Privateer Bikes Launch Gen 2 Privateer 141 & 161

Feb 16, 2024
by PrivateerBikes  
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PRESS RELEASE: Privateer Bikes

After 3 years of development, 500,000m of descent, an Ard Rock win, plenty of rumours, and a few spy photos, we're pleased to finally introduce the Gen 2 range of Privateer Bikes.

· A-L-P Suspension
· Forward-thinking geometry
· Size-specific chainstays
· Adjustable rear centre
· MX (mixed wheel) or 29in wheels on all sizes.
· Available as framesets or complete bikes.


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Joe Connell takes the win at Ard Rock 2023 on a prototype Gen 2 161.

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Left: Katy Curd takes 3rd place Ard Rock 2023 on a prototype Gen 2 141 / Right: Fergus Ryan testing the Gen 2 161 in Portugal.

Designed from the ground up to charge hard and go big, the Gen 2 range boasts our newly developed A-L-P Suspension platform, features rear center and mixed wheel flip chips, our forward-thinking balanced geometry, plus we've boosted durability with oversized bearings.

Developed with input from Privateer riders Joe Connell, Katy Curd and Fergus Ryan, Gen 2 is all about confidence and predictability because if you're feeling confident, you'll ride harder and go bigger!


A-L-P Suspension

Aligned Linear Progression Suspension

• Sensitive and supple at the start of the stroke.
• Coil like feel even with an air shock.
• Great pedal support across all gears.
• Stable under braking.
• Plenty of bottom-out resistance for riding hard in all situations.
• Linear response for predictability and confidence.

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As the development of Gen 2 kicked off, so did the discussion around adopting a new suspension platform. At the time, we saw a lot of interest in high-pivot, mid-pivot and 6-bar suspension designs. We evaluated each based on what we felt riders wanted from Gen 2 and came to the conclusion that an evolution of the Horst link platform offers the characteristics that we were after. While alternate platforms all have their benefits, Horst link offers highly customisable anti-rise and anti-squat values, enabling us to develop our highest performing kinematics and a consistent and predictable ride. Predictability is key! If you know exactly what to expect from your bike, you'll feel confident, and if you feel confident, you'll ride harder and faster.

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Gen 2 bikes each feature the A-L-P Suspension (Aligned Linear Progression) platform, a system that has been designed to be super predictable and easy to ride hard.

When designing the suspension of Gen 2, we looked at 3 key areas, how they affect the ride of the bike and how we could design them to offer the predictability that we are after.

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• Leverage Ratio: A-L-P Suspension offers a low force at the back wheel (a high leverage ratio) at the start of travel. This means it delivers excellent grip at the beginning of the stroke, and less force is transmitted to the rider, minimising fatigue while you're charging hard on trails. The high leverage ratio at the start also easily overcomes stiction in the shock seals for a coil-like feel even with an air shock. We've aimed for a leverage rate as linearly progressive as possible to offer predictability. The progression at the end of the stroke provides plenty of bottom out resistance, so when you're charging hard on unfamiliar trails, the bike will be able to take whatever you throw at it.

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• Anti Rise: We wanted Gen 2 bikes to offer a balance of chassis stability and braking traction so you know you can brake late with confidence. We also wanted A-L-P Suspension to behave consistently no matter where it is in the travel, so again, it builds confidence to ride hard, and you can focus on enjoying the terrain.

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• Anti Squat: The A-L-P Suspension platform provides a great balance of pedaling support and traction in all gears so you can always get the power down efficiently. As you get into harder gears, the anti-squat increases, so when you're out of the saddle sprinting, you get the additional pedal support that you need. And again, that consistent anti-squat throughout the travel gives you that predictability that we're all after to ride as fast as we can!

• Custom-Tuned Fox Suspension: Working closely with Fox, all Gen 2 bikes and framesets use a custom-tuned shock to get the best performance from our A-L-P Suspension platform.

Balanced Geometry

• Size-Specific chain stays
• Adjustable rear centre
• Flip-chip to enable MX (29/27.5) configuration
• Steep seat tube angle
• Full insertion seat tube

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With our approach to confidence and predictability, we wanted to offer a balanced geometry that would suit riders of all styles, abilities and sizes. Luckily, much of the hard work had already been done through our considered approach to geometry on our Gen 1 bikes. Still, a few small but important tweaks were made to make the most of our new platform. Gen 2 bikes feature longer rear centres and wheelbase lengths and longer head tube lengths on larger sizes. All of these small changes make Gen 2 bikes more balanced and confidence-inspiring.

