As we all know, anticipation is the greatest joy. That's what our test crew thought when it became clear that the Atherton AM 130 would be taking part in this test. But why the excitement? It's quite simple. Behind the brand is not just another bike manufacturer, but the Athertons themselves - perhaps the most successful bike siblings of all time. Rachel and Gee are both multiple downhill world champions. Brother Dan won the hardcore downhill event he initiated, the so-called Red Bull Hardline, and took home several four-cross titles. With the help of the frame-building expertise of Robot Bike, the siblings are now
siblings are now putting their combined bike expertise on two wheels.
Lifetime guarantee with Atherton
Atherton's model range is clear: a downhiller called the AM 200M, the AM 150 enduro bike and, since the end of 2022, the AM 130 trail bike - that's it. The abbreviation AM stands for "additive manufacturing" and reveals the second highlight of the bikes from the UK in addition to their prominent pedigree. This is because the frame construction is based on individual carbon tubes that are held together by twelve 3D-printed titanium sleeves. This hybrid solution of titanium and carbon fibres combines the strengths of both materials. Titanium is used in areas that are loaded in different directions. In areas subject to linear stress, the round carbon fibre tubes show their strengths, as they guarantee maximum stability with minimum weight. Another good thing: thanks to this construction method, the Athertons can offer their customers customised frames in addition to 22 different standard sizes. In addition, the British company gives its trail bike unrestricted bike park approval despite the short suspension travel. The lifetime guarantee also shows that the developers have complete confidence in the lugged design. Of course, so much exclusivity also comes at a price. The frame set alone costs 3955 euros. But enough of the bland theory.
Atherton AM 130.X: Full ride feel with only 121 mm rear suspension travel
In practice, the trail bike is characterised by the Atherton-typical DW-6 rear suspension. The name is reminiscent of suspension mastermind Dave Weagle. He is behind the six-bar rear suspension kinematics. The response behaviour left a first-class impression on all test riders. Whether uphill or downhill - the rear generates excellent traction in every situation. Even on rough terrain, the ride feels unusually plush for a trail bike with only 121 millimetres of travel (BIKE measurement). The 64.8 degree head angle and the long reach provide the necessary composure. The high front always places the rider confidently behind the control centre, even on steep descents. We were also pleasantly surprised by the harmonious interaction with the significantly longer 150 mm Fox Factory fork.
Weaknesses uphill
However, the Atherton AM 130.X has weaknesses on the climbs. Due to the combination of a short rear end and high front end, you have to actively fight against the rising front wheel on steep climbs. A handlebar with less rise could help here. In addition, the high overall weight makes it difficult to get off to a lively start in key technical sections. On long climbs, the platform function on the shock is often used. Otherwise, the rear end will bend with every turn of the pedals.
The AM 130.X as sA favourite companion in the bike park
This limits the Atherton trail bike's range of use to less pedal-intensive tours, bouncy trails or winding terrain. This is where the AM 130.X really blossoms under the dictates of playful riders. Thanks to the very short chainstays and plenty of support in the suspension, the Atherton lets you romp through the terrain like a jumping mouse. Manuals, tricks and jumps - all of these are among the AM 130's favourite disciplines, making the riding experience on Atherton's fun bike even surpass our initial anticipation.
Conclusion on the Atherton AM 130.X by Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:
The Atherton AM 130 is the perfect playmate for new school jibbers. The bike park approval even allows fat stunts. Our absolute highlight: the great rear suspension function. The trail bike is also making a name for itself with its unusual design.
Technical data and notes on the Atherton AM 130.X
Manufacturer information
- Price: 7410 Euro¹
- Available by mail order
- Frame material: carbon/titanium
- Frame size Reach: 410-530 mm (490 mm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15 kg
- Frame weight. 3177 g
- Weight of wheels: 5228 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 4196 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width:: 800 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 45 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Stan's Flow MK4 / Stan Neo hubs
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal FR; Trail / Continental Kryptotal FR; Enduro 29 x 2.40
- Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory FitGrip2
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/121 mm
- Brakes: Sram G2 RSC / 200 / 180 mm
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-50 / 500 %
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Fox Transfer / 170 mm / 31.6 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 22.5 from 30
- Chassis efficiency: 14 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 12 out of 15
- Weight: 2 of 20
- Inertia impellers: 4 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 5 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 27 from 30
- Front suspension: 15 out of 15
- Rear suspension: 19 out of 20
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 12.75 out of 15
- Tyre grip: 12 out of 15
- Driving stability: 3 out of 10
TOTAL UPHILL: 59.5 OF 105
TOTAL DOWNHILL: 98.75 FROM 115
Other: 23.75 out of 30
Ease of maintenance: good
BIKE test rating²: very good 182 out of 250 points
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
This is Atherton
The Athertons have always done their own thing: their own downhill team, their own video series and their own events. As the three siblings had already gained a lot of experience in developing bikes during their racing careers, the trio also founded their own brand in 2019. Atherton Bikes. The manufacturing concept: 3D-printed titanium sleeves and round carbon tubes. The newcomers produce the titanium parts and assemble the carbon tubes directly at the company headquarters in Machynlleth, Wales.
Max Fuchs
Editor
