Sizing dilemma on the new Whyte Karve RS – XL vs L? (Stock running out fast!)

[Send_it]

I am looking to buy the new Whyte Karve trail/enduro e-MTB, but 2026 stock is almost gone nationwide. Demo bikes are unavailable, so I have to buy blind. I also have a Kenevo S5 and a Whyte S-150 and used 99 spokes to look at the geo.

My Dilemma:

• The Geometry: The XL reach is quite long at 519mm (compared to 507mm on the Evo XL) with a 465mm chainstay. The Large also drops the chainstay to 455mm.
• The Goal: I want to feel "in" the bike, not sitting too high, and I want to keep the overall weight down.
• The Advice: The shop suggested sizing down to a Large because reach can be adjusted with a stem swap, and a smaller bike is easier to throw around.

My Questions for the Community:

• How does the 519mm reach feel in reality on the XL?
• If you usually ride XL, have you sized down to a Large on modern Whyte geometry?
• How did it affect your leg length/dropper post setup and ride feel?
• Should I risk grabbing one of the last Large models now?

 

[GDAS]

sorry I can't answer your question directly, but it strikes me that your two existing XL bikes (I think we can consider Spesh S5 as XL) have considerably different reach and stack figures (to each other). So doesn't back-to-back riding on those bikes tell you something about your preferred reach & stack?

I ride XL, and occasionally wonder whether I'm missing out on the greater agility of an L , but usually conclude that I prefer overall comfort.

 

[Ribinrobin]

What height are you? im 6,2 and swapped all my bikes to large, very active rider and ive never looked back.

 

[Send_it]

sorry I can't answer your question directly, but it strikes me that your two existing XL bikes (I think we can consider Spesh S5 as XL) have considerably different reach and stack figures (to each other). So doesn't back-to-back riding on those bikes tell you something about your preferred reach & stack?

I ride XL, and occasionally wonder whether I'm missing out on the greater agility of an L , but usually conclude that I prefer overall comfort.

I agree that the XL is definitely more comfortable. The Kenevo is a bit of beast, ploughing over everything 180mm suspension and fitted with 29” wheels. A real heavy beast to pedal over the speed limit cut off!

 

[Send_it]

What height are you? im 6,2 and swapped all my bikes to large, very active rider and ive never looked back.

I am 6ft 4” with a 31.5” leg inseam. I am looking for a more playful lighter bike.

 

[Ribinrobin]

I am 6ft 4” with a 31.5” leg inseam. I am looking for a more playful lighter bike.

id say with your height def XL. my height is normally top of large bottom of xl so wiggle room but your more at middle/top of xl. You could try a large but i think you are quite far into the xl camp.