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• Mixed Wheel Flip-Chip: Having the option to switch between a 29-inch rear wheel and a smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel on your Gen 2 bike is great way to dial in your bike to suit your riding preferences and terrain. Our flip-chip system allows riders to switch between wheel sizes without affecting the geometry or upsetting the balance of your bike.
(P1 complete bikes ship as a mixed wheel. P2-P4 ship in full 29in. All sizes will accommodate 29in and 27.5in rear wheels. We will be offering incredible pricing on additional rear wheel options, complete with tyre and tubeless set up, when purchasing your Gen 2 so you can run your bike how you like from day one.)

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• Adjustable rear centre: The only thing better than size-specific chainstay lengths is adjustable size-specific chainstay lengths. Gen 2’s flip chip increases the rear centre by +10mm from the standard length. Rear center adjustability allows you to customise your bike for your next race, uplift day, or a tight, twisty day at the trail center. Our flip-chip requires no additional hardware to adjust from 'normal' to 'long' settings, thanks to a cleverly designed reversible brake adapter mount.

• Size-specific chainstays: Size-specific chainstays grow in length as reach increases on larger frames. This ensures the rider is perfectly balanced on the bike. We were one of the early adopters of size-specific chainstays, and we've carried this forward-thinking approach to geometry to our Gen 2 bikes.

• Steep seat tube angle: Gen 2 bikes continue with our approach to seat tube angles that promote climbing efficiency. The Gen 2 161 sports an 80-degree effective (77-degree actual) seat tube angle, and the Gen 2 141 gets a 78.5-degree effective (76.5-degree actual) seat tube angle. Plus, the updated full insertion seat tube design gives you plenty of room to slam your dropper post completely for going big.

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Durability and serviceability

• 42mm, full complement, Enduro Max main bearings
• Secondary seals on all bearings
• Forged one-piece rocker
• Easy access cable and hose routing
• Single sided hardware
• Extensive custom designed frame protection
• Replaceable ISCG mounts
• Room for a large bottle and tool on every size

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We design bikes for privateer riders and racers, the type of rider who rides hard all day everyday, and demands long-lasting durability and ease of maintenance. To keep your Gen 2 bike running for longer with minimal maintenance, we've upgraded our bearing hardware, introduced secondary seals, and ensured all pivot hardware is single-sided for simple, trail-side bolt checks. Ride more, wrench less!

• Enduro Max full compliment bearings: Gen 2 Privateer bikes feature full complement 42mm Enduro Max main bearings. Full complement bearings increase the number of balls by utilising space usually taken by ball retainers. Increasing the number of balls allows for more load capacity than standard bearings and resists the high forces Gen 2 bikes were designed to withstand. High-quality seals and high-pressure grease keep them protected from the elements and run smoother for longer.

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• Sealed single-sided pivot hardware: Our single-sided hardware makes maintenance easy and requires a single tool to be used on just one side of the pivot hardware. This makes trailside checks a breeze, and because each bolt boasts additional 'O' ring seals, you can be confident your bearings will be safe from the elements.

• Forged one-piece rocker: Our A-L-P Suspension platform uses an updated forged one-piece rocker. We forge our linkage as it creates a much stronger structure. Our bearing seats are machined with precision to ensure perfect bearing alignment to increase bearing life and enhance suspension performance.

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• Replaceable ICSG tabs: Bash guards and chain guides can take a beating on the trail, so to avoid any unwanted damage occurring to your Gen 2 frame, we've built replaceable ISCG tabs with a keyed fitment to prevent movement even when ridden under the harshest of conditions.

• External cable routing: Easy access hose and cable routing make maintaining and servicing your bike nice and simple, and our secure cable/hose clamps ensure there is no unwanted rattle on the trail.

• Room for a large bottle and tool on all sizes: Once you're out on the trail, we want you to stay out there enjoying yourself for as long as possible. With each size of Gen 2 Privateer from size P1-P4 having clearance for a 600ml bottle and a dedicated tool mount, you can stay hydrated and be prepared for the unexpected.

• Extensive custom frame protection: The custom-designed chainstay and seat stay protectors prevent chain slap and rubbing, while a downtube protector guards against rock strikes, keeping your Gen 2 quiet and minimising damage.

Gen 2 Privateer 141


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The Gen 2 Privateer 141 is our well-rounded, all-mountain and trail bike. Designed to be agile and offer pure riding fun. Capable of hanging with big travel bikes and attacking enduro tracks while remaining lively on your home trails. If you split your time between all day sessions and local enduro races, the Privateer 141 offers the best of both worlds.

Boasting 141mm or rear wheel travel matched to a 150mm fork, the Privateer 141 offers the same level of durability and adjustability as the 161 but with a trail/all-mountain focused geometry.

