2018 Whyte 529 Lime

An ever popular cross country and trail ready machine, the 529 has been updated and improved once again in 2018, making it better than ever. Whyte have updated their aluminium 29er hardtail frame for dedicated single chairing (SCR) use, allowing for adjustments to the geometry for better handling and ride characteristics. Doing away with the front dérailleur and extra chainrings, has a series of knock on effects for the design of the rear end of a bike. Most noticeably the driveside chainstay no longer has to adopt an awkward, weak and heavy design to accommodate more front cogs. Instead the chainstays can be symmetrical and therefore made lighter whilst simultaneously being stronger. This improves weight distribution and rear-end handling characteristics. Rear pivot span is also increased benefiting power transfer and rear triangle stiffness. The 529 already had an ultra-slack trail ready front end, the upgrade to an SCR frame means the rear end can be tucked in even more and made stiffer, for improved responsiveness, improving the 529's already sweet handling even more.

Making the most of this design update, Whyte have equipped the 529 with a Shimano/FSA 10 speed SCR drivetrain with a 28 tooth chainring and 11-42 tooth cassette, making sure the 529's first foray into SCR is a quality affair. 29ers are normally seen as XC speed machines, with their decreased rolling resistance and ability to roll over obstacles and maintain speed, but the 529's 120mm SR Suntour Radion 32 fork and its adjustable rebound help make the 529 a versatile beast, equally capable of handling speedy cross- country courses or more technical trails. Whyte's trail rims sporting quality Maxxis tyres, provide the Tektro's Auriga disc brakes mean your in safe hands when it comes to stopping. Much like any Whyte bike the 529 is built to last, with additional weather-proofing from its BBX internal cabling system and a get a grip seatpost clamp, both designed to keep water out and to be simple to work with. If you think a 29er is for you the 529 is a great option to have with its advanced geometry, weather-proofing and components all available for £950.