Pinkbike Awards: Value Mountain Bike of the Year Winner

Dec 20, 2018
by Richard Cunningham  
photo


Building a value-priced trail bike is much like playing fantasy football, You start with a fixed budget, and then have to assemble a winning team from a variety of components that are priced from affordable to outrageous. To win the game, you'll need to narrow your focus to a particular genre, then nail down your key players (like the frame and suspension) without spending so much that you can't afford to fill out the team with a competitive component selection. Want to know how it's done? Look no further than our five nominees:

Marin's $2,749 Alpine Trail 7 shines as an aggressive trail bike with 150 millimeters of travel, 29 inch wheels and basic components which are inexpensive, but trustworthy. Specialized's $3,620 Stumpjumper EVO 29 breaks the bank with a limited-production frame and Fox suspension, but offers bike-park capability at a relative bargain. Transition's $2,999 Scout Alloy NX was designed for the rigors of riding in the Pacific Northwest, and comes outfitted with 27.5 inch wheels and better-than-average parts, sharply tailored to its mission statement. Polygon's $2,499 Siskiu T8, a 29-inch-wheel, great-pedaling trail bike, is outfitted with an excellent chassis, supported by a carefully chosen, but eclectic selection of components.

Each are remarkable performers in their class, but the winner blew us away. It costs only $2,399, has a 170-millimeter-travel aluminum chassis, a 180-millimeter fork, a parts selection that covers every base - and a level of performance that makes its low price seem like a mistake.

Whyte's G-170 S wins Value Mountain Bike of the Year.





Whyte G-170 S
Value Mountain Bike of the Year
Whyte G-170 S


Many of us dream of owning the likes of a Santa Cruz Bronson or a Yeti SB130, but the reality is, most mountain biker's budgets would be tapped out purchasing the frame and shock. Whyte managed to stuff all of the essentials that an accomplished bike handler needs, one who is searching for a long-travel monster that can handle anything from a jaunt through the woods to a bike-park road trip - for under $2,500 USD.

Miracle? Perhaps, but here it is: The G-170 S has a bomb-proof aluminum chassis with a 170mm of travel delivered by a Horst Link suspension layout, room for any 27.5 tire you want up to 2.8 inches, and a reduced offset 180mm RockShox Yari fork. The cockpit is perfect - shorty stem, wide bars, a 150mm dropper... We often say "needs nothing," but this thing even has 203mm brake rotors and 2.4 inch tires with reinforced casings and inserts. Give it a go on your home gravity trails and you'll realize what a deal the G-170 S is. It performs laughably above its pay grade.





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89 Comments
  • 64 2
 How does it pedal? Surprisingly well?
  • 15 3
 Climbs like a...
  • 11 3
 Looks like a...
  • 2 2
 wat
  • 1 1
 Better then my Trek Fuel XC bike that I can tell you.
  • 40 2
 Great build for what it cost. Good job guys!
  • 28 70
flag aniiiiisio (Dec 20, 2018 at 8:30) (Below Threshold)
 But ugly. Reason enough for me not to buy.
  • 38 8
 @aniiiiisio: that sounds like something a poser would say.
  • 18 5
 @sstewart: Agree, 100% poser comment
  • 10 4
 As if looks has nothing to do with a purchase decision. Of course looks matter.
  • 4 4
 @sstewart: Sorry. But design is very important to me. In any product. Quality, durability and efficiency as well. Tell Roxy Lo, from ibis, that design is only for poser.
  • 5 6
 @Levelheadsteve: Is this how you buy a car? What about an architecture of a house, or a building? The cities here in Brazil are ugly, because nobody here wants to be called poser, lol. Looks matter, and, for me, decisive.
  • 3 1
 @Levelheadsteve: oh, sorry. I got it wrong.
  • 40 10
 It looks like a bike Seth would hack.
  • 6 20
flag ReformedRoadie (Dec 20, 2018 at 8:17) (Below Threshold)
 But is it a bike Randy would ride?
  • 10 5
 @ReformedRoadie: Randy rides Scott Genius

