Whyte 905 - One year on

So, after the months of research and parting with hard earned cash (credit card), how is the Whyte riding one year (and 4 months) on?

After nearly 12 months of trying (and failing) to fix the rear brake vibration issue with the Avid 5s, I finally gave up and bought some 2012 Hope Tech M4s from eBay.  Fingers crossed, this seems to have fixed the issue, and I have a lot more faith in the brakes, allowing me to push things a bit more.  There have been some othbere niggles too - the paint is incredibly soft and thin, giving the bike a used look almost immediately, which was irritating at first but now suits it.  The poploc remote snapped after a few weeks following a small bump with a tree trunk, which had to be replaced (with the old version as it happens - less shiny, but more substantial), and the lockout on the forks had to be 'fixed' about 5 times before Wheelies finally identified that the wrong compression mechanism had been installed and replaced it.  Also, the front mech sheared clean through, which was replaced free of charge by Whyte.  Finally, after a particularly muddy ride (and forgetting to clean it), I had to get the rear mech and brakes ungummed and stripped (oops - lesson here kids - clean your bike!).

So, all in all, a pretty rough year.  However, its now working fine and not breaking every ride (so far).  Sadly I haven't had a chance to get the Maxxis Aspens back on to get the real speed out of it.  I've had Fire XCs on from purchase, with a swop out for a trailraker rear for winter Clyne rides, which are awesome all weather tyres - albeit too porous to go tubeless (on the list), and provide the best grip-speed compromise for the terrian I ride. The forks are smooth and I run them a little softer than usual and use the lockout where needed, and the extra 20mm travel on the Rebas is proving its worth at Afan and Brechfa.  The back end is occasionally a little firm, but generally is supple enough to soak up what's needed and grip even the fastest rockiest descents (that I'd dare to ride!). Transmission is smooth still and the 2 x 10 set up is generally proving itself (albeit still getting used to the ratios). 

Gotten used to the Gobi saddle now and loving it, although still prefer the SDG for longer riding/comfort.  Will probably switch the bars/stem/seatpost to Easton Haven carbons soonish to take a bit of buzz out, but the Stylo/Whyte bits are performing well so no rush. 

After having just come back from hammering the Wall at Afan, I can say for the first time I am really starting to love this bike.  Its always been there, but the frustrations of getting it right have damped it a bit.  I'm really starting to get to know the limits of both myself and the bike and it really is fast and confidence inspiring.  Also, no major crashes  so far - which is always good!  Hopefully this will be my hardtail for years to come.