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Just collected my new bike from mboy and I have to say I'm very impressed already.
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Only took it round the block but the fit seems spot on for once 
I went for the 529 instead of the 629 purely for the colour as I think the 629 looks a bit bland.
I've started upgrading already... Got some hope wheels coming and have a SRAM NX 1x11 setup to go on it.
Going to give the forks time to bed in but so far they seem spot on.
It's low and slack though !!
Big shout out to Mark(mboy) for dropping it off to me. Been really helpful and has a decent shop too.
Dibs when you sell it next month. 😉
my new bike from mboy
fit seems spot on for once
He must be very very good
Wrong size.
😉
Really nice bikes. I'd buy one if they sold them frame only.
Devash that's pretty much what I bought this for.
I bought it on the back of the single-track review which really rated it.
Nice them, although I think White have taken the steepness that they've removed from their bikes and put it on the price - £900! It's not much more for a 901
901 is £400 more.
I already have a NX drivetrain set up and am planning on a revelation on it in the future.
CaptainFlashheart - Member
Wrong size.
Gonna make a cracking second hand buy for someone though!
😯 😥
I stand corrected I thought the 901 was £1200 still.
It's a very nice looking bike though, and the geo looks bang on.
6 weeks til it doesn't fit.
Yeah nice one
Bike looks nice and appreciate your enthusiasm. I'd be really tempted to have a go on one of these.
I remember similar threads when you bought your others so i'd have delayed showing it off for a month or two to see if you still like it to be honest!
Personal choice and all butmy first upgrade would have been tyres and the tektro brakes over going 1 x 11. That or a dropper.
What size is it? ChrisL's looking for an XL
Looks bloody nice tbh, their base specs are a bit odd and it's kind of a shame there's not a higher end model or a frame-only but the numbers look fantastic...
.. pretty sure mboy sold an XL to a 6'7" customer who'd never gotten a properly fitting XL, and he was apparently well impressed with the sizing
The higher spec 729 didn't sell well, so it got dropped (2 years ago?)
I do like the geo, but prefer last years to this years, as it's a tad too long and slack for [u]my[/u] useage
.. that said, assuming this a large, give me email when you feel like a change Renton 😀
Whyte refuse to do frame only as they want to be a big boy manufacturer rather than a small scale F/O outfit.. loads of ppl rail at it, and I reckon they'd sell really well. Though it would probably affect the sale of the full bikes
Yeah, I can see that witht he frame-only but at the same time, it seems like a [i]really[/i] good frame, which they've had to put fairly low end parts on to make what's still not a cheap/good value full build.
You might be happy dropping as much as £450 on the frame but not £900 or £1150 on a build that frankly belongs on a £600 halfords bike, and then replacing tons of it. Just doesn't seem like they've really hit a sweet spot at all, bit of a shame with such potential.
I kind of want one, can you tell? 😆
m8 your preaching to the converted, I have the original 929 from 2012, but eventually decided it's bit small reach wise, so been desperately looking for a reasonably price *29 ever a good while (and settled on the 2016 version being the goldilock version for me). Loads of chancers on ebay.. and occasionally bargain if your quick
coomber... I already have the 1 x 11 so havent bought it.
The spec is an odd one to be fair, I bought it with the intention of upgrading the spec and preffered the colour of the 529 over the 629.
Ive already got a set of hope tubeless wheels on the way so thats a start.
might look at a slightly wider and higher rise bar next as the standard one is flat and only 720 which is to narrow for my shoulders.
Its a really nice look frame to be honest !!
I went down to mboys shop and sat on a medium and could tell it was to small to be honest.
cheers
Steve
Big shout out to Mark(mboy) for dropping it off to me. Been really helpful and has a decent shop too.
Oh christ does that mean your now based in the south mids / west?!?! too close to me b*gger off back up north!
Not sure if you are being serious or not ???? ❓ 😯
Love these bikes and the colour's perfect too.
I was so so close to buying one but didn't like the spec.
When will Whyte offer frame only 🙁
Big shout out to Mark(mboy) for dropping it off to me. Been really helpful and has a decent shop too.
