Atherton S.200 Exclusive Test – The Perfect Bike Park Rig?

Simple, robust and stripped down to the essentials. With its unique aluminium frame and 4-bar DW-Link suspension, the Atherton S.200 was designed specifically for the bike park. We visited the new Atherton HQ and tested the Atherton S.200 in the nearby Dyfi Bike Park to find out whether the concept delivers.

While the successful Atherton family and their bike brand need no introduction, the still relatively new S-Series requires a bit more explanation. The Welsh brand includes two different frame materials in their portfolio, which also differ in their manufacturing process. While all A-models (additive) rely on carbon tubes bonded with 3D-printed titanium lugs, the S-models (subtractive) combine aluminium tubes and CNC-milled aluminium lugs. This makes the bikes particularly robust, and the Athertons promote them with the “Chuck it in the van maintenance” procedure ;).

Each model name – in our case the S-model – is followed by a number indicating the bike’s suspension travel. The Atherton S.200 is therefore the DH bike in the aluminium range, which generates 200 mm of travel both front and rear. Like all Atherton bikes, it relies on a DW-Link rear suspension design. However, the S-models use a simpler 4-bar DW-Link, while the A-models are built around a more complex 6-bar DW-Link system. Additionally, the S.200 comes with a mullet wheel setup, and is designed to perform particularly well as a park bike, which is partly due to its attractive price tag. The entry-level build starts at € 5,019, while the top-tier version retails at € 6,325 – we tested the latter. There is also a frame kit available, which is € 2,810 including the shock. But take note: these are net prices, to which VAT will have to be added. However, there are no local import duties, as the Atherton is manufactured in Wales and thus qualifies as a product of origin.

The Atherton S.200 in Detail

As previously mentioned, the Atherton S.200 relies on cut 7075 aluminium tubes. Owing to its high strength and hardness, 7075 aluminum presents significant challenges in welding, as it is prone to cracking, often resulting in reduced joint integrity. However, this doesn’t concern Atherton’s developers, as the tubes are bonded to CNC-machined aluminium lugs – also made from the same 7075 alloy. This construction is intended to make the frames particularly robust and durable. Just like the Atherton S.150 – which recently secured our coveted Best Buy award – the S.200 uses a rear triangle made from two CNC-milled parts connected through the linkage system. To fine-tune rear-end stiffness, Atherton’s engineers removed a significant amount of material through CNC machining, which is clearly visible when you flip the bike upside down. A nice touch is the small, machined logo on the head tube.

A thin chainstay protector is glued onto the machined stays. While this seems to do its job just fine most of the time, it’s noticeably thinner compared to the chainstay protectors you get on most downhill bikes. All cables are routed internally, and disappear into the frame through simple drilled holes behind the head tube. Though the cables aren’t clamped at the ports, there was no rattling on our test bike. There’s also a small protector on the downtube to shield the frame against stray rocks and nasty impacts. The S.200 is a simple, no-frills downhill bike but delivers exactly what you’d expect from a rig that was designed specifically for bike parks.

The spec of the Atherton S.200

While the first number refers to the manufacturing process used for the aluminium frame, and the second to the bike’s suspension travel, there’s a third number that indicates the level of the spec. For our initial test, we rode the Atherton S.200.1, which is the top-tier model in the range. This comes equipped with a FOX Factory suspension consisting of a FOX 40 fork with the older GRIP2 damper, and a matching DHX2 coil shock. While FOX already offers updated versions of both suspension components, their performance on the trail and adjustability remain outstanding.

Braking is taken care of by Hayes Dominion A4 four-piston brakes and 200 mm rotors front and rear. The Dominion took the top spot in our big brake comparison test last year, and deliver outstanding performance on a DH bike as well. The seven gears are managed by a SRAM X0 DH drivetrain, which comes complete with a bash guard and chain guide – as it should be on a bike of this kind. For the wheels, Atherton rely on a robust STANS Flow EX3 aluminium wheelset and Continental Kryptotal tires, with the SuperSoft rubber compound at the front and slightly harder, more durable Soft compound at the rear – and both tires in the tough downhill casing. All other components – including the handlebars, stem, and saddle – are supplied by FSA.

