The Supreme DH V5 came out back in 2022 and has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the World Cup DH circuit. Just recently, Commencal announced the latest version of its downhill racing weapon, the Supreme DH V5.2. Rather than a complete overhaul, the Supreme DH received a host of updates and refinements aimed at enhancing its performance to make one of the winningest downhill bikes faster than ever.
The Supreme DH V5.2 looks nearly identical to its predecessor, and in many ways it is. But when you take a closer look, the subtle updates become more apparent. The biggest changes are an evolved suspension design and kinematics, along with a new rear brake caliper mount location. Combined, Commencal says the Supreme DH V5.2 offers a more dynamic ride with increased control to keep pace with modern DH.
What’s New?
Much of what we learned about the Supreme DH V5 when it launched remains true for V5.2. The geometry has not changed, nor have the distinctive aesthetics. The frame gets 220mm of rear wheel travel, paired with a 200mm fork and a mixed-wheel-size configuration. The V5.2 updates are simply refinements to an already class-leading downhill bike, aimed at improving its suspension performance, braking performance, drivetrain compatibility, cable routing, and noise.
HVCS 2.0
Arguably, the biggest change to the Supreme DH is in the suspension design. It still uses the 6-bar HVCS (High Virtual Contact System) layout, but Commencal has shifted the pivot point from the chainstay to the seat stay. According to Commencal, repositioning this virtual pivot point “dramatically alters the bike’s dynamic balance” and “fundamentally changes how the frame manages rider input and terrain forces.”
Additionally, they say the new kinematic layout increases support and enhances responsiveness, resulting in “a more dynamic bike that provides clearer feedback to the rider, with greater speed and precision.” Interestingly, Commencal states that despite the increased dynamism, the HVCS 2.0 suspension layout also translates into enhanced comfort at high speeds, which is becoming even more important as speeds continue to rise across the board.
Brake Caliper Location
Along with the HVCS 2.0 update and revised pivot point location, Commencal has shifted the mount for the rear brake to a new location. According to the brand, the revised caliper position works “with the HVCS 2.0 kinematics to keep the suspension active under braking and reduce weight transfer to the front wheel.”
Additionally, this reworked brake design is said to deliver a stronger bite and more effective deceleration, resulting in increased control and confidence. Commencal also tells us that this redesign reduces rear brake overheating incidents and has eliminated brake-induced vibrations.
Compatibility
This will sound like a no-brainer, but the V5.2 finally adopts the UDH standard, ensuring compatibility with all drivetrains, including the latest SRAM XX DH T-Type. Additionally, Commencal states that the lower shock mount area has been redesigned to accommodate a wider range of the latest DH shocks, including the new Fox Float X2.
Other Updates
Commencal says that the new dual-density rubber chainstay and seat stay protectors help reduce chain slap and noise without any impact on suspension performance. They’ve also revised the internal cable routing to run through ports in the head tube for “cleaner look, improved sealing against water and dirt, and easier maintenance on race weekends.”
Supreme DH V5.2: Builds and Pricing
Commencal’s new Supreme DH V5.2 is available as a frame-only in Pure White for $3,500. It also comes in three complete builds, with prices ranging from $7,900 to 10,950.
Supreme DH V5.2 RockShox: $7,900
- Color: Pure White
- Fork: RockShox Boxxer Ultimate
- Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate DH (spring rate varies by frame size)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX DH 7-speed
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Bronze 4-piston w/ 220mm HS2 rotors
- Wheels: DT Swiss F1900 Classic w/ DT Swiss 370 Classic LN hubs
- Tires:
- R: Schwalbe Tacky Chan, 27.5” x 2.5”, Gravity Pro, Soft
- F: Schwalbe Magic Mary, 29” x 2.5”, Gravity Pro, Ultra Soft
- Weight: 19,4 kg / 42.76 lbs (average weight, size small)
Supreme DH V5.2 Signature: $8,500
- Color: Pure Black
- Fork: Fox 40 Factory
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX DH 7-speed
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver 4-piston w/ 220mm HS2 rotors
- Wheels: DT Swiss FR541 Classic w/ DT Swiss 350 hubs
- Tires:
- R: Schwalbe Tacky Chan, 27.5” x 2.5”, Gravity Pro, Soft
- F: Schwalbe Magic Mary, 29” x 2.5”, Gravity Pro, Ultra Soft
- Weight: 19 kg / 41.88 lbs (average weight, size small)
Supreme DH V5.2 Team Replica: $10,950
- Color: Addiction White
- Fork: RockShox Boxxer Ultimate
- Shock: RockShox Vivid Air Ultimate DH
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX DH Transmission 7-speed
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate 4-piston w/ 220mm HS2 rotors
- Wheels: Crankbrothers DH Alloy 2.0
- Tires:
- R: Schwalbe Tacky Chan, 27.5” x 2.5”, Gravity Pro, Soft
- F: Schwalbe Magic Mary, 29” x 2.5”, Gravity Pro, Ultra Soft
- Weight: 18,8 kgs / 41.44 lbs (average weight, size small)
Availability
The Supreme DH V5.2 is available for preorder now, with shipping expected in September 2026. Head to the Commencal website to learn more, see full build specs, or preorder yours for fall shredding.
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