NEW: Whyte Sythe & Syphon | Great Value Trail and Enduro MTB
Who’s Who?
An overview of two new bikes from Whyte, the Sythe and the Syphon. Replacing the popular outgoing models the T140 and T160, Whyte have created two alloy do-it-all bikes at a brilliant price point.
Both bikes share the same excellent alloy frame platform – the key distinction is really about riding intent. The Sythe’s extra travel (30mm up front, 25mm rear) and aggressive Magic Mary tyres signal it’s built to go fast downhill with minimal compromise, while the Syphon’s shorter travel and Albert tyres lean more towards all-day trail efficiency with still-capable descending. It’s a notable value point that both start at £2,199 – the Syphon stays there as a single-spec bike, while the Sythe scales up to £3,199 for the RS build.
Whyte Sythe
Gravity | Enduro | Big Mountain
170mm / 160mm
MX mullet (29″ front · 27.5″ rear)
Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial
6061 hydroformed T6 alloy
Builds
Sythe or Sythe RS
Shop Whyte Sythe Mountain Bikes
Sythe: What We Like
The Sythe is Whyte’s offering to the gravity-hungry crowd. Built for enduro racers, big mountain regulars, and anyone who measures a good day by how fast they came down – not how far they climbed up. It’s a big, capable bike that doesn’t apologise for what it is.
Up front you get 170mm of Whyte custom-tuned suspension travel, with the option of Marzocchi or RockShox depending on your spec choice. Out back, a commanding 160mm keeps things planted when the terrain gets rough. That’s not trail geometry – that’s a bike built to eat chunky tech.
The mullet wheel setup is very welcome. The big front wheel rolls over obstacles with authority while the smaller rear keeps things snappy and responsive in tight corners. For riders on M, L or XL frames, there’s even the option to run a full 29-inch setup should you prefer – a nice bit of flexibility to evolve as you do.
Schwalbe Magic Mary Radials wrap those wheels, and frankly it’s bang on for this kind of bike. Aggressive, grippy, and confidence-inspiring when you’re pushing the limits on a steep descent.
Whyte Syphon
Trail | Big Days Out |
140mm / 135mm
29er (M, L, XL) · MX mullet (size S)
6061 hydroformed T6 alloy
Schwalbe Albert Radial
Builds
Syphon S (1 build only but 2 colour options)
Shop Whyte Syphon Mountain Bikes
Syphon: What We like
Where the Sythe leans into descending performance, the Syphon is a more rounded proposition – aimed squarely at trail riders who want genuine all-round capability without sacrificing too much in either direction.
The suspension package is where the character change is clearest: 140mm up front via a RockShox Pike Base fork, and 135mm out back with a RockShox Deluxe Select RT rear shock. Still plush enough to handle technical terrain with composure, but light enough to reward a pedalling rider who wants to cover ground efficiently.
Wheels are full 29-inch on medium frames and above – the right call for a trail-focused machine where rollover speed and stability matter. Smaller riders on the S size get the mullet setup, which keeps the handling lively without compromising reach or standover. Schwalbe Albert Radials throughout – a tyre with plenty of grip in varied conditions but far less rolling resistance than the Magic Mary on the Sythe.
The Syphon arrives in a single spec level – Syphon S – offered in a choice of two colours. Keeping the range focused like this is smart: it simplifies the buying decision and concentrates Whyte’s component budget where it matters most.
What They Share
Both bikes are built on a 6061 hydroformed T6 multi-butted alloy frame – the same platform, fettled to suit each bike’s purpose. For riders who actually ride their bikes hard and aren’t precious about paint, this is the right choice.
Proportional sizing is another shared strength. Rather than simply scaling one frame geometry up and down, Whyte build each size with adjusted proportions so that the fit, reach and handling feel consistent regardless of whether you’re on a small or an extra-large. It’s a detail that separates the serious manufacturers from the rest, and it’s welcome at this price point. Geometry adjustment also comes as standard on both, giving riders more control over how the bike sits and handles across different terrain.
The Verdict
Whyte have launched two bikes that know exactly what they are and who they’re for. The Sythe is a genuine gravity machine — capable, composed and serious about downhill performance. The Syphon is the all-rounder: efficient enough to enjoy the climbs, capable enough to handle technical descents without drama.
And then there’s the pricing. Both bikes open at £2,199 – and honestly, that’s what we love most about these bikes. At a time when the mountain bike market has pushed quality alloy full-suspension bikes further and further out of reach, Whyte have managed to deliver this level of specification, build quality and frame technology at a price that’s genuinely accessible. The Syphon stays there as a single, focused spec. The Sythe scales up to £3,199 for the RS build, which represents outstanding value for what is essentially an enduro race-ready platform.
These aren’t compromise bikes dressed up with marketing. They’re well-considered, properly specced machines that happen to be priced exactly where they should be. If you’re in the market for a new full-suspension alloy bike, both the Sythe and the Syphon belong at the top of your list.
Why Buy From Wheelbase
Wheelbase is the UK’s largest independent bike store with over 20 years of online experience. Every bike is fully built and safety checked by qualified mechanics, so it arrives ready to ride. We only list bikes as in stock when we are confident we can supply them, either from our own warehouse or trusted supplier partners. We support Cycle to Work, offer flexible finance and provide reliable after sales help from real riders who know the kit. Honest service, fast delivery and a focus on getting you the right bike.