Edited Date/Time
6/18/2026 10:13pm
Looking for a new DH frame as my Session is cracked and Trek has no replacements available this year.
Criteria:
- 485-500mm reach
- Mullet compatible
- 157mm rear hub spacing
- Frame only option
- Available to buy today
So far the new Mondraker and Supreme v5 are really the only ones I can find that fit the bill. Unfortunately the Mondraker is backordered currently and I won't go near Commencal with a 10ft pole after my previous dealings with them...
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Atherton?
New commencal has a lifetime warranty. And the current v5 has almost no problem, I've only heard about one broken frame of a world cup racer that crashed it into a rock. My friend that cracks one frame a year is in his 3rd season with the same frame, so you can start changing your opinion on this. Let alone the fact that it's a very good frame regarding cinematic and suspension and flex, very fun and still stable at high speed. I love mine. Does the santa cruz v10 fits all your requirements ?
with those reach #s it seems like you'd be looking mostly at XL frames.
V10
Propain Rage
scott gambler checks the boxes (current gen & last gen) but current gen XL is sold out and doesn't seem to be a frame only option.
Intense M1
Regardless of whether the v5 is reliable or not, the company still sucks! They totally hosed me last time. Never again!
I've added this to the list. It's quite pricey though once the exchange rate gets factored in... ~$4500 CAD with no shock (but luckily my Session shock would bolt right on)
I can't go V10 as the XL doesn't allow for a 27.5" rear wheel! Otherwise I probably would have pulled the trigger already!
I'd love to try one. Unfortunately this A model is prohibitively expensive... The S model would fit the bill though...
Rage is my first thought to check all the boxes. I like mine
If I were buying today I'd probably get the new TR11. 148 rear spacing but the frameset is a killer deal that would more than justify a new fancy wheel if that's whats driving that requirement
not very sexy but a giant glory has a 157 rear end and can run mullet. reach is on the short end of what you're after.
The Rage is interesting, but comes out to over $7k CAD with taxes & shipping...
The TR11 is up there, but I fall a bit in between sizes (481mm in long vs 501mm in short with -5mm cups) & it's not available until Q4 2026. Also, I do have a fancy wheel so I'd need to factor in the cost & hassle of a new hub, spokes & wheel build. I'd probably want to swap out the shock to a coil too. So it's actually not as competitive for me as the sticker price indicates..
It looks like the geo chart does not take into account the adjustable reach headset, you can tack on an additional 5mm using the long position. The new frame color is wild. https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/glory-advanced-frameset-2027
Yeah based on his needs, it looks like the Giant checks all the boxes, and the geometry and suspension design look solid too:
But boy howdy that new paint job is... interesting:
WTF, did Giant just take their FEA mapping output and turn it into a paint scheme?
If this is their FEA mapping, I can tell why people keep breaking the downtube with their fork bumpers.
Friend of mine had to go legal route to get his Frame replaced After that happened.
Giant Seem really stuck to "yeah, no we dont make mistakes, your fault."
Lol I will not be buying a Giant. I crack a frame every single season without fail. I need something that is bomber and/or has a solid warranty reputation.
Why 157mm? You have a current set of wheels you'd like to use I take it? I'm more disconnected from DH standards and parts as I am strictly an enduro and trail rider but just wondering what people think of 157mm nowadays? It seems like there are more and more dh bikes popping up with 148mm (Forbidden Supernought, Frameworks DH and Transition TR11). Seems like it's not as relevant as it once was with XD slim. I had an Evil with 157mm rear a few years ago and it was kind of annoying to find wheels for.
Because I've got a fancy 157mm carbon rear wheel from my current build, and I'd rather not have to buy a different hub, spokes, and do a wheel build or drop $1000 on a new wheel.
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