Atherton S.200 aluminium downhiller: 200 millimetres, aluminium frame, mullet and a world champion image

This article was first published on 20.2.2025 - we have now the video and a corresponding text passage supplemented.

Atherton Bikes is expanding its range with a new aluminium downhill bike. The S.200 is based on the successful A.200 model, with which the brand has already won world championship titles. Incidentally, we have already been able to test the high-end downhiller with a carbon-titanium mix frame in detail (to test the Atherton A.200.1). Its little aluminium brother, the S.200, also has 200 millimetres of travel at the front and rear as well as a mixed-wheel concept with different wheel sizes. According to the manufacturer, the new model should cut a fine figure both on race tracks and in bike parks. The bike is sold via the Atherton Bikes online shop, with complete bikes starting at 4999 British pounds (equivalent to around 6040 euros).

The facts about the Atherton S.200

• Frame material: Aluminium 7075
• Suspension travel: 200 millimetres
• Wheel size: Mullet (29/27.5 inch)
• Suspension: DW-Link rear triangle from Dave Weagle
• Available sizes: 12 options
• Starting price: 4999 British pounds
• Place of production: Machynlleth, Wales

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Frame construction and material

The frame of the S.200 is manufactured in Machynlleth in Wales and is made from 7075 aluminium, with Atherton Bikes using a special construction method: Instead of welding the tubes, they are joined together using CNC-machined connectors and a bonding technique. This is also the case with the brand's carbon bikes, where carbon tubes are bonded into milled titanium sleeves.

According to the manufacturer, this patented method enables the use of 7075 aluminium on the S.200, which is said to have a 70 percent higher fatigue strength and tensile strength compared to conventional 6061 aluminium. The rear triangle of the S.200 consists of a one-piece CNC-machined part. With the S.200, the British company is expanding its range of more affordable aluminium bikes. At the end of 2024, the Atherton S.150 was added to the S series (aluminium bikes!) as an all-mountain with a comparable construction. The brand's carbon bikes go by the abbreviation A. The Atherton A.200.G transmission downhiller recently caused quite a stir..

Chassis and geometry

The suspension of the S.200 is based on Dave Weagle's DW4 concept. This system has already proven itself in the World Cup and should offer high performance with low maintenance, say the makers of Atherton Bikes. The S.200 is available in twelve different sizes. The exact geometry data is not mentioned in the press release. The bike features a mixed-wheel concept in which the front and rear wheels are different sizes. A "mini-mullet" version for freeriders and smaller riders will also be offered in the near future.

Atherton Bikes positions the S.200 as a versatile downhill bike that can be used both on race tracks and in bike parks. The manufacturer emphasises that, despite its suitability for racing, the S.200 is also optimised for use in the bike park, where it should score points with agility and forgiveness.

Equipment variants and prices

Atherton Bikes offers the S.200 in three different equipment variants. The entry-level version is available from £4999. All variants have 200 millimetres of suspension travel on the fork and shock as well as the mixed-wheel concept. The bike is sold exclusively via the Atherton Bikes online shop, where you can also find all the detailed information on the individual equipment lines.

Dan and Gee Atherton test the S.200

Constant inspiration, home turf from the Atheron gang, challenging test terrain and pure fun; the Dyfi Bike Park is less than 5km from the Atherton design and manufacturing facility where the S.200 was created. That's near Machynlleth in Wales, UK. So brothers Gee and Dan were there to test the brand new DH bike.

Master Gee said afterwards:

"I was absolutely blown away by how the S.200 handled the Red Bull Hardline course and the confidence it gave me. Knowing how strong the bike is meant I could be really brave. It felt like a really good all-round bike and that showed in its ability to be just a few per cent off winning pace... but it's also probably my new favourite bike for the park as it's designed for extra pop and sharper handling. Some of my best days riding this winter have been on this bike!"