STOP PRESS: Athertons Off Commencal, it's Official.

Nov 10, 2011 at 3:19
by Si Paton  
Gee Atherton during his run at the 2011 World Cup Finals in Val di Sole ITA

Gee Atherton Val Di Sole World Cup 2011


Direct quote from Commencal HQ in France.

The Edge of Reason.
Together we have written some of the most beautiful story lines in the history of World DH, the story of one family, two brothers and a sister, as united in life as they are by their talent. A story that the sporting world loves to generate.

Picture by Christophe Bortels for Landscape Magazine

Dan Atherton, La Bresse France


Back in 2007, encouraged by COMMENCAL UK, the Atherton family started riding the Supreme DH. Passionate about competition and the emotions generated by the discipline, Max Commencal, the founder of the Andorran brand, lost no time in making them his ambassadors.

The worlds DH elite dominated by a single family!
Between 2007 and 2011, Rachel, Dan and Gee claimed no fewer than 52 victories, 17 of which were World Cup events.
Obvious highlights include world championships won by Gee and Rachel in Val di Sole in 2008. That same year, during the Vallnord World Cup, on COMMENCAL's home turf, Gee and Rachel dominated the DH while Dan, the eldest of the three, won the 4X final. A truly epic weekend, almost beyond belief.
In 2008 and 2010, Rachel and Gee were respectively crowned overall DH World Cup winner, a triumph.

Fast.

Rachel Atherton at Dry Hill


A parallel evolution
Partnering with the worlds best riders has always been the generator behind the evolution and performance of Commencal's bikes. During these five years of cooperation, athletes and engineers have strived to create new, more modern, stiffer frames, with optimized weight distribution and lower center of gravities. All with one goal in mind: to be on the top step of international competitions. Given the track record acquired by the Supreme DH throughout its three incarnations, with two world championship titles and two overall World Cup wins, we are not exaggerating when we say the partnership was beneficial!

But it is not just about the material and technological aspects of the relationship. Over the past five years, the association between COMMENCAL and the Atherton family has resided especially in their mediatization and accrued recognition for both sides by the riders and followers of the sport.

photo

Dan Brown


The connection between these two entities shows primarily that, without each other, we would certainly not be where we are today. We would all progress, of course, but this partnership has on the whole brought some panache to what is a beautiful story.

photo

Stevie Bell - Mechanic


Today we are about to go our separate ways (the contract runs until the end of the year), but the entire COMMENCAL staff would very much like to thank Rachel, Gee and Dan, as well as their manager Brownie, and their staff for all the beautiful moments spent together, the ups and downs, doubts and victories, which ultimately will be part of two stories forever united.

Good luck...

- Commencal.

Make sure you keep it locked to Pinkbike,com for all the latest info!

Stay Unclipped.

Si paton..
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296 Comments
  • 332 5
 Anyone else think the Athertons don't seem 'right' without Commencal? And Commencal the same without the Athertons.
  • 129 3
 I totally agree, when you say Atherton, you think Commencal, with the blue kit and Dan Brown Smile
  • 39 1
 Yeah it's gunna be weird seeing them in a different kit. Good luck though guys!
  • 25 6
 only like when they were on giant....
  • 61 2
 Gutted to hear this news.. :/ Hopefully they all stick together and keep it all going as usual, especially the Atherton Project!!
  • 9 1
 anyone know where the going?
  • 11 5
 are they still all gonna be on the same team? i hope so cos otherwise it really wont be the same
  • 15 0
 well i think the Atherton project is run by red bull so it should still continue
  • 28 1
 This is a sad day in history my friends... iam gona go curl up in a ball now Frown
  • 9 1
 this is fools day today, isn't it?
no, it's not. Shit...Frown
  • 53 3
 Commencal wasn't even their main sponsor! The team was ANIMAL commencal and ANIMAL giant. My guess is that Dan Brown has secured a new bike sponsor for the entire team - and will be maintaining the majority of their current sponsors (Shimamo/Fox/Animal/Red Bull etc...) Rumour is they're moving onto GT bikes.

Also Commencal weren't really using the blue/cyan before the Athertons - hopefully their iconic colour will be moving with them!
  • 19 67
flag ScaryGerry (Nov 10, 2011 at 8:49) (Below Threshold)
 How could you say that? Commencal has been huge for the Athertons... Who the Fvck cares about Animal and what brand underwear they sport? Why disrespect Commencal like that? Max deserves more credit than that...
  • 30 0
 @ScaryGerry

"How could you say that? Commencal has been huge for the Athertons... Who the Fvck cares about Animal and what brand underwear they sport? Why disrespect Commencal like that? Max deserves more credit than that..."

