2011 Commencal Supreme DH Prototype - Eurobike 2010

Sep 4, 2010
by Alasdair MacLennan  
New and fresh was this Mk3 Supreme DH.

Look inside for photos and information which give you the low down on this great new looking bike from both Max Commencal and the designer, Nicolas Menard.

updated with video!

photo
The new Commencal Supreme DH Mk3 is a very different beast to that which went before. A lower centre of gravity, completely redeveloped linkage design and a fantastic attention to detail all help set it apart from the three year old Mk2 with ease. In development for nearly two years, the intention will no doubt be for it to continue with the winning ways under the helm of the Athertons.

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Floating shocks may not be new, but they are increasing in popularity for sure. Fixed between two moving points of the suspension linkage; the rocker and swingarm, it helps provide increased small bump sensitivity.

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So low has everything been moved that the shock is now offset towards the non-drive side by 7mm to help provide clearance to drive train components. Not shown is the press in Shimano bottom bracket to free up yet more space. A 3" stroke shock provides a low leverage ratio on the 8" travel frame and helps to place less stress on suspension components. It also creates a shock curve which is easier to manipulate with tuning as each mm of shock travel is controlling less at the wheel than with high leverage systems, the overall progression rate being similar to that of the old bike.

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Chips have replaced the previous threaded wheelbase adjusters and provide more security. Here are adapters for the middle setting which comes in at 17.4" but an alternative set will be available with an offset to use for shorter and longer settings which are currently +/- 0.32" (7.25mm).

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A shot of the dropout from the drive side shows both the mech hanger and the internal chainstay routing for the gear cable to keep things tidy and help reduce damage from chain slap. Between this early prototype and the production model the dropouts may be slimmed down although pocketing on the reverse side of these means that this frame is the same weight as the current model. The target is of course to reduce this by production in early 2011.

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Internal cable routing starts at the headtube and runs all the way to the back end. This is where the cable and hose enters at the front, a rubber or plastic bung will finish this off and hide the bare edges before going on sale. The only downside may be a little trimming being required to number boards when racing to allow the cables to run unhindered.

photo
The cable routing continues here where you can see one of the few sections of exposed hose on the bike as it passes from mainframe to swingarm. Features like this scream out an attention to detail although the downside is the ease (or lack of) with which a rear brake may be swapped out should the need for a quick change be required when away racing.

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With the pivot here on the seatstay the bike is still a single pivot like the Mk1 and Mk2 designs. Even at this stage of prototyping the design by Nicolas Menard (seen presenting in the video) is super slick and looks like it could go into production tomorrow. As with its predecessor the Mk3 carries a 150mm back end which looks clean and tidy.

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Where the previous design always had a tall top tube which made it difficult for shorter riders, the Mk3 manages to significantly lower standover height. This is achieved as can be seen here, with the top tube joining the seat tube lower down and a gusset tube providing reinforcement to the join.

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Large pivots increase stiffness, the durability of bearings and enable aluminium hardware to be used throughout which helps to keep the weight in check.

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Revised headtube design is now 1.5" and allows for zero stack headsets to be used in conjunction with integrated offset headset cups which as standard will enable the headangle to be altered +/- 1 degree from the standard 64 degree position. This photo also shows two notches in the heactube which will make lining the offset cups child's play. Side by side schematics also show the new frame to have a lower bottom bracket than the Mk2. Currently this is approximately 7mm although as with other geometry details this may change with input from the Athertons.

photo
This close-up of the back end in profile shows the main pivot to have moved forwards and higher to alter the rear wheel path slightly. The higher pivot enables a more rearward path for the back wheel to follow and thus help it to ride rough terrain better with less feeling of 'hook up'.


