Frame: 2011 Commencal Supreme DHv2 – Atherton Edition, with Fox RC4 rear shock, size L/XL.
Intended Use: DH Race
Geometry Chart: Commencal Supreme DHv2
Rider: 6’2”, 205 lbs., athletic, technically proficient, fast and fluid.
My regular DH bike: Morewood Makulu, size Large, with an Avalanche Woodie rear shock.
Test Location: Colorado Front Range. Steep, fast, rough, rocky trails, with plenty of small/mid sized jumps. Generally in dry, dusty, loose over hardpack, pebbly terrain, but 2 days with freshly melting snow and riding in tacky awesomeness mized with muck and puddles.
Duration of test: 4 days, total of about 30 runs.
The Commencal Supreme DHv2 is one of the most decorated downhill bikes on the World Cup, so going in to this review, the question wasn’t whether this thing was any good. Rather, I was looking to identify any specific strengths or perceivable weaknesses, and see whether the bike demanded an expert-level rider, or whether it could accommodate advanced or intermediate riders, too.