Atherton Bikes are still a rare sight on the trails around the world. They’re handcrafted in Wales and known for their distinctive, minimalist look with straight tubes and lugged construction. With the new Atherton S.150, the Atherton family introduces an aluminum trail bike that’s designed to be the ultimate all-rounder. But how does it perform on the trail?
16.2 kg in size 8 | € 7,200 | Manufacturer’s website
Atherton Bikes have already proven their ability to deliver outstanding trail performance, setting themselves apart from the competition – in our 2022 trail bike test, the carbon A.150 secured victory single-handedly. Now, the Welsh manufacturer enters our 2025 trail bike group test with the aluminum version of their successful bike, the S.150.
Like its carbon sibling, the S.150 generates 160/150 mm of travel, and rolls on a mixed wheel setup with a 29″ wheel at the front and smaller 27.5″ wheel at the rear). As expected from Atherton, the bike comes in an impressive 12 different frame sizes, allowing for a truly tailored fit.
In the tested top-spec build, the Atherton S.150 retails at around €7,200 including tax, which is quite reasonable given its premium components and the fact that it is entirely made in the UK. However, at 16.2 kg in size 8, it’s the heaviest analogue bike in this test, and weighs nearly 1 kg more than the RAAW Jibb (15.3 kg).
We put the S.150 through the wringer to find out how the extra weight affects its trail performance, and whether the S.150 bike can live up to its predecessors.
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
The Atherton S.150 in Detail
Although the Atherton S.150 looks quite burly for a trail bike, it stays true to the brand’s signature design with its straight tubes, raw aluminum finish, and CNC-machined lugs that are bonded rather than welded – just like Atherton’s carbon bikes. This construction method allows for the use of a harder aluminum alloy, which would otherwise become brittle during welding, and makes the S.150 particularly robust. The rear triangle is also CNC-machined to save weight and fine-tune the frame’s flex characteristics.
Compared to the carbon A.150, the S.150 relies on a slightly simpler rear suspension design. While the carbon version features a more complex 6-bar DW-Link system, the aluminum model uses a more straightforward DW-Link rear suspension, similar to that of Pivot bikes. In this case, the stiff rear triangle is connected to the main frame via two small rocker links.
The frame of the Atherton S.150 takes a minimalist approach. It has mounts for a bottle cage but forgoes tool mounts, flip chips, and an integrated storage compartment. A thin rubber downtube protector shields the bottom bracket area from stray rocks, while a minimalist chainstay protector effectively reduces chain slap.
The internally routed cables disappear into the frame through rubber ports behind the head tube. The cables aren’t guided inside the frame but are securely wrapped to prevent rattling. Small service ports at the head tube and bottom bracket make it easier to service the bike.
The spec of the Atherton S.150
The Atherton S.150 relies on a high-quality spec that focuses uncompromisingly on trail performance and durability. The suspension consists of a FOX 36 Factory fork and matching FOX FLOAT X2 Factory air shock. The fork still uses the older GRIP2 damper, which has been replaced by FOX’s newer GripX2 damper but still delivers top-tier performance on the trail while offering the same countless adjustment options. The shock is Furthermore, the Atherton S.150 is the only bike in this test to rely on a large-volume air shock, which is usually found on enduro and downhill bikes, and gives the S.150 a more planted feel and extensive tuning options.
The FOX Transfer Factory dropper post offers 175 mm of travel, which is below the average 197 mm in this test. Given the straight seat tube design of the frame, a longer dropper would have easily fit and provided better freedom of movement.
Hayes Dominion A4 brakes with a 200 mm rotor at the front and a smaller 180 mm disc at the rear ensure powerful, reliable deceleration. These brakes secured victory in our recent brake comparison test, combining massive brake torque and excellent modulation. Heavier riders and those spending lots of time on steep, technical descents, might want to consider upgrading to a bigger 200 mm rotor at the rear to prevent the brakes from overheating.
The 12-speed SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain might be SRAM’s older cable-operated model, but it still shifts precisely and reliably. The cockpit consists of a 780 mm FSA Gradient aluminum handlebars and a matching 35mm FSA stem.
The Atherton rolls on a Stans Flow EX3 mullet wheelset and Continental tires, with a Kryptotal FR at the front and Kryptotal RE at the rear, both in the Soft compound with Enduro casing – an excellent, very durable tire combo. Riders looking for even more grip and precise control may benefit from upgrading to the Super Soft compound at the front.