Gen 2 141 Frameset Highlights


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· 29in or MX
· 141 rear-wheel travel
· Enduro Max Full Compliment bearings
· Flip Chip rear centre adjustment
· Size Specific chain stays
· Custom-tuned Fox Float X Performance Elite
· 6061 T6
· Price: £1,889 / €2,089 / $2,389
*Headset, axle, ISCG, and seat clamp included.

Gen 2 141 Complete Bike Highlights


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· 29in (F 29/R 27.5 size P1)
· Fox 36 Performance Elite, 150mm
· Custom-tuned Fox Float X Performance Elite
· SRAM GX 1 x 12
· Hayes Dominion A4, 4 piston brakes
· HUNT Enduro Wide V2 wheelset
· Maxxis Assegai EXO+ front, DHR II DD rear
· Price: £4,289 / €4,789 / $5,389

Learn more and pre-order the Gen 2 Privateer 141 on the Privateer Bikes website.

Gen 2 Privateer 161


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The Gen 2 Privateer 161 follows in the footsteps of the original, built to be ripped and raced out of the box and provide seasons of trouble-free hammering. The Gen 2 161 boasts 161mm of travel out of the box, but with the option to over stroke the frame to 174mm and run a dual crown fork, the 161 is more versatile than ever.

As you would expect, the 161 is suited to riders spending most of their riding time racing enduros, hitting sketchy off-piste lines or lapping the bike park.

Gen 2 161 Frameset Highlights


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· 29in or MX
· 161mm rear wheel travel
· Enduro Max full complement bearings
· Flip chip rear centre adjustment
· Size-specific chain stays
· Custom-tuned Fox Float X2 Performance Elite
· 6061 T6
· Price: £1,979 / €2,179 / $2,479
*Headset, axle, ISCG, and seat clamp included.

Gen 2 161 Complete Bike Highlights


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· 29in (F 29/R 27.5 size P1)
· Fox 38 Performance Elite, 170mm
· Custom-tuned Fox Float X2 Performance Elite
· XT/SLX 1 x 12 (GX Eagle for EU customers)
· Hayes Dominion A4, 4 piston brakes
· HUNT Enduro Wide V2 wheelset
· Maxxis Assegai DD front, DHR II DH rear
· Price: £4,379 / €4,879 / $5,479

Learn more and pre-order the Gen 2 Privateer 161 at the Privateer Bikes website.

Preorder and receive a free rear wheel!

Make the most of the mixed-wheel compatibility of our Gen 2 bikes with a free rear wheel! Customers taking the opportunity to preorder a Gen 2 141 or Gen 2 161 before 30th April 2024 will receive a rear wheel and tyre free of charge, meaning you can enjoy the benefits of full 29in or mixed-wheel options right out of the box! (Customers ordering a P1 size bike will receive an optional 29-inch rear wheel and tyre. Customers ordering P2-P4 will receive an optional 27.5-inch wheel and tyre).

Availability

Being sensitive to the current difficulties in the bike industry, we have decided to limit quantities of Gen 2 bikes for the 2024 season. Pre-sales for Gen 2 bikes and framesets begin today 16th February. Frames will be in stock from May week 1, and bikes in stock from May week 5.

We’re also excited to announce that Gen 2 bikes will be shipping directly from our UK, U.S and newly opened E.U offices to serve customers globally with sales and aftermarket support.

For more information, visit the Privateer Bikes website.

Author Info:
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Member since Sep 5, 2019
29 articles

