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T130C R - Thoughts and questions

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T130C R - Thoughts and questions

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flag bergwerk80
Posted: Oct 1, 2018 at 0:37 Quote
Hey guys. I'm probably going to get a new bike for next season. I keep coming back to this model and reviews of previous years alu models are great. But I never see any Whytes where I live and reviews from online magazines tend to praise pretty much everything so not sure what to read into those. Anyone having info on the build quality on their carbon frames? How are their own bars and stem? How are the WTB i29 rims and what about the hubs? I guess I will have to change the saddle an grips to my feel. Maybe tyres too.

Another thing I am worried about is if it will be enough for me with the 140/130mm of travel. I currently have a full blown enduro bike (170/160mm) but outside of the one or two enduro races I do during the year I have no use of that kind of travel. Pretty much everyone has XC bikes on my home trails. So will the Whyte stand up to an enduro race or two? I'm not really a heavy hitter, but at the same time I tend to lean on the travel to save me from my lack of skills. For park days I have a DH nowadays. I also do at least one longer XC race during the year (yes, I have used the enduro bike for this).

I'm used to low BB but how is it with this one? Is it pedalstrike galore?

Is this a bike for my needs? Is it a good middle road for what I do? If you have anything else worth to know please tell Smile

Link to the T130R C: https://whyte.bike/collections/bikes/products/t130cr
flag fredcook
O+
Posted: Oct 1, 2018 at 12:38 Quote
I don't see many Whyte's around here in the U.S. either. No reflection on the bike, just consumer direct availability and less known brand. But everyone that tries mine out likes it. Most common responses have been either "I feel like I know this bike" and "I'm surprised to how well this bike rides, where can I get one". Another response I get is "it's soo quiet".

Mine is aluminum, so can't comment on the carbon. But build quality is excellent. Very solid.

The WTB i29... so far very good. There were a couple of times I just knew I bent one, but nope... all still true. I know the DT's I have with straight through spokes on another bike would not have stayed true. They are boost, and have no lateral movement. The hubs seem good, but the rear hub has a little more gap in the pawl's than I had been used to. Not bad, but just had to adjust for timing.

I though I was going to swap the saddle, but it's actually pretty good. No change there. I did swap the grips for something a little thicker.

As for travel, it may be a 140/130 (mine is a 2018, so 130/130), but it feels and rides like it has more. They did good with the geometry. There have been a couple of times I knew I was in over my head, but the T-130 keep me upright, planted, and unscathed. I'd like to say it was skill, but... yeah, it was the bike. Smile And, by the way, the T-130 is no slouch at XC riding, with no noticeable peddle bob. I would not be concerned doing an enduro event with it. I have an XC bike, and I prefer the T-130 for XC rides.

Your Low BB concern... it's not the lowest. I measure my BB with my weight on it. When I do, it's a actually a tad taller than my XC. So I'd expect the 2019 model with a 140 up front to be just a little taller yet. I did have a few pedal strikes in the beginning, but that was mostly due to suspension travel. I've since tweaked the suspension which resulted in less drop. I suppose I've also gotten used to the possibility of strikes, and make peddling adjustments. But I really don't think about it, and don't have strikes.

Is it a good "middle of the road" bike? If by that you mean, and jack of all trades? Oh yes. Hands down. I know it's a common statement these days, but the T-130 really is a good, all 'round bike. It's a trail bike first, that is at home going up and down the scale. It's very confident dropping down stuff. And it is a GREAT climber up steep tech stuff. I know I've posted this stuff on other threads, but it' playful, quick, solid, and feels low and long on the sweeps. Very confidence inspiring.

Here in the U.S., they have a 30 day money back guarantee. I assume they do elsewhere. Try, ride, don't like it, send it back. My guess is, they get very few returns, if any at all. They have great customer service.

Geese... long post. But wanted to address your questions/concerns. And no, I am not affiliated with Whyte. Just a happy customer.
flag bergwerk80
Posted: Oct 1, 2018 at 22:16 Quote
Thanks for that thorough reply! Probably gonna be one of these then Smile What about the weight of the alu? (Not 100% sure yet if I am going for the alu or carbon frame if I get one).
flag bergwerk80
Posted: Oct 1, 2018 at 23:30 Quote
Btw, how is the sizing? I'm 178 cm and according to Whyte just between sizes M and L. I'm used to a bit shorter reach from my current Cube so maybe M is best? Still longer than the Cube.
flag talaiporos
Posted: Oct 2, 2018 at 4:19 Quote
Hi, my alu T130 weighs 13.5kgs.. Nothing fancy, no carbon parts on it.

I'm 1,76 on medium - I think you can go either M or L, M is more playfull, L should be more directional??

This is definitely a jack of all trades, not the best uphill IMO, suprisingly good going downhill. You have to be in attack position, much like on an enduro bike. Mine has a Lyrik RCT3 140mm

Good luck with your choice!
flag fredcook
O+
Posted: Oct 2, 2018 at 4:25 Quote
bergwerk80 wrote:
Thanks for that thorough reply! Probably gonna be one of these then Smile What about the weight of the alu? (Not 100% sure yet if I am going for the alu or carbon frame if I get one).

