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Downhill Bikes

Commencal releases Supreme 29 downhill bike

Hype beast

While Commencal weren’t the first to break cover on a race version of the 29er downhill bike, they were certainly a brand that was prepared for the switch. The 29er Supreme was first debuted between the legs of George Brannigan, Remi Thirion and Myriam Nicole, but it was Amaury Pierron on the Lac Blanc team that piloted it to the greatest success in Val di Sole.

With a longer reach, travel shortened to 205mm, a new linkage and a frame specifically designed for the bigger wheels, this was not a panicked bodge to capitalise on the big-wheeled trend, but a proper job and a well done one at that. By the end of the season Nicole had her title (although the latter half of the season she reverted to 27.5) and Pierron his comeback podium. The proof was in the pudding.

Just before the snows cloaked La Massana we headed over to Commencal HQ and got a World First exclusive ride on the monster truck and now it’s being released to the public.

Commencal’s official line on the bike is that it will suit the right riders and the right tracks but it’s by no means a one-stop shop (this is a very different line to Trek who described it as the out-and-out racer’s bike earlier this year).

Commencal said: ” Since the beginning, through its network of riders, COMMENCAL has very much been involved in competition. Using cutting-edge technologies for performance is a kid’s dream! Whatever the race, time is normally the main issue and for this, nothing must be left to chance.

“Recently, wheel size has become an additional parameter to consider when adapting a bike to the rider. 27.5’’ or 29’’, it’s up to you. We offer the SUPREME DH in both wheel sizes as we believe this choice is influenced by the rider’s size, riding style and preferences.

“In fact the 2017 World Cup season demonstrated exactly that. Our 29er frame has been specifically designed for 29’’ wheels and has been tested throughout the season by our World Cup riders. Amaury Pierron’s run at Val Di Sole showed us that we were on the right track and the frame is now ready to be marketed.

“Work has been done so that the chassis provides even more grip and rolls over anything in its path without losing speed, obviously thanks to the large wheels but also to our HPP system and the related geometry. It’s a bike that nds it easy to make up speed in rough areas all with unparalleled stability. It’s trademark: speed.

“The frame is o ered as our Race Kit option (frame + shock + fork + wheels + chain guide) or as a complete bike, all now available for pre-order on all of our sites! Delivery is scheduled for February 2018, ideal timing for all racers still looking for their 2018 weapon!”

Our initial impressions of the bike were strong. In open, bike-park segments it picked up speed like shit off a shovel. In the steeps it’s a game of compromises, a bucking rear wheel can catch on the arse but is this a case of adaption or limitation? Time will tell.

More info.

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