This! He's always been great to deal with. He's incredibly knowledgeable too.
I really want mboys version of events 🙂
Im sure he will be along soon if you are that keen !!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-2015-X29-629-Mountain-Bike-/322428402741?hash=item4b123afc35:g:SJkAAOSwr~lYqbwR
Bargain Whyte 629 here for someone
I would be very happy if this was available frame only. Or if there was still a 729 or 829. As it is I'm looking at the 629 as I'll want to replace fewer bits on that than I would with a 529. But the 529 is definitely a nicer colour!
chrisL - I have a medium 829 frame kicking about and not being used if interested?
But you did pay for the 1 x11 set up though didn't you?
Oh I forgot you probably made that much surplus profit when you took the p155 out of my good nature when I cut you a deal on your last purchase. Which, I would wager you never actually rode before putting for sale at a 30% mark up.....nice work fella!
variflex - Member
chrisL - I have a medium 829 frame kicking about and not being used if interested?
Unfortunately I'm in need of an XL frame and also it's the geometry of the 2017 models that's caught my eye. I don't think it's the same on older *29s.
Chris L ... its a long bike mate.
Very slack at the front too, you can feel the front end wants to flop about at low speed, something I need to get used too.
pops ygpm
He must be very very good
Nah, I just gave him the choice... 😉
Personal choice and all butmy first upgrade would have been tyres and the tektro brakes over going 1 x 11. That or a dropper.
The standard Maxxis tyres seem to go up tubeless OK in my experience as long as you use a decent amount of sealant, and they're dependable treads. The Tektro brakes are surprisingly good to be fair! Maybe for a larger person, go to a 203 up front and a 180 out back, but they're effective stoppers.
With you on the dropper mind...
.. pretty sure mboy sold an XL to a 6'7" customer who'd never gotten a properly fitting XL, and he was apparently well impressed with the sizing
Yup and yup... Though to be fair, we're now getting used to longer reaches and shorter stems, had they done an XXL I'm sure it would have fitted said customer even better, but it was by far the longest bike he'd swung a leg over previously anyway and he still enjoys riding it.
Yeah, I can see that witht he frame-only but at the same time, it seems like a really good frame, which they've had to put fairly low end parts on to make what's still not a cheap/good value full build.You might be happy dropping as much as £450 on the frame but not £900 or £1150 on a build that frankly belongs on a £600 halfords bike, and then replacing tons of it. Just doesn't seem like they've really hit a sweet spot at all, bit of a shame with such potential.
I kind of want one, can you tell?
I think you're being a touch unfair on the build, but it is all lower spec compared to the quality of the frame I'll grant you. It's workmanlike kit that you would replace over time (or upgrade immediately if you had the budget) yes, but it all works ok. The frame is indeed the star of the show.
629 is a cracking spec though... Shame it's a bit of a boring colour!
This! He's always been great to deal with. He's incredibly knowledgeable too.
Cheers Dude! 😀
I really want mboys version of events
Renton popped into the shop, asked to have a look at the 529/629. We got chatting, he announced who he was, we chatted a bit more, he asked when I could get one in in a Large and could I possibly deliver or meet him half way with it sometime soon (his parents live near my shop, he's about 80 miles away now). Luck would have it they were in stock at distributor, I was going near to where he lives (yesterday had to go past Oxford anyway) so we did the deal... 🙂
Enjoy it Renton! Pop a pic up when you've got your new bits on... Like I said, still reckon you want to shorten the stem a little too, especially if you're going wider on the bars.
Cheers mboy !!
I'm glad you've just said about the standard tyres going up ok as tubeless as you were about to get an email as much.
Edit: thanks again for taking time to drop it bud.
Whyte are great with their spec choices on their other stuff, but these seem to be specced to appeal to roadies, but with great geometry.
I'd buy a frame.
Oh I forgot you probably made that much surplus profit when you took the p155 out of my good nature when I cut you a deal on your last purchase. Which, I would wager you never actually rode before putting for sale at a 30% mark up.....nice work fella!