www.instagram.com/p/BoEi5-_Ftq-/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=12axu3uy98on4
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns Probably turning it into a single speed
  • 26 9
 How can this be the VALUE mtb of the year, when for example the basic YT Capra costs less and has better components.
  • 7 0
 That's is true. I think you can buy this at a store though so that's why
  • 4 0
 The Aluminum YT's are definitely up there in my book. Same with the Specialized Stumpy Evo.
  • 5 0
 @freeridejerk888: or buy at all
  • 5 1
 Because PB didn't like the 29 Capra too much, obviously.
  • 2 0
 @Rubberelli: probably more to do with the lack of e13 parts on this bike
  • 3 0
 That means it'll work a lot longer @yzedf:
  • 1 0
 @freeridejerk888: that's been my experience with e13 so far.
  • 2 5
 @pinkbike no disrespect to Whyte as I would like to demo, but seriously have you heard of YT....your readers have

@ethirteenhaters I haven't had any problems with ethirteen; but even if you have and replace all the e13 components the Capra is a bargain vs most bikes and should be on this list if not the win
  • 15 0
 @J50005: how dare Pinkbike not choose the bike you bought as the best value of the year! Theyve got some nerve!
  • 2 0
 Ya but they are always sold out aren't they?
  • 12 1
 That seat tube just looks amazingly odd to me. Other than that seems like a legit choice.
  • 6 0
 Short chainstays, big tires, and 170mm of travel -- the rear wheel needs somewhere to move.
  • 5 4
 If you're a tall guy (or disproportionately long inseam), this bike is out for that reason. Once you extend your seatpost, you're going to be over the rear axle on steep climbs. Yes, you can muscle it for a move or two, but not for long, sustained climbs. I bought a steep seat angled bike this year, and it's dramatically different to pedal one.
  • 2 0
 @powderturns: true. If you’re built opposite to that it’s out of the equation as well . Like the specialized enduro, it has terrible standover
  • 9 1
 Seriously? Good value? It has guide T brakes and NX eagle, as well as a basic deluxe shock. I could name several brands that have bikes out there that have better suspension, brakes and drivetrain for that price (YT, Canyon, Cube, Commencal and Bird to name a few).
  • 2 1
 Exactly. My choice for value bike of the year is a 2 year old frame with really good components.
  • 13 2
 Not Gorilla Gravity?
  • 24 0
 *Guerrilla Gravity. Like the warfare, not the animal.
  • 47 0
 @slovenian6474: Gorilla Gravy. Like the delicious sauce.
  • 12 1
 @Kickmehard: Makes sense why Jane spent so much time with them...
  • 4 1
 @ADGproductions: ew
  • 2 0
 @slovenian6474: Sorry, typing too fast for the brain so very early in the morning. It'll happen again.
  • 4 0
 @Kickmehard: Never had Gorilla Gravy and I don't think I want to try it...
  • 3 0
 @drunknride: it's a tasty apetisers
  • 1 0
 @ADGproductions: you have to clamp it or it expands.
  • 7 0
 Gorilla Biscuits NYHC
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: NORTH BERGEN, YA COCK SUCKA
  • 1 0
 @rocky-mtn-gman: Easy there, Civ, let's meet up at Jenny's liquors after work!
  • 10 1
 I'm gonna be the first to say it and take the downvotes in stride but why can't Whyte make a bike that isn't hideous?
  • 6 0
 Great job Whyte! Hopefully they sell so many that other bike companies will be forced to slash prices just to keep up!!
  • 2 0
 I doubt it was a factor but I've seen that YT seems of have poorer QC then other brands . I asked a LBS about 2 YT boxes in the shop and they we're both DOA customer bikes. Local "YT" guy that has had at least 7 has had 2 DOA bikes . Neither the guy or the Bike shop had a problem with DOA's but both were pissed about waiting 90 days for replacements to do supply issues , when they could still apparently buy a new one on the website and they were showing in stock. Another thing I've noticed is in the last 3 years I saw a Huge boom in YTs on local trails and now I haven't seen one I maybe 6 months .
  • 2 0
 Guys, I own 2018 model (light blue). I am from Slovakia and heard of it only this year since I have been testing bikes in local bike festival. I have tested many DH and Enduro bikes there, but decided to go for Whyte. The bike just rides surprisingly well - feels like small DH bike. Of course, Yari is not for brutal DH tracks. Bottom bracket very low (not for everyone). I attend Urban DH races and the bike is just what I looked for.
  • 3 1
 Does £ 2,400 convert to $2,500 ??????? I think that might be a $3,000 bike. Still a great deal but surely I am having a early morning brain fart rather than PB not converting dollars?!?
  • 2 1
 1.27USD to 1 GBP this morning... $3043.00
  • 4 0
 @DrPete: you can't just take a simple exchange rate though, remember you don't pay uk VAT - usually things cost around the same in GBP and Dollars.
  • 2 0
 @justanotherusername: ah, yes. forgot about the VAT issue. My mistake.
  • 7 0
 @DrPete: Yes our pricing here at Whyteusa.bike normally does not equally convert to lbs. The USD is better priced Wink All our bikes ship out of our Northern Ca HQ.
  • 2 0
 Ain't nothing wrong with that bike. Young huckers rejoice. Wouldn't have minded seeing the short travel transition take the nod but lift serve to local haunts this makes sense without breaking the bank.
  • 7 2
 so ugly
  • 2 1
 lol wut?
  • 5 1
 Well played. Whyte has been making good shit for years
  • 3 0
 Great choice, was definitely my favourite in the category. So much bike for the money.
  • 3 1
 I'll admit that's a pretty decent build for the price but the Transition Scout tho! 10x cooler bike and just as capable with a smaller, more fun package! Why Pinkbike? Why?
  • 1 0
 I was interested in buying a Whyte hardtail last month. Sent 3 emails to our Australian distributor without a reply. Went elsewhere in the end.
  • 1 0
 Good for Whyte! Wouldve like to see the scout win because I feel like the ride quality is the best for its price in comparison, but Im just glad it’s not a YT..
  • 2 0
 Nice bike but I've never seen one in Canada. Outside the UK what's their distribution like?
  • 2 1
 My vote for the value bike of the year goes to the Ibis DV9, because...carbon. Yes, it's a hardtail, but, yes, lots of people still ride them!
  • 1 0
 Hey Whyte, I love the bike and the value, but I don't need this much travel. Will we see more value bikes in your lineup with less travel?
  • 5 0
 You mean something like a T130 ? ( whyte.bike/products/t130sr )
  • 1 0
 @azureblue:

