WHYTE SUFFOLK

Whyte has built its reputation on being designed in the UK, for UK conditions

MODEL: Whyte Suffolk GROUPSET: Shimano 105 GEARING: 50/34t crankset, 11-32t cassette WHEELS: Whyte Disc Road 20mm deep TYRES: Maxxis Rouler-tr, 700x28c FINISHING KIT: Whyte Road compact wing handlebars, Whyte alloy stem, Whyte alloy seatpost, Whyte custom road saddle WEIGHT: 9.97kg (54cm) PRICE: £1,350 CONTACT: whyte.bike

STU’S SUMMARY

The Suffolk sits in Whyte’s RD-7 series, described as ‘Sports Road/commute’ – in other words good all-rounders. Designer Ian Alexander believes the RD-7S represent what the average rider needs to cope in Britain in terms of both the weather and road conditions. And the Suffolk duly delivers. The alloy frame performs well and there’s ample front end height to provide a relaxed riding position without being too upright. The sensations I got from the Suffolk were solidity during hard efforts and stability at speed.

Flat-mounted disc brake callipers and internal cabling keep the aesthetic clean, while Whyte’s own mudguards are very neatly attached. Better still, they never rattled. Some might say ownbrand wheels and the FSA chainset cheapen the deal, but they didn’t impair performance. Whyte’s RD-7 wheels actually bring some very modern traits, such as a wider internal profile, which helps with lowering the rolling resistance of wider tyres. The wide ratio (11-32t) cassette paired with a compact (50/34) chainset means the Suffolk has gearing capable of tackling almost any terrain. It’s got practicality in spades at a really competitive price.