Suspension designer and ex-Formula One know-it-all Jon Whyte has been on the cutting edge of the dual-suspension trailbike movement almost from its inception. Whyte developed a succession of dual-link rear-suspension systems well before that configuration became the de-facto industry standard of late. Like many designers, Whyte has now taken advantage of the wholesale shift to single-chainring drivetrains to simplify his suspension configurations, and use the space freed up by the absence of the front mech’ to widen and stiffen the bottom bracket/swingarm-pivot areas.
Whyte Bikes' 2016 range of trailbikes and enduro racing machines look much more conservative in comparison to his earlier designs, but closer scrutiny reveals that they bristle with "Ah Ha" details - the kind of stuff that happens when a fertile mind like Whyte's is connected to some of Britain's most experienced mud men.
Whyte Bikes USA
Never seen a Whyte bicycle? Until recently, you probably would not know that Whyte Bikes existed unless you lived in the UK, where the marquis has a devoted following. If you live in North America, however, that is about to change. The brand, under the guidance of Whyte Bikes USA President Jason Faircloth, has entered the marketplace with a modest-sized consumer-direct retail business strategy. Faircloth, who originally worked as a bicycle designer and engineer for 16 years, has now immersed himself in retail sales - and for riders in the USA who are hungry for the long-front-center, slacked-out trailbike designs that have become the go-to for the UK's most elite bikehandlers - that should be a good thing. Whyte's range is small, consisting of two, 120-millimeter-travel 29er trailbikes, four 130-millimeter 27.5-inch-wheel trailbikes, and a pair of 160-millimeter enduro sleds. Faircloth gave me a walk-around tour of Whyte's T130c Works - a mid-travel carbon fiber trailbike that reveals much about the brand's mission statement.
T130C DetailsT130C Geometry
MENTIONS: @whytebikesUSA
I mean, after testing everything you know exactly what you want and why but it will probably come at a price level of a used car.
Because not everyone thinks multi-pivot wedge-seatpost designs are best?
We list our geometries a little more honestly than other brands. The published spec for the head tube angle is "67 +0/-1", meaning (within the manufacturing tolerances), we will not pass any frame that is steeper than 67 degrees, and we will allow as slack as 66 degrees. The nominal head tube angle according to the design is 66.5 degrees. So, when I explained this to Richard (being an engineer himself), he listed the nominal HT angle.
Im pretty sure its 66 degrees now. It has very low bb so adding 10mm to the fork is a win win situation for me at least. Its rediculously capable 130mm bike that can take up anything, DH tracks included...
But if you get a frame with a 66 HA to start with you can extend the fork to make it even slacker! A 140/130 bike with a 65.5 HA and long reach would be really fun.
MED - 589/449
LRG - 594/467
XLG - 603/467
Guides such as the TrailX and new OneUp don't even contact the chain and offer taco bash protection. And I'd rather replace a poly taco piece than a CNC'ed N/W chainring.