Atherton S.150 exclusive test– From a different planet

The bikes from the iconic Atherton family are amongst the most fascinating we have ever tested. Not only do they stand out from the crowd with their distinctive look and unique manufacturing process, but also deliver unparalleled performance on the trail. With the new Atherton S.150, the British manufacturer now offers an aluminium version of their iconic trail bike. Can it hold its own against its award-winning carbon sibling?

With an impressive seven world championship titles and just as many overall Downhill World Cup victories under their belts, the Atherton family needs no introduction. The eponymous bike brand, founded in early 2019, has also firmly established itself in the scene, and now offers a wide range of high-performance mountain bikes. From lightweight 130 mm trail bikes to downhill bruisers that raced successfully in the World Cup, the Artherton lineup includes it all. The standout feature is the unique manufacturing process, which bonds the tubes with lugs, creating a distinctive look. While other bike manufacturers like Pivot and Specialized use similar techniques for rapid prototyping, the Athertons have brought this manufacturing technology not only to their race team and internal development but also to production. In the early years, the bikes were available exclusively with a carbon frame, where straight carbon tubes are bonded with 3D-printed titanium lugs. However, since the introduction of the S.170 back in August, there’s now also a version with an alloy frame. Using the same technique, round aluminium tubes are bonded with CNC-machined aluminium lugs, which results in true eye-candy. But the material isn’t the only difference between the two variants — but more on this later.

The latest addition to the family is called the Atherton S.150, which is basically the aluminium counterpart of the A.150 trail bike, the winner of our comprehensive 2022 trail bike comparison test. Incidentally, the “A” in the model name stands for “additive,” while the “S” stands for “subtractive,” referring to the manufacturing techniques used. For all A models, material is added to the lugs via 3D printing, whereas in the S models, material is removed through CNC machining. This also makes it easier to deduce the material each model is made from. The new Atherton S.150 is built with robustness in mind and generates 160/150 mm of travel, at the front and rear, respectively. With its mullet wheel configuration, it clearly falls into the more downhill-oriented trail category, so the 16.2 kg weight of our test bike comes as no surprise. The focus remains firmly on pure riding performance. As unique as the bikes’ manufacturing process and appearance might be, the other features are kept refreshingly simple. The new Atherton S.150 retails between € 4,480 and € 5,974 if you opt for a complete bike. Note that all prices are exclusive of taxes, and, depending on the country of delivery, regional taxes may apply. However, the Atherton is exempt from customs duties as it is produced in Wales and can therefore claim preferential origin, meaning no customs duties apply for deliveries within the EU.

The Atherton S.150 in detail

While the carbon models rely on a slightly more complex DW6 rear linkage, the Atherton S.150 employs a classic DW4 link design – in other words, with only two rotating pivots. The S models are made entirely of aluminium, specifically the exceptionally robust and high-quality 7075 aluminium alloy, which is rarely used for mountain bikes. Due to the hardness of this alloy, it’s very difficult to weld, as the heat generated during the process can make it brittle, compromising the integrity of the weld. However, this poses no issue for the Athertons, because the tubes are bonded to CNC-machined lugs, which are made from the 7075 alloy too. This process ensures that the frames are particularly robust and durable.

The rear triangle consists of two CNC-machined parts bolted to the linkage. To optimise stiffness, a significant amount of material has been removed. Additionally, the rear triangle features a simple yet effective plastic chainstay protector. The brake and shift cables are cleverly routed behind the stays and then run through the bottom bracket area into the downtube, which is padded all around with foam inserts to minimise noise. At the exit points, the cables pass through unclamped plastic ports – a design choice that poses no issues with this construction.

Overall, the frame of the Atherton S.150 is simple and functional in design. There’s enough room on the downtube for a bottle cage, while under the bolted bottom bracket cover you can stow away smaller trail essentials. However, there are no special mounts, as the cover is primarily intended to provide easier access to the cables and doesn’t feature a quick-release mechanism.

The spec of the Atherton S.150

Despite the relatively small production numbers of Atherton bikes, there are three different build options available for the Atherton S.150: the S.150.1, S.150.2, and S.150.3. The lower the model number, the more expensive the spec. The available spec variants are priced between € 4,480 and € 5,974, and there will also be a frameset for € 2,787. However, these prices don’t include taxes.

For this first ride review, we tested the Atherton S.150.1, which comes equipped with a FOX Factory suspension. The FOX 36 fork still relies on the older GRIP2 damper , and is paired with a high-volume Float X2 air shock. This is an impressive setup for a trail bike, which would typically come with a smaller Float X shock. However, this doesn’t have a negative impact on the bike’s performance – unless you’re counting grams! This also highlights the orientation of the Atherton S.150. FOX also supply the dropper post, though it’s not the latest model. The older version tends to stick slightly if left unused for a few days. With just 175 mm of travel, it’s a bit short for a modern trail bike, but still delivers a solid performance and can be fully inserted into the frame. Additionally, the frame offers enough insertion depth to accommodate a longer dropper post if needed.

