First Look: Atherton AM.170

Apr 19, 2023
by Seb Stott  
photo
Action photos: Ian Lean


Atherton Bikes have launched what they call "a hard-hitting big mountain enduro bike". The AM.170 has 170 mm of travel at the rear, with a choice of 170 or 180 mm forks and coil or air shocks. It runs mixed (mullet) wheels.

Atherton say it incorporates learnings from their World Cup-proven mixed-wheel downhill bike, the AM.200, and was designed with Dan Atherton. While it's designed to excel in bike park terrain, the company describe it as an "all-rounder" and emphasise its versatility.

"The AM.170 is equally happy doing all day big mountain days as it is taking on the Oakley line", says Dan Atherton. "If I had to choose just one bike from our range to ride every weekend, this would be the one!”
Atherton AM.170 Details

• Travel: 170 mm (r) / 170-180 mm (f)
• Coil or air shocks
• Mullet wheels
• 64° head angle, 77-78.5° seat angle
• Carbon tubes, 3D printed Ti lugs
• 22 sizes, 410-530 mm reach
• UDH (SRAM Transmission compatible)
• Frame only £4500 / $4671 USD (ex. tax & shipping)
• Bikes from £6950/ $7239 USD (ex. tax & shipping)
• Lifetime 1st owner warranty
• www.athertonbikes.com


We've known a longer-travel enduro bike was coming from Atherton for some time, but I expected it to be more of a dedicated park bike. It's pretty interesting to hear Dan Atherton describe it as the bike you should have if you can only have one bike. Sure, he's probably biased (although Atherton do offer two shorter-travel bikes) but at least somebody agrees with me that a long-travel enduro bike is the only bike you need.

photo

The AM.170 joins the AM.130 trail bike, the AM.150 trail/enduro bike, and the AM.200 downhill bike (AM stands for additive manufacturing, not all-mountain). It shares much of the same features which make Atherton's bikes stand out from the crowd. The frame is constructed from custom carbon tubes and 3D-printed Titanium lugs; an adaptable approach which allows Atherton to create 22 different sizes. Reach numbers go from 410-530 mm in 10 mm increments, with options for seat tube and head tube length too. But don't worry if that sounds too hard to choose, Atherton's website recommends a size based on your height, arm span and inside leg measurement, or you can just give them a call.

It uses Dave Weagle's 6-bar DW6 suspension layout, which offers good pedalling support and plays nicely with the 3D-printed construction and custom-sizing. Atherton are tight-lipped about the precise kinematics, but based on Atherton's other models it's safe to assume there's a generous amount of anti-squat and leverage progression.

One thing that sets the AM.170 apart from its stablemates (aside from the travel) is the straight seat tube, which allows for very long dropper posts. The actual tube profiles in the front triangle are common to all Atherton bikes (although they are cut to custom lengths depending on the model and size), as are the hardware and most of the bearings. The rear-end tubes are the same as the AM.150, but the lugs are specific to the model (and frame size).


photo

Geometry

The 64-degree head angle isn't quite as slack as you might expect given some enduro bikes are going below 63-degrees these days. The seat tube angle steepens for larger frame sizes, starting at 77 degrees and going to 78.5 degrees. The chainstay length changes slightly too, from 430 mm to 440 mm. This should help taller riders to feel less "off the back" on the steepest climbs.


photo
Buid 1 - Photo: Laurence Crossman-Emms

Models & pricing

It's available as a frame, with a choice of Fox DHX2 coil or Float X2 air shock, for £4,500. There are also three full builds, all of which use Stans Wheels, Continental Kryptotal DH tyres, FSA bar and stem and Hayes Dominion brakes. The shock (air or coil) and fork (170 or 180 mm) can be customised to order, and Atherton can accommodate other upgrades or swaps, bolstering the personalisation offered by their sizing strategy.

The starting price for a full bike is £6950 for the Build 3. With a choice of Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil or Air sock, and Zeb Ultimate fork with either 170mm or 180mm up front. The drivetrain is SRAM GX Eagle.

For £ 7900, Build 2 comes with a choice of Ohlins TTX22.M2 Coil or Air shock and Ohlins RXF38 fork, with either 170mm or 180mm.

Finally, the £8,200 Build 1 gets a Fox Float X2 or DHX22 shock with either a 170mm or 180mm Fox 38 fork.

