First Look: Commencal Supreme DH 29

After seeing the bike perform in the World Cup last year, it was only a matter of time until it would be available for you and me as well, as Commencal tends to sell what they race. Combining the plowability of the high-pivot DH V4.2 with the rollover capabilities of a 29-inch wheel, the new downhill bike from Andorra looks sure to be an absolute weapon when it comes to going fast. Unlike some other brands, Commencal has kept the rear travel of their wagon wheeler DH at a full 205mm, without having to resort to crazy long chain stays or other tricks. In addition to the big wheels, the geo changes on this bike are significant, so much so that they almost certainly predate an update to the 27.5-inch bike at some point as well, we'd imagine. From where we're sitting, we say it looks like it's all for the better!

Commencal Supreme DH 29 Highlights

Progressivity curve remodeled to provide more support and grip and to avoid violent bottom out
205mm of rear travel
Metric shock standard
Enduro bearings
New brake caliper mount: the caliper position has been optimized and designed to work together with a 200mm disc. The rear wheel axle is tightened with a pinch-bolt to prevent loosening.
Fully revised rocker construction for added strength and stiffness. The rocker shock axle diameter is now 10mm. This helps strengthen the axle and combined with an alloy insert, it prevents loosening.

Geometry

The 29-inch version of the Supreme DH is significantly longer than its 27.5-inch brother. For example, at 470mm of reach the size L of the 29er is a full 15mm longer than the XL of the 27.5-inch V4.2. The head angle sits at 63.5 degrees on the 29er, just 0.5 degress steeper than the 27.5-inch bike. The chainstays are 439mm on the 29er, compared to 425mm on the 27.5-inch bike (note that because of the high pivot design, the effective chain stay length grows significantly as the suspension compresses).

Build Kits and Pricing

Supreme DH 29 Race

Frame: 2018 SUPREME 29 alloy 6066 hydroformed 205mm travel
Shock: FOX FACTORY DHX2, 250x75, Adjustments High / Low Speed Compression, High / Low Speed Rebound
Fork: FOX FACTORY 49 FLOAT, Adjustments High / Low Speed Compression, Rebound
Headset: RIDE ALPHA, semi integrated, Commencal standard
Stem: RIDE ALPHA DH Direct Mount, 40mm, 31,8mm
Handlebar: RIDE ALPHA, Alloy 7075, double butted, 20mm rise, 780mm, Ø31,8mm
Grips: RIDE ALPHA, ergonomic grips, alloy one lock, super soft compound
Brakes: SRAM CODE R 200mm/200mm
Shifter: SRAM GX DH, 7sp
Chainguide: E13 LG1+ WideGuide
Derailleur: SRAM GX DH, 7sp
Bottom Bracket: E13 Press fit BB 92
Crankset: NEW E13 LG1, 34t, 165mm, 24mm axle
Chain: KMC X11-EL BPBP, extra light weight, black tech
Cassette: E13, 7sp 9-21
Wheels: E13 LG1 WHEELSET, 32 holes, 30mm inner width, with integrated cassette
Tires: MAXXIS MINION DHF 29x2.5WT, 3C/TR DD front and MAXXIS MINION DHRII 29x2.4WT 3C/TR DH casing rear
Seatpost: NEW RIDE ALPHA DH, 31,6mm, no offset, ultra light, 300mm
Saddle: WTB HIGH TAIL PRO, black
Misc: Shock mudguard, down tube protector, seatstay protector, integrated bumpers
Sizes: M/L/XL
Color: Metallic Grey
MSRP: France: 5.399 €, USA: 5,399 US$, Canada: 6,999 CA$, Australia: 7,699 AU$
Availability: February 2018

Supreme DH 29 Race Kit

Frame: 2018 SUPREME 29 alloy 6066 hydroformed 205mm travel
Shock: FOX FACTORY DHX2, 250x75, Adjustments High / Low Speed Compression, High / Low Speed Rebound
Fork: FOX FACTORY 49 FLOAT, Adjustments High / Low Speed Compression, Rebound
Headset: RIDE ALPHA, semi integrated, Commencal standard
Chainguide: E13 LG1+ WideGuide
Wheels: E13 LG1 + WHEELSET, 32 holes, 30mm inner width, with integrated cassette
Misc: Shock mudguard, down tube protector, seatstay protector, integrated bumpers
Sizes: M/L/XL
Color: Metallic Grey
MSRP: Europe: 4.599 €, USA: 4,599 US$, Canada: 5,999 CA$, Australia: 6,599 AU$