Commencal Supreme DH 29 Ohlins Frame
Commencal’s Supreme DH 29 Öhlins frame is positioned as the best-in-class aluminum choice for riders who want race-ready geometry and high-end suspension compatibility without the price premium of boutique makers. Its robust, short-chainstay 29er layout and Öhlins-ready mounting deliver a clear technical advantage in small-bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support, and it undercuts many rivals on value while matching their durability for hard downhill terrain. Compared to the list’s pricier or carbon-centric options, the Supreme offers an exceptional performance-to-cost ratio for aggressive downhill use.
Ohlins-plush rebound
29er roll-eater
Ohlins-plush rebound
29er roll-eater
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Commencal Supreme DH 29 Ohlins for its exceptional downhill stability, robust alloy construction and smooth Ohlins suspension option, with many saying it inspires confidence at high speeds; some note it’s heavier than carbon alternatives. Overall users find it durable, predictable and race-capable out of the box."
Slack-front grin
29"-wheel optimized geometry for high-speed stability and big hits.
Slack-front grin
29"-wheel optimized geometry for high-speed stability and big hits.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Commencal’s Supreme DH 29 Öhlins frame is positioned as the best-in-class aluminum choice for riders who want race-ready geometry and high-end suspension compatibility without the price premium of boutique makers. Its robust, short-chainstay 29er layout and Öhlins-ready mounting deliver a clear technical advantage in small-bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support, and it undercuts many rivals on value while matching their durability for hard downhill terrain. Compared to the list’s pricier or carbon-centric options, the Supreme offers an exceptional performance-to-cost ratio for aggressive downhill use.
Ohlins-plush rebound
29er roll-eater
Slack-front grin
29"-wheel optimized geometry for high-speed stability and big hits.
Includes or is designed to accept Ohlins rear shock for premium tunability.
Ohlins-plush rebound
29er roll-eater
Slack-front grin
29"-wheel optimized geometry for high-speed stability and big hits.
Includes or is designed to accept Ohlins rear shock for premium tunability.
$3500-6000 CAD
Trek Session 9 Frameset
The Trek Session 9 frameset earns market-leader status through track-proven geometry and highly refined kinematics that prioritize consistent, predictable handling at speed. While often commanding a higher price than the aluminum-focused Commencal or Norco, Trek’s investment in suspension development and dealer network translates to proven race performance and long-term support, making it a safer financial choice for teams and frequent racers. In a field of downhill aluminum framesets, the Session stands out for engineered consistency and comprehensive aftermarket backing.
Adjustable-geometry snappy
Race-ready stiffness
Adjustable-geometry snappy
Race-ready stiffness
Review Summary
"The Trek Session 9 frameset is frequently praised for its race-focused geometry, adjustability and composed high-speed handling, though a portion of riders call it firm and premium-priced. Most reviewers appreciate its predictable performance and serviceability on demanding tracks."
Corner-carving joy
Aggressive geometry tuned for World Cup-style downhill courses and fast tracks.
Corner-carving joy
Aggressive geometry tuned for World Cup-style downhill courses and fast tracks.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Trek Session 9 frameset earns market-leader status through track-proven geometry and highly refined kinematics that prioritize consistent, predictable handling at speed. While often commanding a higher price than the aluminum-focused Commencal or Norco, Trek’s investment in suspension development and dealer network translates to proven race performance and long-term support, making it a safer financial choice for teams and frequent racers. In a field of downhill aluminum framesets, the Session stands out for engineered consistency and comprehensive aftermarket backing.
Adjustable-geometry snappy
Race-ready stiffness
Corner-carving joy
Aggressive geometry tuned for World Cup-style downhill courses and fast tracks.
Robust frame platform with adjustable linkage settings for precise handling tuning.
Adjustable-geometry snappy
Race-ready stiffness
Corner-carving joy
Aggressive geometry tuned for World Cup-style downhill courses and fast tracks.
Robust frame platform with adjustable linkage settings for precise handling tuning.
$4000-7000 CAD
Specialized Demo Race 29 Alloy Frame
The Specialized Demo Race 29 alloy frame balances race-oriented stiffness with tunable geometry, giving riders a nimble yet durable platform for competitive downhill riding. Its technical strengths lie in fine-tunable chainstay and geometry adjustments that let riders dial handling for different courses, and it typically sits between Commencal’s value proposition and Trek’s pricier, race-spec approach. For buyers focused on a race-capable aluminum frameset that still prioritizes adjustability and weight savings, the Demo Race is a compelling middle ground.
Low-center pop
Alloy tank toughness
Low-center pop
Alloy tank toughness
Review Summary
"The Specialized Demo Race 29 alloy frame earns consistent praise for its aggressive yet balanced geometry, durability and confidence-inspiring handling in race conditions, with some users preferring a softer setup for comfort. Long-term owners report it holds up well to abuse and retains sharp steering."
Punchy downhill smile
29" wheel platform that improves rollover and stability on steep, rough terrain.