Hayes Dominion A4 four-piston brakes ensure powerful, reliable deceleration and impress above all with a smooth lever feel, high braking torque, and excellent modulation. The almost identical T4 variant, – which relies on a lighter hardware and renounces a tool-free lever reach adjustment – won our big brake comparison test this year. The brakes are paired with a 200 mm rotor at the front and smaller 180 mm disc at the rear. If you’re looking to improve heat dissipation at the rear, upgrading to a 200 mm rotor at the rear is easily done. Shifting is taken care of by a cable-operated SRAM X01 drivetrain, which delivers reliable performance on the trail. The rear derailleur is mounted on a standard UDH mech- hanger, which is easy to replace and allows for an upgrade to direct-mount derailleurs. The drivetrain is protected by a sturdy bash guard with an integrated chain guide.

The cockpit, consisting of aluminium handlebars and stem, comes from FSA’s Gradient series, a sponsor of the Atherton DH World Cup team. The Stans Flow X3 aluminium wheels are paired with Continental Kryptotal tires, which come in front- and rear-specific options. Both tires feature a soft rubber compound and a durable Enduro casing.

The geometry of the Atherton S.150

The Atherton S.150 is available in an impressive 12 frame sizes. The sizes are graduated based on the bike’s reach, with values growing in 10 mm intervals between frame sizes. This provides a finely-tuned selection based on the bike’s length, with reach values ranging from 415 mm to 525 mm. Our test bike combines 485 mm reach (size 8) and a reasonable seat tube length of 440 mm. The chainstays grow with the frame size too, although not with every single size – there are three different chainstay lengths across the 12 frame sizes. Our test bike in size 8 has 435 mm chainstays. However, the Atherton S.150 doesn’t have a flip-chip for geometry and kinematics adjustments, meaning that there’s no option to fit a bigger 29” rear wheel. However, in our opinion this isn’t necessary. A customizable geometry – like the one you get with the A-models – will not be available for the S.150 for the time being.

Size	1	12	22
Seat tube	395 mm	440mm	480mm
Top tube	554 mm	614 mm	645 mm
Head tube	90mm	100 mm	125 mm
head angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
seat angle	77.5°	78.5°	79.5°
Chainstay	430 mm	435 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	16 mm	16 mm	16 mm
Wheelbase	1,171 mm	1,250 mm	1,296 mm
Reach	415 mm	485 mm	525 mm
Stack	618 mm	636 mm	649 mm

The Atherton S.150 on the trail

We’ve ridden several Atherton bikes in the past, and they count amongst the most fascinating bikes we’ve ever tested – especially in terms of trail performance. The new Atherton S.150 is no exception. In recent weeks, we’ve tested the bike not only on our familiar home trails but also as part of our latest trail bike comparison test, where it held its own against 15 of the most exciting bikes of the season. The full comparison test will soon be available in our app edition and on our website. 😉

If you think that a heavy trail bike like the Atherton S.150 doesn’t pedal well, you’re mistaken. The DW-Link rear suspension remains pleasantly neutral even when pedalling out of the saddle and with the chain under tension, efficiently conserving energy on the way to the top. Sure, the bike’s 16.2 kg weight is noticeable when accelerating, but once you pick up speed, the weight quickly fades into the background. The upright, compact riding position allows for efficient pedalling, even with the saddle fully extended. As a result, the Atherton is also a great companion for long days in the saddle.

That said, the Atherton S.150 is in its natural environment when gravity takes over. Downhill, it places you in a deeply-integrated, secure riding position, inspiring huge amounts of confidence from the get go. Even steep, technical sections feel like docile fire roads, and you never feel as if you were about to dive over the handlebars headfirst. Thanks to the progressive suspension kinematics, it remains surprisingly agile on flat flowing trails, effortlessly carving from one berm into another and catching air with great eagerness – reserves for botched landings included. The S.150 doesn’t shy away from bike park adventures either, performing impressively on technical singletracks and through heavy compressions. The suspension remains consistently active, and basically glues the rear wheel to the ground. Not only does this provide exceptional safety, braking traction, and stability, but also adds to the agile character of the bike, allowing you to spontaneously change your line knowing that the bike will follow your steering input with great precision and excellent feedback. All of this makes the Atherton S.150 one of the most fascinating trail bikes currently available on the market.

The Atherton S.150 delivers outrageously good trail performance and, with its unique look, offers plenty of small-talk potential at the trailhead.

Who should take a closer look at the Atherton S.150?

Just like its carbon sibling, the new Atherton S.150 is outrageously capable on the trails. If you’re looking for a bike that can tackle any terrain, from chilled post-work laps on your home trails to the occasional bike park session, the Atherton S.150 should be at the top of your list. Of course, if you’re after a nimble and ultra-lively trail bike, the S.150 might be a bit too much bike. However, it delivers in every imaginable scenario, combining high agility with incredible composure. Fancy features or flawless aesthetics take a back seat in favour of outstanding trail performance – and you’re almost guaranteed to spark small talk at the trailhead with this bike.

Conclusions about the Atherton S.150

With the Atherton S.150, aluminium enthusiasts can now get their money’s worth without sacrificing the unique manufacturing technique, the resulting distinctive look, and the extensive size range. Atherton’s alloy trail bike clearly focuses on performance, as evidenced by its robust components and lack of unnecessary frills. On the trail, the S.150 plays in its own league, combining remarkable composure and playful agility like almost no other trail bike.

For more information, visit the Atherton-Bikes.

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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker