[Closed] Whyte 905v3

I have a 2018 909. I also have a 2014 Inbred. The former isn't any less compliant. The latter just has a different feel. Neither are more or less uncomfortable. So I've reached the conclusion that a hardcore hardtail doesn't need to be steel if it has nice soft chunky tyres and a decent fork. I only do mile munching on the Inbred, which is rigid so the (ever so) slightly springier feel is more warranted. You won't regret a 905 if you love riding hard and fast.

Thanks.
Had a Nukeproof scout which was lovely a springy. In fact it felt as good as the Stanton Sherpa i used to have

The Whyte 90X series are fantastic bikes.

There is a reason the 905 wins so many awards. From my experience they are the best balanced trail hardtail. There are more hardcore hardtails, there are more xc orientated hardtails but the 905 is the best middle ground.

The 2.8 plus size tyres mean the ride is very comfortable. You can swap out for 2.3s for more xc orientated use.

I'm waiting for my 909v3 to come in for this season. V3 is just an equipment refresh for 2021,frame geo/design remains the same.

The frames do come up quite long so if you are normally a large then medium may do etc.

I got one of the early 905v2 models. Great bike. Huge amounts of grip and very comfy once you've bought a gauge capable of measuring sub 20psi (my track stand happily goes to 180 but was useless at such low numbers).
I wouldn't agree about sizing down though. The length is part of the bike's character - I ride an XL which is possibly the longest bike I've ever seen and have never wanted a shorter one.
Ideally you want to test one but when I did it was just in a car park which didn't tell me much (other than it was long!). I bought the XL on faith, took it straight to the local trails and then gave it a proper test ride. Thankfully all the reviews were right and it's great.
Apart from the components which just didn't survive well in a British winter...

I’ve got a V1 905 (for sale in fact). It’s not overly harsh, and that’s coming from a steel fanbon, and way kore compliant than an Orange Crush which was my direct comparison. The 2.8’s really help with that and the fork is excellent. It’s pretty aggressive and very long, which is why I’m selling it as I’m more a flat terrain pedaler than a gravity fan so want a shorter more XC focused beast. If trail centres are your thing, then it’s superb.

The Sram GX is shite tho if you ride where it’s muddy. Switched mine to SLX!

@ofked sizing is definately personal depending on your preference or aversion towards the long low slack geo. As you say they are long and if you like that then they do tick that box very well.

@bjhedley the shimano / sram debate will always be around and there is definitely personal preference. I prefer sram, I find GX Eagle easily comparable if not better than XT. It does need to be set up dead on with the sram b screw adjustment tool and correct cable tension though.

NX Eagle on the 905 is certainly equivalent of slx.

Just been down to my lbs to sit on one for sizing. Definitly the longest bike I've sat on, but felt fine.

I've got a 2019 905 (is that a v1?) am 5'10"\178cm and have a medium. It's the longest bike I've had and wouldn't want it any longer.

When I first rode it I really noticed the comfort which will be the 2.8" tyres, have since changed to MM 2.4s and still feels comfy.

I ride everything on it including traditional(?) XC routes, think Cheviots\Gypsy Glen; and trail centres think Glentress\Innerleithen; and non trail centre centres, think Yair\Golfie

It's a brilliant bike 🙂

K's got one from a few years back. Runs on 2.4's - I'd have through 2.8's would make it feel heavy and sluggish but what do I know. Fantastic mud clearance - just nowhere for it to collect.

I'd buy one.

@bellerophon / @sync how do you get on with the narrower tyres reducing the BB height? I've had my 901 for 18 months and still have a lot of pedal strikes!

I agree about the length, I'm 180cm and have a large, but kind of wish I'd bought a medium. Super stable but not very nimble.

@andydt82 It's ok but I just tend to stick with the 2.8s as this covers all the riding I do.

It's fine with reasonably high volume narrower tyres and it doesn't drop the BB that much but then I've only used that set up suitable for more xc focused riding so not worrying about some of the ground clearance issues that could occur.

I haven't had any BB strikes either way but I pick fairly easy lines and trails these days. Dropping off a kerb feels like too much air for me now...

@andydt82 TBH I hadn't even thought about it dropping the BB 🙂 The plan was to pair the MM upfront with a 2.4 Maxxis I already had, hence 2.4; but then ended up getting a Hans Dampf instead.

As to pedal strikes, can't say I've noticed it being any worse, I do get them mind 🙂

@sync aye definitely personal preference. I just had massive reliability issues - 3 mechs imploded, one was faulty from the factory, without taking any impacts, and really vague shifting. Almost like the cage wasn’t stiff enough to take the load and kept twisting laterally. Probably not set up right or unlucky, but shimano seems a bit more durable. Out me off Sram a little. That said, have etap on my roadbike and it’s faultless.

I'm glad it's not just me who had trouble with the SRAM kit - it's fine in summer but mine fell apart v quicky in mud. Mine chewed up a couple of BBs, seized the jockey wheels and then the derailleur failed, all within a month or so of summer finishing. I lost my sense of humour and replaced it with XT which has been great.
If you intend to ride mud with it, consider the 909 if it still comes with XT. It would have been cheaper for me.
The size debate is interesting. After reading around, I think the conclusion is that bike designers still don't size their bikes properly. In the old days, the reach was way too short in larger sizes but presumably OK for smaller. I'm 6'3 and still have memories of just how painful it is to hit your knees on a handlebar clamp whilst pedalling hard!
It looks like modern "long" bikes now fit the taller among us (yay!) but could be too long at smaller sizes (which I can only assume is bad: I can honestly say I've never ridden a bike that is too long).
So I'm going to amend my previous comment: if you're tall, you'll love the extra length but if you're not, then don't listen to me...