2018 Whyte 629 Orange

Whyte's top aluminium 29er trail bike, the 629 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 629 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 629's already sweet handling even more.

Take the lower rolling resistance and greater ability to power over obstacles and maintain momentum of a 29er, and give it a capable Rockshox Silver RL 120mm fork, and you've got yourself a massively fast and fun trail machine. Not just delivering on the frame and fork, the 629 is incredibly well specced across its build. A full SRAM groupset consisting of NX 1x11 drivetrain and Level disc brakes, means you have consistent and precise shifting, as well as reliable braking, all with a rather nice affirmative feel to it. The 629 sports tubeless ready WTB rims, spinning on Whyte's own double sealed hubs and tubeless ready Maxxis tyres. The option to go tubeless is great for any MTB, bringing weight and rolling resistance down, whilst improving puncture protection and allowing for the tyres to be run at lower pressure for improved grip and traction. It's great when bikes as awesome as the 629 last forever so Whyte take a few steps to ensure its durability too. Whyte use their BBX weather-proof internal cabling management system and their weather-proof get a grip seatpost clamp, to make the 629 is ready to be thrashed all-year round in our often moist climate. Fast, fun and great value for money the 69 is a brilliant acquisition for any keen off-roader.