MAX’S WHYTE T-160 RS V2 £4,199
Our resident routemaker gets acquainted with the Whyte on some familiar terrain
I’ve now had time to get out on the trails for some proper miles on my new rig. After a few short local jaunts to get the feel and set-up sorted, I got a good solid day of riding time in on the Surrey Hills (check out our Big Ride on p116), which really allowed me to get a feel for my new steed. And I’m pleased to report that I’m very much enjoying the honeymoon period.
Despite the trails still being a bit wet and muddy, and with added tree debris after the recent storms, the T-160 was right at home finding traction and confidence-inspiring stability in the damp conditions. Despite my worries about weight (both mine and the bike’s), the extra heft was possibly even a benefit, along with the big tyres and long-travel suspension, allowing me to crunch over branches and dig into muddy corners. On the short, sharp descents, the Whyte inspired confidence, feeling planted and fun, and I was really impressed with it on the more technical climbs, too. On longer, smoother ascents I felt quite slow and laboured, so there was no ‘attacking’ these, but on steep ups it was great fun, finding and keeping traction beyond the point where my thighs popped.
Any long ride, especially in these damp conditions, will feel a bit sluggish, but I was having so much fun that it wasn’t until the end that I felt like the weight was starting to hinder me. The rest of the time, I was enjoying its capabilities up and down the technical trails so much that I barely noticed it. Maybe when things are properly dry and bigger days beckon, I’ll look to drop some weight, but for now it’s spot-on for having a laugh in the woods. https://whyte.bike