All the comments above mine were speculating aboot the Atherton team falling apart withoot Commencal. I mean no disrespect to Commencal - I was just pointing oot that the Athertons aren't entirely dependant on Commencal. Judging from the statement released by Commencal, both parties feel that it's time to part ways.
  • 6 0
 It was the same with CG before the athertons. May be Commencal is going to take part of another great project ! Best wish for the Athertons too
  • 5 0
 this is really strange...in my mind atherton is synonymous with commencal...hope its a good move though good luck guys
  • 45 2
 Sponsorships come and go. It's not that strange, and in the grand scheme of things it's not that long either. It was only a year ago everyone was saying the same thing about Gwin and Yeti. And now his name is synonymous with Trek already. How about Hill and Iron Horse? Peaty and Orange? Minnaar and Honda? Lehikoinen and Honda? Tomac and Raleigh? Giove and Cannondale?
  • 13 1
 Probably going back to Muddyfox. Failing that, Haro.
  • 21 1
 I don't see why anyone would get sad over this? Nothing's gonna change, just a different bike company.
  • 24 1
 How much you all wanna bet Max wants to talk to Brendon Fairclough right now!
  • 11 0
 "stay unclipped." made my day
  • 18 1
 Gee probably thought it was his frames fault after all those flats he got this year Razz
  • 6 14
flag hoolydooly (Nov 10, 2011 at 12:43) (Below Threshold)
 No it was his tyres. i cant remember who he is sponsored by but they forced him to use their tyres, not the maxxis minnions that he was using before.and they have a shitty side wall... so more flats.
  • 5 2
 I think that he rode Continental tires this season.... we all saw that they were not good.
  • 3 4
 Love to see them all with an M9 shredding the mtn., or a V10!!!
  • 6 0
 Animal have been supporting outdoor sports for as long as I remember (so the late eighties then....), so I'd say plenty of people 'give a fvck' about what they do. At least their products don't snap in half after 3 months....
  • 6 11
flag RaleighVoid (Nov 10, 2011 at 14:26) (Below Threshold)
 ORANGE BIKES
  • 8 0
 They dont have the dollar to support the athertons
  • 1 0
 Ermm... one for the rumor mill. I've heard they're not sponsored by Animal anymore!
  • 6 1
 @hoolydooly... continentals have some of the stongest sidewalls on the market
  • 7 2
 @Spoonyman...

The statement from Commencal is purely political. I can't imagine them saying that the split up sucks. Did you see the video of Max at Val de Sol (or la bresse, I cant remember) ? He was very happy to have the Athertons and refered to them as family more than just being riders under contract. No matter who rides Commencal next year, it will not be the same "family" ambiance.

I understand your statement non the less, thank you for clarifying.

And for all those neg props... WTF?
  • 1 13
flag kaibrabo (Nov 10, 2011 at 17:22) (Below Threshold)
 ATTENTION: Cycle Sports Group is picking up the Athertons. They own GT, Mongoose and Cannondale. Ben Cruz told me in his garage the other night.
  • 21 1
 Yeah well, Max Commencal told me that they'd be riding for Huffy in his garage last night.
  • 2 10
flag kaibrabo (Nov 10, 2011 at 18:21) (Below Threshold)
 do you know who Ben Cruz is, dickhead? look him up and tell me im lying.
  • 2 3
 Enduro DH rider for Cannondale...booom
  • 2 0
 I agree...i thought 'omg life will not be the same.'.
  • 1 6
flag nosoeawe (Nov 10, 2011 at 19:02) (Below Threshold)
 couldn't get a buddy to ride last saturday so i did an epic on my own. i ended my run at his house. he was watching the new harry potter alone in his room. i'm thinking of ending the friendship
  • 5 0
 why are you creepin on your friend? thats scary. if anything he should end the friendship
  • 2 0
 They win to much lately, and make good advertising, so they probably want more money Smile I don't think that Commencal earn as much money as Specialized or Santacruz. What you think? All the best for Athertons!
  • 1 1
 i've never met them but i enjoy the Atherton Project and basically everything that I see them connected with. I hope this family makes a new home in the desert southwest, santa cruz, anything u.s.a and continues to ride for a very long time
  • 1 2
 does any one know where they may go, they should go with trek, they will kill everyone on a trek bike
  • 4 0
 I don't think you can watch a pro flatting on world cup downhill courses and conclude that the tires suck. If you want to just ride minions, congratulations you'll be riding what probably 2/3 of the population use. But you're missing out on some great alternatives. For the record, continentals are great tires.
  • 4 1
 Hmm, Rocky Mtn- Maxxis Team dissolved, Brendan F free, Athertons free. Sounds like musical chairs.
  • 2 0
 Real shame, but it had to happen eventually! I'm excited to see where they end up next.
  • 3 0
 Their contract from Red bull is their primary sponcorship so I wouldn't be suprised if it was the Athertons who choose too make the move. My guess is they've been offerd a better deal by with another bike company.
  • 3 0
 For those of you who didn't actually read the article, it was a 5 year contract, which expires at the end of the year. And Red Bull only sponsors Gee and Rachel, not Dan. Red Bull sponsors them as athletes, not as a team. Animal is the primary sponsor.
  • 3 0
 and as i said earlier, i believe they have a new clothing sponsor too...
  • 1 0
 its wasn't Commencal paying for the "Athertons"...it was Animal, Madison (former UK distrib. for Commencal and Shimano) and Shimano Japan

