The complete Whyte 2011 bikes in detail.

Shots of Whyte's 2011 commuters and two new full suspension bikes have been reported already, but the full new range has been confirmed with one or two surprises. We take a look at what Whyte has in store for 2011.

The first real shock is a last minute decision to ditch the E-120 range! It had been suggested that the model would continue with the new alloy main-framed, carbon-swingarmed T-120 being a more wallet friendly option, and focusing more on just pure trail riding with slightly more relaxed angles. But the E-120 is gone. There is a few months worth of stock before this modern classic is gone so if you want one, don't hang around, there is no replacement at this time.

As well as the 146 and T-120, there's a brand new model in the form of the X8-series. Two models, the 805 and 809 make up the X8 range and are a further move into more-affordable, mainstream bikes for the brand. The successful 19 Carbon range gets an extra model, while the 19 metal series carries on as normal, as does the 900 series bar some upgrades.

146 series

As we lament the death of the E-120, it's helpful to distract yourself with the new 146. A move back towards long travel for Whyte, the 146 is the latest 'all-mountain-ride-anything-yet-light-enough-to-ride-xc-and-marathons' bike on the scene. Featuring a full carbon frame just like that found in the E-120, but serving up 146mm of rear travel mated to a 150mm fork, the 146 does look very much like a beefed up E-120. The quad-link 2.0 is still the dominating feature and it all looks nice and familiar. But what's really incredible is that the claimed weight of the entry level 146 S is actually less than that of the E-120 in XT spec, yet the price is still just £2999. If the ride is right and it's not a noodley, flexy mess, this is incredible! The E-120 is dead, long live the 146!

Before you change your mind and cancel that order for one of the few remaining E-120s - the 146, while lighter and despite having more travel, might not be for everyone. Whyte have pulled a bit of a shock and rather than staying contemporary or even going a little steep with its head angles, the 146 is a super slack 66 degrees in the head! A direct E-120 replacement this is not then.

The 146 comes in S and Works flavours and both use 2x10 SRAM setups - S gets you an X.9/X.0 mix, Works gets you reassuringly expensive XX. Fox forks and shocks feature on both bikes. The Works bike comes in at an equally impressive 24.9lbs but at a cost of £3999, though impressively achieves this weight despite the addition of a Rock Shox REVERB seatpost! The S at £2999 weighs 25.9lb offering much better value for money being a grand cheaper but only a single pound heavier.

If the 146 delivers in reality what it offers on paper, this is going to be one hell of a bike!

2011 Whyte 146 S

2011 Whyte 146 Works

T-120 series

You'll have seen images of the T-120 by now also, but let's take a look at what's really going on with this bike. As mentioned, this was expected to be a more affordable but also more chuckable stable mate to the more marathon/distance focused E-120. It is more affordable but with the E-120 gone, is this any kind of replacement?

A 6061 alloy front triangle keeps costs down but it gets the carbon swingarm like the 146. It's not all 'lo-fi' and a step back after the all-carbon E-120, as the T-120 gets a tapered head tube hinting that this is a very different bike. So far only one model has been detailed, the T-120 S, and comes in at £1999 tipping the scales at a pretty decent 27lbs. The fact that they designated a spec level in the form of 'S' (usually reserved for entry-level Whytes), we fully expect an expansion on the range as 2011 gets under way. The S spec gets you a Maxle Reba RL and a Monarch TL rear shock, WTB wheelset and a 10-speed X.7/X.9 mix.

Whyte's description of T-120 says "it carves corners and swallows hits and drops so seamlessly that you’ll be on the power through all your previous braking points. The T-120 is all about stability, confidence and control". It certainly sounds like the focus has been shifted away from distance riding and focused more on flat out trail riding; this one should be interesting!

2011 Whyte T-120 S

X8 series (805 and 809)

Keeping with the all-new, Whyte have added some entry-level hardtails to the range in the form of the 805 and 809. Offering a 6061 hydroformed and multi-butted frame and designed around a 100mm fork, the 805 and 809 are aimed at that one-bike, thrashing round the woods sort of rider. Don't think this is the same old 100mm 71/73 geometry hardtail, a much slacker 68.5 degree head angle which Whyte claims to give a more trail bike inspired ride and should give beginners and expert riders alike the confidence to ride faster.

The £899 805 offers a 27lb all-in weight, a Recon Silver coil fork, a 9-speed SLX/Alivio mix drivetrain and Hayes Stroker comp hydro brakes. The overall spec for the money doesn't seem to impress as much as the higher end bikes but the claimed weight isn't bad and we'll have to see what everyone else is doing for 2011 to make a judgment. Although we can practically hear the collective scream of "Alivio on a £900 bike!", from you lot already, even if it is just front mech and shifters!

The £1199 809 offers a 26lb all in weight, a Recon Gold Solo Air fork, X.7 10-speed drivetrain and Avid Elixir 3 hydro brakes. Again the weight is good and the spec seems reasonable.

2011 Whyte 805

2011 Whyte 809

900 series (901 and 905)

Whyte's 900 series bikes get a bit of a tweak for 2011. The 120mm hardtail platform gets tapered head tubes and press-fit bottom brackets for 2011. 10-speed groups are on both, the 901 getting a 3x10 X.7 group, the 905 getting an X.7/X.9 mix in 2x10 form.

2011 Whyte 901

2011 Whyte 905

19 Carbon, Alloy, Steel and Ti

The 19 Carbon range gets an extra model in the form of a 19 C S while the entry level 19 C gets a price reduction (and some downgrading in spec too).

2011 Whyte 19 Carbon

The Whyte 19 also comes in steel, alloy and ti flavours as per last year. They all now get press fit bottom brackets and the Alloy model gets a tapered head tube and fork.

2011 Whyte 19 Carbon