Author Info:
cloverleaf avatar

Member since May 26, 2003
178 articles

143 Comments
  • 20 0
 Sooooooo sick
  • 7 106
flag dsimmonds (Sep 4, 2010 at 0:27) (Below Threshold)
 MK3 lol copy off banshee. pretty nice bike none the less.
  • 37 1
 dumbass
  • 4 0
 ahhh:P
  • 2 0
 It's anoying when people say that even when the have a reason.
  • 6 7
 I'm sure it rocks, but on looks alone I personally think the Mk2 looks nicer...
  • 11 0
 Looks awesome! That internal cable routing is so clean but I bet it's a bitch to put new brakes on it Razz
  • 9 0
 slyfox, look out, shred nz might be around

@DS

banshee only have the legend mk1 and mk2... and its hardly a new thing, its been used in cars and guns forever.
  • 6 4
 I really feel that this year we are seeing a big change in the bike manufactoring scene. Take Dh for example we have a new Turner DHR .. Nukeproof Scalp.. Commencal Supreme Dh Mk 3 etc .. the list goes on. Exiting stuff ! Big Grin
  • 5 1
 new bikes come out every year. the only thing that stands out for me so far is santa cruz making the v10 carbon. this is nice though, dont get me wrong.
  • 3 1
 Yep I agree with that, I just think alot of companies are changing there bikes big time this year .. Take for example the new Devinci Wilson, a huge difference from last years!
  • 1 0
 It looks like they all want to start the new decade with a bang
  • 1 0
 Aint these internal cable routing gonna week the frame?
They probably are a point of tension gathering...
  • 2 0
 nah mate, its been thought of. i love the way the top chainstay continues the lines on the frame. Razz
  • 1 0
 sick bike love 2 hav one
  • 3 1
 my god it's beutifull... i always thought commencal frames were a little too square shaped with steep angles and stuff but that's why i admired them so much.... and i always loved the paint and decals on theis bikes... now this baby though it is just...wow... it is more round and smoothly shaped compared to the older ones but it looks even better and the paint is just astonishing.... im sooo starting to save money....this is the one i want.... bravo commencal...bravo....
  • 1 0
 this bike looks like my dreambike ? o: its so good looking (: !!
  • 1 0
 Ohhhh boy i might have to replace my loved Wilson !
  • 3 2
 HELLOOOOOO shock that will be covered in mud after a run
  • 4 0
 Good thing your manliness is measured by the amount of mud on your bike.
  • 3 2
 Yeah and a manly service charge when your shock is full of shite! haha
  • 1 0
 or you could get something like one of those wetsuit material-style mudguards to put on the frame.
  • 2 0
 I reckon they should do an integrated one like santa cruz are doing
  • 3 0
 watch the video, they are including a built in mud gaurd its still a prototype so theyll be tweaking a few more things as well
  • 3 0
 yeah, you'll just have to dismantle it, then put a new one in. anyway, they aren't expecting you to change your brakes every month or so.
  • 1 0
 siick bike Big Grin
  • 1 0
 fair enough. they put it as an optoin for you to use. you dont have to use it. they might get rid of it anyways, this is just a proto...
  • 5 1
 dismantling a brake is childs play..
  • 1 0
 The brake dismantling issue is close to none. Only kids cant read a manual and bleed them right. I like the idea of not seeing any cables. Internal cable routing is also a protection for them as well in case you go down hard !
  • 2 0
 fair enough.. Big Grin
  • 7 1
 finally a nice looking commencal
  • 1 2
 too bad that they loose their unique design
  • 2 0
 and replace it with another pretty much unique design.
  • 2 0
 Very nice looking bike, the cable rooting and clean lines are the way forward for sure. It looks a little like the old Fusion Terminator in terms of the front linkage, I know the linkage a the rear is on the upper stay and not the lower stay.
  • 1 0
 I really like the look of this bike. I also really like the look of my Fusion Terminator. I'm sure the geometry and rear axle path are different to the Fusion, but it does look uncannily similar. The pivots on the Commencal are in slightly different places, and the rear pivots are on the seat stays rather than the chain stays, but other than that they are like brothers. I would be really interested to ride it, to see how it compares to the Fusion.
  • 1 0
 i really like it all the tech stuff looks cool and the bike looks good the two thing that would make me want to buy this bike over all the other ally bikes is the internal cable routing i like it makes the bike look clean and uncluttered (also would make it easier to clean) and the second is the disk brake adjustment things so you can line them up perfect but i would still rather have a carbon v10 :/ Big Grin
  • 1 0
 That's a great looking frame the geo looks good the lines are simple and sleek no O.T.T tube shaping it looks fast and pretty capable, well done Commencal I can See Gee ripping the ears of it next season on one of these it's going to make him even faster!
  • 1 0
 Sick bike! I love mk2's design and it was my favourite frame so it's hard to accept so different looking one. Anyway it is an amazing product and have some descent changes. I hope this frame will help Athertons to win in next season and maybe someday I'll be able to afford this one. Definately one of my favourite bikes so far!
  • 1 0
 I find the shock being mounted slightly off center to be a very strange idea. I'm not an engineer, but I just feel like that would put some weird stress on the frame. The bike does look amazing though.

