Like most of the Why Cycles models, the original Wayward was a fairly unique bike. A titanium hardtail with single speed & belt drive capabilities, the bike’s geometry and design also positioned it well as a bike perfectly suited to bikepacking and epic adventures. With the Wayward V2, none of that has changed. Instead, the bike has gained more options and increased versatility to make it an even better companion for your next adventure.
Still crafted from titanium, the Wayward V2 continues Why’s use of Grade 9 3/2.5 Ti for the tubing and 6/4 titanium for the headtube, BB, and machined parts. The sliding dropout with Boost 12 x 148mm spacing allows for geared or single speed use, and there is a split in the seatstay to allow for the use of a belt drive if desired.
In terms of updates to the V2, it’s all about making the bike more capable, more comfortable, and providing more options. The frame looks a bit curvier up top, which is a result of a lowered top tube/seat tube/seat stay junction to allow for longer length dropper posts. Why acknowledges that this will cut into frame bag space a bit, but they feel it’s a worthy trade off for those who want more room to get rad.
Along the lines of frame bags, Why has added quite a few braze-ons including accessory mounts under the top tube. These can either be used to mount something like a pump or smaller accessory – or, they could be used by a custom frame bag manufacturer as mounts for a custom bag without the need for straps. The down tube also features new mounts with 3-pack mounts on both sides of the tube.
Love big tires? The tire clearance on the V2 is now listed as 29 x 3.0″ including “ample mud clearance.”
Up front, the geometry is now corrected to fit a 120mm travel suspension fork instead of the 100mm fork on the previous model. Combined with an 8mm extension to the upper part of the headtube, that should allow for a more upright riding position without a huge stack of spacers.
Not into suspension? Why has partnered up with Titanium master Sean Burns at Oddity Cycles to offer a special rigid package for the V2. The Oddity Squid fork is suspension corrected to match the Wayward V2, and its single crown truss style is said to eliminate any brake chatter issues common with rigid titanium forks. When paired with the Oddity Lowrizer titanium bars, the bike is worthy of the ‘Squidward‘ nickname bestowed upon it by Why’s employees. Note that the Oddity Lowrizer bars will not be available through Why Cycles – there are too many sizes and options, so you will need to buy those directly from Oddity.
Wayward V2 Geometry
Original Wayward Geometry
Comparing the new and old geometry charts, the new bike has a slightly shorter reach and 20mm more stack height to make it more comfortable for longer epics. As noted, other changes include a shorter seat tube for longer dropper posts, and a few other small tweaks.
Pricing
In spite of all the changes, the price for the V2 frame remains the same at $2,449 which includes the headset, seat collar, anodized bottle bolts, and rear axle. Frame + Fork options start at $3,049 with a 120mm RockShox Yari. The Oddity fork upgrade adds a hefty $1,000 to that price. Complete builds with the RockShox Yari start at $4,799, and are available now.