All builds are compatible with SRAM’s new direct-mount drivetrains, which are available as an upgrade.


photo



Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Atherton Bikes Dan Atherton


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211 Comments
  • 146 60
 I would assume that the CEO of a company would choose to ride their own bikes.
  • 123 3
 Actually, he says "If I had to choose just one bike from our range to ride every weekend, this would be the one!” So that may mean he could still prefer to ride other bikes from their range on weekdays, and a different brand altogether all week.
  • 3 65
flag joebiden FL (Apr 19, 2023 at 8:15) (Below Threshold)
 @ak-77: oh, in the subtext on the headline it doesn't mention that. Seems to be an important detail though.
  • 109 5
 @joebiden: you sound like a not particularly well trained LLM, it is obvious from the context that he talks about bikes produced by his company and that they produce more than one. Now I know why we need warnings on coffee mugs saying that hot coffee is actually and surprisingly hot.
  • 86 4
 @lkubica: take it easy on Joe, he's gettin old and ain't as sharp as he used to be.
  • 15 66
flag joebiden FL (Apr 19, 2023 at 10:05) (Below Threshold)
 @lkubica: To lead, I think it's amazing bike, and I love the Athertons.
This is a stupid argument. the text reads, "If I was only allowed to choose one bike, this would be the one". It is also a promotional story about the specific bike, so it would be ridiculous if he said "Our other bikes are better than this, but its still cool". He's trying to drive sales towards the bike, which is why he said it. His option is useless, because he's trying to promote this bike. I don't blame him, because he's just trying to do his job and make money to feed his kids, not write an honest review.



Also, the reason we need warnings of coffee is because of the one person who got third degree burns from a Mcdonalds coffee that was spilled on her.
  • 32 0
 @joebiden: whoooosh
  • 35 0
 @joebiden: joe..your toeclips are taking you down…
  • 3 9
flag kyleluvsdh (Apr 19, 2023 at 11:59) (Below Threshold)
 Is it just me, or are the sizes written in Welch? Razz
  • 21 58
flag kyleluvsdh (Apr 19, 2023 at 11:59) (Below Threshold)
 @joebiden: FJB
  • 26 4
 @kyleluvsdh: lmao why r u getting political on pink bike. it's a joke account, no reason to get mad.
  • 3 25
flag joebiden FL (Apr 19, 2023 at 12:17) (Below Threshold)
 @kyleluvsdh: Also your Canadian? Did the bong in ur buy sell get you confused about your nationality?
  • 36 2
 @joebiden: you choose that username and then ask why people are getting political? Let me guess, you try to think but nothing happens? I come on here to escape all that. Thanks for nothing.
  • 5 3
 @joebiden: hello to the worlds greatest president. when do we all get free mountain bikes…as promised!?
  • 7 0
 @kyleluvsdh: Welch makes Jelly. Welsh is the People and their Language...
  • 5 3
 @joebiden: You're* not your* Take your meds Joe..
  • 10 2
 This guy takes the impersonation of Biden pretty far.
  • 6 0
 @KDix85: Fun fact: red jelly in Welsh is wibli wobli coch
  • 1 0
 @KDix85: Wlsh
  • 1 0
 @lkubica: that's primarily because people like to drive away from the drive through with their coffee sat between their legs. Scald the nether regions and then decide to sue the vendor. As its obvs Starbucks fault
  • 69 0
 I'd rather buy this than a Yeti SB160.

Because shockingly this frame with 22 sizes, is $600 cheaper than the SB160 frame only.
  • 17 0
 It sure put into perspective how ridiculous some prices have gone on more "standard" brands
  • 1 0
 Not the sb160 with the gx build it won’t be
  • 6 1
 And the xb160 frame comes with an x2 so you have a good reason to replace your shock after 2 rides
  • 1 0
 @MauiMax: The top build of the AM.170 comes with an X2, so there's that.
  • 1 0
 @rrolly: I think you have the option of the coil too, but either way there's a chance of getting shock oil all over your new frame
  • 1 0
 @MauiMax: You’re correct! Choose a Fox Float X2 or DHX2, no difference in price.
  • 62 4
 The perfect bike for your local plumber
  • 24 0
 Or scaffolder. And orange have the filing cabinet maker market covered
  • 4 0
 Believe it or not lugged frame construction is nothing new.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lugged_steel_frame_construction
  • 6 1
 I used to think the same untill I saw Dans bike in the flesh at Dyfi BP. They're actually very VERY nice looking bikes

