Quick question about fitting: –

The Large Bell Super 2R fits well when the dial is almost completely tightened. It stays in place when I wobble it, is snug, without being tight and uncomfortable.

But is it a bad thing that when the dial is not tightened, the helmet is quite loose on my head (not helped by the very round, wide shape of the upper piece). But I just can’t see the medium fitting my 61cm head.

i.e. is it ok to rely on the retention system to ensure good fit, or should it fit fairly well without?

Just an update on this – the Medium parachute arrived and does not fit at all! It’s just about ok with dial all the way out (for my 60cm head) but the chin bar is so high it’s ridiculous. Chin sticking out the bottom loads.

Also ordered the Bell Super 2R in Large and it’s fantastic! Decent fit, comfortable, looks lovely and the detachable chinguard will come in really handy. Plus it doesn’t have an annoying D-lock mechanism.

V pleased with it. Hopefully it’ll be cool enough for the general trail riding I intend to use it for.

Good review posted on whyte website of the T130 by Australian Mountain bike magazine.

Didn’t read this before buying, but bought a large recently for 60-61cm head and way too big/Wobbly. Ordered a medium in its place, but from reading this thread it looks like it’ll be too small! Lucky the website has free return postage. Bell super 2r it may be…

Jammin, you 6’4″ on a large? As your reach is longer, you’d need a longer stem, not shorter (all things being equal). I think 50mm will be way too cramped unless you have short arms.

One thing I’m considering is getting the Thomson carbon 750mm bars. they have only 6 degrees backsweep, which will increase reach and therefore should make the 50mm stem do able. With the standard whyte bars I don’t think I’ll be comfortable on stems below 60mm.

Which mag is that?

Anything but harsh in my opinion!

Looking good!

Santa Cruz are a funny one, as others have said – they come up short in the top tube for their given size.

584mm for the medium is on the short side. 609mm is not long for the Large either.

For comparison, I am 178cm/5’10” with a 32″ inside leg and ride a Whyte T130. The Medium is 594mm in the top tube. Even with the 70mm stem, it just felt that bit short. Nimble and chuckable sure, but just not quite right. I since changed to a Large T130, which is 609mm in the toptube. It’s much better and with a 60mm stem it will be perfect. This said, I wouldn’t want the seat tube any longer. At 19″ I have the reverb dropper all the way into the frame – perfect pedalling height at full extension and saddle out of the way enough when fully dropped for descents. I still wish I could drop it a touch more at times (18.5″ would be the ideal), but it’s perfectly workable.

The advantage you will have with going for a Large for bikes like: Santa Cruz Bronson, Santa Cruz 5010, Nukeproof Mega TR etc is that they tend to have 18.5″ seatposts, and a 609mm top tube. Combine that with a 50-60mm stem and you (should) be bang on for sizing. This is assuming you are fairly normally proportioned.

Best bet is to get more test rides though. And others have said, there are other options. A medium in another brand may well fit perfectly too. But if going for Santa Cruz Bronson or 5010, I’d strongly recommend a Large. Look at other forum posts on the Web, it’s full of similar stories…

Definitely looks nice there were the renthal! Do you think you could have got away with a 50mm stem? I am torn. Have a renthal apex 50mm (unopened), but even at 5’10”, I’m thinking it might be too short in reach and 60mm may be the way to go. 70mm is a touch long. Only snag is that I can’t really try the 50mm without opening box, installing and riding with it. So won’t able to change it if I do that.

I know what you mean about the skills coaching, and I agree it would be beneficial. But I am/was feeling more confident than ever in my skills. It’s not that I feel I need a full face to feel confident, it’s more of an insurance policy. It’s just clear that accidents can and do happen occasionally, often in unexpected moments. Yes, there is no guarantee that protection will help you, regardless of how tame the crash or how much you have on. But from experience, I do know that falls (can) be awkward and unpredictable, regardless of knowing how to fall properly. And for that reason, it seems sensible to wear a light full face? It surprises me that more people don’t, but I do appreciate the counter argument too.