Ooohhhhhh......
I'm glad you've just said about the standard tyres going up ok as tubeless as you were about to get an email as much.
On Stans or other similarly tight "tubeless ready" rims they usually do, you need a fair bit of sealant too. Can't 100% guarantee it, but I've had a good success rate with non tubeless Maxxis in the past.
thanks again for taking time to drop it bud.
No worries. Eventually got home at 10:15 last night after plenty of traffic en route to Brizzle, then pissing it down all the way home... Near enough 300 miles yesterday all told, glad I don't make a habit of that any more!
mboy - I don't suppose you know whether the forks on the 629 are 46 or 51mm offset? I emailed Whyte but whoever it is there who answers questions from the public doesn't have that information available to them!
ChrisL, don't know for certain, but I'd expect they're 46mm offset. Chatted with Ian Alexander the designer for a while at the 2017 product launch, his preference is for a lower offset he said.
I may be wrong though.
Having tried both before myself, expecting there to be a huge difference (given the guffaw about the increased 51mm offset forks when they first came out), I'd say that at best any benefit from either offset is small. About 5mm at best or therabouts! 😉
I can't believe no one has noticed this is the second 529 that Renton's had.
mboy - I don't suppose you know whether the forks on the 629 are 46 or 51mm offset?
Just built another 629 today for a customer...
46mm offset for definite.
Thanks, mboy!
Is it fir sale yet?
Oh I forgot you probably made that much surplus profit when you took the p155 out of my good nature when I cut you a deal on your last purchase. Which, I would wager you never actually rode before putting for sale at a 30% mark up.....nice work fella!
After a little detective work....that is a dick move.
Details here: http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/salsa-horsethief-split-pivot-bike-split
Not a nice thing to do at all. Properly taking the piss out of a kind and generous gesture.
Deary me. 🙄
Yes I admit I've been a dick.
It was nice of poplarkin to bring the bike down and it was a very nice bike.
However .... I couldn't get the dropper low enough in the seat tube to get it at a comfortable height for me to pedal and as such I felt like I was stretching my legs too much and also rocking my hips when riding it.
I priced it up slightly more than what pop sold it for purely down to the fact people always haggle and also to cover postage etc. I was willing to sell at what I bought it for bit had no interest so decided to split it.
However I do admit I was being a bit greedy.
I've explained to pops that I feel a bit of a dick about it.
Slightly more? Quick add up says £1400 for all the parts £400 more....sorry Renton that's very unfortunate.
I liked the Whyte 901 i tried but was disappointed when they told me no frame options.
Hope you keep amd enjoy this one.
Oh sorry you think it sold at the prices advertised....
Edit.. I had the full bike up for sale at £1100 ono including postage.
Anyway as it stands I've so far upgraded the drivetrain to the NX 11 speed stuff and bought a dropper post and also a set of wheels.
As the buyer of the PopLarkins' Renton's lovechild, I'm having the last word with the bike split.
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So this is how the bike stands at the moment.
So far I've done the following...
Swapped to the 1 x 11 drivetrain
Fitted a stealth giant dropper
Fitted a shorter stem and wider bars
Fitted ergon grips
New charge saddle
Fitted hope/wtb wheels (waiting for rear one to be rebuilt)
Pic..
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Hopefully have the wheel back this week so can get some miles on it to bed the forks in and give them a chance before i decide their fate.
So this is how it looks as if this morning.
Fitted the new Xt brakes and got my rear wheel back .......
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Opinions as always welcome
Noice.
Just need to swap the forks and the rotors 😛
I have only just realised, how much more expensive better rotors look.
Ah yes forgot about them. I have a pair of Xt ice tech coming Monday
Slight thread hijack here but I'm thinking about going for a 529 as it looks to be an ideal starting point for the type of hardtail I ultimately want. With an an eye on future upgrading I noticed the standard rims on the 529 are 21mm wide compared to 23mm on the 629 which runs 1 x 11. They both run 29" x 2.25" tyres so am I right in thinking I'll be OK running rims up to 23mm on the 529 even with a 2 x set-up? The plan is to go full SLX 2 x 11 groupset, SLX brakes with some trail ready rims built around Chris King or ST Swiss Hubs.
