Atherton Bikes: We should have expected this really
Dan, Gee and Rachel Atherton have launched their own bike brand! After cutting their ties with Trek, they have decided to complete the Atherton brand with Atherton Bikes.
Atherton Bikes – A long time coming
Dan Atherton is a national champion and built his first bike at the age of 10 in 1992. Gee is a multiple world cup winner, while Rachel is the most successful downhill mountain biker ever. According to Bike Mag, Gee said “We will start with what we know best, focusing on high-level product designed to be ridden aggressively! For 2019, we’ll race our own prototype bike and we’re planning to bring that DH bike to market, along with a range of trail bikes.”
They have partnered up with bike designer Dave Weagle and Piers Linney, the Dragon’s Den Investor.
Bike Technology
The frame technology will use additive manufacturing technologies. This is 3D printing with metal and involves melting titanium with a laser, meaning Atherton Bikes can get creative. This will also be combined with carbon fiber tubing. This process has allowed Atherton Bikes to build and test prototypes sooner quicker than traditional methods. This means they should be able to innovate and perfect their bikes much quicker, which is useful when you are a racer.
Partnerships
In order to develop their products Atherton Bikes have partnered up with Renishaw and Trickstuff. Renishaw are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of additive manufacturing systems and promise to make the bikes more adaptable than ever.
Atherton Racing have been successfully using Trickstuff brake pads for a few years. Therefore, they jumped at the chance of putting their braking systems on their new bikes.
When it comes to tyres, the Atherton downhill race bike has decided to go with Continental and Stan’s No Tubes. These brands are very significant in the development of a race-ready bike. The suspension set up comes from the Atherton’s continued relationship with Fox. While the cockpit, seatpost & pedals and mudguards are from Renthal, Crankbrothers and Rockguardz respectively. The saddle will be a custom-made item from WTB.
The Downhill Bike
Details are still a bit sparse, but the press release from Atherton Bikes has given us these lovely photos of their DH race bike.
Team Riders
Gee and Rachel will be joined by Charlie Hatton to take on the Elite DH competitions, and Mille Johnset will take her place on the junior team once she has graduated from the Atherton Academy. The team has been put together to take on the UCI World Cup Series, Crankworx and other Red Bull events
What do you think?
Personally I think Atherton Bikes looks promising. Good tech, good partners and the Atherton competitiveness and know-how. Can’t wait to try one and I will be looking out for the Athertons in Morzine this year before their season starts.