Commencal could not pay the bills, especially during a particular season where customer warranty claims on cracked frames nearly bust the company Frown


Madison have since dropped Commencal Wink
  • 1 0
 Commencal probably going to go bust then lol
  • 1 0
 I didn't think the sponsorship/rider relationship between the Athertons and Connencal had run its full course yet. I also believe Commencal benefitted much more that the Athertons. The Athertons could find another sponsor to pay for their racing program. Commencal became a globally recognized brand because of Gee, Dan and Rachel. Here in USA Commencal was a relatively unknown brand before the Athertons came on the scene. I just hope they continue the Atherton project. It is entertaining and boosted them into DH fame and glory. Clay Porter does a great job with it.
  • 1 0
 Says the guy who just joined Pinkbike. Etopilow must know something WE all don't.
  • 1 0
 ^^ he didnt just join. but he is stating something that we ALL know already. Cycle Sports Group + Athertons = More GT sales
  • 2 3
 Sarcasm doesn't come thru the keyboard perfectly does it?
  • 1 0
 i know, i know i'm getting neg propped ass for this but:
mondraker and the athertons
fabien barrel just left....
  • 1 0
 Nopes its GT and if not probably Trek Gaint or Specialized in my opinion since although these teams are already fairly set for riders these team are the ones with the mega budgets and are all looking too expand and fully dominate the race scene.
  • 3 0
 Commencal have been around for a while and I doubt the Athertons will bring them too much more fame to the brand as I personally think the real glory days are possibly over. Commencal can push in a new direction now and I hope it works for them. I've owned 5 different commencals now and not one purchase has been based on the bloody Athertons!! CG maybe....!!
  • 1 8
flag mhailo (Nov 14, 2011 at 7:01) (Below Threshold)
 On a side note, over 300 props, yeeeeeehaa.
  • 2 0
 Here come -300 props Razz
  • 1 1
 Was it expecting it anyway Razz
  • 1 0
 just sayin brendog is on scott for sure
  • 1 0
 They need to go to empire.
  • 1 0
 Empires definetly the way forward for them !! dan,gee,rach+Empire=best bike team in the world?
!
  • 1 0
 too bad its gt
  • 1 0
 Empire ? damn dude as a company they dont deserve nor could they afford the Athertons, love their designs but they ask far too much for what is simply a single pivot design with a single peice construction method which I promise you is no stronger in any way than welds, seen one snapped a on jump alot of riders dust off on hard tails
  • 1 0
 strength is not the important factor of a race bike. true, its only a single pivot, but a well deigned one, with the pully n stuff. but i agree with you in the way that i couldnt see the athertons on an empire. it'd be like Beckham playing for Newcastle.
  • 1 0
 "strength is not the important factor of a race bike" - just ask Danny Hart haha
  • 1 0
 well... he is a Yorkshireman lol
  • 2 0
 found a perfect sponsor. www.airbornebicycles.com/products/96-taka.aspx
  • 1 1
 ^LOL those bikes suck.
  • 1 0
 yes. i was joking
  • 56 6
 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 21 36
flag Greenwood102 (Nov 10, 2011 at 9:05) (Below Threshold)
 This is sadder than when i watched the final harry potter...
  • 103 3
 This is sadder than someone who was upset by the final harry potter....
  • 8 1
 nerds.
  • 21 2
 Harry potter should hook up with commencal, hes rapid. Have you seen him on his fucking broom, no one would catch him!!
  • 4 0
 keyboard heros
  • 1 0
 @Lolo-the-frenchie. Unfortunately, I don't think they will be. The talk I've heard points towards Commencal having money issues and couldn't support a big team any longer. I could well be wrong, but we'll find out soon enough Wink
  • 5 1
 but harry is a fricken pussy. he would crash once then limp way to much, breath heavily, talk with his teeth clenched, and then sit out for the rest of the season
  • 15 0
 A Great company looses some great riders ... what a pity ! buut i'm super stoked and excited to see, what bike thei will run next season !!
  • 1 2
 dammit! just as I buy a new commencal...
  • 4 0
 Oh god no- you'd better run outside and check your wheels still go round ok.
  • 2 0
 considering I smashed the rim yesterday, they don't
  • 14 1
 This might be a surprise to some who havent been around for the rumours of them leaving.! Even though deep down I knew they were leaving it hasnt hit me till now. ill miss the sick kits and bikes ! It just doesnt feel right for them to leave Commencal,They just made such a name for themselves there. I just hope the GT rumours arent true, GTs just wouldnt suit them in my head!
  • 4 8
flag briandiener (Nov 10, 2011 at 15:14) (Below Threshold)
 rode a GT and their design is pretty bad
  • 8 1
 are you kidding! carbon GT fury was my favorite bike i rode at dealer camp. better then the turner, yeti, kona, and pivot dh bikes! its the bike im gonna go broke for this spring
  • 1 2
 they should go with trek
  • 3 0
 Nah Gee was top of the team in Commencal. It wouldnt sit right with him knowing Gwin can beat him. He could be top in GT but I dont know if I would like them to be on GT, But I guess that seems to be where they are going. I just hope The atherton project continues
  • 1 0
 hopefully not trek and hopefully not nukeproof/crc, I like team nukeproof but i cant see the athertons on there
  • 1 0
 I would prefer Nukeproof instead of trek and GT but not Nukeproof/crc.

