If you are unfamiliar with the name “Atherton,” it is time for you to be introduced. Siblings Gee, Rachel, and Dan have decades of racing experience between them. With that experience comes hundreds of elite-level wins, including World Cup and World Championship podiums.
Those World Champion Atherton siblings drew on their decades of racing experience to found Atherton Bikes in 2019. Six years later, the brand offers seven bikes across its “A” and “S” ranges.
And now, it is offering an eighth. Introducing the A.150M.
Atherton A.150M
Wait a minute. You might be thinking that Atherton already has multiple A.150 offerings. And, you would be correct. Some quick sleuthing will show you that Atherton distinguishes this bike with the letter “M.”
As you might have guessed, “M” indicates the mixed-wheel frame of the new A.150M. And still, some might be saying that a mixed-wheeled, 150mm Atherton offering isn’t new. And, to that sentiment, you’d be correct. So, let’s do a quick breakdown of their lineup to see precisely why this A.150M is an entirely new offering.
First, let’s distinguish between Atherton’s A-Range and its S-Range. The A-Range is the brand’s premium frame offering: carbon tubes bonded to titanium lugs. This range also sees a DW6 suspension platform and 22 different size options.
On the other hand, Atherton’s S-Range features aluminum tubes and lugs, adding some weight but saving some coin. The S-Range features slightly less tunability with the DW4 suspension platform and is only available in 12 sizes, rather than 22.
It is the S.150 that, until now, has been the only option for those curious mixed-wheel enthusiasts. The A.150 bikes are exclusively 29er front and rear. Those wanting the MX wheel configuration, the 6-bar platform, and carbon frame material were simply out of luck. But now, the A.150M scratches that itch.
Other A.150M Differences
Obviously, the smaller rear wheel is the most noticeable difference between the Atherton A.150 and the A.150M. However, there are other tweaks here and there.
First, a smaller rear wheel makes for shorter chainstays. Atherton notes a 3mm decrease in rear-center length across all sizes. They also made the A.150M with a slightly slacker heat tube angle at 64.5°. While the HTA has slackened, the seat tube angle has grown steeper, ranging from 77.5° to a nearly upright 79°.
And, Atherton wanted to make it clear that the A.150M is an addition to the lineup, not a replacement. “Both A.150 and A.150.M are perfect all-rounders. We see this range extension as part of our drive for perfect-fit, not only in frame sizing, but in matching rider preferences and terrain. Both variants are capable and versatile, and they track the ground like they’re glued to it,” explained Dan Brown, CEO at Atherton Bikes.
Atherton A.150M Key Details
Each Atherton A.150M shares some key details
- 150mm DW6 suspension platform
- 160mm fork (170mm compatible)
- Boost rear spacing
- Fully guided internal cables
- BSA 73 threaded bottom bracket
In addition to a frameset option, Atherton will offer the A.150M in three builds. These options will follow the same simple naming structure as the A.150 bikes and other Atherton offerings.
The A.150M 1 (Build 1 option) will feature Factory-level Fox suspension and SRAM X01 Transmission. Build 2, the A.150M 2, sees Ohlins suspension and SRAM GX Transmission. The A.150M3 features RockShox Ultimate-level suspension and a mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain.
Aside from suspension and drivetrain, each build shares the other key components. Stans Flow MK4 wheels are wrapped in Continental tires. Hayes Dominion A4 brakes take care of the stopping, while each build features the same Fox Transfer Performance dropper post, except for the A.150M 1, which comes with a Fox Factory Transfer post.
See the full build spec below:
Prices
- A.150M 1 — £9,199 / $12,071.80
- A.150M 2 — £8,199 / $10,759.51
- A.150M 3 — £7,299 / $9,578.44
- Frame only — £4,999 / $6,562.34
You can see all the details at athertonbikes.com.