(F orange tho they fugly)
  • 2 0
 I don't know about you, but plumbers in my area are making almost as much as the dentists
  • 59 5
 Why so much hate. Props to Atherton's for making a vision a reality.
  • 11 0
 I can't see the hate. This is a pricey bike, but unlike many premium bikes this one seems actually worth the price. The fact that you can get a perfect fit is a selling point alone. A bike for sensible dentists. If I could spend so much money on a bike I would definitely buy this instead of a Yeti (which requires constant service of switch rails) or Santa (whose builds value are like a slap in the face, they are like Bugattis with interior from Dacia).
  • 46 8
 It's a beautiful bike, but with the Chainsaw just coming out with similar performance abilities, for the average rider anyways, but at 1/3 the price, I would love to ride this bike but would never buy one.
  • 16 1
 Yep Chainsaw for the win!
  • 51 1
 If you are concerned about price, Atherton bikes are not targeted your direction (I am not shelling out the $$$$ either, but would if I could). These are not mass produced bikes with averged/budget kit speced
  • 95 7
 In what universe do we compare a six bar dw6 suspension in ti and carbon to a four bar aluminum bike?
  • 7 21
flag Bomadics (Apr 19, 2023 at 8:53) (Below Threshold)
 @bman33: What I meant was money no object, I would not buy this bike. For the extra 2 to 5 percent in performance, that a non racer wouldn't even notice.

The bike market is on a cliff and it is my humble opinion that there will be very few buyers of high end bikes by the end of this year, as the CMBS default rate starts to really hit the banks globally.
  • 32 0
 @Bomadics: I think we’re worried about different leverage ratios
  • 17 0
 @Bomadics: Most of the people who would have bought these bikes a year ago, will still buy these in 1, 2 or 3 years from now.
  • 18 3
 Doesn't make sense for Canadians anyway... buy the time you add the $750 in shipping, the $2000 in GST and complete bike import duty (5% and 13%)... you're at almost $15k for a bike with a GX drivetrain.

Canadians can just get a We Are One Arrival 170 with GX AXS for just over $10k out the door and save $5k... or ya, buy three Chainsaws.

Cool tech and the customization is awesome though
  • 3 0
 @Mtmw: Yes, a bike with a quadrillion in derivatives attached would not sell well.
  • 2 1
 @islandforlife: I agree completely, amazing bike, I hope they make millions from their entire product line, I think the timing may be a bit off, just my own opinion though. If you love this bike buy one for sure!
  • 8 0
 @Mtmw: FYI the Chainsaw is a Dave Weagle designed 'split pivot' suspension design, with a high pivot idler. So both suspension designs are Weagle, so the price difference is carbon vs Canadian made aluminum plus a high pivot idler.
  • 7 0
 @Mtmw: They're both bikes aimed at pretty much the same use profile. You're right that they're very different animals - but comparing them head to head to find out what tripling your budget would get you would make for some interesting reading.
  • 5 7
 @ratedgg13: Dave may have invented everything but split pivot and dw6 are just going to be wildly different beasts. The chainsaw looks like a park bike and the 170 looks like a ripmo competitor you can pedal up mountains. YMMV
  • 3 0
 This one @Mtmw:
  • 4 0
 I wonder what the difference in decent time would be on a Dh run on these bikes from an average joe with same tires , very little is my guess. There both mtb bikes why wouldn’t we compare them??@Mtmw:
  • 5 0
 @Mtmw: in a universe where people will probably find both about equally fun to ride?
  • 2 2
 @Mtmw: so you can tell how a bike is going to ride based on how it looks? Cool. Why do you come to this website then? You clearly know more about bikes than anyone in existence.
  • 7 1
 @ratedgg13: the same designer can make bikes ride differently. DW6 has a lot more adjustability to fine tune the ride compared to Split Pivot. This is why Revels ride differently than Canfields despite the exact same layout and designer.

Weagle is behind a lot of different layouts (DELTA, DW-Link, Orion, Split Pivot, DW6 off the top of my head) and they all ride the way the brand determines when working with him on its implementation. At the end of the day it's the shape of the curves that matter, not the linkage layout.
  • 2 0
 @GTscoob: I don't disagree, but the claim that he can tell how two bikes will ride based on pictures from the internet is absurd at best.
  • 2 0
 @ratedgg13: If the pictures include the rate curve (especially if the include how different adjustments factor in), you can get a decent idea of how suspension designs differ.
  • 1 0
 @mammal: sure, but neither of the bikes in question have included rate curves etc.
  • 2 0
 @ratedgg13: Fair.
  • 1 2
 @ratedgg13: you can to a limited degree; for example a road bike vs a DH bike, or even XC vs enduro
  • 4 1
 @ratedgg13: relax man, you seem to think two suspension linkage designs are the same because they are by the same designer. Given that mindset I think you shouldn’t be criticising others
  • 2 0
 @professed: if you are oh go check, that's not what I said. The person I was responding to said you couldn't compare a carbon and ti bike with weagle designed suspension with an aluminum bike with four bar. All I pointed out was that it isn't a four bar, and that they should be comparable.
  • 1 0
 @wburnes: sure, but when they're both 170-180mm travel bikes, and you don't have any idea of kinematics...
  • 8 1
 @ratedgg13: a bold claim that I’m going by pictures. PB has a first ride of the chainsaw that talks extensively about its pedaling characteristics, including mandatory pedal bob due to no climb switch, higher drag from the high pivot, and describing it overall as tough to climb with, which is as close as this website is allowed to get to “goes uphill like dogshit” without going full Paul Aston. I would mention the experimental modification they made to try to clean up the climbing but I don’t want to ruin it for you.

