliff at Cannock 🙁 ). I declared the bike not fit for purpose and demanded a refund which the LBS eventually did. I still haven't found a replacement though. Too many choices. Waiting for the Cube Stereo to come into stock. After demoing a Yeti 66 though that is looking favorite.
The problem was caused by the factory that made the frames and it is only in the paint/top coat
So ALL of the issues above have been cosmetic and not structural? How can you tell the difference, though? Or is that the point? If you see a crack you can't tell and have to get a replacement in case it's structural?
Any idea where the frames are made?
Made in China I believe. And I've not heard of any failures. I think it was a particular batch that have had this problem around the BB area.
So ALL of the issues above have been cosmetic and not structural? How can you tell the difference, though? Or is that the point? If you see a crack you can't tell and have to get a replacement in case it's structural?
I don't think a warped rear triangle or blown brake seals could be classed as cosmetic!!!
monkeycmonkeydo - Member
My Carrera Banshee X has only ever had a punture out and about.£580 three years ago.I dont know why you Guys bother with these chocolate ego boost machines.
Jesus you have form. Googling about Whyte,s I remembered the name. Sad troll.
Just got my 146 Works back after ATB built up the replacement frame. After discussing the low BB height they also changed the lower link to a shorter one which raises the bike, and a ceramic bearing as way of apology.
I was told that their carbon frame manufacturer is the same as Trek & Specialized use, but because Whyte have minimal purchasing clout compared to them they've been forced to wait.
First ride will be this weekend now so I'll see if it's appreciably stiffer.
Had a 146 Works just over a year 4th set of BB required rear freehub bearings replaced Headset replaced Junked the Sram and avid, fitted Hope and xtr. BB bearing are now Rotor but still letting in Mud. My old Halfords GT is a much better build. Shame its such a nice bike to ride.For a bike that is designed for British Climate it`s a joke.
Plenty of mud clearance shame the bike wont last a ride out.