A slack head angle, short stem with riser bar and a relatively long wheelbase give the 429 trail hardtail ambitions. This has a positive effect on the handling of the bike from England, on which you also sit comfortably. The Whyte manoeuvres over the trails with confidence and control.
However, the equipment and other details quickly put an end to trail riding. The narrow and low-profile Rekon Race rolls fast on the rear wheel, but reaches its limit early on. The obligatory dropper post is also missing and the Rockshox Judy fork with steel spring offers little damping control. In terms of equipment, the Whyte comes in last place. The ten-speed drivetrain only has a narrow range, the Tektro brakes could do with more bite, and you won't find thru-axles on the fork or frame. One positive detail: the rubberised chainstay protector.
In our overview article Hardtails from 1199 to 1799 euros: 9 sporty entry-level hardtails in the test you will find all the bikes tested.
Conclusion on the Whyte 429 by Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
In terms of looks and geometry, the Whyte 429 could easily pass for a trail bike. However, the inexpensive and somewhat inconsistent equipment limits the range of use.
Technical data and notes Whyte 429
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1399 Euro²
- Available from mail order/specialist retailers
- Material / Sizes: Aluminium / M / L / XL (tested in size M, 45 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals / frame: 13.88 kg / 2349 g
- Weight of wheels: 5510 g
- Frame stiffness (absolute / STW): 58 N/mm; 28.4 N/mm/kg
Equipment
- Fork: Rockshox Judy TK Silver, steel spring
- Suspension travel: 121 mm
- Cranks / gears: Whyte / Shimano Deore
- Gear ratio, range / handlebar width: 1 x 10, 418 % / 760 mm
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Tektro M275 / 180 / 160 mm
- Seatpost / seat comfort: Whyte Alloy / 4.8 mm
- Wheels / tyres: n/a A. Hubs; Whyte Trail-25 rims / Maxxis Forekaster / Rekon Race 29 x 2.35 / 2.25
BIKE test rating¹: satisfactory - 131.9 out of 250 points
The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
²Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