If they just Rode for Nukeproof not CRC then that wouldnt be so bad,Just a team with the three of them on it!
  • 1 0
 true they just need another team with only the three of them, it wouldn't sit right seeing them race alongside lehikoinen or gwin. I could see Gee wanting a wilson but that probably wont happen
  • 1 0
 Money talks
  • 17 1
 What Gee needs is a new tire sponsor! That was a quality and classy release by Commencal.
  • 3 1
 i totally agree!
  • 16 3
 Athertons on ORANGE BIKES! UK riders supporting UK bike company's. It will never happen but it would be cool.
  • 4 0
 could not have put that any better!!!!!
  • 2 0
 YES! That would be perfect. For the UK anyway Big Grin
  • 2 1
 Steve pete :- orange bikes? Sure it's been done befor
  • 13 0
 Nahh it's going to be Walmart Apollo.
  • 1 0
 If that's where the money is, its not impossible...
  • 10 0
 anybody else think that Brendan Fairclough leaving Specialized and the Athertons leaving commencal is a coincidence? Possibly the Athertons to join Specialized next year?!
  • 4 1
 first person ive seen say that but i like that idea!! sounds different haha
  • 2 0
 That would be amazing !!!
  • 4 0
 Not happening..They didn't want to pay salaries for 3 top 10 riders. Athertons won't be cheap.
  • 12 0
 Their new bike should be the zerode G-1
  • 8 1
 How is this sad people. They didn't die. They are still capable of riding bikes. So what its just a different bike under them when they are winning worlds. They're lots of other bike companies out there that could support the team just as well....
  • 9 1
 It's so funny that everyone is getting so upset about it. Commercial will go on and so will the Athertons, chill out guys. Looking forward to seeing what both parties come up with for next season.
  • 8 2
 I usually get my info from a highly reliable source called Santa, after kicking his back door in last night during some pillow talk I asked him what the deal was with the Athertons, and he honestly replied... 'I don't give a sh1t! now, suck Santa's ....'
  • 5 1
 :'( does this mean that theres no more Atherton Project- No more Stevie, Brownie, polish pete and the athertons all together as a team or are they sticking together? for some reason it wouldnt surpirse me if gee went his seperate way and joined a different team :/ I really hope they stick together - WC racing wouldnt be the same with out them as a team!
  • 9 0
 the atherton project should still be going because it is done by red bull not commencal
  • 1 0
 if you look back at older episodes of the atherton project it seems awkward when they're not all together. it's like a machine with a part missing. i would of thought they stick together though, if not just because of the fact that the Athertons as a brand are of very high value. looking forward to seeing them all performing at their best in 2012 though. especially dans desire to once again be dominant over his brother.
  • 2 0
 It's cool to see change! Otherwise everything would be boring! Animal has been there sponser since they were teenagers! That's was time ago!
  • 3 0
 get em on empire slam dave hahah
  • 1 0
 everything will stay the same apart from the bike they are riding. stevie bell, polish pete and browner are all part of.the atherton team.
  • 8 0
 would love to see them on Intense Razz
  • 3 2
 Gee would be a nice fit for a 951...
  • 2 7
flag wuzupjosh (Nov 10, 2011 at 14:59) (Below Threshold)
 true but one of my friends broke his rear triangle on his 951 so imaginr what a racer could do
  • 1 0
 they updated that cnc'ed part on the rear triangles, so no worry whit it. even my 951 has now the newer one.
  • 1 0
 Why bother with the 951 when the M9 is the flagship bike......
  • 4 0
 Em, maybe Brendan is going to visit Commencal for some great years? Commencal have lost Gracia, the Athertons. Really, only Fairclough could give them another props in associations, like this family had done
  • 7 0
 So many retarded comments on here...
  • 3 0
 Yours is very enlightening...?
  • 5 1
 I think that Commencal will be the ones to suffer from this. The Athertons are the most famous DH riders in the world right now. The Atherton project has been airing on Fuel tv lately.
  • 4 26
flag dchill (Nov 10, 2011 at 10:46) (Below Threshold)