Punchy downhill smile
29" wheel platform that improves rollover and stability on steep, rough terrain.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Specialized Demo Race 29 alloy frame balances race-oriented stiffness with tunable geometry, giving riders a nimble yet durable platform for competitive downhill riding. Its technical strengths lie in fine-tunable chainstay and geometry adjustments that let riders dial handling for different courses, and it typically sits between Commencal’s value proposition and Trek’s pricier, race-spec approach. For buyers focused on a race-capable aluminum frameset that still prioritizes adjustability and weight savings, the Demo Race is a compelling middle ground.
Low-center pop
Alloy tank toughness
Punchy downhill smile
29" wheel platform that improves rollover and stability on steep, rough terrain.
Alloy race-derived chassis delivering predictable kinematics under big hits.
Low-center pop
Alloy tank toughness
Punchy downhill smile
29" wheel platform that improves rollover and stability on steep, rough terrain.
Alloy race-derived chassis delivering predictable kinematics under big hits.
$2500-4000 CAD
Norco Aurum HSP Frame
Norco’s Aurum HSP frame brings a distinctive high-single-pivot (HSP) suspension philosophy that favors big-hit composure and progressive leverage for heavy impacts, making it attractive to riders who prioritize stability over marginal weight savings. Technically it offers a different ride character than multi-link competitors on this list, and it often presents a strong value for riders who want a reliable, serviceable aluminum platform that tolerates aggressive setup changes. Against carbon or race-targeted alloy frames, the Aurum is a pragmatic choice focused on impact resistance and tunability for diverse riders.
HSP traction magic
Progressive travel feel
HSP traction magic
Progressive travel feel
Review Summary
"Norco Aurum HSP owners commonly highlight the frame’s active suspension feel, excellent traction and speed on steep technical descents, while a minority mention complexity of setup and added weight. Overall it’s regarded as a fast, capable downhill platform for racers and aggressive riders."
Gravity-grin stability
High Single Pivot (HSP) style suspension for active traction and controlled braking.
Gravity-grin stability
High Single Pivot (HSP) style suspension for active traction and controlled braking.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Norco’s Aurum HSP frame brings a distinctive high-single-pivot (HSP) suspension philosophy that favors big-hit composure and progressive leverage for heavy impacts, making it attractive to riders who prioritize stability over marginal weight savings. Technically it offers a different ride character than multi-link competitors on this list, and it often presents a strong value for riders who want a reliable, serviceable aluminum platform that tolerates aggressive setup changes. Against carbon or race-targeted alloy frames, the Aurum is a pragmatic choice focused on impact resistance and tunability for diverse riders.
HSP traction magic
Progressive travel feel
Gravity-grin stability
High Single Pivot (HSP) style suspension for active traction and controlled braking.
Long wheelbase and slack head angle for composure at high speeds.
HSP traction magic
Progressive travel feel
Gravity-grin stability
High Single Pivot (HSP) style suspension for active traction and controlled braking.
Long wheelbase and slack head angle for composure at high speeds.
$2500-4500 CAD
Giant Glory Advanced Frameset
The Giant Glory Advanced frameset is included as the market-leading lightweight/stiff alternative, and while its 'Advanced' designation denotes composite construction rather than aluminum, it serves as a useful benchmark for what riders sacrifice and gain compared with aluminum downhill frames. Its principal advantage is a lower-frame weight and higher stiffness-per-volume, delivering faster acceleration and crisper steering than many aluminum counterparts, though that performance comes at a premium and different crash-repair economics. For buyers weighing downhill aluminum framesets, the Glory Advanced highlights the trade-offs between ultimate performance and the cost/durability benefits of aluminum.
Race-bred stiffness
Feather-firm plow
Race-bred stiffness
Feather-firm plow
Review Summary
"The Giant Glory Advanced frameset is noted for its race-ready geometry, light and stiff construction (in Advanced carbon), and confident handling, though some buyers feel the price is high and fine-tuning takes time. Most users rate it highly for competitive downhill performance."
Corner-slicing glee
Downhill-optimized slack geometry and long travel for aggressive descents.
Corner-slicing glee
Downhill-optimized slack geometry and long travel for aggressive descents.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Giant Glory Advanced frameset is included as the market-leading lightweight/stiff alternative, and while its 'Advanced' designation denotes composite construction rather than aluminum, it serves as a useful benchmark for what riders sacrifice and gain compared with aluminum downhill frames. Its principal advantage is a lower-frame weight and higher stiffness-per-volume, delivering faster acceleration and crisper steering than many aluminum counterparts, though that performance comes at a premium and different crash-repair economics. For buyers weighing downhill aluminum framesets, the Glory Advanced highlights the trade-offs between ultimate performance and the cost/durability benefits of aluminum.
Race-bred stiffness
Feather-firm plow
Corner-slicing glee
Downhill-optimized slack geometry and long travel for aggressive descents.
Stiff main triangle designed to resist flex under heavy impacts and braking loads.
Race-bred stiffness
Feather-firm plow
Corner-slicing glee
Downhill-optimized slack geometry and long travel for aggressive descents.
Stiff main triangle designed to resist flex under heavy impacts and braking loads.
$3000-5000 CAD