This is the first time I've seen cables mounted through the headtube. Do they just go around the steertube? It seems like the cables against the steertube would cause friction, and eventually wear out the housing. Not that anyone ever would, but this internal headtube routing would make it impossible to run a 1.5 steertube right?
  • 1 0
 no.. there is space in the headset. ever taken one apart? the steerer tube is not as wide as the actual headtube... therefore allowing space. 1.5 headtube (you called it steerer tube, can be either) has more clearance, allowing more space fore cable routings. Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I know there is a space between a 1.5 headtube and a 1.125 steertube obviously. Yes, I have taken apart a headset before. Not everyone on here is 13. I was just pointing out the fact that if the cables are running into the headtube, but around the steertube they would be subject to alot of friction from rubbing on the steertube.
  • 1 0
 i agree, and if i were designing it, i would have made sure there was something stopping it rubbing away at the steerer, i mean probably not on the proto bike, as its probably going to be just for show. they probably will have a small tube routing it around the outer edge of the headtube, so as not to create friction? i could be wrong though...
  • 1 0
 You're probably right. I'm sure the engineers at Commencal are much smarter than I am, and have a great solution to any rubbing issues.
  • 1 0
 haha well they might not be, see if you can jet a job solving shit like that Razz
  • 1 0
 well i`ve just watched the vid now and the Tech guy DOES say that its similar to a 4 bar linkage but with a twist!!
its not your normal 4 bar link or parallel 4 bar i know, i ride 1!!
next you`ll tell me Kona Ellsworth etc aint a 4 bar cause the wheel is on the chainstay!
its a single pivot wheel movement but with the control from a 4 bar.
enough said..
  • 2 0
 There is a big difference between single pivots and linkage bikes, the former encompassing bikes such as the Kona. The Ellsworth can be conbsidered a linkage bike because the pivot is on the chainstay and thus adds an extra degree of seperation between the rear wheel and the front end. Take the Turner 5 spot as an example - the original used the FSR back end and was thus a true 4 bar linkage, the second generation did away with the FSR and had the pivot on the seatstay as with Kona and was thus a single pivot with a linkage driven shock. The latest reverts to a four bar linkage with the adoption of the DW link. The new Commencal Supreme, like the Mk2, is a single pivot with a linkage driven shock - the change is in the way the linkages are driving the shock. But a single pivot it remains, regardless of how you look at it. With a single pivot you can have a directly driven shock like on an Orange 224, a linkage driven shock as on the Orange 225 and then there are the multi link bikes which uses DW, FSR, VPP etc.
  • 1 0
 dude i know how they work, can work out how far they will move and why these different types are used im a engineer, and been in the sport over 15yrs.
i`ve seen so many designs come go and come back again..
you obviously didn`t read my last comment and seems you love the sound of yourself!! sry.
and you`l probably find that a lawwill design is a TRUE 4 bar and mite even be 1 of the 1st not like most fsr`s.
  • 5 0
 such clean cable routing
  • 1 1
 Isn't the brake mount on the wrong part? It should be on the seat stay to remove brake jack. Also, it works in the opposite way to Trek suspension as a Trek moves to bottom of the shock away from the top under compression, this new supreme compresses the shock from both ends.
  • 2 0
 With this kind of design you can't put the caliper mounts on the seatstays because they'll move in a different route to the axle and disc. Also the trek is a floating design too, so both designs compress the shock from both ends.
  • 1 0