They haven’t ridden this bike yet, but PB still included “firm pedaling support” under pros, which you can do without pictures, because generally a bike company working off the same platform (DW6) and tuning for the same kinematic feel across their bikes tries to deliver a similar experience across the line, and this thing is a little over an inch away from the heavily reviewed AM150… which has a well known great pedaling platform.

I did not claim certainty, and it could be that the chainsaw out of the box is more efficient uphill than the AM170. But it’s reasonable to believe this is not the case, based on a lot more than “pictures”, which by the way is enough to power the famous and highly useful linkage design blog.

oh my goodness, what if we all put this energy into trail work instead. I’m still too injured to ride but surgeon says I can dig again in a few months and I can’t wait.
  • 1 0
 @Mtmw:

I'm just holding out for Dave Weagles new upcoming 8 bar system.
  • 2 0
 @trevor-bag: Gillette CEO.

www.theonion.com/f*ck-everything-were-doing-five-blades-1819584036
  • 4 0
 @Mtmw: never go full Paul Aston
  • 24 3
 @Athertonbikesteam Any reason why it isn't available as a 29er? The bike is custom made anyways, so not letting the rider choose the wheelsize they want seems like a pretty big oversight.
  • 1 0
 My thoughts, exactly!
  • 46 3
 Hi Muscovir,
Dan Atherton asked us for an all-rounder, that would be both a big hitter in the bike park and also a beast out on the trails. To give this balance between agility and composure, and after extensive testing, we landed on a mullet.  

Why not offer both? In order to best optimise the bike (for example the kinematics, stiffness characteristics and packaging) we do not offer a system that allows the wheel size or geometry to be altered. If we were to offer a full 29” option, we would look at a full redesign, from the kinematic to the packaging and potentially the frame architecture. 

I’m sure it goes without saying that we strongly believe you will not be disappointed in the bike’s performance. We will look to include a selection of AM.170s in our demo fleet in the near future, so why not come and try one to see what you think? If you’d like any more information on the AM.170, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

AB Design Team
  • 24 3
 Everybody knows, you never go full 29
  • 2 1
 @wiley000: put your ebike on charge
  • 7 0
 There is a ridiculous number of options for full 29er in this bike category already. Personally disappointed it wasn't designed as a full 27.5 but you can't please everyone!
  • 9 1
 @Athertonbikesteam: The real question is can we put a 180 or 190mm fork on the front with a 27.5 inch wheel and turn it into a full 27.5 freeride/park bike that can still pedal
  • 2 1
 because 29 is dead
  • 2 7
flag chrismac70 FL (Apr 20, 2023 at 0:18) (Below Threshold)
 @Athertonbikesteam: that sounds like a complicated and long winded way of saying we didn’t want to
  • 2 0
 @chrismac70: Kind of. But also sounds like to make it a full 29er and keep it performing at their standards it would have to be a different bike all together. So it would just be making another model. Who knows, maybe they do eventually. But that's a bit of design work to make a second bike.
  • 3 0
 @MauiMax: Sure you can. Just put a special spacer under the crown race of your fork. Going 29->27,5 is actually always possible. At least with the front.
  • 4 0
 @goroncy: Ah, Specialized told me ill void the warranty on my stumpy evo if i go 27.5. But then again, what doesnt void their warranty lol
  • 1 0
 @goroncy: Any specific brands making such spacer?
  • 1 0
 @MauiMax: Cane Creek
  • 19 0
 Finally good seatpost insertion!
  • 8 0
 This is too often overlooked!
  • 8 0
 This technical geo stuff won't make headlines, and I'm perhaps the only person who cares - but hopefully @Athertonbikesteam read this a know at least someone noticed.

A 75.5 'actual' seat angle with a 440 chainstay is outstanding work by the frame designers - and a super rare combination of numbers that I really like!

So many brands cop out and use lazy designs, wasting space in the linkage and ending up having to run slack 'actual' seat angle numbers to accommodate shorter chainstay (or they do the opposite and run a steep actual seat angle and try then and market a 450+ chainstay as a performance gain, when it's just a design they're forced into because of their poor linkage planning....
  • 6 0
 Noticed! and thanks!

You're absolutely right - it is all too easy to massage your geo numbers into something that makes your life as a designer easier.

Cheers, Rob (AB Design Team)
  • 5 0
 DYFI is my local Bike Park, and ive ridden the AM200 and AM170, trust me don't knock these bikes until you try them, they are pretty amazing to ride so much so ive ordered a full Ohlins AM200
  • 10 2
 why no full 29 option? would consider one as my next bike.
  • 1 1
 Agreed. They're pricey but sound pretty nice.
  • 1 3
 oo
  • 14 34
flag cormacmcdonald (Apr 19, 2023 at 8:37) (Below Threshold)
 29ers suck
  • 14 1
 @ilike01: this dude's stuck in 2015
  • 5 5
 @mkul7r4: i ride a 26
  • 6 0
 Hi there, We have just responded to a similar comment further up this thread - hopefully that will answer your question. Thanks, AB Design Team
  • 4 0
 This size calculator is a bit weird, having 180cm and 87cm inseam it proposed me a bike with 395 ST length, but I can go with 200mm dropper on a 450 ST Wink
It nailed the reach though.
  • 39 1
 Hey,
Our fit calculator prioritises choosing a size which has the shortest ST length that still allows the user the longest dropper post length. This is so that you can lower the seat post as much as possible to get it of the way for big bike park days. if you would prefer to minimise the exposed seat-post then you can go for the longer seat tube option.
Hope that helps!
- Will (AB Design Team)
  • 7 0
 Honestly, as guy that's taller than almost everyone else on here, the bike park double drop is pretty fantastic. Run that 200mm every day and then have the flexibility to drop it another 2-3" in the frame for shuttle and chairlift days.
  • 1 0
 @GTscoob: True, if there is enough place for the post. And I don't ride bikeparks Wink
  • 1 0
 Same here but you get a lower stack (Shorter head tube)with the shorter seat.
  • 1 0
 @WillW123: Actually having longer legs (and shorter torso) you need a shorter bike with higher stack ... So this stack is also not ok in my opinion.
But I love the number of sizing and fit options, they have definitely took advantage of the technology they have. This premium bike is actually worth the price. Good job.
  • 7 0
 This will be my next bike
  • 3 0
 I ride Dyfi a bit & they usually have one on show by the shop, then you usually have a few team riders with DH bikes & the odd prototype knocking about, they look ace.

If I could I would, but a bit too expensive for me.
  • 3 0
 £4500 for a frame. Whilst I could afford this I would be too worried about damaging it to ride it. A couple of months ago I saw a guy bin it on the ice with his sworks kenevo and watched the frame scrape along a rock garden. Chap was almost in tears.
  • 13 0
 Hi. We totally get this concern with carbon. Our tubes are actually very repairable. We've used a UK based company called Carbonbikerepair.co.uk when we have taken extreme rock strike damage to a down tube for instance.

Its a bit of a myth that carbon can't be repaired effectively. Plus, because our tubes have simple geometry and a defined layup schedule they are particularly well suited to repair in this way. You can achieve the original strength post repair.

Cheers, Rob (AB Design Team)
  • 1 0
 @Robgow: Thanks Rob. Good to know. Still not going to drop that kind of money on a frame but I'm sure some people will appreciate the reassurance.
  • 5 3
 Atherton's are dream bikes...if money was no object. Reality check...I'm sticking with my Ibis Ripmo AF with 170mm on the front and a cascade link on the rear. Poor man's quiver killer. But...for reals, I think the Atherton bikes are soooo dope
  • 11 7
 Would be looking at a 445+ chainstay over 500 reach. 440 a bit short for a good weight distribution
  • 5 0
 The smaller sizes have 430mm chainstays - which are really short for a bike with that much travel, as in, it takes a fair bit of doing to achieve that short a chainstay while accommodating that amount of travel. So the shorter than their competitors chainstays looks like a very deliberate choice.
  • 6 1
 I'm on team longer chainstays for larger sizes.

I'm glad they adjusted the length based on the size (435mm to 440mm), I think they could have used more steps in the adjustments, with (for my preferences), 450mm on the larger sizes.

