COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5

What if there existed a bike that could scrub roots like a bulldozer and at the same time give you the extra speed to nail a World Cup time? Stick around for a few minutes and discover why the COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5 is the choice of pro riders… and many amateur racers who want to shave seconds off their "insurance policy".

Express sheet for the impatient

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

Who is the SUPREME DH V5 For?

The new V5 was conceived for DH competitors and demanding bike-park riders who seek:

• Maximum traction in broken sections thanks to the high-pivot and rear wheel that moves away from impacts.
• Geometry and progression adjustments that allow you to "dial in" the bike to the circuit.
• A robust yet optimized aluminum frame, backed by podiums in the UCI Downhill World Series.

HVCS 6-bar Kinematics: Myth or Real Advantage?

COMMENCAL abandoned traditional 4-bar design and developed a 6-link system with high virtual pivot that isolates suspension from braking and stretches the rear wheel travel distance when absorbing 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 head angle of 63.2 ° and a reach of 482 mm on size L, the V5 blends confidence and room to move inside the bike. The adjustable chainstays let you vary the stays between 436.5 mm and 448.5 mm (+/-6 mm) to choose between agility or stability on long straights.

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

Trail Behavior

Infinite grip: the rear wheel's trajectory traces an almost vertical parabola, leaving the bike "glued" to the terrain even in fast rocky sections.

Air stability: the 220 mm of travel absorbs flat landings and allows you to land whips with poise.

Is it heavy? The frame sits around 5.3 kg; complete builds weigh 17.5–18.5 kg depending on wheels and shock. That "extra" kilo adds momentum and aplomb, appreciated by many DH racers.

Advantages and Aspects to Improve

The Best

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

Room for Improvement

• Maintenance: more linkages = more bearings to service.
• Weight somewhat elevated versus carbon frames (though stiffness and durability compensate).

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should I choose at 1.78 m?

COMMENCAL recommends size M (reach 458 mm) for 170–182 cm, though many riders opt for L to gain stability on fast circuits.

Can I run dual 29" wheels?

Not planned; the kinematics is optimized for mullet configuration. Changing rear wheel diameter modifies the suspension curve and voids warranty.

What maintenance does the 6-bar system require?

Bearing cleaning and greasing every 40–50 hours of intense use and annual bushing replacement depending on condition.

Conclusion

The COMMENCAL SUPREME DH V5 proves that engineering can still make a difference in downhill. Its HVCS 6-bar kinematics gives it a traction and control edge already translating to medals; now it can also translate into your best run of the year.

What Now?

• Next read: «How to Dial Your Shock Progression for Fast vs. Broken Circuits».
• 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 want an enduro mullet with DH DNA.