The geometry of the Atherton S.200

In typical Atherton fashion, the S.200 is available in an exceptionally wide range of sizes. While the S-models provide only half as many options as the A-models, you can still choose from 12 different frame sizes – which is far more than any other manufacturer offers. Reach values grow in 10 mm increments between sizes, from 410 mm to 520 mm. The seat tube, on the other hand, remains consistent at 420 mm across the board. While this is particularly short on bigger frames, it also enables a low standover height even on the smallest frame. The head angle is set at 63°, which is in line with most modern DH bikes. The Atherton S.200 doesn’t feature any flip chips or other geometry-altering wizardries.

The Atherton S.200 in our first test

For this first-ride review of the Atherton S.200, we flew straight to Wales, spent a few relaxing nights at the Staylittle Lodge, visited the new Atherton HQ, and took on the Dyfi Bike Park – essentially the Atherton’s backyard. Two days, two riders, two test bikes, and a closed bike park just for us provided the perfect conditions for a thorough first test. This also gave us the opportunity to compare the S.200 directly against the A.200 model.

When you hop onto the Atherton S.200, the bike delivers exactly what you’d expect from a bike park-specific downhill machine. It feels intuitive and familiar within just a few metres and inspires confidence from the get go, particularly on fast, rough descents. The S.200 places you centrally on the bike and deep into the suspension travel. Despite the plush setup, it still offers plenty of pop off ledges, making it easy to gap small obstacles or catch serious airtime over jumps. It also handles hard landings well, absorbing impacts without harsh feedback to the rider. Noise levels are pleasantly low, and only under heavy impacts is there a slight chain slap – something that can easily be addressed with a bit of extra mastic tape.

While the S.200 handles tight, low-speed corners with confidence and solid precision, it demands more focus in fast turns with greater G-forces. Compared to the A.200, the 4-bar DW-Link offers slightly less defined support, making the steering feel a touch less precise. This also applies to high-speed sections, where the S.200 remains stable and composed, but doesn’t provide the same level of feedback from the ground as its carbon counterpart. For riders who aren’t chasing race wins but are instead looking to have a blast at the bike park squeezing in as many runs as possible, this isn’t an issue. It’s only when the S.200 is pushed to its limits in race conditions that the reduced sensitivity and feedback become apparent compared to the A.200.

In the end, the Atherton S.200 not only looks stylish and burly, but also delivers exactly what you’d expect from a bike park rig – a machine that’s ready to take on big jumps and high-speed lines with confidence.

Who should take a closer look at the Atherton S.200?

If you’re looking for a simple, robust, and unique bike park machine, the Atherton S.200 could be just what you need. While the A-model might be the better option for very active riders and racers, the S.200 delivers intuitive and confidence-inspiring handling, a plush suspension, and plenty of pop for airtime shenanigans. In a nutshell, it has everything you need for an exciting day at the bike park – and afterward, you can just throw the S.200 in the back of your van without worry and stash it in the shed until the next park session.

Conclusions about the Atherton S.200

The Atherton S.200 delivers on its promise. It’s robust, simple, and stripped down to the essentials. In the bike park, it inspires confidence and feels right at home from the get go. Rock gardens and braking bumps are effortlessly ironed out, and while the suspension might not be the most sensitive out there, it provides plenty of pop. As a result, you can have lots of fun with the S.200 without needing much time getting used to it. The Atherton S.200 rides every bit as tough and straightforward on the trail as it looks at first glance.

Tops

• Simple design
• Robust frame and components
• Short adjustment period
• Plush suspension

Flops

• Slight chain slap
• Limited feedback from the suspension

For more information, visit the Atherton-Bikes website.

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Words & Photos: Peter Walker