They used to offer custom geo for another fee, but apparently people got "too" custom with it, and it was too much overhead, so now I think the "custom long chainstays" are off the table for now.
  • 2 0
 @ocnlogan: When you go through the size selector it offers one of their pre-determined sizes and specs. But also offers a "custom" size and spec for an extra 650 pounds. Not sure how much of that is still tailorable if you called them directly because a few of geos are the same between the two options including the chainstays.
  • 3 0
 @ocnlogan: I was wondering if they did custom anymore or not. I’m an XL height guy and I hate how short again stays are on most. My current bike I had to get very creative with to get a decently long enough rear end to be happy with it. They are hard to find… practically no one makes the proportions I am after
Hoping more start soon
  • 1 0
 @ocnlogan: It does seem a bit odd that you can mix-and-match so many dimensions, but can't choose the chainstay length. Especially as it's such a hot topic and so subjective.
Is there a reason for that @Athertonbikesteam ?
  • 7 3
 like the guy from the other post said, these frames remind me of plumbing lol
  • 1 0
 Just imagining some dude at home depot putting together a FS frame in the plumbing section.
  • 5 0
 Love seeing Dominions as stock spec, they're a beast of a brake!
  • 1 0
 They not teamed with trickstuff anymore?
I noticed the race team is on dominions now too
  • 1 0
 @stormracing: Correct; Hayes brakes, Galfer rotors & pads (although I think the Hayes stuff is absolute bomber)
  • 3 2
 They should just offer the full 200mm of travel, dual crown compatible straight seat tube bike instead of this. If the DW6 pedals so well why not just give us the full travel bike so we can pedal to the top of those great DH runs?
  • 1 0
 It’s probably intended to work with a 65mm stroke shock for the 170mm travel. No need to move all day with a 75mm stroke shock and carry it’s additional weight. Not to mention the additional weight of the frame designed to withstand all the gnar a200mm travel tends to deal with. Smile
  • 3 0
 @hitarpotar: The additional weight between 230x65mm and 250x75mm shock is marginal. This bike is already built to withstand the "gnar" so all you'd be doing is making it compatible with a longer shock plus a dual crown (better handling and more precision). As someone who has been riding 200mm bikes as XC bikes for over a decade I fail to see the downside.
  • 1 0
 @SintraFreeride: i should have known i’m not the only one doing serious climbs with my dh-rig for as long as i remember! True what you’re saying, but making a 200mm-superenduro-bike would probably cannibalize the sales of their 200mm-dh-bike! Wink
  • 2 0
 @hitarpotar: I doubt bike brands are selling a lot of DH bikes, many have stopped making them. I think a 200mm all around bike would sell better than a DH only bike. Plus how fun are they, eh?
  • 1 0
 @SintraFreeride: probably would be a lot of fun. But what happens when your riders show up on the WC dh circuit with a 200mm enduro bike instead of a pure 200mm dh sled? I’m all for a 200mm enduro, but i’m not pro! Wink
  • 1 0
 @hitarpotar: The difference would be in the smaller cassette that's it. I'm surprised we haven't seen Enduro racers on dual crowns yet considering how rough those trails are.
  • 1 0
 @SintraFreeride: well then, if that’s the only difference, just bolt a wide-range cassette and a dropper on the AM200 Atherton bike and call it a day!
  • 1 0
 @hitarpotar: The AM200 doesn't have a straight seat tube thus making running a long dropper impossible.
  • 1 0
 @SintraFreeride: aaarrgh, you know you’re impossible to be bike-satisfied, right?!?!
  • 2 0
 @hitarpotar: Just give me a straight seat tube on the DH bike and I'll shut up...hehe
  • 1 0
 @SintraFreeride: just go and buy a Devinci Chainsaw! Job done!
  • 3 2
 "The starting price for a full bike is £6950 for the Build 3. With a choice of Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil or Air sock, and Zeb Ultimate fork with either 170mm or 180mm up front. The drivetrain is SRAM GX Eagle."

Is the air sock so I can blame the conditions and not my skills and new bike for not dropping into the Hardline course?
  • 2 2
 People who blame their bikes are normally lame riders, air shocks have won big races.
  • 1 0
 There's some serious joke missing going on here.
  • 1 0
 @benpinnick: yes, high winds are a real problem, it's nice to know what direction it's travelling.
  • 2 0
 Wow, I like this bike on paper a lot. MX is for me and the custom geo would be really cool. I’ve always been between a S and M and would love to try a 435-440 reach bike. For my next bike…
  • 2 0
 A great example of how stack affects bike sizing. Note how for the same given reach, and two different stacks, the wheelbase grows.
  • 3 0
 Proper job this . In wales too. If I bought this think mrs would divorce me. Still think it might be worth it tho
  • 1 0
 Where are the reviews on this bike? Been out for 4 months and can't seem to find a single review beyond a "first look" type article.
  • 5 2
 Outstanding bit of kit and the build models are class
  • 2 0
 Love it that you increased the stack height compared to your other frames. Nice work. Geo would now be awesome for me.
  • 1 0
 For $4671 I would expect a better photoshop job on that white background? What am I paying for?

