Full Sus 29er - Whyte T-129 or Giant Anthem?

RallyBiker

Looks like my Whyte 46 is now dead, so I'm looking to replace it. I've been using my 29er HT regularly all summer and like the rollability and the way a 29er carries the speed. I'm looking at getting a lightish 29er for XC and north Wales trail centres, with the occasional 7 Stanes trip thrown in. What are your views on these two bikes? Thanks in advance for any advice!

rockmonkeysc

The Anthemail is a great bike. I thought they had discontinued it, maybe it's discontinued for 2016.
The Whyte is often criticised for very limited rear tyre clearance which limits you to 2.2" tyres.
I wouldn't choose a bike based on wheel size, some 27.5" bikes are equally fast.

JBA

Have ridden both and really like both. Both have excellent spec so the choice is a difficult one. However, as RMSC says, there has been criticism of the rear tyre clearance on the Whyte. For XC use this may not be a problem though.
The other consideration is whether you want 120mm travel or consider 100mm to be enough.
If I was after one I'd have a serious look at the Anthem X29er from Paul's Bikes. Hard to ignore at 1500 quid (although only S and M in stock).