[kpm700]

Hey guys,

Wondering if anyone has the new Whyte T-129 (or ridden one) and what you think of it? I'm in the market for new 29er after demoing a Kona Process 111 for a few days and being totally sold on the geometry and feel of the bike.

I'm looking at Evil's The Following, Ibis Ripley, Kona Process and Transition Smuggler, heavily leaning towards the Evil with all the positive reviews and hype it has. I stumbled on the Whyte the other day and was really intrigued after reading Bike Radar's 5/5 star review. The numbers are really similar to all the bikes I'm looking at but it's significantly cheaper with a pretty nice build.

I'd love to hear any thoughts on it.

Thanks!

Here's a link to the Bike Radar review:

Whyte T-129 RS review - BikeRadar

And link to Whyte's USA website:

http://www.whyteusa.bike/collections/trail/products/t-129-rs#tabs-3

 

[eb1888]

Why did they use Boost 148 and only allow space for a 2.0" rear tire?

 

[kpm700]

Why did they use Boost 148 and only allow space for a 2.0" rear tire?

Good question! I thought the same thing. Doesn't make much sense.

That being said I've always ran a 2.2 or 2.25 tire in the back so I don't know if it's a deal breaker for me. I emailed them and they said they've ran the WTB Trail Boss 2.25 tire for "improved traction over rougher terrain" and it works well.

 

[eb1888]

They should be able to tell you the chainstay width in millimeters at the tire tread area then too. That's what you need.
The bike is really a XC oriented trail bike anyway. With mountains you probably could use a Following more.
A FuelEx with the Fox 34 set to 130 would be an alternative going a little towards the Whyte.

 

[Vegard]

I find bikeradar reviews to be a tad odd, they give the t129 5 stars and list a couple of negatives. The following gets 4.5 stars and lists no negatives.

That being said, personally I wouldn't have bought the t129 based on the rear tire clearance. Take a look at the Banshee Phantom aswell.

 

[Hollis Prince]

Yeah they've always given stellar reviews of the Evil bikes, but then once they mention talking to Evil's proprietor as if they were friends. So their reviews might be a bit biased. I don't know that, I'm just speculating. If you're looking at short travel 29ers, the Santa Cruz Tallboy is a sure bet. Of course, I own one, so I'm biased as well 😀

 

[Hollis Prince]

Also, although I'm happy with my Tallboy, the Evil Following is the bike I'd most love to try out. It has really captured my interest.

 

[padrefan1982]

That being said, personally I wouldn't have bought the t129 based on the rear tire clearance. Take a look at the Banshee Phantom aswell.

Another vote for taking a look at the Phantom. Might be difficult to get seat time on one, but its one of the best rides I've ever owned. Tire clearance sure isn't an issue on it.