Jokes aside, I think it looks great. I would consider one of these...
  • 1 0
 Nice. I hope they revise all their bikes with this seat tube design.
I nearly bought an 130, until I realised I couldn’t get the dropper I’m used to in the seat tube.
  • 2 1
 Has anyone ever actually seen one in real life that is actually a retail bought and paid for one. Not just this model but any of the range
  • 1 0
 Yup, there were a couple of retail ones at DH race at the weekend.
  • 2 0
 Yeah seen a fair few out at various bike parks. Managed to get a run on one. They ride amazing. Planted and unbelievably quiet,like silent. Just tire patter through huge rock gardens. Blew me away tbh. Never ridden anything like it. They look stunning in the flesh too.
  • 1 0
 I'm waiting for the PRO version. If I'm going to spend that much money on a bike, I need to feel I can at least aspire to be a PRO.
  • 15 14
 Finally a bike with a reasonable head angle for its travel. The 62 degree trend needs to die
  • 4 2
 Bb is too low for my local terrain. Any possibility to to raise?
  • 3 2
 Ahterton bikes are custom, you can buid one however you wish if you have the $$
  • 14 0
 Hi. Rob from AB Design Team here. BB height was a massive focus for us on this product and we worked very hard to find the pedal sweet spot between bike park descending and messy single track climbs. The headline figure of 343 mm is only part of the story as one of the characteristics of our DW6 kinematic is that it is incredible stable and poised under peddling. As such we were able to drop the BB height lower than a lot of equivalent products.

The starting design brief for this bike was "a bike that Dan can ride all day in Dyfi Bike Park and then be able to ride the enduro loop (full of rocks, roots, stumps etc) and not feel compromised on either!" He made sure he got this!

Best thing is to try one out for yourself and come and do a demo! Cheers.
  • 2 3
 You need to learn to time your pedal strokes
  • 5 1
 @plustiresaintdead: says the guy riding plus tires
  • 14 13
 It looks like they used PVC pipes. I am sure it works great but I can't unsee that.
  • 9 0
 They do actually look a hell of a lot cooler in real life (atherton bikes not pvc pipes). The carbon gives it an iridescent look.
  • 9 1
 Or, you know, lugged bicycles that have been made for 100 years.
  • 1 2
 @mammal: but those are slender metal lugs, not like the bulbous ugly things on this frame
  • 1 1
 Believe it or not lugged frame construction is nothing new.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lugged_steel_frame_construction
  • 3 0
 is PB gonna review it?
  • 1 0
 Silly question maybe, has anyone actually seen an Atherton bike in the wild?
  • 1 0
 Saw Dan and Gee riding it in WBP last year. lol. They look much better in person IMO...the tubes just look weird in photos IMO
  • 1 0
 Saw one in Avoriaz / Morzone last year. Looks beautiful !
  • 1 0
 I've ridden one, briefly. This is close to the top of my want list,
  • 1 0
 yeah, i meet andi kolb on the trails sometimes, we love in the same town.

but since he‘s a factory rider that doesn‘t count Smile
  • 1 0
 Yea, look amazing in the flesh. Nearly bought a 130, but the short seat tube insert was a deal breaker. If I didn’t have a hope 916 then I’d be getting this AM170
  • 1 0
 I’ve seen a couple people riding 150’s in San Diego.
  • 1 0
 @jessemeyers: downtown or out on the strand near BUDs?
  • 1 0
 @tipsword: on local trails
  • 4 3
 Looks good but why isn’t this a full 29er? Give the customer more options
  • 2 0
 Hmmm. Now where did I put that 3 inch PVC pipe?
  • 2 0
 Brosnan looking good in the headline image.
  • 2 1
 I love the bikes and what the Atherton clan are doing , but my new bike purchasing ethos means I'll probably never own one.
  • 1 0
 I didn't realize we were surrounded by so many professional frame designers :/
  • 1 0
 10mm of chainstay length difference but 120mm of reach change? Nice balanced Geo there bro
  • 1 0
 full 29 would be more my thing. i was actually disappointed when it came out.
  • 2 0
 weight?
  • 3 0
 frame without shock is around 3.5kg
  • 4 7
 I personally do not like the tube in lug aesthetics of these Atherton bikes compared to regular carbon, aluminum or steel for that matter. To me, the only way the tube in lug construction would make sense is if you could make bikes cheaper, not more expensive!
  • 4 1
 I agree that their construction doesn't add anything to the aesthetics. But it allows the multitude of sizes, so you get to choose one that fits you best. They are way out of my budget but I'm still glad the brand exists .
  • 8 0
 Hi. Rob for AB Design Team here.

