BIKEmagic member Chris Sowerby submitted this review, beating the world to the first test of the production Whyte “Preston” PRST-1. We haven’t been able to contact him yet, and so have posted this review without checking. Sounds interesting but we’ll reserve judgment until we’ve swung a leg over one next week.

The bikes ARE in the country though, and currently being built up and sent out to dealers – several we know have them already and more are on their way. Check back to BIKEmagic next week for more on this eagerly anticipated bike – can the ride live up to the hype?

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Wow err brilliant cornering, braking, tracking, damping, weight all miles better than anything else. Ruts what ruts? The damping is so smooth that even at speeds the most severe rut disappeared into nothing.

Cornering is also something you have to ride to believe, because the forks travel vertically after the first 20mm it limits the amount dive under braking. The first 20mm of travel almost acts like ABS for the front wheel giving you enormous braking power on the front wheel. We fond you could brake later into corners and get out earlier than the competition.

Downsides? Well only very minor things

1) The bars on the small sizes (15) are higher of the floor than a equivalent Marin.

2) Weight for the XT alloy one is 1/2 pound lighter than a Mount Vision.

3) The new drop outs worked fine but it would be nice to see a custom made hub to get the true potential out of them.

All in all the best XC bike I have ever ridden at every level.

PS. My last bike was a Pace which I thought was unbeatable until now!

Check out the Whyte site