Whyte 46 2005

Any bike is only really as good as its bits. Sounds obvious really but its surprisingly true, especially in this case. It suits the ethos of the bike well, both are lightweight but designed to provide significant travel. We were a bit concerned that when we picked up the test bike the forks appeared to be slightly out of true looking down from the top but no-one noticed this when riding. To be fair, Thomas was probably the only one to give the bike a proper work out anyway. Anyone who has spent time on a Marin QUAD will know just how good the rear suspension design is in producing an exceptionally smooth but beautifully balanced ride.

These features and the tremendous climbing ability that comes with it have transferred to the Whyte 46 in such a way that you tend to take it for granted. With that kind of travel available it would be reasonable to expect the Whyte to be compromised in some way but the QUAD tricksyness and hyper plush front end, coupled to the stupidly light weight meant that the bike felt as though it was just cruising, which for most of the time it probably was.

Whyte seem to be quietly trying to move into new territory here without upsetting their hardcore and hard won band of loyal owners. It still retains enough engineering pluses to satisfy the purists, with its QUAD suspension and admirable frame finish. But the Whyte 46 is a different approach, in many ways more mainstream, aimed squarely at the all day rider who wants to lark around when he feels like it.

In short, it feels as though its been gently moistened with the Freeride sponge without going to extremes. Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.

An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a Cannondale Topstone SE, a much-used Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1. If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.

If you have something to add, just complete this comment form we will not publish your email address. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Filed under Bikes , Reviews in January About the author Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.

But if the forks need a service then you may want to negotiate that into the price. Apart from the fork issue, any bike is basically just a frame with bits bolted on. The bits are cheap and wear out over time anyway. Make sure the frame is not cracked. But Whyte are a really good company, the do a lifetime warranty on the bearings. They are not special bearings mind you. To the original owner. Oh, lifetime warrantys, why are they mean like that. I somehow took from reading about it online that it was way more proprietary than it actually is so thanks for clearing that up.

Do you know anyone on STW who does machining? This topic has 10 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 7 years ago by marmaduke. Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 of 11 total. Posted 7 years ago.