Test Pilot

TEST PILOT: WTP Arcade 2016

Built and tested by Crucial BMX Shop

Words and Photos: Dunk

Website: wethepeoplebmx.de
Distro: cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk
Thanks: Crucial BMX Shop

WTP are top of the game when it comes to affordable, reliable completes and the Arcade is bang on the money. The 2016 model sees few changes from last years – but if it ain’t broke why fix it? With its mix of Hi-Ten and 4130 CrMo tubing, the good all round geometry, comfy and clever tripod seat system and the 26/9 gearing you’ll be left wanting for nothing. The colourway this year is black with oil slick parts – namely the stem, hubs and four spokes. It took us a minute to figure out why they’ve only coloured four of the spokes (two on each wheel) but when someone pointed out they go either side of the valve it was a unanimous “ahh how clever!”. Not that it takes long to search for a valve, but I’m a fan of German efficiency and that right there floats my boat. So once again WTP have nailed it with all you’d ever need in a complete!

What’s their history and where are the brand from?
WTP are from Cologne, Germany, and have been around for almost 20 years. What started as T-shirt brand by a bunch of friends eventually grew into a company making hard goods and eventually the bikes which you see today, to cater for the modern day rider of any level.

What do the manufacturers say about it?
You could be tricked into thinking that the entry level price-point of the Arcade means it’s a cheap bike but you’d be wrong. Jam packed with WTP’s own Salt components, the Mid padded Tripod seat, sealed mid BB and Integrated headset and geometry borrowed from the PRO model frames you’re getting a lot of bike for your buck. The added extras like the oil slick parts really make the bike stand out.

What’s the bike intended for and who is it aimed at?
The Arcade comes with 8.6” bars and a Salt high-rise stem giving you plenty of room up front and perfect for the entry to mid level rider. It uses fatter tires, and short technical geometry making it perfect for skatepark and street riding.

Is there anything that could be improved on the bike?
WTP have all bases covered here as per usual. The bars slipped a couple of times but completes have a tendency to do that so nothing to worry about. As always a reliable and good looking product from Ze Germans!

SPECS:

Frame: 1020 hi-ten with 4130 Crmo down tube, 20.5”TT
Fork: SALT “AM” fork, 1020 hi-ten
Bars: 1020 hi-ten 8.6” high, 28.75” wide
Grips: WETHEPEOPLE Vex compound “Hilt”
Cranks: SALT “AM” seamless tubular 3pc crank crmo
170mm
BB: SALT “Mid Size”, press fit, sealed bearing
Pedals: SALTPLUS plastic
Sprocket: SALT “AM” steel 26t sprocket
Chain: SALT “AM”
Stem: SALT “Pro” top loading stem
Headset: SALT “Pro” int. headset, sealed bearing
Brake: SALT “Moto” alloy u-brake
Lever: SALT “Moto” alloy brake lever
Seat: WETHEPEOPLE “Arcade” mid padded tripod seat
Post: Tripod Post
Front Hub: SALT “AM” alloy hub, loose ball 3/8″s, 36h
Rear Hub: SALT “EXPERT” cassette hub, full sealed, 9t,
14mm axle, 36h
Rims: SALT “Valon” rim, straight single wall, 36h F&R
Front Tyre: SALT “Strike” 2.35 “front
Pegs: SALT “AM” steel pegs (1 pair)
Rear Tyre: SALT “Strike” 2.2 rear
Colours: Black/Oil Slick
RRP: £369

Jordan is unstoppable at the moment; this 360 drop was just too smooth.

About the rider:

Name: Jordan Godwin
Home: Cardiff
Favourite thing about this bike: Geometry was bang on and the valve indicating spokes were a nice touch!