@Andy73 – what width/length renthal stem and bars are you using?

I’ve had zero issues with 1×11 gearing. Even that really steep part of Bike Park Wales beast of burden fireroad is fine.

Tell you what, I took the T130 works to Bike Park Wales for the first time last weekend. Was worried I may have lusted after the G150 in place of it, but the T130 coped admirably. Flew up the climb significantly faster that mates on longer travel bikes, but was right up there on the descents too. The tabletops, rock steps and undulations of Sixtapod really showed off the playful, poppy nature of the bike. But the stiff, supportive frame and suspension easily dispatched the rougher red runs too. On the tighter, twistier parts of the trails it was a riot as it’s that much more agile/snappy than longer, slacker bikes. Can’t wait to go back there!

No. I’m sure by the time it wears out, IF it does, it’ll have gone down in price a fair bit anyway. It’s relatively new technology but it won’t be in a year or so

I expect you’ll fit well on the small. Medium might be that bit big but it’ll be borderline, so may be worth a capark pedal on both.

It’s an awesome bike and WELL worth the upgrade over the S version. Wheelset, fork, brakes, 1×11 drivetrain, saddle are all markedly better.

Careful with sizing without test riding. What is your height and inside leg?

How come 60mm feels wrong- too twitchy or reach too short?

In terms of value for money / spec, the T130 is well in the lead, from that list. The works version is stunning.

mjsmke – do a search for ”Whyte G150 or Orange 5” and ”Whyte T129 or Whyte T130” – lots of useful info about the T130.

Here is what I wrote today on one of the above: –

I have done a few more rides on my T130 works and it continues to impress. The other day, me and a couple of mates did W2 at Afan (44km, combining The Wall and Whites Level trails). I’ve done both of those trails a few times, but they really do show what the bike is capable of. It climbs well – pedal efficiency is top notch, but the rear end is plush enough to make climbing up technical, rocky sections a breeze. The front end does feel fairly light for a trail bike, so I did find myself leaning forward a fair bit on steeper climbs, but no problem with that.

On the steeper, faster and more demanding descents, it copes well, launching off lips and steps etc. The suspension at both ends is so so good – plush, supportive and stiff. But it also bails you out on occasion when you hit a dodgy line. I use all the travel but it’s sufficient on the whole and it’s rare I am left wishing for more. It definitely feels a bit twitchy at times on the steepest, roughest sections (and it’s compounded slightly by not being able to slam the saddle quite as far as I’d like given the 19” seatpost). Not in an unmanageable way, but I definitely find myself reigning it in slightly. It’s on those sections that my mate on his Orange Alpine 160 tends to let off the brakes and edge ahead. But some of that is down to rider skill!

Where it really excels is when the downward gradient is moderate. It’s planted, lively, poppy, stiff and playful. It absolutely tears round banked corners and can be slalomed between alternating corners with ease. The more moderate, twisty, rocky descents of Afan can be blasted on this bike. Considering that the majority of most standard trails is ‘moderate’, it’s a pretty ideal bike for the majority of riding. I’m yet to take it to Bike Park Wales (blue and red only), but hoping it doesn’t leave me wishing for more length/travel/slackness.

Contrary to a lot of people’s comments, I’ve found the tyres to be superb. Fast rolling and plenty grip enough for most situations. No, they aren’t mud tyres, but then it’s not often I find myself in gloop to be honest.

Gears and brakes both great.

Still torn about cockpit changes. Have just made do with stock so far. At 5’10”, the stock 70mm stem on size Large frame definitely stretches me out slightly too much, but only just, so I have a renthal Apex 50mm to fit, but concerned it may be a bit cramped then. May have to be 60mm. I’m also planning to get some new bars – either 740mm Renthal fatbar lite carbon, or the Renthal 780mm carbons. Again, 780mm may be excessive for a trail bike. Could trim to 760mm. If they have less backsweep than the stock Whyte bars, then perhaps that 50mm stem will be ok in terms of reach.

