COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5

What if there was a bike that could flatten roots like a bulldozer and, at the same time, give you the extra speed to set a World Cup time? Stay a few minutes and discover why the COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5 is the bike of choice for pro riders … and for many amateurs who want to shave seconds off their “life insurance.”

Express sheet for the impatient

• Wheels: 29" front mullet / 27.5" rear (sizes S-XL); 27.5" both in size XS :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Travel: 220 mm rear / 200 mm front :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Kinematics: 6-bar High Pivot High Virtual Contact System (HVCS) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Frame weight: 5.3 kg (size S with protections) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Steering angle: 63.2 ° (low position) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Price 2025: €4,500 – €7,400 depending on assembly (Ride → Signature LTD) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Who is the SUPREME DH V5 for?

The new V5 was designed for demanding DH and bike park competitors looking for:

• Maximum traction on rough terrain thanks to the high-pivot and rear wheel that pivots away from impacts.
• Geometry and progression adjustments that allow you to “tune” the bike to the circuit.
• A robust yet optimized aluminum frame, backed by podium finishes in the UCI Downhill World Series .

6-bar HVCS kinematics: myth or real advantage?

COMMENCAL abandoned the traditional 4-bar design and developed a 6-link with a high virtual pivot that isolates the suspension from braking and stretches the rear wheel track when absorbing bumps, improving high-speed stability :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. The idler in the main triangle guides the chain to reduce kickback on landings.

Geometry and sizes

With a 63.2° head angle and 482mm reach in size Large, the V5 blends poise with room to move on the bike :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. The adjustable dropout allows the chainstays to be varied between 436.5mm and 448.5mm (+/-6mm) to choose between agility or stability on long straights :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Ranges and prices 2025

• Signature LTD Glittery Black – Fox Factory / SRAM X01 DH, RRP ≈ €7,400 :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Öhlins Edition Yellow – Öhlins TTX22 and DH38 suspension, RRP ≈ €6,490 :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Essential Aqua / Green – Fox Performance / SRAM GX DH, RRP ≈ €5,700 :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Ride Frozen Brown – RockShox Boxxer + Super Deluxe, RRP ≈ €4,500 :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

*Prices in dollars converted to euros (June 2025) and subject to availability.

Behavior on the track

Infinite grip: the rear wheel trajectory draws an almost vertical parabola, which leaves the bike “glued” to the ground even on fast scree :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Stability in flight: The 220 mm of travel absorbs flat landings and allows whips to land with confidence.

Is it heavy? The frame weighs around 5.3 kg; complete builds weigh around 17.5–18.5 kg, depending on the wheels and shock. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. That extra kilo adds inertia and poise, appreciated by many DH riders.

Advantages and aspects to improve

The best

• Superior traction and neutral braking thanks to the 6-bar design.
• Multiple adjustments (advance, BB-drop , progression) without exotic tools.
• Competitive price-performance ratio within the DH factory spec segment.

To improve

• Maintenance: more rods = more bearings to check.
• Somewhat heavy compared to carbon frames (although stiffness and durability make up for it).

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should I choose if I'm 1.78m?

COMMENCAL recommends size M (reach 458 mm) for riders 170-182 cm, although many riders choose size L for greater stability on fast circuits. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Can you mount a double 29” wheel?

This isn't planned; the kinematics are optimized for a mullet setup. Changing the rear diameter alters the suspension curve and voids the warranty.

What maintenance does the 6-bar system require?

Cleaning and lubrication of bearings every 40-50 hours of intensive use and annual replacement of bushings depending on condition.

Conclusion

The COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5 proves that engineering can still make a difference in downhill riding . Its 6-bar HVCS kinematics give it extra traction and control that already translates into medals; now, it could also translate into your best run of the year.

And now what?

• Next reading: “How to adjust your shock progression for fast vs. rough tracks.”
• Products in CaranvaSports: Öhlins TTX22 DH shock absorber , SUPREME V5 bearing kit , DT FR560 29/27.5 DH wheels .
• Also discover the COMMENCAL META SX V6 if you're looking for a mullet enduro with DH DNA.