After dabbling in DH racing in 2022, I've decided to take it more seriously this year and am looking to build up a new race rig for the upcoming season.
Right now, I'm trying to decide between a Commencal Supreme v4, Canfield Jedi, and Scott Gambler.
The Supreme seems to be the privateer's weapon of choice (and the v4 is $1200 cheaper than the v5), the Jedi has its cult following but seems to be a little more versatile than the Supreme, and the Gambler is the best all-rounder of the three, but only comes in complete builds that I'm not too fond of. Selling take-offs is a nightmare in the current market, and I'd rather not deal with it.
Which do you choose, and why? If it makes any difference, I'm in Denver, so Commencal US is right down the road from me.
The gambler is a good option if you want to try out Scott's warranty department. The supreme V4 is cool but it will lose value real quick now that the V5 is out (not quite yet available).
I would go with the new Transition TR11 actually, its a really good value and you get a lot of great parts with the stock parts spec or you can get a frame for about $2500 and build one up yourself with whatever parts you like (most other DH frames are $3200 and up). It also is a simple suspension design and low maintenance which seems to be a growing trend these days.
You're not wrong. It's a simple 4-bar, and the 148mm rear spacing makes keeping spare wheels on hand easy. But at 6'2" I prefer a full 29" setup and have plenty of inseam length to clear it.
If you can swing it, a V10 would be a great option for a race bike. Good build quality, and the free bearing replacements would be pretty handy long term.
The Supreme V4's seem to crack a lot, but they would be a cost effective and proven platform. There'd also be a bit of a warmup period if you're not used to how high pivot bikes feel through compressions etc.
V10 is probably worth considering. Higher frame cost matter less when you don’t have to buy two of them.
If you are interested in the Gambler, why not Trek session with High pivot? It’s a proven frame, amazing kinematics.
I think the gambler could be a good bike paired with the OChain.
I think the V5 will be a very good bike, most the kinematics seem close to the Trek Session, but we will see once the reviews come out.
The Session does seem to work really well. I’m unfairly biased against Trek for no good reason.
Well, If you don’t want a Trek, I have a feeling based on Kinematics I’ve seen on Linkage Design, I feel that the V5 will be the next best frame.
Tons of variables come into play more than the numbers. Like tubing thickness, which effects how compliant a bike is or even could be too soft. But I’m crossing my fingers they have that dialed in for the consumer and it’s not too stiff.
it’s very hard for anyone to sit here and give you perfect advice. It will depend a lot on type of terrain your riding, body weight, riding style, ect. In the end, just get what you are stoked to try. If you don’t enjoy the frame, sell it and try another.
Out of the box idea here:
A lightly used AL Transition Spire can run a DC and is around $1500ish. Cascade link takes it to 180rear travel and you get 15% off a custom tuned for the link kinematic and your weight EXT arma or storia. That's =1200 for the link and shock all in. That set up might be as good or better than a true 200mm DH with less dialed in suspension - depending on your terrain of course.
I think the ESC DH champ was running that setup with a regular shock and killing it. But North East terrain plays a role in that I'm sure. Other benefit is you have an Enduro bike ready to run w/ SC and the air shock/reg link if you're into the 2 bike in 1 thing..
The above options of the TR11 or Session are also great way's to go.
I have/love my V4 supreme and haven't any issues with it. But I don't race it - I sized down and have it set up SS as a fun park bike + I'm 140lbs . So I'm sure that's helping it's longevity.
My enduro bike is a Scott Ransom (170mm) with an EXT Storia. For the DH racing I did last year I slapped a Fox 40 on the front of it and it worked reasonably well, but still felt like a trail bike with a dual crown. I’ll take all the mechanical skill I can get.
Almost all of the park riding I do is well served by the Ransom. I’m looking for something specifically for racing that will hold up under my 215lb.
Have you tried a mullet setup? There's more benefits than just clearance for people with short legs. They turn in way better than full wagon wheel setups. Much stronger rear wheel. Less unsprung mass makes the suspension work better.
Once Minnaar retires I don't think you will see many full 29er DH bikes in the world cup.
I've just switched to a V4 supreme and can vouch for the big gain in straight-line speed with the high pivot. It took a few runs to get used to cornering with the wheelbase growth under compression, but once I worked out I needed to load up the rear wheel a bit more I could get it around berms just as fast as my old Propain Rage. Overall it feels much faster.
The new Raaw Yalla seems like it'd be another excellent option for a privateer. Lots of adjustability, easy serviceability, and a solid price point.
https://raawmtb.com/en-ca/collections/yalla/products/yalla-frame-kit-raw
I'm strongly considering it. Aluminum, adjustable, and serviceable are all good things in my book. $2850 shipped to my door without a shock isn't a screaming deal, but it could be much worse.
It's not the best deal ever, but compared to the V5 pricing it's not so bad
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