Sizing and geometry are they key starting points here. If your coming from a longer travel bike then there’s a lot that will feel familiar – even before the wheels start turning. A roomy frame with plenty of reach allows Whyte to spec a short 40mm or 50mm stem (depending on frame size) mated to a wide 780mm bar; a good start. The well-finished aluminium frame is tidily designed with plenty of attention to detail – a low stand over height, easy access to the shock lockout and very neat cable/hose routing.

Slack, long and low are key traits that we’re looking for on trail bikes in 2017 and Whyte has hit the spot with their 29er geometry. Take this and add Boost hub spacing (front and rear), improved mud clearance, standard large volume tyres and a relatively low weight and the result is an incredibly capable trail bike.

‘The Whyte T-129 is a trail bike that is fast, very capable, and a hoot to ride in the rough’

Whyte build this model around their SCS rear triangle – designed specifically for a single chainring transmission. A good move, giving more mud clearance and fewer compromises to frame performance. A well-designed frame needs good suspension and here the T-129 gets the Fox treatment front and rear. A stiff 34 Rhythm fork and Float DPS Performance rear shock are a good match.

Its full Shimano eleven speed SLX for the transmission apart from the now popular RaceFace Aeffect cranks, a mix that works well. A small 28T front chainring gives a suitably low gear when matched to the larger 29” wheels.