With prices starting at £1,100, Whyte's new Secta hardtail may be the ideal introduction to mountain biking
Fresh hardtail from Whyte prioritises minimal maintenance and budget-friendly performance
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Hardtails are ideal for both those new to mountain biking and those who prefer the sheer simplicity and ride character they offer. Whyte's new Secta looks poised to hit both of those marks thanks to an on-point geometry, no-fuss build kits, and somewhat reasonable pricing. Here are the details.
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Nothing but modern
Donning 130mm of suspension and 29in wheels, the Secta is bang up to date as it's built with a full-depth seat tube to help accommodate long dropper posts, 1x drivetrains across the range, and mounts for a bottle cage and accessories.
2025 whyte secta hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Why 29in wheels? I hear you ask. Well, Whyte has chosen larger wheels for their ability to roll over bumps better and effectively minimise their effect on the bike. As such, the Secta promises to tackle lumpy terrain faster and smoother while staving off fatigue - all important stuff on a hardtail.
However, the bump reducing measures don't stop there as the brand has tuned the bike's seat and chain stays. The seat stay diameter has been reduced, as well as the tubing's gauge, which should mean more rear-end compliance, even with its 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminium frame.
2025 whyte secta rear.jpg, by Liam Mercer
For easy maintenance, the Secta dons a threaded bottom bracket, and its internal cable routing does not run through the headset. The bike is then UDH-ready, so replacement mech hangers are easy to source, and the Secta can run the very latest in SRAM shifting tech.
The theme of modernness runs right through to the Secta's geometry, too. There's a 63.5-degree head tube angle and size-specific seat tube angles that run from 75.5 degrees on a small frame up to 77 degrees on a large. Bottom bracket then sits lower than 300mm, we're told.
UK-proof performance at great value
Along with weather-sealed cable routing ports, a sealed seat clam collar, and clearance for a 2.6in rear tyre, the Secta is complete with custom chainstay protection, so it looks properly ready for the worst that the UK can throw at it.
2025 whyte secta bb.jpg, by Liam Mercer
With two bikes in the range, the Secta is primed to please those who are looking for performance, but without spending heaps of cash. Prices start at £1,100 and top out at £1,500, and each bike comes with all killer, no filler build kits.
The Secta S is that £1,100 bike, and its 130mm of suspension is delivered by a RockShox Rekon Silver RL fork. Shimano handles shifting with a Cues 10-speed drivetrain, and Tektro brings its two-piston brakes to the party. A TransX dropper post then provides 170mm of drop on medium to XL sizes. This bike rolls on Maxxis Rekon tyres.
Up the money to £1,500 and the Secta RS brings a RockShox Psylo fork into the mix along with Shimano's Deore 12-speed drivetrain and MT420 four-piston brakes. There's a TransX RAD+ dropper post and a pair of Maxxis Dissector tyres with EXO casings.
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