Whyte has launched two new alloy gravel bikes, designed around an evolution of its long-standing MTB-inspired gravel geometry.
The new Verro is intended for rough terrain, and brings masses of mounts and 50mm tyre clearances. With a dropper post, mullet drivetrain and progressive geometry, the new bike is said to be Whyte’s most capable gravel machine yet.
Unveiled alongside the Verro is the Tourus, with a 2x GRX drivetrain and 45mm tyres. Whyte sees the Tourus as the ideal daily commuter bike and touring bike for all surfaces.
Whyte was gravel before gravel existed
Back in 2011, Whyte launched the Saxon Cross – essentially, the brand's take on a cyclocross bike. The Saxon Cross debuted Whyte’s Total Geometry concept, which matched a long front centre and short stem from mountain biking with the angles of a cyclocross bike.
Much has changed since then, but Whyte’s progressive gravel geometry philosophy remains.
Both the new Verro and Tourus feature steeply sloping frame designs, with long top tubes matched to short stems. Relaxed head angles and steep seat angles are designed to help the bikes track in the rough, while maintaining a short back end to keep them agile.
It’s something we’ve seen on other mountain-bike inspired gravel bikes, such as the Mondraker Arid and Cannondale’s latest Topstone. However, with Whyte’s bikes priced at only £1,299 for the Tourus and £1,799 for the Verro, this could be the most affordable way to get a gravel bike with a cutting-edge geometry design.
Range details
Whyte Tourus
The Tourus is aimed at touring cyclists and commuters. It comes with a 2x10 Shimano GRX transmission and gravel-specific alloy wheels.
Spec highlights
- 6061 T6 hydroformed aluminium frameset
- Full set of frame and fork mounting points
- 700x45c Maxxis Reaver EXO tyre mounted on 23mm internal-width alloy rims.
- Shimano GRX 2x10 transmission (46-32T crankset x 11-34t cassette)
- Shimano flat-mount GRX hydraulic disc brakes (180mm rotor front, 160mm rotor rear)
- £1,299
Whyte Verro
The Verro is designed for more demanding gravel and trail use. It comes with a SRAM Apex Eagle drivetrain and WTB ST i30 alloy gravel wheels.
Spec highlights
- 6061 T6 hydroformed aluminium frameset
- Full set of frame and fork mounting points
- TransX dropper seatpost with size-specific drop & Rocker bar-mounted remote lever
- 700x50c Maxxis Ravager EXO tyres mounted on 30mm internal-width WTB ST i30 alloy rims.
- SRAM Apex 1x12 transmission (40T chainring x 10-52t cassette)
- SRAM Apex flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes (180mm rotor front, 160mm rotor rear)
- £1,799