 Actually the most famous person in DH is Gwin. First person not only first American to accomplish what he has.
  • 6 1
 Nah man, not to the public.
  • 2 1
 I agree with dualsus. Gwin's achevements this season are amazing but he is too clean cut for the media and the general public.
  • 2 1
 Peaty and Hill would have to be "most famous" Athertons probably most popular right now, with all they have going for them.
Atherton Project, Gee's awesome riding at both WC and Rampage, Dan getting the closing of 3 minute gaps, and Rachel.
  • 1 2
 To the public then Cedric and Andreu would take top spots, achievement through out a career then Peaty and Hill
  • 1 1
 Again, nah. None of those guys have their own t.v. show. Peaty, Hill, Gwin, in the DH world. Andreu who?
  • 1 1
 Has to be Peaty. Gracia probably is pretty high actually. I still think Hill over Gracia though. Athertons probably over Gwin. Andreu Lacondeguy is huge, but Semenuk and the Cam's are both bigger.
  • 1 1
 Most Famous in DH? The name Minnaar mean anything to you guys? Helllo out there - probably the most known in the world from his podium finishes and titles. Gwinn is too fresh, hasn't been around long enough.
  • 2 5
 Minnaar is turning 30 although he has always done very well he has younger competition to keep up with. As for Gwinn, he is the first man to accomplish what he did this season. The fact that is is from the USA makes it 100x better.
  • 4 0
 All top class riders, i'm sure they will find a decent sled for next season regardless or who signs them. Hopefully someone who lets their personalities and riding do the talking and less corporate crap Big Grin
  • 4 0
 Oh god please dont go to specialized lol. Id like to see them bring a small Bike company up into the world cups. Or it would be hillarious if they all got seperated on ot diffrent bike companys lol.
  • 5 0
 "Stay Unclipped"??? i seem to recall Gee and Rachael always being clipped unless its real muddy. But meh negg prop me all you want im still an SPD rider and it wins races.
  • 1 0
 "Stay unclipped" is completely irrelevant to this story, its Si Pattons sign off, he does it on every article.
  • 6 0
 Now the rumor start for where their going.
  • 1 0
 rumoring GT
  • 3 0
 Just because, I say Zerode. I actually think that would be a sweet pairing!
  • 2 0
 Don't hate on me but it is possible that Commencal wanted to make room for another veteran rider to replace Dan since he has only been concentrating on DH last season to lackluster results. It could be that Gee made it clear the "Athertons" come as a package deal and if Dan goes, they all go. Just speculation. It is a business , remember, and why not possibley get another / WC veteran to build on a winning team if the oppurtunity arises or even an up and coming JR rider. Dan is the oldest remeber. Maybe they could also score someone as high profile as Brendog for example. I am well aware that Danno was getting his bearings back after a serious injury. Cannt blame him for the tough results for 2011. I am trying to make sense of the move by just thinking outside the box..... Dont all freak. BUT I am sure that the bigger companies are all seeing what effect winning has on market share espclly for TREK after the dominating season Gwin had.
  • 2 0
 I hope they stay together wherever they go next. They ride as a family and that is why is so interesting to follow them, needless to say that the Atherton project is super-addictive.
  • 4 1
 With Redbull & GT, they will surely fly high.... GT wants you to "Earn Your Wings" but Redbull " Gives you Wings"..... go fly way high Athertons...
  • 1 0
 you're all carrying on as if riders changing teams is something unusual!
Every top rider from as far back as I can remember (early 90's) has ridden for more than one team. The Athertons will continue to be successful in their careers.
  • 2 0
 I wonder if they will have to go their own ways to find a deal for next season ? It's a lot to ask of many companies to fund 3 top tier riders who are used to a pretty tidy pay packet.
  • 1 0
 like many of the above said, commencal will defo not be the same with out the athertons, the name will slip down the list (commencal, not the athertons obviously) and i think unless commencal will get another big name on their team ( which they most likely will) they could loose out on many things. really sad to hear this news, as i have grew up with the athertons on giant and commencal and will be extreamily strange to see them on different bikes. but all the best.
