COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5

What if there were a bike capable of flattening roots like a bulldozer while also giving you the extra speed needed to set a World Cup time? Stay for a few minutes and discover why the COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5 is the choice of pro riders… and of many enthusiasts who want to shave seconds off their “insurance policy.”

Quick specs for impatient readers

• Wheels: 29" front / 27.5" rear mullet setup (sizes S-XL); 27.5" front and rear in size XS
• Travel: 220 mm rear / 200 mm front
• Kinematics: 6-bar High Virtual Contact System (HVCS) high-pivot design
• Frame weight: 5.3 kg (size S with protectors)
• Head angle: 63.2 ° (low position)
• 2025 price: €4,500 – €7,400 depending on build (Ride → Signature LTD)

Who is the SUPREME DH V5 for?

The new V5 was designed for DH racers and demanding bike-park riders looking for:

• Maximum traction in rough sections thanks to the high-pivot design and the rear wheel moving away from impacts.
• Geometry and progression adjustments that let you fine-tune the bike to the course.
• A robust yet optimized aluminum frame, backed by podium finishes in the UCI Downhill World Series.

HVCS 6-bar kinematics: myth or real advantage?

COMMENCAL moved away from the traditional 4-bar design and developed a 6-link system with a high virtual pivot that isolates the suspension from braking forces and extends the rear wheel path as it absorbs bumps, improving high-speed stability. The idler in the main triangle guides the chain to reduce “kick-back” on landings.

Geometry and sizes

With a 63.2 ° head angle and a 482 mm reach in size L, the V5 combines composure with room to move around on the bike. The adjustable dropout lets you vary the chainstay length between 436.5 mm and 448.5 mm (+/-6 mm), allowing you to choose between agility and stability on long straights.

2025 ranges and prices

• Signature LTD Glittery Black – Fox Factory / SRAM X01 DH, MSRP ≈ €7,400
• Öhlins Edition Yellow – Öhlins TTX22 and DH38 suspension, MSRP ≈ €6,490
• Essential Aqua / Green – Fox Performance / SRAM GX DH, MSRP ≈ €5,700
• Ride Frozen Brown – RockShox Boxxer + Super Deluxe, MSRP ≈ €4,500

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

On-trail performance

Infinite grip: the rear wheel path follows an almost vertical parabola, keeping the bike “glued” to the ground even on fast, rocky sections.

Stability in the air: the 220 mm of travel absorbs flat landings and lets you land whips with confidence.

Is it heavy? The frame weighs around 5.3 kg; complete builds come in at approximately 17.5-18.5 kg depending on the wheels and shock. That “extra” kilo adds inertia and composure, qualities appreciated by many DH riders.

Advantages and areas for improvement

Best features

• Superior traction and neutral braking thanks to the 6-bar design.
• Multiple adjustments (offset, BB-drop, progression) without exotic tools.
• Competitive value for money within the factory spec DH segment.

Areas for improvement

• Maintenance: more links mean more bearings to inspect.
• Slightly higher weight than carbon frames, although the stiffness and durability make up for it.

Frequently asked questions

Which size should I choose at 1.78 m?

COMMENCAL recommends size M (458 mm reach) for riders between 170-182 cm, although many riders choose L for greater stability on fast courses.

Can it be fitted with dual 29” wheels?

This is not предусмотрено; the kinematics are optimized for a mullet setup. Changing the rear wheel diameter alters the suspension curve and voids the warranty.

What maintenance does the 6-bar system require?

Clean and grease the bearings every 40-50 hours of intensive use, and replace the bushings annually depending on their condition.

Conclusion

The COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5 demonstrates that engineering can still make a difference in downhill. Its HVCS 6-bar kinematics provide an extra level of traction and control that has already translated into medals; now, it can also translate into your best run of the year.

What’s next?

• Next read: “How to adjust your shock progression for fast vs. rough courses”.
• Products at CaranvaSports: Öhlins TTX22 DH Shock, SUPREME V5 Bearing Kit, DT FR560 29/27.5 DH Wheels.
• Also discover the COMMENCAL META SX V6 if you’re looking for a DH-inspired mullet enduro.