Like the T130 but with 29 inch wheels. Like a value T120
  • 3 0
 Hi Rich- Thanks for the reply. For sure- the New 2019 T-130 s and sr are screaming values. Most importantly..you are not just getting value but you are getting excellent geo and amazing ride performance. www.whyteusa.bike/collections/trail-27-5-130mm/products/t-130-sr-19
  • 1 0
 @whytebikesUSA:

I've been watching your site for sure. The bikes are awesome. Would love to get one. But I'm looking for inexpensive 29ers. I hope you guys have that in the works.
  • 2 0
 And pretty much overkill for 99% of the trails it is likely to get ridden on
  • 3 1
 What is a "Whyte"?
Never heared of it before.
  • 2 0
 Yeap...i know Orange...
  • 2 0
 Whyte power?
  • 3 0
 @kyytaM: Whyte powder.
  • 1 0
 $2400usd converts to $3400 aud, yet this bike is $4999 here seems the Aussie importer wants people to ride something else...
  • 1 0
 Not to mention free frame bearing replacements to boot....A Whyte will definitely be my next bike.
  • 1 0
 loughable decision...there are tons of better choices out there (which you can actually purchase in Europe)
  • 1 0
 any links to the parts package? I am interested in the drive train, etc.
  • 1 0
 I'm not dreaming to have a bike like bronson or yeti
  • 2 4
 A brand I've never seen outside of a magazine/website. Go to a bike park, YTs everywhere. Why...VALUE! I ride Highland, one of the premier bike parks in the US, never seen a White.
  • 1 0
 Great price for great specs
  • 1 0
 I though Pinkbike is out of BC, can you even get this bike in BC?
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