  • 5 1
 Lol! I love the way everybody speaks on here like they actually know the Athertons! Makes me laugh!!!
  • 1 0
 true story
  • 1 0
 Next year is going to be so exciting, who is Brendawg going to be riding for, the Athertons, the list goes on... Downhill has officially reached the point where pre-season hype has gotten big enough for me to be excited by it. F1 move over....
  • 1 0
 So stoked to watch the Athertons race next year with whatever company because they are so skilled and whoever Commencal picks up will be awesome. This changes the competition up! It is too bad that they are leaving because the Athertons and Commencal seemed like such a good family but on the other hand it would be boring if there were never any exciting changes. Good luck to everyone for next year!
  • 1 0
 Well what a shame for commencal! but cant want to find out where they will be going next year! from the looks of it its GT but imagine them on a v10! Brendog going for commencal?
  • 1 0
 Why do you think gt?
  • 1 0
 According to Team rumours, that's where they are looking to go, but it's clearly just rumours.
  • 5 0
 I wouldn't be surprised if Intense tried pretty hard to recruit them. I mean, picking the Athertons would definitely make up for losing the Chain Reaction team.
  • 4 2
 Intense would be cool if they had carbon frame
  • 4 0
 Intense would make sense... GT, not a bad ride but definitely not an upgrade... I'm thinking $$$ is the important factor fro the Atherton's at this point.
  • 2 0
 I wanna know what's gonna happen with Beaumont and Hannah if the Athertons head to GT. I don't see GT being able to keep everyone on...
  • 4 1
 brendog is goin scott... i have a very reliable source...
  • 7 0
 Nah, it's Apollo man, my source is more reliable, and well more realistic.......
  • 3 0
 Imagine the anthertons on specialized. I feel like there would be just a little tension on that team though ahaha
  • 1 0
 Maybe if it was a different team on specialized bikes. Just like there was a different commencal racing team
  • 2 0
 does anyone else think it's about time? i know it was a good team but moving on is the best thing sometimes.
  • 2 3
 carbon on dh makes no sense they have to mak it so thick its ends uup not that much lighter intensee would be good though
  • 1 0
 Athertons and commencal went together, But Brendog heading to scott and team speculation is saying athertons for GT After intense lost CRC to Nukeprove, I wouldnt doubt recruiting the athertons is in mind
  • 4 0
 @wuzupjosh Even if that statement was true, you're still wrong. Carbon does more than shed weight. Anyway, LETS NOT START A CARBON DOWNHILL BIKES DEBATE!!!
  • 2 0
 Stiffer too just sayin ahaha
  • 1 2
 lol I love how wuzupjosh gets neg' propped when he's actually right, don't buy the marketing people! - and stiffness is a separate quality to strength and in no way necessarily proportionate but is a benefit of carbon, stiffness generally makes stuff weaker in fact!
  • 1 1
 stiffness makes things weaker? hows that
  • 1 0
 hes right stiffness stops the metal from being able to take stress, this causes it to crack and twist...
  • 1 1
 god I hope you're a troll
  • 2 0
 no it makes sense, with metal, if you hit it hard enough itll just bend and then eventually snap, carbon on the other hand isnt going to bend, if hit hard enough itll just straight up snap. doesnt mean the carbon isnt stronger, just means that when it decides to break its gonna be alot worse than if it were metal
  • 3 0
 This seems to be the start of a exciting new season!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck to the athertons and commencal.
  • 3 0
 Sad to see but change is good sometimes. I hope Brendog throws a leg over on a commencal! That would be awesome
  • 1 1
 hate to place the blame on dan's head here but i think it could be down to his decision to race only DH. with gee and rach in dh and dan in 4x, commencal had all bases covered but now that they don't have a 4x angle, i dont think the idea of keeping the family together is as important to a big brand like commencal.

