Privateer claims the development of their new Gen 2 Range includes over 500,000 meters of descending (1,640,419.95 ft!) over three years. That’s a lot of time going downhill to ensure the suspension is dialed and the frames are durable. There’s a lot to discuss on the new Privateer Gen 2 141 and 161, so let’s drop in.
A-L-P Suspension
Privateer mentions that they looked into all the popular suspension platforms like high-pivot, mid-pivot, and 6-bar designs, but they felt that they could still get the most consistent and predictable ride out of an updated Horst Link platform. Called the A-L-P, or Aligned Linear Progression platform, Privateer claims the suspension offers a sensitive feel at the start of the stroke with a coil-like feel running air shocks. It also claims to offer excellent pedal support while remaining stable under braking, with enough bottom-out resistance when needed.
Suspension Details from Privateer:
- Leverage Ratio: A-L-P Suspension offers a low force at the back wheel (a high leverage ratio) at the start of travel. This means it delivers excellent grip at the beginning of the stroke, and less force is transmitted to the rider, minimizing fatigue while you’re charging hard on trails. The high leverage ratio at the start also easily overcomes stiction in the shock seals for a coil-like feel even with an air shock. We’ve aimed for a leverage rate as linearly progressive as possible to offer predictability. The progression at the end of the stroke provides plenty of bottom-out resistance.
- Anti Rise: We wanted Gen 2 bikes to offer a balance of chassis stability and braking traction so you know you can brake late with confidence. We also wanted A-L-P Suspension to behave consistently no matter where it is in the travel.
- Anti Squat: The A-L-P Suspension platform provides a great balance of pedaling support and traction in all gears so you can always get the power down efficiently. As you get into harder gears, the anti-squat increases, so when you’re out of the saddle sprinting, you get the additional pedal support that you need.
- Custom-Tuned Fox Suspension: All Gen 2 bikes and framesets use a custom-tuned shock to get the best performance from the A-L-P Suspension platform.
Adjustable Geometry
Along with the updated suspension, both Gen 2 frames get a new geometry with an adjustable rear center chip at the dropout and a flip-chip for MX (29/27.5) wheel configurations at the rocker.
Geometry Details from Privateer:
- Mixed Wheel Flip-Chip: The flip-chip system allows riders to switch between wheel sizes without affecting the geometry or upsetting the balance of the bike. P1 complete bikes ship as a mixed wheel. P2-P4 ship in full 29in. All sizes will accommodate 29in and 27.5in rear wheels.
- Adjustable rear center: Gen 2’s flip chip increases the rear center by +10mm from the standard length. Rear center adjustability allows you to customize your bike for your next race, uplift day, or a tight, twisty day at the trail center. The flip-chip requires no additional hardware to adjust from ‘normal’ to ‘long’ settings, thanks to a cleverly designed reversible brake adapter mount.
- Size-specific chainstays: Size-specific chainstays grow in length as reach increases on larger frames. This ensures the rider is perfectly balanced on the bike.
- Steep seat tube angle: The Gen 2 161 sports an 80-degree effective (77-degree actual) seat tube angle, and the Gen 2 141 gets a 78.5-degree effective (76.5-degree actual) seat tube angle. Plus, the updated full insertion seat tube design gives you plenty of room to slam your dropper post completely for going big.
Improved Durability
Just as important for a privateer is a frame that is durable over the long run. Privateer wanted to offer frames that could keep running longer with less maintenance, so they’ve updated the bearings, added additional seals, and used full single-sided hardware for easy trail-side bolt checks.
Durability Details from Privateer
- Enduro Max full compliment bearings: Gen 2 Privateer bikes feature full complement 42mm Enduro Max main bearings. Full complement bearings increase the number of balls by utilizing space usually taken by ball retainers. Increasing the number of balls allows for more load capacity than standard bearings and resists the high forces Gen 2 bikes were designed to withstand. High-quality seals and high-pressure grease keep them protected from the elements and run smoother for longer.
- Sealed single-sided pivot hardware: Single-sided hardware makes maintenance easy and requires a single tool to be used on just one side of the pivot hardware. This makes trailside checks a breeze, and because each bolt boasts additional ‘O’ ring seals, you can be confident your bearings will be safe from the elements.
- Forged one-piece rocker: A-L-P Suspension platform uses an updated forged one-piece rocker.
- Replaceable ICSG tabs: Replaceable ISCG tabs with a keyed fitment to prevent movement even when ridden under the harshest of conditions.
- External cable routing: Easy access hose and cable routing make maintaining and servicing your bike nice and simple, and our secure cable/hose clamps ensure there is no unwanted rattle on the trail.
- Room for a large bottle and tool on all sizes: Each size of Gen 2 Privateer from size P1-P4 has clearance for a 600ml bottle and a dedicated tool mount.
- Extensive custom frame protection: The custom-designed chainstay and seat stay protectors prevent chain slap and rubbing, while a downtube protector guards against rock strikes, keeping the Gen 2 quiet and minimizing damage.
Gen 2 Privateer 141 Details
Gen 2 141 Frameset Highlights
- 29in or MX
- 141 rear-wheel travel
- Enduro Max Full Compliment bearings
- Flip Chip rear center adjustment
- Size Specific chain stays
- Custom-tuned Fox Float X Performance Elite
- 6061 T6
- Price: $2,389
*Headset, axle, ISCG, seat clamp included.
Gen 2 141 Complete Bike Highlights
- 29in (F 29/R 27.5 size P1)
- Fox 36 Performance Elite, 150mm
- Custom-tuned Fox Float X Performance Elite
- SRAM GX 1 x 12
- Hayes Dominion A4, 4 piston brakes
- HUNT Enduro Wide V2 wheelset
- Maxxis Assegai EXO+ front, DHR II DD rear
- Price: $5,389
Gen 2 Privateer 161 Details
Gen 2 161 Frameset Highlights
- 29in or MX
- 161mm rear wheel travel
- Enduro Max full complement bearings
- Flip chip rear center adjustment
- Size-specific chain stays
- Custom-tuned Fox Float X2 Performance Elite
- 6061 T6
- Price: $2,479
*Headset, axle, ISCG, seat clamp included.
Gen 2 161 Complete Bike Highlights
- 29in (F 29/R 27.5 size P1)
- Fox 38 Performance Elite, 170mm
- Custom-tuned Fox Float X2 Performance Elite
- XT/SLX 1 x 12
- Hayes Dominion A4, 4 piston brakes
- HUNT Enduro Wide V2 wheelset
- Maxxis Assegai DD front, DHR II DH rear
- Price: $5,479
Availability + Pre-Order Special Offer
Want to take advantage of the bike’s ability to run a 27.5 or 29″ rear wheel? If you pre-order the bike before April 30th, you’ll receive the alternative rear wheel and tire for free! (Customers ordering a P1 size bike will receive an optional 29-inch rear wheel and tire. Customers ordering P2-P4 will receive an optional 27.5-inch wheel and tire).
If you really want a Privateer Gen 2, it is probably a good idea if you pre-order it anyway. Privateer says they’ve decided to limit the quantities of the Gen 2 bikes for the 2024 season based on the current status of the bike industry, though frames are expected to be in stock starting in May, with complete bikes expected by the end of May.