But yes, great bike.

Glad you’re liking your new T130.

I have done a few more rides on mine and it continues to impress. The other day, me and a couple of mates did W2 at Afan (44km, combining The Wall and Whites Level trails). I’ve done both of those trails a few times, but they really do show what the bike is capable of. It climbs well – pedal efficiency is top notch, but the rear end is plush enough to make climbing up technical, rocky sections a breeze. The front end does feel fairly light for a trail bike, so I did find myself leaning forward a fair bit on steeper climbs, but no problem with that.

On the steeper, faster and more demanding descents, it copes well, launching off lips and steps etc. The suspension at both ends is so so good – plush, supportive and stiff. But it also bails you out on occasion when you hit a dodgy line. I use all the travel but it’s sufficient on the whole and it’s rare I am left wishing for more. It definitely feels a bit twitchy at times on the steepest, roughest sections (and it’s compounded slightly by not being able to slam the saddle quite as far as I’d like given the 19” seatpost). Not in an unmanageable way, but I definitely find myself reigning it in slightly. It’s on those sections that my mate on his Orange Alpine 160 tends to let off the brakes and edge ahead. But some of that is down to rider skill!

Where it really excels is when the downward gradient is moderate. It’s planted, lively, poppy, stiff and playful. It absolutely tears round banked corners and can be slalomed between alternating corners with ease. The more moderate, twisty, rocky descents of Afan can be blasted on this bike. Considering that the majority of most standard trails is ‘moderate’, it’s a pretty ideal bike for the majority of riding. I’m yet to take it to Bike Park Wales (blue and red only), but hoping it doesn’t leave me wishing for more length/travel/slackness.

Contrary to a lot of people’s comments, I’ve found the tyres to be superb. Fast rolling and plenty grip enough for most situations. No, they aren’t mud tyres, but then it’s not often I find myself in gloop to be honest.

Gears and brakes both great.

Still torn about cockpit changes. Have just made do with stock so far. At 5’10”, the stock 70mm stem on size Large frame definitely stretches me out slightly too much, but only just, so I have a renthal Apex 50mm to fit, but concerned it may be a bit cramped then. May have to be 60mm. I’m also planning to get some new bars – either 740mm Renthal fatbar lite carbon, or the Renthal 780mm carbons. Again, 780mm may be excessive for a trail bike. Could trim to 760mm. If they have less backsweep than the stock Whyte bars, then perhaps that 50mm stem will be ok in terms of reach.

But yes, great bike.

Haha, that didn’t take much convincing!

B r – how tall/inseam length are you?

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/review-whyte-t-130-works-scr-15-49048/

Slightly disappointing review of the T130.

To be expected I guess. More fun, lively and engaging on moderate, everyday trails. But when the going gets rough, the G150 takes over.

Fine, but why dock stars and slate a bike that has its compromises, when the G150 also has clear compromises? i.e. less fun, engaging and spritely in everyday trails that make up the majority of Joe Public’s riding. As both bikes have clear compromises, both should be equally slated.

It seems that there is a clear bias in the media at present for long, low and slack…despite the compromises and despite the fact that a slightly steeper, shorter bike may suit a lot of riders better, for the type of riding they do.

It would be a bit like slating a cross country bike for not being as confidence inspiring as a trail bike. Each bike has their intended purpose, but it seems that unless a ‘trail bike’ falls as far as possible towards the Enduro end of the spectrum, it gets criticised. Meh.

@Posteriech – I think it may actually be an 80mm stem you have. The 3 Large T130’s that I have seen in the flesh (other than mine, which had a migrated 70mm stem from the medium), have a longer stem than mine. Mine is definitely 70mm, so I guess Whyte published the Large as having a 70mm when in fact it is an 80mm.

At your height/inseam (same as me), how do you find it for saddle clearance when descending/jumping/cornering low?

