whyte stirling

[russ]

oh not again , considering a whyte stirling as the next bike , hands up for this or the equivalent halyards boardman ? how are the build quality on these two bikes ? will be used for daily commute and weekend road work around the new forest , ( have another bike to use off road )

[donfisher]

Whyte said:

Rims: Alex Black Dragon 24, Deep Section, Disk Specific Road, 32 Hole Rear and 28 Front, Reflective 3M decals
Tyres: Maxxis Detonator, 700 x 28c, Grey, Folding with Puncture Protection

The tyres are woeful. Need binning straight away and I strongly disagree with the fact that they add Pucnture Protection as a feature.

I have the same rims on my Whyte Dorset – I’m about 105 kilos and the bike is XL, It went through 4 spokes in 1,600 miles. It might’ve been a badly built wheel or it mightn’t be an issue for a lighter rider but If you’re not good at checking and tightening spokes I’d recommend getting the wheels checked after a few 000 miles to make sure they’re all good.

I don’t particularly like my Whyte, It’s not very nice to look at and is a bit sensible but since Aug last year it’s been a great winter commuter and has been more than adequate for longish weekend rides once or twice a month.

Spokes aside, it’s been a great bike.

[russ]

so overall you like your whyte ?

[Magic919]

I've had a Whyte Montpellier for a few years. It's the last of the metal framed ones. Mostly used it to commute in all weathers and like it. It's just another of the R7 bikes and must be a similar frame.

My only dislike is the chain stays. They curve out a bit and get a bit close to my heels. Not sure if the Striling will be similar.

[Watchman]

We have a Portobello and a Caranaby Womens and we quite frankly love them. The Maxxis Detonators proved to be precisely as named, and detonated too often so I ditched them for something more resistant.

I'm 103Kg and haven't had any issues to speak of... noticed a rippling feeling through the front brake which was traced to my weight making the spokes squirm under braking. Tweeked the spoke tension and eliminated that. Found a creak that was eventually traced to the cassette moving a little because the lock ring wasn't tight enough - sorted now.

I've had the Portobello since 2011 and couldn't think of a bike I'd replace it with although I would like to try a CF frame and wheels one day.

[russ]

Well a bit of an issue ,my local white dealer doesn't have demo bikes and will only allow a short trial ride on the fifty yard long road at the back of the shop so not very happy to spend a grand without trying the bike properly first.other local bike shops are happy for me to take their bikes out for twenty to thirty minutes.so looks like I will be trying Merida or specialised Sirius