83 Comments
  • 115 1
 It's got that already-been-in-a-frontal-crash-test look
  • 19 0
 I guess its to get the top tube high enough for bottle cages? I don't love the look of that part though
  • 6 0
 @hughlunnon: probably the reason, but then you remember the likes of the Airdrop Edits that recent came out
  • 37 1
 Horribly ugly. Aesthetics matter.
  • 6 0
 @jray152: absolutely. There was a day when weird/ugly was interesting and exciting (i.e. Trek Y frames) but where we are now, and for the cost of bikes, there’s no need for a bike to be this hard on the eyes. A WC racer and old custom frame builder are doing a hell of a lot better than this and many others on Version 1.
  • 4 0
 I expect it looks better from the riders perspective but it's an unfortunate aesthetic side on. I agree with jray152, looks matter when it comes to expensive bikes.
  • 2 0
 @mashrv1: Airdrop has no 29, yet
  • 2 0
 @lurch710: yup, but I’m sure they could tweak the design to make a 29er and it’d still look great.
  • 1 0
 @mashrv1: they seem to be against the full 29 wheel size
  • 56 0
 Honestly way worse looking than previous gen. Can’t imagine many would seriously disagree
  • 11 1
 This is the type of article I expect to see on April 1st.
  • 3 0
 So was there a functional purpose for making these bikes so ugly? The last gen was nice looking, so there had to be a reason, right?
  • 3 0
 @TheR: fit a water bottle
  • 1 0
 @chrismac70: really? Looks like the old one had ample space for a water bottle.
  • 1 0
 That, but even the prototype was looking good to be honest... I'm wondering why this design/solution. At first I was thinking of more space within the front triangle, but looking at the proto there was already quite a bit of space for the bottle, tools etc...
  • 2 0
 I really was interested in the first version, probably in my top 5. I will not even consider this new generation as an option for my next bike.
  • 2 0
 Hi @TheR: Thanks for the comment. Our purpose was to create the fastest Enduro race bike for the Privateer. As part of this, Increasing space for a larger water bottle and tool storage was high on our athletes and riders wish list for Gen 2. Thanks, Andrew - Privateer Bikes
  • 36 0
 Disappointed no raw option, that was a major selling point
  • 6 0
 Kinda seems like it had not be Raaw at all costs and no matter the consequences
  • 1 0
 @trippleacht: Raw or nothing for me
  • 32 0
 I kinda like it but it also remindes me of a Hibike Nduro and i dont like that asthetically
  • 31 3
 Why does it look like a Niner?
  • 22 0
 Long term Gen1 Privateer 141 owner here. Tremendous bike. Love it.

New graphics, current colours and kinked top tube not floating my boat right now. Maybe it's a grower?

