THE CONCEPT
Bigger is faster! The bike company from Andorra jumped on the 29er bandwagon late, but then it was quick and the Supreme 29 was soon ready for production and on sale. But the larger wheels alone don't make the Commençal so special. It's the kinematics of the special HPP system that gives the bike so much grip and control. Our celebrity tester and downhill expert Marcus Klausmann also confirms: "The Commençal is currently the superior bike in the World Cup!"
FACTS
Geometry (Large):
Spring travel: 200 mm / 205 mm
Reach: 470 mm
Stack: 639 mm
Chain stay: 439 mm
Steering angle: 63,5°
Top tube length: 644 mm
BB Drop: -15 mm
Wheelbase: 1283 mm
Weight16.8 kg (size L)
The Commençal Supreme DH 29 costs 5399 euros; the so-called race kit (frame, fork, shock, wheelset) is available for 4599 euros. More information at: commencal-store.com
ON THE TRAIL
We rode the Commençal in Large, because the bike doesn't look as big as the numbers suggest. At 1.78 metres tall, you feel comfortable on the Large. The bike never felt bulky in any riding situation. Surprisingly, the Commençal develops a lot of pop on jump tracks and can be rocked through turns with ease. We wouldn't have expected that from this full-throttle racer - and in 29-inch tyres to boot. At high speeds over rock gardens, rocks, roots and all kinds of rubble, the Commençal really comes into its own! The bike is so plush on the trail - you can only grin with superiority!
FOR WHOM?
For all of us! The bike is both an iron and a park bike. Whether 29 inches is a must is now a question of faith. If you want to be even faster, roll even better or already believe that 27.5 is dead and we'll all soon be riding around on 29-inch wheels, you'll go for the bike with the big wheels. All 27.5 fans can still get a Supreme DH with small wheels. In 2019, the Supreme will even be a little cheaper.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