I've swapped to wtb i23 rims on mine mate no problems.
I see you've gone to 1 x 11 set up. I'm concerned about chain clearance with the wider rim, is it close? It might not be an issue given as the 529 and 629 both come with 2.25" tyres despite having different width rims.
Hi mate. There is acres of room between the chainring, chain and tyre.
Thanks Renton. I know you got the bike from someone on here, where's the shop?
Hi mate.
Speak to Mboy from on here. He has a shop in Droitwich.
Mboy, a.k.a.- Mark of Missing Link Cycles, Droitwich.
Great chap and very knowledgeable.
I am thinking of getting one myself on the bike2work scheme. On the off chance, has anybody ridden the previous years' version as a direct comparison for riding position / geometry? They have a 2016 629 at my LBS but haven't seen or sat on this years frame version to compare.
I believe Mboy has and he really rates it to be honest.
Super looking bike.
Anyone know maximum rubber size one can fit?
Nice bike but the garage door frame requires attention.
Nice bike but the garage door frame requires attention
Blame the MOD for that mate.
Regards the tyre clearance fitted on mine is a 2.25 rear tyre and there is room to go a bit bigger.
175mm GX cranks fitted....
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Initial thoughts are that it feels much better. Amazing what 5mm can do
I'm swapping the stem and bars out as I'm finding the 40mm stem much to short for my liking so going to try the 60mm version it came with. Also found some nice Chromag bars.
Dude- have you actually ridden it properly yet? That's an awful lot of upgrades on what is a pretty good bike already
you'll be swopping the frame for something else soon too then ? 🙂 is it the only original bit left ?
Nah forks are original too.
It was always my intentions to swap most stuff out.
I could of bought the 629 which is much better specced out of the box but I just really like this colour.
I have ridden it yes. Not far bit enough to know that the stem is to short.
So I've gone back to the original 60mm stem as I was hitting my knees on the 40mm one.
Also swapped to a set of Chromag bars that instantly feel great ....
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Feels much better. I'm off for a decent ride either tonight of tomorrow so if interested will let you all know how it goes.
Glad you're enjoying it
It's a big shame they didn't make the 629 a more exciting colour isn't it, as our the box the spec is well worth the price difference.
To whoever was asking about the 2016 models, there's a few subtle differences, but they were still a great bike. I ran one for 18 months until just recently, and systematically upgraded almost all the parts on it over time myself too.
Forks next (well in a few months!!) Mboy !
So how are you enjoying the bike Renton? I'm split between buying a 529 and an 801, their suitability for upgrade is as important a factor in me making a purchase as to how each rides. What rear axle is on the bike?
Hmmm, I threw my leg over a 629 yesterday and was impressed. I even like the colour. Why do people rave about the frame though? 6061 Al is not particularly special...or is it a geometry thing?
So how are you enjoying the bike Renton? I'm split between buying a 529 and an 801, their suitability for upgrade is as important a factor in me making a purchase as to how each rides. What rear axle is on the bike?
Its going well thank you.
Ive just received a pair of 140mm RS Sektors to try on it although Im sure they will end up @ 130mm eventually. These are a stop gap until I can fund a nice set of Pikes or other stiff 29er forks.
The rear axle on this is 135mm q/r.
To be honest I never really looked at the 801 however the spec looks to be very similar to the 529 doesn't it.
tough choice to be fair between the two.
It is a bit of a tough choice although I'm sure I won't go wrong with either judging by the geometry of each. Much like yourself I'm just looking for a good starting point although I'm going to wait to start the upgrades until next winter.
Funnily enough the 529 wasn't on my radar but I thought about the type of riding I do the most and concluded a 29er wouldn't be a bad choice.
It's a nice bike mate.
Anyway here it is fitted with the Sektor forks......
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It feels much better already and I've not put it through a decent ride with them fitted yet. I'm going to see how they are at 140mm bit to be honest will more than likely drop them to 130mm eventually.