Atherton S.150
€ 7,200
Specifications
Motor Nm
Battery Wh
Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 150 mm
Seatpost Fox Transfer Factory 175 mm
Brakes Hayes Dominion A4 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle 1x12
Stem FSA 50 mm
Handlebar FSA Gradient Alu 780 mm
Wheelset Stan’s NoTubes Flow EX3 29"/27.5"
Tires Continental Kryptotal FR, Soft, Enduro/Continental Kryptotal RE, Soft, Enduro 2.4"/2.4"
Technical Data
Size 1 - 12
Weight 16.2 kg
Specific Features
bonded frame
Tuning tips:
– Bigger 200 mm brake rotor at the rear
– Front tire with softer Super Soft rubber compound
Pants ION GRDXKN Scrub Pants | Shoes Giro Chamber II
The geometry of the Atherton S.150
The Atherton S.150 is available in a whopping 12 frame sizes, with reach values growing from 415 mm to 525 mm in 10 mm increments, ensuring consistent handling across the board. Our test bike in size 8 combines 485 mm reach and a 440 mm seat tube, which is on the longer side but still reasonable given the bike’s relatively long reach.
With its unique look and impressive performance the Atherton S.150 is in a league of its own.
The chainstay length grows with the frame size too, but remains relatively short across all sizes, ranging from 430 mm to 440 mm. On our test bike in size 8, the chainstays are 435 mm. Additionally, the seat angle gets steeper on bigger sizes to maintain a centered riding position despite the longer saddle extension.
| 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
On the trail, the Atherton S.150 impresses above all with great comfort and excellent composure, delivering a magnificent, confidence-inspiring overall performance. Riding uphill, it puts you in an upright pedalling position, placing you on top of the bike rather than integrating you between its wheels – similar to the Transition Sentinel. On levelground, this position puts some pressure on your hands, but as soon as the trail points uphill, it becomes a lot more comfortable. The DW-Link rear suspension is efficient and minimizes pedal bob, though the high system weight comes at the expense of the bike’s liveliness. Still, it remains highly efficient and comfortable, on par with the Santa Cruz Hightower and Canyon Spectral.
When you point its nose downhill,, the Atherton is completely in its element. It feels pleasantly balanced, and integrates you nicely between its wheels without trapping you too deeply inside the frame. The tall front end inspires confidence from the get go, while the front wheel remains planted on the ground without requiring you to actively shift your weight it.
The Atherton S.150 is easy to ride, inspires an incredible amount of confidence, and swallows up anything you throw at it. No other bike in this test matches the Atherton’s mind-boggling composure, a trait that has already set benchmarks with other Atherton models. Rock gardens, root carpets, and braking bumps simply disappear underneath the bike, ensuring maximum confidence on technical trails.
Despite its hefty weight, the S.150 is still surprisingly agile and maneuverable. While it can’t quite match the liveliest bikes in this test, like the Specialized Stumpjumper and Ibis Ripmo, it’s designed more for charging down the trail than hopping from one line to another.. On flow trails, the smaller rear wheel ensures a tad of extra responsiveness, putting the Atherton at the same level as the Pivot Switchblade and Santa Cruz Bronson in terms of agility.
The suspension of the Atherton S.150 is incredibly capable. It tracks the ground exceptionally well, turning the roughest trails into a rollercoaster. As is typical for DW-Link designs, it uses a generous amount of travel while still providing good pop when ridden actively. Flowing trails are just as fun as technical descents.
Once again, the Atherton S.150 proved to be in a league of its own, inspiring unmatched amounts of confidence in technical sections without feeling lethargic on flow trails – a rare combination that ensures it a truly unique ride character.
A trail bike with enduro DNA that combines maximum traction, plenty of pop, and total confidence.
Who should take a closer look at the Atherton S.150?
The Atherton S.150 is a great match for riders looking for a rugged trail bike that effortlessly holds its own on enduro trails and in bike parks, while still being surprisingly agile. Those willing to sacrifice a bit of uphill liveliness and extra frame features – like a storage compartments and tool mounts – will be rewarded with a trail bike that totally rips, and feels at home on technical descents like no other. With its distinctive design and unmistakable brand identity, it’s also the perfect choice for individualists who want to stand out from the crowd.
Conclusions about the Atherton S.150
The Atherton S.150 once again delivers a performance that puts it in a class of its own. Despite its heavy system weight, it climbs efficiently, even if it’s not the liveliest climber in the test. When gravity takes over, the S.150 impresses with unmatched composure and confidence-inspiring handling, while still maintaining a surprising level of agility. The exceptionally capable suspension keeps the bike planted to the ground, providing endless grip without sacrificing support. Retailing at € 7,200, the S.150 is also one of the most affordable bikes in this test – a well deserved Best Buy!
Tops
- Unmatched composure and confidence
- High agility
- Exceptionally capable suspension
- Great value for money
Flops
- Not the liveliest climber
- Lacks extra frame features
For more information, visit athertonbikes.com.
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
