Supreme DH

Name: Commencal Supreme DH
Brand: Commencal

mtb

Origin

The Supreme DH debuted in 2005, the same year Anne-Caroline Chausson took a World Championship title on it — an extraordinary debut for a brand barely five years old. The V5 (2023) was three years in the making with Commencal's race team, introducing the HVCS high-pivot system designed to give the bike the anti-squat characteristics of a high-pivot layout without the idler pulley drag penalty.

Specifications

Frame: Alloy 6066 triple-butted tubes (T4/T6), frame weight 5.3 kg (size SM with protection, chain guide, rear axle). Available in XS (27.5"/24") and standard (29"/27.5") mullet configurations
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 DH 7-speed or SRAM XO DH (build-dependent), 1x
Brakes: SRAM Code RSC or SRAM Level Ultimate, 4-piston hydraulic, 200mm rotors front and rear
Wheels: 29" front / 27.5" rear (mullet). XS version: 27.5" / 24". Tubeless-ready.

The verdict

+Strengths

HVCS delivers World Cup anti-squat feel without the idler-pulley penalty of older high-pivot designs
Extremely adjustable kinematics — 4 flip-chip positions and optional chainstay inserts for track-specific setup
Proven race pedigree: multiple World Cup and World Championship results since 2005

−Weaknesses

220mm travel and full DH spec makes it impractical for anything other than lift-served or shuttle riding
Heavy at ~15.5–16 kg — even by DH standards
High pivot HVCS can feel active/restless to riders accustomed to more passive DH suspensions