Whyte Suffolk or Kenesis Crosslight Pro6

JSpencer1

Hi all.

On the look out for a jack of all trades bike. Already got a DA7900 equipped carbon steed for the summer but after something for winter training, tow paths, odd commutes and the possibility of an end to end.

Looking at both the Whyte Suffolk and Kenesis Crosslight as disc equipped, rack and guard ready and still have a sporting geo.

Budget is just over a grand as would ideally put a little towards it then C2W the rest.

http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/1174817/produ ... #buyAnchor

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... suffolk-14

What are people's opinions? Any others I could consider?

Thanks Darren

DrLex

Both are good bikes, but I'd be tempted to favour the Kinesis over the Whyte due to
1) discount on slightly-better spec'd Kinesis
2) position of rear brake caliper to avoid heel strike
3) awesome green colour
Order both & keep the one you prefer?

passout

The Whyte. I think the spec is really good - especially the brakes which p*ss on anything at this price point. Also it is road bike rather than a cross but I guess this might not actually make much difference - how does the gearing compare?

Both sound choices though with nice frames. I'd also look at Rose & Canyon (I would say planet x carbon cross bikes too but they don't take full guards) but I'd end up getting the Whyte.

JSpencer1

They're not that easy to compare though. From what I've researched so far:

Kenesis tektro brakes are poor, Whyte TRP hy/rd are good.

Kenesis uses smaller crankset whilst Whyte is a compact double.

Kenesis is CX geo whilst Whyte is road geo. Not sure which I'll do more of on it yet.

I think I'd love to build up a Kenesis to my own spec but that's more expensive, and also unlikely to qualify for C2W, so will probably end up choosing between these two stock builds.

JSpencer1

Rose looks good however can't seem to find any evidence that I'd be able to use the cycle to work scheme with the two German online retailers.

I guess another obvious choice would be a Boardman CX of some sort. Am I being a brand snob to rule them out on the fact I'd have to buy from my local Halfords?

janwal

Boardman bikes aren't just sold in Halfords.See link from there website for uk dealers.
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/buy/index.html
Also how about a Cannondale Synapse disc 105, top frame and will take guards etc.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec054416

luv2ride

I'd say Crosslight, but I'm biased:
viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=12966313

I built this up around a SRAM Rival CX chainset (46/36t) and a Rival medium cage rear mech with 11-32t cassette. Also running TRP Spyre disc brakes and Sammy Slick 35mm tyres. I was dubious about how it would be on the road, but it's fast and comfy, and also very fast off road. The CX chainset doesn't seem to hold it back at all, and the handling is sharp and engaging. Being able to link bits of road section with bridle paths, etc has added a new and fun dimension to my local rides.

I was also tempted by the Whyte but the very long top tube and short stem put me off (wasn't able to try one locally). the Crosslight has exceeded expectations though

veronese68

I bought a Pro6 and a set of BB7 brakes on C2W then got a cheap 105 groupset and some handbuilt wheels. Total price is probably about the same as the stock bike, but I have better brakes and wheels. Were I to do it now i'd probably get HyRd, but they weren't out when I did mine. great bike, love it to bits.

passout

Yes The Cannondale (above) does look very good and there's also Kona Jake & The Revolution cross bike at Edinburgh Coop (a bit cheaper). Pinnacle at Evans now do a disc road bike too.

I read a test of the Whyte a little back in the last CTC mag. It seemed to do better than the more expensive Genesis Equilibrium Disc which is too weighty IMO. They really liked both bikes - they suggested the Whyte was a comfortable ride too with loads of tyre clearance.

I've been looking to get the same sort of bike. In the end it I decided that the Whyte was best for me. Just waiting till I next qualify for cyclescheme as I'm still paying for an MTB.

dave in swansea

Hi.
I got a whyte suffolk back in Feb.
I also looked at the Synapse disc, but was put off by the LBS who would only let me look at the bike in the box and not sit on or ride it. Their logic, the purchaser should be the first person to sit on the bike. I think this is the drawback of visiting a shop with a large on line presence. Did not understand my reluctance to part with £1500 without sitting on the bike.
Different lbs - come back tomorrow and we will have built the bike (Whyte) for you to test ride. Great.
Needless to say I bought the whyte. photos are somewhere in the history of Your Road Bikes.
The bike itself is great, really comfy to ride without being too upright. The brakes are awesome. I ride quite a few hills and at 105kg take some stopping on the way down. Really pleased with it.
Dave.

cycleclinic

I'd get a Genesis Equilibrium disc frame/fork (the 2015 model will have a carbon fork) wait until 1st august when Madison are getting the R685 hydraulic and mechanical STI's. Wait a few more days until the new 105 11 speed groupset arrives and build up with some proper wheels. The velocity aerlion will be available by then and couple that to some shimano Cx-75 hubs and you will spend more but have a bike you will not want to upgrade either as it is all done.

apreading

That Suffolk, with the Hyrd brakes, is awesome - best by far. Everything else on it looks great too - apart from the looks. That is where the Kinesis destroys it, espectially in green. The Suffolk looks boring as hell.

So head says Whyte, heart says Kinesis (in green).

veronese68

apreading wrote:

So head says Whyte, heart says Kinesis (in green).

I'm sure that was a factor when buying my Kinesis. I've now had it for over a year and it's amazing how much more choice there is now in terms of bikes and components. But I still think with the exception of the brakes I would buy the same again now. But I don't think I will do anything about the brakes until proper hydraulics are available at a reasonable price. The BB7s I have work a lot better than the rim brakes I had before. It's a fabulous bike and it still makes me smile.

JSpencer1

apreading wrote:

That Suffolk, with the Hyrd brakes, is awesome - best by far. Everything else on it looks great too - apart from the looks. That is where the Kinesis destroys it, espectially in green. The Suffolk looks boring as hell.

So head says Whyte, heart says Kinesis (in green).

Totally agree with everything you've said. But being who we are surely that means we go for the Kenesis?!

I can get a Whyte at my LBS though so will definitely try one out.

veronese68

JSpencer1 wrote:

apreading wrote:

That Suffolk, with the Hyrd brakes, is awesome - best by far. Everything else on it looks great too - apart from the looks. That is where the Kinesis destroys it, espectially in green. The Suffolk looks boring as hell.

So head says Whyte, heart says Kinesis (in green).

Totally agree with everything you've said. But being who we are surely that means we go for the Kenesis?!

I can get a Whyte at my LBS though so will definitely try one out.

How true :oops: