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I’ve a 2018 Mk 5 Soul that’s set up in a pretty much XC type guise and I’m wondering if I should sell it and buy a new Whyte S120? (Yes I know only I know the answer)
My main riding is SDW and QECP.
I previously had an Orange Four (which realistically I should have kept as it’s no slower than the Soul and it was more comfortable - I’ve completed the SDW - Winch to Eastbourne on both bikes) but sold it and bought / built a Soul as I thought the Soul would be lighter and faster - it is lighter.
The Soul is a nice bike and comfortable for a HT, but at 50 and pretty battered I wonder if the S120 is better suited to my needs ( I like to ride long XC, fast up hill and stable down hills)
Can you demo one? Sounds like you preferred the Four to the Soul - I know I prefer full suss off road even when the riding isn't rough enough to "need" it.
Yes I can demo one in the new year - most Whyte dealers will get one in for £60 which gives a day of testing.
The Four was ‘okay’ but felt a bit of a bus at times, the Soul is ‘good’ but I’m still not feeling it’s ‘right’ for me.
Flare?
Effectively the full suss Soul...
Why S120 and not a T130 that's likely cheaper ?
What about the Giant Trance 29er?
Climbs like a rocket, stupidly fast across rough ground and sure-footed going down steep stuff.
I loved my Soul until I snapped it. Replaced with various bikes and now have a Production Privee Oka which doesn't feel as nimble. The Trance 29er is now my go to bike for days out.
Sounds like you are after the same kind of thing as I am.
The Trance 29er above sounds great. Last year's Anthem 650b could be a good bet as well for that kind of riding ,although they're not doing them this year which seems a shame.
The s120 looks very nice ,a bit pricey for me though.
I think the short answer is yes. Sounds like you already knew that though OP 🙂
Am in the the lucky position of having both a MK5 Soul and a Whyte T130 and both are damn good. The Whyte is more comfortable, and it climbs better. I wouldn't say it's "better" just different. I've only had the Soul a month or so but I'm loving it so far, the Whyte I've had for over 2 years and it's by far the best full suspension bike I've owned. The best answer is keep the Soul and get a T130 or S120!
The T130 and Soul feel quite similar in how they handle (helps I have the same wheels, similar fork, same bar/stem/grips/brakes/dropper etc) so if you like the way the Soul rides and just want more comfort, the T130 would be a good bet. I haven't ridden the S120 yet, hopefully will get a chance in the new year, but it looks very good on paper.
Four, as I live in your riding area, I have sent you a private message . Seemed better to do it that way 🙂
Thanks for the input and replies chaps.
I had thought about a T130 carbon from 2018 but feel the S120 would maybe suits my needs a little better - I don’t really know? I’ve ridden a T130 but not an S120.
I had a Cotic Soul Mk4 and then went to a Whyte 909 and now I've got a Santa Cruz 5010 frame on order.
Cotic and Whyte are both fantastic bike brands. I got the Whyte because the soul was too small it's a really great hardtail, but so was the soul.
I can only justify one bike and I ride more technical trails these days, so I've got my first full suspension on order. Decided to go for a 5010 because i wanted something really versatile that I could beef/speed up easily. That S120 looks pretty racy to me!
S120 is far from racey! 65.6 degree headtube and near 29lb weight, its a trail bike, through and through.
Flare, as above.