The aesthetic is definitely a "marmite" factor - it isn't for everyone, but that's something we are happy to live with!

Our frame design is driven from a very simple design philosophy - honest engineering: using the right material, right process and right form in the right place. And the engineering reality is that complex form metal high specific strength lugs, bonded to simple form high specific stiffness tubes is an incredibly efficient way to make a structural triangle.

The engineering makes the decisions for us! Cheers.
  • 4 0
 @Robgow: I think it looks sick, for what it's worth. Not everything needs to look regular.
  • 4 3
 When will the Ebike version come out?
  • 1 0
 Dentist pricing territory.
  • 1 0
 that's a good looking steed for sure.
  • 1 1
 Sick bike and well thought out build with the exception of Stans wheels. Those things are trash.
  • 1 0
 Great bikes and great looking bikes, but price is too high.
  • 2 0
 I'm in love
  • 1 0
 This bike would be my dream bike with some painted tubes
  • 1 0
 Beautiful bike ……well done !!!
  • 1 0
 Its worth it just not to have any cables going through my headset.
  • 1 0
 It'll be like the other bikes they haven't manufactured any
  • 1 0
 Hello AB,

Your bikes look killer. Any option for a demo ride in the USA?
  • 1 0
 Is this super boost or what?
  • 1 0
 Ironically had the same 440 chainstays from 490 to 530 reach.
  • 1 4
 My concern is 2 fold... i was debating buying a 200 for my lad to race. But he's still growing and i think the geometry/sizing is pretty specific, so i don't know if the bike that's right for him today is right for him in 6 months time... Sure you can say the same in terms of generic frames/sizes, but people often ride around that a bit more and when in between a M/L they'll go L and grow into it... i'm not sure if that works as well with an Atherton

The 2nd context is down to pricing and 'finance'... i can get something like a Session/Gambler on 0% finance from Blazing Bikes... but sadly Atherton can't match that that the moment... which REALLY would swing one of their bikes for me.

I absolutely love to support the small guys, especially with their history and love the looks/ethos... but it's got to make sense in all contexts.
  • 1 0
 How much pedal kickback do you want?
Atherton: Yes
  • 1 0
 Dan talks now then?
  • 1 0
 Nice Machiny !
  • 2 2
 Overcomplicated suspension is the bane of all things good in this world.
  • 2 4
 $5000+ for a frame w/ a fox shock on it..... They need to figure out how to cut costs, b/c absolutely no one is going to shell out that much money for a frame...
  • 8 9
 Orange fork like a plague, destroying a generations eyeballs.
  • 2 5
 Don't know how lawfull a lifetime 1st owner warranty is. I thought warranty was linked to an item/article whatever, not a person.
  • 3 0
 Most companies do this. Most bike companies atleast. They warranty for the person that paid them. Not a random person who they havnt done business with who bought it from someone
  • 2 0
 @MauiMax: That might be true, but it's beside the point - what "most companies do" doesn't define the law. Although the law is different in every country...
  • 3 0
 @boozed: Ok. but would 99% of bike companies do that if it wasn't legal? There would be some issues with having bikes from said companies in regions if it wasn't legal there. Haven't heard of any issues with it. What it really comes down to is if you buy a 4000 dollar frame used for 1800 bucks and somehow break it why would a company replace it with a brand new frame? You never gave them 4k for one in the first place. You found one used.
  • 3 0
 Well speaking from an Australian perspective (likely a special case, I know), I have doubts whether those warranty policies are legal here, due to certain requirements regarding fitness for purpose and reasonable service life written into our consumer protection law.
  • 2 0
 @boozed: Same here in Belgium, warranty is never linked to a person but to the good. It wouldn't hold up in case of a law suit.
  • 1 3
 nice to see my comment about 5dev cranks deleted Frown
  • 3 0
 Its not deleted. Its just downvoted alot. Scroll down and click below threshhold comments at the bottom. You got downvoted too many times
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