Honestly, I really don't pay that much attention to weight. Mine, as it is now, comes in at 32 pounds (using what is probably an inaccurate scale!). That includes a loaded saddle mounted tool pouch. I also replaced the handle bar (needed a 10mm rise to fix a pinched neck nerve), which may or may not weight more than the original bar (didn't weigh them). I have Shimano M530 pedals on it, which aren't the lightest, but are my favorites. I will say, though, it rides and feels lighter than it is when comparing to bikes I've ridden that are lighter.
flag fredcook
O+
Posted: Oct 2, 2018 at 4:30 Quote
bergwerk80 wrote:
Btw, how is the sizing? I'm 178 cm and according to Whyte just between sizes M and L. I'm used to a bit shorter reach from my current Cube so maybe M is best? Still longer than the Cube.

I'm 5'-10" (177.8 cm), with riding shoes, and have a medium. If you're used to a shorter reach, the medium is probably a right fit.
flag bergwerk80
Posted: Oct 2, 2018 at 14:27 Quote
Yea I know weight is not super important, just that the Cube is light as hell with its 11,9 kg without pedals despite the travel so just for comparison. Most bikes in this category are around 13,5 I suppose. Also, I'm 178 cm without shoes. I use flats so maybe 179 or 180 with shoes I guess. Average length on legs and upper body.

@talaiporos Thanks for your input! More or less the kind of riding style I am used to then Smile

Btw, I have been looking at numerous brands of bikes like this and my top three are Whyte T130, Transition Scout and Santa Cruz 5010. All of which have pros and cons but the Whyte, I think, I can test ride at a store not super far away. The Santa Cruz is like 400 km away from what I gather and I'm not even sure there are any Transition dealers in Sweden.
flag fredcook
O+
Posted: Oct 24, 2018 at 8:19 Quote
bergwerk80 wrote:
Yea I know weight is not super important, just that the Cube is light as hell with its 11,9 kg without pedals despite the travel so just for comparison. Most bikes in this category are around 13,5 I suppose. Also, I'm 178 cm without shoes. I use flats so maybe 179 or 180 with shoes I guess. Average length on legs and upper body.

@talaiporos Thanks for your input! More or less the kind of riding style I am used to then Smile

Btw, I have been looking at numerous brands of bikes like this and my top three are Whyte T130, Transition Scout and Santa Cruz 5010. All of which have pros and cons but the Whyte, I think, I can test ride at a store not super far away. The Santa Cruz is like 400 km away from what I gather and I'm not even sure there are any Transition dealers in Sweden.

Did you get to test ride yet?
flag bergwerk80
Posted: Oct 30, 2018 at 8:10 Quote
fredcook wrote:
bergwerk80 wrote:
Yea I know weight is not super important, just that the Cube is light as hell with its 11,9 kg without pedals despite the travel so just for comparison. Most bikes in this category are around 13,5 I suppose. Also, I'm 178 cm without shoes. I use flats so maybe 179 or 180 with shoes I guess. Average length on legs and upper body.

@talaiporos Thanks for your input! More or less the kind of riding style I am used to then Smile

Btw, I have been looking at numerous brands of bikes like this and my top three are Whyte T130, Transition Scout and Santa Cruz 5010. All of which have pros and cons but the Whyte, I think, I can test ride at a store not super far away. The Santa Cruz is like 400 km away from what I gather and I'm not even sure there are any Transition dealers in Sweden.

Did you get to test ride yet?

No, not yet. Snow just came here (gone again today, lol) and will probably not be able to buy it untill spring so I'm not in a hurry. I will report back when I do! I'm looking a bit at the 'S' aswell. Cheaper, GX instead of NX. But alu-frame. Otherwise the same. Tough choice Big Grin
flag rpartlan
Posted: Nov 1, 2018 at 11:41 Quote
I picked up the alu RS on a deal about 3 weeks ago. Pretty awesome bike! Not sure if the carbon version is worth it, since the rear triangle is aluminum. Seems like you're paying a premium for a half carbon bike.
flag bergwerk80
Posted: Nov 2, 2018 at 4:02 Quote
rpartlan wrote:
I picked up the alu RS on a deal about 3 weeks ago. Pretty awesome bike! Not sure if the carbon version is worth it, since the rear triangle is aluminum. Seems like you're paying a premium for a half carbon bike.

It's just that the carbon frame is so damn pretty Razz Also, the alu frame doesn't seem to have any down tube protection looking at the few pics I can find. Half a kg in weight difference aswell. But I have in no way decided yet!
flag fredcook
O+
Posted: Nov 6, 2018 at 4:37 Quote
bergwerk80 wrote:
It's just that the carbon frame is so damn pretty Razz Also, the alu frame doesn't seem to have any down tube protection looking at the few pics I can find. Half a kg in weight difference aswell. But I have in no way decided yet!

Just to confirm, the alu doesn't have down tube protection. At least not the 2018. But it's a tough finish. Mine's been hammered, no marks yet. Could also easily add clear protection cheaply. I use dust and mud to protect mine Smile
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