Wouldn't be all that surprised to find them going to a company like Canyon- first class bikes, getting them into the world market?
  • 1 0
 I wonder if they will still film the Atherton project even though they are changing team's. I have been keeping up to date on all of the Atherton project's and hope that they will still have them!
  • 1 0
 I think they would do well with Santa Cruz Or Trek !!

But i do think they will go for GT !!

www.pinkbike.com/photo/7212128 looks weird Seeing gee riding GT an not the Commencal But he looks sick !
  • 1 0
 ya except they have so much stress on their pivots thay they brake so easily turners wjhere its at
  • 2 0
 I hope you realise thats a photoshop callum lololol
  • 1 0
 probably financially unlikely, but imagine them on mondrakers. as for giant, hopefully they will make a new bike if they get the athertons, gambler is really outdated by today's standards.
  • 3 0
 ..not sure I follow your logic here... Giant should make a new bike because the Scott Gambler is outdated??? Say what?!?
  • 1 0
 Eek i meant to write scott, i'm constantly mixing them up... and now i'm not even sure did i read they are most likely to go to scott or giant when all this rumor crap got started... ffffffffuuuuuuuu
  • 1 0
 I'm stoked to see what Commencal does for next season. Perhaps more of a jump into freeride like the Brendan Howey video from this season...
www.pinkbike.com/news/Brendan-Howey.html
  • 2 0
 They have signed and on aboard with "GT" already,but yet to be annouced .....good source of mine told me
  • 1 0
 What ??? I think they just fit with Commencal... Imagine they at Specialized, it doesnt seem right. But let's see what they will ride for !
  • 2 0
 I love knowing who has signed The athertons and none of you do for sure. haha. and its not the evil specialized corp.
  • 1 0
 I think it would be rad to see them on GT and help blow up revenu for Gt so they can finally split from cycling sports groups and be their own solid company again.
  • 1 0
 im sure that comencal probs wont be to happy about this but who nos they could do horrible on there nexct bike wich will make comencal look awesome haha
  • 3 0
 well that was a surpise....did someone say GT?
  • 2 1
 Brian Lopes?
  • 1 2
 This is even worst than when they left... No, this is the worst news yet. I can only hope they go 2 another strong team. Maybe if they joined the Santa Cruz Syndicate it would be allright... They would become the unbeatable team. Minnaar, Peaty, Bryceland, the Athertons... How many world champs would be in that team?
  • 1 0
 good point
  • 1 0
 Impossible...
  • 1 2
 i think that they might go on to norco or something cause the aurum is very similair to some of the commencials and turner i think is a very high competitor and a very good candidate but u guys are missing the point here flat lines also have a great pivot system and the only downfect is that therea pound heavier than some people are gonna like any new bike cause there all very similar except konas and other things with the pivot on the top of the dropout
  • 2 0
 it's about money, rider support, and organization, not designs.
  • 1 0
 well good luck to them but to where ever they go i will still be their fan, specially rachel's good luck. and hope they go with trek.
  • 2 0
 Whoa ... kinda surprised to see my shot of Gee up top. Should´ve watermarked them ... meh. Blank Stare
  • 2 0
 This is like a memorial letter! I nearly cried! Frown
  • 1 0
 aint gonna be right,next year you maybe saying "atherton animal giant or animal trek.....just doesnt work
  • 1 0
 Enough of the speculations... I'm camping at Llandegla to see what they turn up on!
  • 1 0
 That will them be off to Saracen all thier other gear is supplied by madison anyway
  • 1 0
 im a little sad now. anyone know who they are moving to..heard rummers about gt..?
  • 1 0
 From what I've been told (by someone from Team GT) they're moving to Team GT. Hannah will leave GT, Beaumont will stay.
  • 2 0
 How do we make sense of this? Where will they go?
  • 2 3
 I heard they left Commencal because they didn't like the new bike and asked to ride last years model but Max wouldn't allow it. Also bin told they will be riding with GT, who knows . . .
  • 4 1
 heard this too, the new v3 bikes have a lower pivot and higher centre of gravity, overall making them slower over high speed bumps and braking, and more unstable in corners...
  • 4 0
 How about the fact that their contract expired and what probably happened was that they couldn't reach an agreement financially for the new contract. It's not too complicated because when you're on top of the dh world, the bike companies will tweak your own personal frames to your liking.
  • 2 0
 I heard that they helped design & test the V3, and it was adjusted to meet their requirements (lower bottom backet & slacker head angle) before being released...no wait, that's what actually happened, not what I heard!
The V3 has a lower C of G than the V2, but a higher pivot point, so wrong on both counts symon666.
This may enlighten you - www.sicklines.com/2011/05/10/2012-commencal-supreme-dh-v3-review Wink
  • 1 0
 I was gonna say, the V3 is a lot lower slung than the V2 lol
  • 1 0
 Gee filling Brandons spot? Would be nice to see that, but guess just time will tell Wink
  • 2 0
 vitalmtb said for GT, nothing official yet...
  • 1 0
 i just can't imagine them on anything else than a super sick blue racing machine!
atherton=commencal
  • 1 0
 wow, didn't see that coming... it would interesting if they split up and rode for different teams, doubt it'll happen...
  • 1 0
 Did not see that one coming. Interested to see who they will be riding for in 2012.
  • 3 1
 Specialized! To replace Brendog!
  • 2 0
 NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gutted!!
  • 2 0
 if they go for mondraker they would kill it next season Razz
  • 3 2
 The athertons racing for specialized would be amazing the coolest bikes and the coolest racers.
  • 1 0
 Yet again I thought that in the bottom picture it was James may instead of Stevie... Blank Stare
  • 2 0
 i think it is a sign of 2012
  • 2 0
 They are going to Mondraker, its why Andraeu is on Yt now
  • 1 0
 THE f*ck?! I know it says there contract runs up and stuff but still, am I the only one who saw this as a surprise?
  • 1 0
 World is changing! Brendan Fairclough left Specialized. Anthertons left Commencal. And Addidas just bought FiveTen.
  • 1 0
 Ha, so true!
  • 1 0
 I wonder if they will swap other sponsers too, I hear Mule Bar are looking for some top UK riders.
  • 1 0
 Oh my god!! I cant think about the athertons without thinking of commencal Frown
  • 1 0
 i hope Tomac just because i have not seen much on that company in a long time. whats going on with them anyways?
  • 2 0
 Well that's a load of bull ... They should go on specialized!!!!!
  • 1 0
 It's great to see such a professional press release from commencal if i do say so myself...
  • 1 0
 Dear mr gee