For sure the raw frame option needs to come back. No one who bought a bike in black or raw was ever disappointed with their choice.
  • 6 0
 So just ordered the Gen 1 141
in raw for £1200
  • 2 0
 I've owned the 141 Ohlin's S.E. for sometime. I agree with you. Great bike. The weight though... Oof-ta! Looks of this Gen 2 bike are questionable. Also, not using UDH is also a let down on the Gen 2. Maybe they'll gain some common sense when the Gen 3 is designed.
  • 1 0
 @AppleJack76: oh yeah, just picked that up. No UDH. That's a bit of an oversight with the 'no raw' option.
  • 21 0
 Someone fucked up on the design team
  • 6 0
 Great frames and company.
  • 6 3
 Unproportionally short chainstays that are fixed despite the 70mm of reach differences between sizes.
You can clearly see the cost and R&D cutting when you just glance at the Sizing charts
  • 18 0
 “I bet you cant make an ugly bike”
-hold my beer
  • 16 1
 top tube fail.
  • 14 1
 Nothing says "my bike looks like I got it from bikesdirect.com" more than that top tube. Ugh.
  • 2 0
 idk... that color and font/graphics don't help either
  • 11 0
 The linkage looks like a dog's face.
  • 1 0
 Now I can’t unsee it! Woof woof!
  • 7 0
 And the rest looks like a dogs dinner?
  • 1 1
 @shoeshungup: It’s a modern full suspension bike. They are all funny looking. If not now, then it will be in 5 years.
  • 2 0
 @AndrewFleming: not so sure about that. most look ok at least, some are even beautiful. and some bikes age way more gracefully than others - perfect example is a 2014 yeti sb6c. still looking gorgeous and fresh 10 years after introduction
  • 9 0
 Shame about the significant price jump from the previous edition of the 161.
  • 4 0
 This bike is pure function over form. Has loads of super well thought out features - external cable routing, size-specific chainstays, durable bearings, easy adjustments, predictable kinematics, etc. etc. - but looks... divisive. I'd totally shell out for this bike if I had the cash but I can imagine why others won't. That said, it's kinda ironic that the same people mad about headset cable routing and form over function react so negatively to a bike like the Privateer Gen 2, which is ugly but very functional.
  • 4 0
 The kinematics of the gen 1 bikes were better for an all arounder honestly. Most companies have been moving away from making bikes super progressive, so it’s kinda confusing as to why privateer went from a design with more reasonable kinematics to something so extreme.
  • 1 0
 Agree makes the bike feel unpredictable
  • 4 0
 I am generally rooting for manufacturers, and like to see new bikes. But this bike is rather unfortunate looking. Top tube, down tube, rear triangle assembly and linkage are all really displeasing to look at.
  • 3 0
 Why over spec the half of the pivot bearings to such an absurd degree? They don't need to last 800,000km. There an extra 150g+ of frame weight in those bearings. At least they'll never need servicing, which is worth paying a few grams for to some out there.
  • 4 0
 Hi @WheelNut , thanks for the comment. We love the Enduro Max bearings. You're right, we want our riders to be out in all conditions riding their bike, not in the garage servicing. Our riders are out every day and previously got through a lot of bearings each season.
  • 6 0
 Frame weight is a key metric that's missing
  • 10 0
 Online, their website calls out 4.83kg for the frame weight without a shock for the size P2 on the 141 frame. I can see why they are not putting that up front, that's 10.65 lb for a frame only....
  • 2 0
 Probably 400g just in bearings alone haha
  • 4 0
 Did i open pinkbike up and get transported back to 2010. Doesn't look very modern and fresh compared to what's coming out these days.
  • 5 0
 I think they mis-diagnosed the “current difficulties in the bike industry”.
  • 2 0
 In 2007 I got myself a Cove Hustler frame, at the time it cost about £1500. Compared to that these Privateer frames are a bargain.
Now could you get away with a 180 fork and a 27.5 wheel up front?
  • 6 2
 I don’t mind the looks. Love what these guys do. Great price bikes that just work.
  • 5 0
 Time to look for a leftover V1 141 frameset!
  • 5 0
 WOW They ruined it. That is fugly af
  • 1 0
 Gen 1 141 and 161 owner. I was looking forward to good things from this company as it progressed. Loved the the everyrider/working class budget for a capable bike ethos they pushed when they first launched. A lot of disappointing things about the Gen 2. This feels like an entire shift in the company.
  • 3 2
 It’s a smart company, make less bikes and charge more so you don’t get stuck with tons of stock you have to sell at cost. For the rider that just wants a good solid bike it’s perfect. You can have your yetis and Santa cruzs
  • 2 0
 @mcfadden999: I wish them the best in whatever comes next for them. I love seeing smaller companies thrive in the industry. I've been super happy with my Gen 1 bikes. They are bomb proof and will last a long time. Their new pricing model puts them in a place in the market where it will be hard to stand out.
  • 1 0
 Call me a hater, but it's just to ugly to consider anything else about it. There are a lot of really great bikes that look great too. How did this eyesore ever get built? Yuk. Makes me like my plain old tired Specialized Enduro more than ever. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but ugly is to the bone. Fire the design team and move forward Privateer.
  • 4 1
 For the price, I’d rather just buy a Stumpjumper Evo carbon frame for cheaper. More adjustable and extra features.
  • 1 0
 Bet they ride great, but man so ugly! I was so excited about these and now I’m disappointed. Like Seb said once you’re looking ahead who cares. Still going for a Vitus for value.
  • 4 0
 Photo is private lol
  • 3 0
 Looks like old Lapierre bikes.
  • 3 0
 It's like they've never read the pinkbike comment section.
  • 1 0
 Every owner of one Ive spoken to loves them, they look great in the flesh. Every owner mentions the weight. Did gen 2 get lighter?
  • 1 0
 As a previous gen1 owner, id just like to say i bloody loved that bike and had this one shortlisted as a potential new frame … but after looking at this it appears to have gone backwards in damn near every way.
  • 3 0
 The prototype gen 2 looks so much better! What happened??
  • 2 0
 Looks like the first gen Guerilla Gravity Smash
  • 1 3
 Forward thinking geometry lol Big Grin

I actually like the list of features, same stuff that Spesh and Trek been doing since 2012 Big Grin

Nice bike Privateer, you def gonna sell them to those 5 riders that really like to be different and hate straight tubes
  • 1 0
 A look that only the privateer designer will love. The Privateer 141 was slightly portly but going on 40lb, really? Come on.
  • 2 0
 Proto type of this version is far better looking than the final product
  • 7 6
 As always the comment section is positive
  • 23 0
 It was positive when Bird launched the Aeris 9. It was positive when Airdrop launched the Edit MX. I don’t think it’s a comments section issue.
  • 14 0
 Heavier, uglier and more expensive. What's not to love?
  • 1 0
 I’ve the gen 1 bike.
it’s the shit
  • 1 0
 They should have made it look like a Session.
  • 1 1
 A-L-P Suspension = Another Linkage Pivot Suspension!
  • 1 4
 Biggest change is the move away from a Horst link 4 bar to a linkage driven single pivot. NO thanks.
  • 5 0
 Still a Horst, wheel is mounted on the seat stay
  • 1 1
 @mashrv1: Horst link bikes have the pivot on the chain stay and the pivot sits below the axle. Look at the Gen 1 Privateer, that is a horst link. The new bikes are not as the pivot is on the seat stay and above the axle.
  • 1 0
 @asphaltsucks: Rear axle is attached to seatstay on the Privateer, not the chainstay. Compare this to a true linkage-driven SP like a Kona, where the rear axle is attached to the chainstay.
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