There are two priorities to consider when looking for a XC race hardtail; light weight and stiffness. You want both in equal measure, a bike that will respond instantly to your pedalling input and light enough that it’ll take hardly any effort to propel you across the line ahead of your competitors. If you happen to have £2799 knocking about in your bank account or under the mattress and want a carbon hardtail that is British designed, the Whyte 19 Race handily fits the bill.

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