Please can I have your Bike seein as you don't need it anymore

Regards Smile
  • 1 0
 thats just not right! ANYONE no who their moving to?
  • 1 0
 They are = they're, not their.
  • 1 0
 Stop guessing guys. It's GT! 100% sure
  • 1 1
 GT... The Atherons have now "jumped the shark"
  • 2 1
 here's hoping they change tyre sponsors eh!
  • 2 0
 Mondraker Bikes!!!
  • 1 0
 is stevie bell and brownie staying with commencal or the athertons
  • 2 0
 its gunna be redbull,GT
  • 2 1
 WHAAAT? Hopefully they will get a good company to sponsor them
  • 2 1
 at there standed they wont be in any team but a exerlent one Smile
  • 1 0
 Wow, didn't expext that. Oh well, good luck to both parties.
  • 1 0
 Frown good luck with a new sponsor though !
  • 3 1
 brendog (commencal)
  • 1 0
 It would be a shame if they split up.
  • 2 0
 i feel like crying
  • 3 0
 why so? If the article makes you cry, than I have some sad news for you.
  • 1 0
 Natural progression! Good for them they desrve it~
  • 1 0
 The Athertons goes to GT Wink Confirmed Razz
  • 2 0
 pics or didn't happened Razz
  • 1 0
 My guess is that they will be shredding on any bike that they ride.
  • 1 0
 So who will be moving to commencal?
  • 1 0
 im sad im gonna go take a shlt now
  • 1 0
 I think they will go on GT
  • 2 1
 Athertons for POLYGON helll yeaahhhh Smile
  • 1 0
 Prety sure there going to GT
  • 1 0
 I won't be surprised if they go Specialized now !! Wink
  • 1 0
 Gee on the new cube two15 would be pretty sick!!
  • 1 1
 This is almost as sad as I was when Gwinny left Trek. Sure, Trek's a great company, but I'm a sucker for the little guy.
  • 2 0
 Ahhh.....Gwin is with Trek...what are you talking about?! Or did I just miss something?
  • 1 0
 You mean Yetti?
  • 1 0
 they should stay are go to mondraker
  • 1 0
 please be specialized, hopefully the athertons will take Bren-Dogs place.
  • 1 0
 Who are they gonna ride for now?!?!?
  • 1 0
 Probably GT
  • 2 1
 nice shimano rims
  • 1 1
 ide like to see them riding for trek Imagen them on the session 9.9
  • 1 0
 best of luck them all.
  • 1 0
 They need to join Yeti
  • 1 0
 what. the. f*ck. ?!
  • 1 0
 Devinci world racing.
  • 1 0
 Makes me want to cry :/
  • 1 1
 hmmm specialized? probs not but id to see that!
  • 1 3
 not only redbull gives you wins ...
[L=http://twitter.com/?photo_id=1#!/teamrumours/status/115366811226210304/photo/1/large[/L])
  • 1 0
 How sad!
  • 1 0
 Going Cannondale.
  • 2 3
 hopefully it will be rockstar gt Smile www.pinkbike.com/photo/7079115
  • 9 1
 It wont be rockstar gt because gee and rach are both sponsored by redbull.
  • 3 0
 and GT run with rockshox not fox. are the athertons not sponsored by fox too?
  • 1 1
 wow. just wow.
  • 1 1
 gee on spz! hahahahah
  • 1 1
 That's a bummer
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