2018 Whyte 403 Lime

Whyte's 400 series sets out to provide serious bikes for younger riders, developed with the same technological innovation as their adult range. The choice of 26” wheels may seem large for a kids bike but a low bottom bracket keeps the standover height reasonable meaning there's no downside to the larger wheel choice. The upside of larger wheels is lower rolling resistance and greater surface area, when compared to 24” wheels, for improved conservation of momentum and handling. The 400 series 6061 hyrdo formed T6 aluminium frame is as much a product of Whyte's ideology on mountain bike frame geometry as all their top Works bikes. The front wheel of the bike is pushed out, for greater stability and self-correcting ability and the low bottom bracket results in a low centre of gravity for even more stability. Keen to not impede the ability for sharp turning, Whyte echo the design of their top bikes, with a wider than average handlebar, so that even small arms can generate a lot of leverage and whip the front wheel around when it counts. The back of the bike is very compact so it can be brought around nice and easily too. Just like any of their adult bikes Whyte design the 400 series frame with their BBX internal cabling system designed to weather proof cables and make them easy to manage. The seatpost comes with Whyte's “Get a Grip” clamp system, a weather-proofed quick release clamp designed to make it easier to change the position of the seatpost quickly and securely, even with small hands. Whyte's philosophy is just because its for kids, it doesn't mean it shouldn't be every bit as good as one of their adult bikes.

It's not just the frame that makes these bikes so good for younger riders. The 403's Suntour XCR 100mm travel fork will really boost the riders confidence, giving great control and quieting trails down to allow the freedom to have fun and explore. WTB front and rear specific tyres, help to make the most of the geometry and suspension, with great grip a pre-requisite for the predictable handling all mountain bikes desire. Emulating all of Whyte's top bikes, Whyte kit the 403 with single chainring (SCR) drive. This keeps the 403 sweetly simple, with one less dérailleur and shifter for reductions in weight and maintenance, both greatly desirable on a kids bike. The 403 comes with a 28 tooth chainring and a 9speed 11-40 cassette, offering a great range of gears, for all the drive needed to get up hills and an equally generous top gear for when they want to stretch their legs. The 403 uses a Shimano Altus trigger shifter, the same style as found on their adult bikes, making the eventual transition onto bigger things feel more natural. Safety is of course paramount and Whyte provide excellent Promax Solve 160mm rotor hydraulic disc brakes for ample braking control and stopping power. It may be targeted at a younger audience but the 403 is a proper bit of kit designed to enable kids to have proper off-road experiences. Whyte have produced a bike simple, capable and fun in equal measure.