 in all honesty its looks like a new version of a 4 bar linkage to me!! has similar floating shock position to a Rotec RL9 id like to try it to feel for myself but either way looks pretty cool
  • 1 0
 It's not a four bar linkage as the rear axle is attached via a single lever to the front end. As some others have pointed out, visually it's very similar to the Fusion downhill bike but that is where the similarities end. Single pivot vs Horst Link and different pivot positions. It's a neat design and allows for a stiffer, more rigid chassis than that offered by the current Mk2 Supreme design.
  • 2 0
 Wow, a lot of nice bikes coming out lately, but this one looks pretty sick! Nice and simple and elegant.
  • 1 0
 Looks good. Cant wait to see the supreme mini version in afew years should give the transition tr250 a good run for its money.
  • 2 0
 gorgeous, but somehow, i'm not as keen on this as i am on the previous supreme DH :/ but still! f*cking gorgeous!
  • 1 0
 yeah.. i mean how have they got a lower centre of gravity? like all of the linkage on the old one was pretty much no more than 5cm above the bb?
  • 1 0
 Lower centre of gravity? Higher sense of B*******, Looking at how far up the linkage is I can't see how that is possible either. Not unless that linkage and chainstay weighs next to nothing (like 250g)
  • 1 1
 yeah exactly, the only way they're gunna lower the centre of gravity, is to stick the shock BELOW the BB.... now that's definitely not happening. and yeah, with linkage like that, there's not really any way that they can lower the centre of gravity, but they have taken a lot of stress out of the frame and shock mounts by making it a floating shock, i'm a big fan of floating shocks :')
  • 2 0
 I'm not such a fan of it. It's now got the same linkage as MANY other bikes. Not as nice as the current one.
  • 1 0
 just because its got a swingarm.... MANY other bikes dont have the same shock placement (look, its floating...) pivot placing or even the swingarm placing. its not like maestro or hors linkage, or trek's abp. its been re-designed. they've clearly put a LOT of work on it.
  • 1 0
 Look inside for photo's, information and a fantastic video it might just be me but i seen no video in this page fantastic or not ... whats going on pb
  • 1 0
 fantastically... explanatory? Razz you were probs expecting some pinning. so was i.
  • 2 0
 just nice .. i hope it will work... the athertons going to win with that bike
  • 4 0
 wait, where is the vid?
  • 1 0
 at the top. its a vimeo vid
  • 1 0
 i've been ridin gees old probike for the last 3 years(the old zebra print design) been a great bike , but might have to sell it for this new beauty! lluussshh
  • 2 1
 They've copied a lot of detail from Mondraker Summum. Fe. cable routing is exact copy.
  • 2 0
 yeah, but thats because mondraker did a fantastic job of it, and commencal wanted a piece of the pie. Smile
  • 1 0
 right mate, while following the photos one by one i was coming up with so many similarities to the summum, starting of course with the very similar suspension system.
  • 1 0
 not really.. similar looking.
  • 1 2
 this is total rip off of a evil revolt system..not in look ....same system...whit a dw split pivot in the back..he would have been a veryvery hard bike to beat...but one of my favorite...soooo hot
  • 2 0
 Well no. Actually it's not.
  • 2 0
 Its not a split pivot design rouxdh!
  • 1 0
 looks pretty interesting but that shock is going to get so mesed up in the mud
  • 2 0
 i prefer the older començal.
  • 1 0
 love the new sick geometry, such clean lines, and some crazy cool graphics!!!
  • 1 0
 the colours make the bike look so amazing, now i want to see it being riddeN!
  • 1 0
 same linkages as fusion bikes a few years back and internal cable routings as lapierre bikes....definitely sick...
  • 1 0
 Dammit. That's the sexiest, cleanest lined bike I have ever seen. And just like the others, I WANT ONE! Wink
  • 1 0
 that bike looks totally SICK!!!!!
  • 1 0
 DO WANT !!!! new favourite bike ever ? i think so !!
  • 1 0
