Whyte's 900 series comprises 3 of the best trail hardtails going. Made from 6061 hydro formed T6 aluminium, the 900 series frame benefits both from Whyte's mountain bike frame geometry and being a dedicated to the single chainring (SCR) concept. The 900 series geometry positions the front wheel further out in front of the rider at a super-slack 65 degree head angle, creating a confidence inspiring front end, that absorbs impacts better and is more prone to self-correcting, conserving your speed and momentum brilliantly. The whole frame is designed with a lower centre of gravity to enhance stability and carving corners at speed. To retain precise and direct handling, the 900 series is equipped with short stems and wide handlebars, so you can utilise the speed granted by the front end, with super-close control. The rear wheel is tucked right in on the 900 series, keeping them playful and responsive, the final piece of the puzzle in creating a simultaneously stable and responsive bike.
This trail-shredding geometry also benefits from being built for SCR groupsets. Removing the front dérailleur and extra chainrings brings a range of benefits for mountain bike geometry. It means that the chainstays can be symmetrical and therefore stronger and lighter, than the weaker and heavier chainstays required to accommodate front mechs. Weight distribution benefits greatly as there is considerably less weight on the right hand side of the bike, the front mech, extra chainrings and cables all done away with. An SCR drivetrain also allows for an increase in rear pivot span, which boosts stiffness and therefore handling and power transfer between rider and frame. Overall this makes the bike lighter, making it handle and accelerate better, whilst making it more robust with less complex components to be damaged.
Keen to do such a magnificent frame justice, Whyte kit the 901 out with a range of goodies. Starting with a SRAM NX 11 speed SCR groupset. Consisting of a 32 tooth chainring and an 11-42 cassette the 901 can punch up climbs and bomb down them. SRAM's Level hydraulic disc brakes have great modulation for controlling your pace on tricky trails and excellent stopping power if it ever all goes wrong. Assisting you in conquering tough runs, RockShox Recon RL Gold 130mm travel fork is an upgrade from the 2017 model, providing even better support and robustness. This beefy suspension will help you tackle technical trails at full pelt and keep your composure and control. To make sure you're never left wanting more traction, the 901 comes with tubeless ready 29mm wide WTB STp rims wrapped in 27.5x2.6 tubeless ready Maxxis rubber. Extra-wide rims and tyres provide excellent control, with the option to run them tubeless at lower pressures for even more grip, meaning you can take even more liberties at high speed than before!
No matter how much fun a bike provides, its naff if they break all the time. Not just providing top quality performance, Whyte's practical ingenuity is plain to see with the 901's weather-proofing measures. Their BBX internal cable routing for protection from the elements and easy maintenance, also makes it easy to fit a Whyte dropper post as an optional extra should you wish to. Whyte's “Get a Grip” seatpost clamp stops mud and water from clogging your seat tube and makes saddle height adjustments without a dropper post a doddle. Whyte's own alloy double sealed cartridge bearing hubs in the 901's wheels were designed to keep grit out of vital bearings and provide smooth rolling. Fun and dependable the 901 is a perfect trail bike for British conditions.
Even with its affordable price tag, the 901 is a very high quality bit of kit. Designed for aggressive runs on challenging trails it provides fun and fast performance, whilst having the robustness to go again and again and again.