The manufacturer from Wales is expanding its enduro range with the new A.150M, a mullet version of the proven A.150. The "M" in the name stands for the mixed-wheel setup, in which a 29-inch front wheel complements a 27.5-inch rear wheel. This configuration combines the familiar versatility of the A.150 with more agility and freedom of movement on steep trails. Atherton remains true to its characteristic design with carbon tubes and printed titanium lugs while optimising the geometry for the mixed wheel size.
More Atherton bikes:
| Category | data |
| Material | Carbon tubes with titanium sleeves |
| Rear suspension travel | 150 mm |
| Front suspension travel | 160 mm |
| Rear end | DW6 |
| Wheel size | 29" front / 27.5" rear |
| Frame sizes | 22 Options |
| Steering angle | 64,5° |
| Seat angle (effective) | 77,5° - 79° |
| Chain stays | 430 - 440 mm |
| Bottom bracket lowering | 16 mm |
| Bottom bracket height | 339 mm |
| Price frameset | 4895 € |
| Prices complete bikes | 3 models, 7147 - 9007 € |
Frame design and construction
Atherton builds the A.150M on its proven frame concept, in which carbon tubes connect additively manufactured titanium sleeves. A new feature of the A.150M is the straight seat tube guide, which creates space for even longer dropper posts. Compared to the regular A.150, the rear triangle is three millimetres shorter, which, together with the smaller rear wheel, makes for more agile handling. Atherton emphasises that the A.150M does not replace the existing A.150, but complements it - both platforms remain versatile, but differ in their handling and riding qualities for different terrain.
Geometry and size concept
Atherton offers the A.150M in an impressive range of 22 frame sizes. The extensive size concept allows the bike to be precisely customised to different body sizes and riding styles. The steering angle is 64.5 degrees and is therefore slightly slacker than the standard A.150, which creates additional stability at high speeds.
The effective seat angle varies between 77.5 and 79 degrees, depending on the frame size, to ensure an efficient riding position when climbing. The chainstays are all three millimetres shorter than on the A.150 and measure between 430 and 440 mm depending on the frame size. The stack-to-reach ratio (STR) is between 1.21 and 1.49, depending on the size, so that riders of different body proportions can adopt the same riding position.
The chassis of the Atherton A.150M
At the heart of the A.150M is the DW6 rear suspension, developed by suspension mastermind Dave Weagle specifically for Atherton's A-Range. With 150 mm of travel, the rear suspension delivers a good balance of sensitivity and support - sensitive enough for maximum traction, but progressive enough not to bottom out on hard landings and aggressive riding styles - we were able to see these qualities for ourselves when testing the 29-inch A150. A fork with 160 mm travel is fitted as standard at the front. This combination is aimed at occasional enduro use, but pays off particularly in demanding everyday touring and trail riding. The shorter rear triangle together with the 27.5-inch rear wheel increases agility and creates more space between the rider and rear wheel - a particular advantage on steep trails. For hardcore enduro riders, Atherton has the A.170 and the S.170 in its programme.
Equipment variants and prices
The A.150M is available as a frameset and in three different complete builds. The frameset costs € 4895 and includes a Fox Float X2 Factory shock. The highest quality build, Build 1, comes with Fox Factory suspension elements and a SRAM X01 T-Type transmission for 9007 euros. Build 2 combines Öhlins suspension with a SRAM GX T-Type groupset and costs € 8028. The most attractively priced variant is Build 3: It is based on a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, a RockShox Vivid Ultimate Air shock and a SRAM Eagle T-Type 90 groupset and costs € 7147.
Customisation options
Atherton emphasises that customers can also customise their A.150M in addition to the standard configurations. Anyone with special requirements can contact the team in Machynlleth, Wales, directly and configure their bike according to their own ideas. The flexible choice of components demonstrates the manufacturer's customer-orientated approach and allows the bike to be optimally adapted to personal preferences and areas of use. The handmade frames from Wales therefore not only offer 22 size options, but also numerous possibilities for individual builds - and therefore a high degree of personalisation.
Conclusion on the Atherton A.150M
With the A.150M, Atherton is launching an interesting update to its tried-and-tested enduro bike. The mixed-wheel setup and fine geometry customisation promise more agility without sacrificing too much stability. The 22 frame sizes and the wide range of customisation options show once again that Atherton has thought of every rider silhouette and every area of use. On paper, the A.150M appears to be a bike that can playfully operate between trail and technical terrain - an enduro bike that is also fun on tours and home trails and, with the typical Atherton USPs, also has rarity value. - Max Fuchs, Editor Test & Technology
Max Fuchs
Editor