 this is by far the best bike commical have made =]
  • 2 1
 really sweet bike but its just not a commencal. the frames all wrong
  • 1 0
 yeah looks awesome, but reminds me a trek xD
  • 1 0
 I now like that bike more than the older model.
  • 1 0
 Agreed this looks like a tweaked Trek Session.
  • 1 0
 nah mate, just because its a floating shock, and has a swingarm...
  • 1 0
 commencal owns my face. what a sex monster of a bike.
  • 1 0
 anyone know what price its going for? or even just the frame?
  • 1 0
 Very sexy, very neat bike!
  • 1 0
 that sexy thing is soo sick!
  • 1 0
 Looks to be very well thought out, props to Commencal!
  • 1 0
 So why have Gee and Rach not been riding this this season?
  • 1 0
 Because its not ready yet.
They have a them, I think (arrived after Val Di Sole). But not for racing on.
  • 1 0
 worth watching the freecaster video of Rob interviewing the Athertons, there is a comment made. They only saw the bike a couple of weeks back, and it looks like for them they want tweaks...
  • 1 0
 i was thinking of a tr250 lately till i met this baeuty
  • 1 0
 That poor rear shox will get dirty real quick!
  • 1 0
 check le vid bro ils ont un fender sur le produit final Smile
  • 1 0
 watch the vid, they are going to put a mudguard on it.. you got told in french ^ Smile
  • 1 0
 does anybody know how much the atherton replica of the supreme dh costs?
  • 1 0
 shitloads.
  • 1 0
 plus you cant buy it, they dont sell it commercially, so you'll have to buy it ex-team, but it'll be in perfect nick, everytime the frame gets a scratch on it, stevie (athertons mechanic) pants it back over in identical paint. thats how the pros bikes always look pretty much new.
  • 1 0
 um you can buy a atherton replica.. since 2011 the 'vip' frames are the atherton paintjobs rather then the fluro green it was before
  • 1 0
 he was on bout the 2010/earlier models. the athertons have only just got these...
  • 1 0
 the athertons got them awhile ago but havent been riding them because it needs some geo changes.. the 2011 frame is the same as 2010 except the gussets are on the inside of the frame so it looks nicer, and an atherton model exists, heres a pic - imgur.com/Vx534.jpg
  • 1 0
 WOW holy shit sticks thats sick!
  • 1 0
 If i had one of those, i'd have a seperate bed for it.... Big Grin
  • 1 0
 owwwwwwhhhhhhh
  • 1 0
 looks amazing!
  • 1 0
 oh me jeez, so sweet
  • 1 0
 I'm done. It's so SICK!
  • 1 0
 that looks stunning
  • 1 0
 perfect.
  • 1 1
 anyone else think it kinda looks like a session?
  • 1 0
 is that just because its got a swingarm and curvy tubing?
  • 1 0
 soooo sexy !
  • 1 0
 omg! sick! i love it 3
  • 1 0
 randast
Smile 000000
  • 1 0
 Awesome!
  • 1 0
 thats a sweet bikeSmile
  • 1 0
 I'd buy one.
  • 1 0
 i WILL buy one Wink
  • 1 0
 fuke
  • 1 0
 trop malade
  • 1 0
 that thing is sick!
  • 1 0
 holy jibber jabber
  • 1 1
 anybody worried about mud shedding strait on the shock ?
  • 1 0
 Good point!!!!
  • 1 0
 I noticed that too, although it's not a huge deal, it can cause problems. Other than that, this is a really nice looking frame!
  • 1 0
 or they'll just have a piece of fabric in the way?
  • 1 0
 maybe one the specialized mudflaps would work? they are those tiny little guards specifically for rear shock placement like that
  • 1 0
 I never said you couldn't easily make some kind of guard.
  • 2 0
 DID YOU WATCH THE VID ? They say this is a proto and production will have a mud guard !
  • 1 0
 doh, didn't catch that bit
  • 1 0
 haha Razz well it looks sick how they've made it lighter, more balanced and nicer loooking AND hardly affected the shock *progressiveness?*.
oh, and did i mention, better small bump sensitivity due to the floating shock? Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Simply perfect...
  • 1 0
 Where is the Video?
  • 1 0
 at the top of the report Razz
  • 1 0
 great bike
  • 1 0
 sex on wheels
  • 1 0
 how much does it costs?
  • 1 1
 Steep head angle anyone







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