The 23 Mountain Bikes We Punished Over the Long Term in 2016

Downhill Bikes Commencal Supreme DH V4 Race It’s not often we get our hands on a dedicated downhill bike for review, but since launching US distribution last year the folks at Commencal have been more than generous, lending us a few trusty steeds including the Supreme DH V4. While the Commencal factory team has made …

Downhill Bikes

Commencal Supreme DH V4 Race

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It’s not often we get our hands on a dedicated downhill bike for review, but since launching US distribution last year the folks at Commencal have been more than generous, lending us a few trusty steeds including the Supreme DH V4. While the Commencal factory team has made a name for themselves among international freeride, enduro, and downhill circuits on the the same frames available to the average Joe, we thought that perhaps the Supreme V4 traded in some racey qualities for a more durable and dependable design and construction. What’s more, at sub-$3K for the cost of entry, you won’t feel as guilty about buying a dedicated downhill rig to use and abuse for those occasional shuttle days and weekends at the park.

The DH V4 handles extremely well, is quiet and precise, while at the same time forgiving enough for people like me who freak out a little the first 2-3 days I start doing downhill every season. I rode this bike hard all summer, never had a major crash, but had some very close calls that I firmly believe were averted by the handling and suspension of this bike. In addition, it is an absolutely sweet-looking rig.

-Michael Paul

Michael Paul puts together some of the best MTB photography out there. Check out his work in the full review of the Commencal Supreme V4 Race.

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