Whyte’s reputation for producing the best trail and enduro bikes is second to none. This UK brand’s design team doesn’t seem to sit still, constantly refining dimensions, geometry, and specs. And it’s not just the latest e-bikes and long travel rigs getting the attention – Whyte still wants to build the best hardtails as well.

Whyte 629 V4

With no XC race bikes in its line up now, Whyte’s aluminium trail 29ers are the brand’s only hardtail offering in this wheel size. They sit alongside the much revered and test-winning 900 series bikes, which run 27.5in wheels and 2.8in rubber. And with Whyte making a shift from defining its bikes by model years, the latest evolution of the 629 is marked as V4 (dictating Version 4). There are two bikes using this frame platform – both SRAM and RockShox equipped, where the 629 tested here is the range-topping model.

L and XL frames get a 170mm stroke dropper (150mm on the size M)

The V4 frame has had some genuinely useful refinements to its sorted predecessor, and fork travel remains the same at 120mm. Seat tubes have been shortened on all three frame sizes (by a whopping 50mm on the XL), allowing for longer stroke droppers while increasing standover clearance. There’s also improved clearance between the stays that allows for tyres up to 2.6in wide.

Rear stays have clearance for a 2.6in tyre

Sizing and geometry are areas which Whyte spends plenty of time on and the 629 certainly is the outlier for a 120mm travel hardtail. Sure, the 64.5º head angle paired with a short 44mm offset fork crown is now a common sight, but the long 450mm chainstays and 1,285mm wheelbase certainly aren’t. Yes, the size XL is long – in every way – with a 505mm reach matched to a stubby 35mm stem. Factor in the low 300mm bottom bracket height and you really do feel centred and sitting in the bike.

RockShox 35 fork is smooth and easy to set-up

Suspension

With only 120mm travel you could misread this hardtail’s intentions, but the 629 is a carefully curated blend of numbers when it comes to suspension and geometry. The RockShox 35 Gold RL fork, with its 35mm stanchions and DebonAir spring means business, especially when it partners up with Whyte’s thinking on frame layout and sizing.

There’s enough travel to soak up medium sized hits and the fork’s stout stature helps the bike stay on track, resisting deflections in tight chewed up turns. Torque Caps on the front hub help boost stiffness too. Would a longer travel fork make it even better? We’re not convinced and may even lose some of the bike’s magic.

Short stem gives accurate steering, and there’s decent height adjustment on offer with the stock spacer set-up

Components

There’s nothing remarkable about the transmission, it’s tried and tested, albeit heavy, SRAM NX Eagle, with a 12 speed 11-50T cassette and 32T chainring. Whyte has considered ground clearance though and fitted shorter 170mm cranks arms to work with the low BB height.

SRAM’s 4-piston Guide T brakes proved powerful and reliable

The Whyte is the only bike on test with four-piston brakes (the cheaper 529 has them too), SRAM’s Guide T dishing out plenty of modulation and power. As a result, stopping distances were noticeably shorter than on the other three bikes.

Whyte has not fitted huge rubber to this 29er, opting instead for a 3C compound 2.3in Maxxis High Roller up front paired to a faster rolling 2.35in Forekaster out back – so if you want increased cushioning or pedal clearance, bigger volume tyres are an easy addition.

The 629 has great balance, even for tallest riders

Performance

Take a quick spin round a parking lot and you might not instantly ‘get’ the Whyte 629, especially if you’re coming from a smaller bike. Show it some trails, be they man-made or off piste, and everything makes instant sense, as the Whyte dishing out a truly impressive performance.

The Whyte 629 V4 has got your back, whatever the trail throws at you

The combination of a low bottom bracket, long reach and lengthy chainstays really do keep you centred on the bike, giving you bucket loads of confidence. So whether you’re weaving through rooty singletrack or crashing down rock gardens, the Whyte always carries speed and remains calm and composed. The 35mm stem and short offset fork are a sweet combination, giving calm yet precise steering control, which just encourages you to ride harder in every situation.