A small change, a big impact
According to Commencal, the Supreme DH racked up 55 Elite World Cup victories between 2000 and 2025. That’s why the Andorran team didn’t tone down their aluminium race bike for the V5.2. In their own words, they fine-tuned it.
The most significant change lies in the HVCS rear triangle: The pivot point near the bottom bracket moves from the chainstay to the seatstay. This is designed to give the bike more stability and responsiveness without compromising comfort on rough terrain. In short: quicker off the mark, smoother over scree.
Braking without the wheels locking up
The brake caliper has also been repositioned. It is now situated between the chainstay and the seatstay. This is intended to keep the chassis more responsive during hard braking, allow the rear wheel to maintain contact with the ground for longer, and prevent weight from shifting abruptly forwards. The V5.2 accommodates brake discs ranging from 200 to 223 millimetres – because in downhill racing, the rule is: the later you brake, the longer you stay fast. Or the sooner you end up in the safety net.
Peace and quiet in the box
Another new feature is the ‘Silent Mode’ protectors on the chainstays and seat stays. Their two-part design combines a rigid base with soft rubber slats. It is designed to dampen chain knocks and drivetrain noise – good for your nerves and for the suspension’s responsiveness.
The cables run through the head tube inside guided inner sleeves. This keeps water, dust and mud out more effectively and is designed to speed up maintenance work. After all, a downhill rider has to make some noise. Just not like a cutlery drawer on the stairs, if possible.
Adjust rather than accept
The Supreme DH V5.2 makes its debut as a ‘mullet’ 29 inches at the front and 27.5 inches at the rear. A flip chip offers four suspension characteristics: when fitted at the front, the suspension is more linear; at the rear, it is more progressive. A second flip chip adjusts the bottom bracket height, head angle, reach and chainstay length. High means more agile; low means more stable. In addition, the head angle and rear triangle stiffness can be adjusted. In short: if you can’t find a suitable set-up here, you’ll have to look further afield – probably within yourself.
Thanks to the UDH derailleur hanger, the frame is compatible with the latest SRAM T-Type drivetrains, including the XX DH. The redesigned shock mount provides space for modern downhill shocks such as the Fox Float X2.
Key figures
- Aluminium frame with 220 millimetres of suspension travel
- Forks with 200 millimetres of suspension travel
- Mullet setup: 29/27.5 inches
- Sizes S to XL, its own XS version with 27.5-inch wheels
- Brake discs: 200 to 223 millimetres
- Compatible with UDH and SRAM T-Type
- EFBE-5-certified frame
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser
- Four complete bikes with Fox or RockShox suspension, plus a frameset
Conclusion: The Supreme DH V5.2 isn’t a revolution. It’s something more practical: a thorough model update for people for whom tenths of a second matter and rattling chains are too loud.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
