Which Whyte 809 or 901

ashleyyyy2011

Hi, I'm currently trying to decide between a whyte 901 and 809. there is only £50 difference and both are well made frames with resonable components. I'm attracted to the 901 because it has a tapered head tube (809 doesn't) 15mm thru axle (809 doesn't) and sram x9 rear derrailleur (SLX on 809) but it is a 120mm fork and as i'm mainly going to be riding along the southdowns way there will be more XC riding than Technical Trail.

Anybody got any thoughts?

chrisw333

901 for me. Seems the better spec, will still fly over the south downs way and a bit more capable if you decide to do a bit more rough stuff.

Have you thought about the 'ex demo' ones from ABT? Most are not actually ex demo, but brand new bikes with 2010 or 2011 frames and possibly higher spec. You can get a 2010 905 (award winning) upgraded spec model for for just over £1k or 2011 905 (again different to standard spec) for £1,150. Both seem much better value than the 2012 901 to me?

https://online.atb-sales.co.uk/p-923-br ... edium.aspx

https://online.atb-sales.co.uk/p-1355-b ... edlrg.aspx

handsome devil

For what its worth I had a 905 for a couple of months recently and it was a great ride but suffered numerous faults (front wheel, drivetrain & front brake) and after numerous unsuccessful attempts by the dealer to rectify said faults, I exchanged it for an 810. Main difference is head angle (slightly slacker on 905 - more confidence inspiring going downwards) and 120mm Reba fork (very good it has to be said) v 100mm Fox F100RL (but arguably better). Drivetrain on 905 was SRAM (very clunky) whereas mainly XT on 810 (much smoother).

So in short the 905 is the better trail/do most things option whereas the 810 is more XC/race ready and for my local trail centres, canal paths, etc is more ideally suited.

Whichever you choose Whyte bikes do look the part, have great attention to detail (check out the seat clamps) and are at least a little "rarer" out on the trails.

Briggo

It's hard to say as the bikes are there for 2 different purposes, it depends on what riding you intend on doing. If it's your one and only bike and may go off to do places like Scotland/Wales/Peaks to do more gnarlier stuff then I'd go for the 901, if not I would stick to the 809.

Additionally if you can try them both out for at least fitment, the 809 I found was a lot more racier feel (stretched out, which I wanted for 2nd bike) than the 9 series.

I certainly can't grumble at mine it's a very good bike and I prefer the slacker HA than most short racy hardtails for when it gets a bit rough, and as mentioned they're very rare which is a nice bonus

ashleyyyy2011

I've ridden the 809 and it felt comfortable. as much as i would like to spend time in scotland/wales/peaks my fiance and daughter have other ideas, so it will be mainly around the downs. In a sad way i think the 809 looks better. still un decided. Only way will be to ride them both i guess.