I think there are clear benefits to longer bikes, but there’s a limit. Furthermore, it depends on the stuff you realistically, regularly ride. They will come into their own on steep, fast terrain. But all things being equal, on more everyday trails, a SLIGHTLY steeper, shorter bike will be more nimble and involving.

E.g. for the trails I ride (red trail centres mainly), the Whyte T130 “trail bike” was far more involving, poppy and smile inducing to me than the “enduro ” whyte g150. The latter mopped the trail up. The former made me want to play with the trail.

Ahem, here is a video if that helps…

https://flic.kr/p/pZvSiR

Bonesetter- that certainly makes sense to me. The position is powerful for climbing. Your weight also goes forward somewhat when climbing, so you need to be able to push DOWN on the pedals. if thé saddle is any lower, it starts straining the hip flexors and lower back.

And agreed, when on flatter single track, I drop saddle an inch or so. When descending, as low as possible!

You telling me! I Had a medium before (shop were adamant it was the right size). Had it a month and knew it was too small, shop agreed to swap front triangle to a large for £200.

609mm top tube on large so roomy enough for me at 5’10” but hard to imagine it fitting anyone over 6′!

Bought a Whyte Shoreditch commuter bike today, same story with that, ended up with the large.

https://flic.kr/p/pjV54h

Not sure if image upload has worked but here’s a photo of my with reverb at full extension, for climbing. Does that look alright?

Cheers all.

Hips do not rock at all and it is comfortable. There is noticeable bend although how would I measure the degree?! Furthermore, I fly up the climbs. On the flats I drop saddle a touch. So maybe I should just ignore what lbs said!

@Postierich, glad you’re loving it! Jealous of the colour scheme, the orange is awesome. You going for a shorter stem or keeping at 70mm?

Did Whites Level again at Afan again today, the bike was incredible. Stable and confidence I inspiring but so poppy and playful at the same time. Ate all of the larger drop offs for breakfast.

@Postierich, glad you’re loving it! Jealous of the colour scheme, the orange is awesome. You going for a shorter stem or keeping at 70mm?

Did Whites Level again at Afan again today, the bike was incredible. Stable and confidence I inspiring but so poppy and playful at the same time. Ate all of the larger drop offs for breakfast.

re: tyres, I’ve found the Ardents (including the ardent race on the rear) to be superb so far. Granted I’ve only been hammering trail centres, but they’ve been sopping wet, covered in leaves and the tyres have coped great.

I’ve now spent some time on the new Large size T130 frame (having changed from a Medium). And…it feels much better. In fact, I’d just say it feels ‘’right’’. The length feels balanced, with plenty of room and the front end no longer feels too low. Conversely, the medium just never felt right.

Thank you so much to those who have listened to my banging on about it like a broken record, and offered their advice! It’s really helped. I guess it’s a real lesson too – 1. Always test ride both sizes, even if you presume one size will be more appropriate than the other. I have always been a medium, but for this particular bike, I am clearly not. 2. Trust your instincts on how the bike feels to you as an individual, regardless of what the shop advise. It was complicated further on this occasion by the fact that even Whyte themselves’ were adamant I should be a Medium.

Currently, I am just running the bike with the standard 750mm bars and 70mm stem. Even at 5’10” it feels good reach wise, but I think the ideal (for my arm length, height etc) will be around 60mm. 50mm would be my choice, all things being equal, but 50mm may even be a tad short (even though I’m at the very bottom of the Large size chart!!), unless I switch out to some bars with less backsweep.

What is surprising/a bit shocking, is that (in my opinion), I can’t really imagine the Large T130 fitting anyone over 5’11” that sweetly. I’d even go as far to say as the large would fit someone of 5’8.5” – 5’9” well with a 50mm stem, but this would really depend on whether their inside leg was long enough (probably 31” and upwards).

As above, only my opinion and preference, but glad I made the swap.

Hope this might be of some guidance to prospective buyers.

I’ve now spent some time on the new Large size T130 frame (having changed from a Medium). And…it feels much better. In fact, I’d just say it feels ‘’right’’. The length feels balanced, with plenty of room and the front end no longer feels too low. Conversely, the medium just never felt right.

