Whyte 905 is it the right bike for me ?

radarrider

I ride for fitness / pleasure and want a good bike. Just general riding cycle routes or along tracks some bumpy cutting across or up the sides of fields and along roads. Mainly flat stuff occasionally a bit rougher. Anyway looked in bike shop and saw Whyte 905 but they say its not really the bike i need because its a hard hit bike i should be looking at xc. On Whytes website it says its xc / trail so i dont understand. I would appreciate your opinions. Ta

MrChuck

That's a lot of bike for the sort of riding you describe. It'd do it no problems, but then so would something at half the price. Of course if you can afford it and like it then why not!

radarrider

I know but i just fancy treating myself to a real nice bike and was concerned if it was the wrong thing.

poppit

I'd go for it if I was you, I'm looking at the same one to use in the winter, trail centres and occasional races.

radarrider

The main thing i need to know is if it is the right bike for the kind of riding i will be doing. The bike shop threw me cos they said it was a hard hit bike agressive geometry and slack angle and not really xc. Is this the right advice ?

supersonic

It is good advice. Not to say you won't enjoy the bike, but you may like something a bit lighter and steeper even more.

That said there are plenty of bikes a lot heavier, howeer it is slack for a 120mm fork. There are slacker though...

Testing is the only way really, but for the riding you suggest I'd be looking at an XC bike like the OnOne Whippet.

radarrider

the bike is under 25lb though i thought that was pretty light for a bike ?

supersonic

Whyte claim 24.8lbs, but that is without pedals. So looking at a bit more. Still light by anyones standards, but certainly lighter for the money.

But it depends what you want. Does the slack headangle appeak? Will add stability, especially on the downs, but may feel more sluggish on the tighter twisty stuff.

Herbie The Dog

Do it!

If you don't you'll only wish you had when you become addicted to MTB and want to head off the tow paths and family trail centres and start hitting the rougher stuff you speak of.

noggs

It will be fine for what you want to do, over biked but fine.

If you like it and you want to spend the money then get it, there should be plenty of room to grow into it if you decide to up the ante of your riding.

It's just that for the type of riding you describe there are cheaper alternatives thats all.

PJC933

I am in same position - head says I need an XC HT but heart says Wtyte is a great bike and you can always ride in trails. You cant go the other way round. If you like it and can afford it - buy it - 1/2 purchase is emotional so GFI. You'll feel happier on something heavier that you want than something lighter you dont love

Chilesy

Also check the whyte 809 , more xc setup if the 905 doesn't suit , both great bikes

Fudgie

I agree with the others. Buying a bike is also buying into a brand and an image and you obviously identify with the Whyte style statement. So if you buy anything else you'll feel cheated and disappointed! Plenty of people drive 4x4s for the style.

Those Maxxis Aspen tyres will be perfect for what you want to do but they're not much good in the rough. If you find you start getting more involved all you have to do is get better off-road tyres and the bike will have the capability to match them.