Thank you so much to those who have listened to my banging on about it like a broken record, and offered their advice! It’s really helped. I guess it’s a real lesson too – 1. Always test ride both sizes, even if you presume one size will be more appropriate than the other. I have always been a medium, but for this particular bike, I am clearly not. 2. Trust your instincts on how the bike feels to you as an individual, regardless of what the shop advise. It was complicated further on this occasion by the fact that even Whyte themselves’ were adamant I should be a Medium.

Currently, I am just running the bike with the standard 750mm bars and 70mm stem. Even at 5’10” it feels good reach wise, but I think the ideal (for my arm length, height etc) will be around 60mm. 50mm would be my choice, all things being equal, but 50mm may even be a tad short (even though I’m at the very bottom of the Large size chart!!), unless I switch out to some bars with less backsweep.

What is surprising/a bit shocking, is that (in my opinion), I can’t really imagine the Large T130 fitting anyone over 5’11” that sweetly. I’d even go as far to say as the large would fit someone of 5’8.5” – 5’9” well with a 50mm stem, but this would really depend on whether their inside leg was long enough (probably 31” and upwards).

As above, only my opinion and preference, but glad I made the swap.

Hope this might be of some guidance to prospective buyers.

MBR have of course looked at all 3 of the above bikes in this month’s issue.

The T129 review did surprise me – I had assumed the rear suspension would be great with that fox shock, but not so. Maybe as above, it’s down to the change in frame geometry. Meanwhile, MBR praised the T130’s rear suspension, claiming it to be the best Whyte suspension bike to date, eclipsing even the G150.

The Giant Reign looks totally awesome for gnarly riding (more gnarly than I’ll likely ever do), so bear its intended use in mind. It’ll probably be a pretty uninvolving ride until you up the speed and difficulty of riding. But MBR’s comments regarding sizing really confused me. They tested a size Large. It’s a long, long bike, with a very slack head angle. Yet they say ‘’the size Large would be too small for anyone over 6’0”. Eh? They claim a size large YT Capra, which is about 40mm shorter in the top tube, with the same length stem, would be fine for riders up to 6’1”, then you get the Giant Reign, which is (substantially) longer, being too small for anyone over 6’0”.

For general playful riding, up, down and along, I’d recommend the T130. It’s a great do it all bike.

Ditto, I’ve never had problems with the front wheel lifting on climbs, and that was on the Medium. On the large, it should be even better, with more breathing room and stability. Generally, the bike climbs well – at a decent pace, with good grip and control.

Of course, running a shorter stem will make the steering a little more wandering/twitchy on climbs, but that’s a small price to pay and you’d quickly get used to it.

5’10″(178cm), 32″ inside leg. Went for a Medium at first, had it a month but realised it was just that bit small (too short in terms of top tube and wheelbase).

But shop swapping front triangle of frame over to a Large size today for about £200. Except….the front SRAM shifter broke when they were doing so, meaning I’ve now gotta wait another week or two for replacement parts to come into shop under warranty. Bah.

In terms of stem – 70mm felt about right on the Medium, but I wanted to go shorter (which would have been too cramped on that size frame). So got a 50mm Renthal Apex stem on order for the Large size frame. Could be a touch short in terms of reach, so it may end up being swapped for a 60mm, but we shall see.

Dbukdbuk – how did you find it with a 50mm stem? Have you switched back to 60mm because of reach, or handling?

Ha, yes sorry. Being overly perfectionists /OCD.

Hi Sorebutt, sorry to hear about the problems, but I’m sure it’s just bad luck / teething problems.

Yeah used to have a whyte 905 2014 in medium myself. Perhaps that is the problem as the length felt perfect and that was a 618mm top tube! Got quite used to that, which is probably why the medium t130 at 594mm feels a tad short.

What’s bizarre then is how whyte describe the t130 as “a full suspension version of the 900 hardtail series.”

Yep, got a 2015 t130 manual.