Santa Cruz V10 CC Carbon Frameset
The V10 CC is Santa Cruz's flagship downhill race carbon frameset, prized for its ultralight yet torsionally stiff CC carbon layup and refined V10 kinematics that deliver predictable tracking at race speeds. Its combination of low weight, adjustable geometry and proven World Cup pedigree makes it a best-in-class choice for racers who prioritize speed and handling, although it commands a premium compared with more value-oriented frames on this list. Against the others here it stands out for the lightest high-end construction and race-proven tuning rather than lowest cost or maximum customization.
Race-proven stiffness
Plush rear traction
Race-proven stiffness
Plush rear traction
Review Summary
"Riders consistently praise the V10 CC for its confident, planted descending performance, precise chassis feel and race-grade carbon stiffness; criticisms mainly target the premium price and limited sizing/fit options."
Turns smiles wide
High-modulus CC carbon layup delivers elite stiffness-to-weight for race speed.
Turns smiles wide
High-modulus CC carbon layup delivers elite stiffness-to-weight for race speed.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The V10 CC is Santa Cruz's flagship downhill race carbon frameset, prized for its ultralight yet torsionally stiff CC carbon layup and refined V10 kinematics that deliver predictable tracking at race speeds. Its combination of low weight, adjustable geometry and proven World Cup pedigree makes it a best-in-class choice for racers who prioritize speed and handling, although it commands a premium compared with more value-oriented frames on this list. Against the others here it stands out for the lightest high-end construction and race-proven tuning rather than lowest cost or maximum customization.
Race-proven stiffness
Plush rear traction
Turns smiles wide
High-modulus CC carbon layup delivers elite stiffness-to-weight for race speed.
Long, low, and slack geometry tuned for high-speed stability and precise tracking.
Race-proven stiffness
Plush rear traction
Turns smiles wide
High-modulus CC carbon layup delivers elite stiffness-to-weight for race speed.
Long, low, and slack geometry tuned for high-speed stability and precise tracking.
$3,500-5,000 CAD
Specialized S-Works Demo Race Carbon Frameset
The S-Works Demo Race carbon frameset focuses on big-hit stability and integrated race-ready details, using Specialized's highest-grade carbon and factory-level tuning to deliver composure on steep, rough courses. It competes directly with Santa Cruz on performance but tends to emphasize chassis stiffness and component integration, offering riders a turn-key race platform—typically at a price point similar to other top-tier frames but with Specialized's dealer and service ecosystem as a financial and logistical advantage. Compared to some rivals it trades a touch of lightness for on-track robustness and easier spec choices for racers.
Tool-adjust geometry
Poppy, playful handling
Tool-adjust geometry
Poppy, playful handling
Review Summary
"Owners rave about the S-Works Demo Race for its race-ready agility, superb carbon layup and composed high-speed handling, with the primary downsides being the very high cost and occasionally fussy setup."
Pro-level dampening
FACT carbon construction engineered for impact resistance and high torsional rigidity.
Pro-level dampening
FACT carbon construction engineered for impact resistance and high torsional rigidity.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The S-Works Demo Race carbon frameset focuses on big-hit stability and integrated race-ready details, using Specialized's highest-grade carbon and factory-level tuning to deliver composure on steep, rough courses. It competes directly with Santa Cruz on performance but tends to emphasize chassis stiffness and component integration, offering riders a turn-key race platform—typically at a price point similar to other top-tier frames but with Specialized's dealer and service ecosystem as a financial and logistical advantage. Compared to some rivals it trades a touch of lightness for on-track robustness and easier spec choices for racers.
Tool-adjust geometry
Poppy, playful handling
Pro-level dampening
FACT carbon construction engineered for impact resistance and high torsional rigidity.
Adjustable geometry (flip-chip/headset options) for tailoring handling to course conditions.
Tool-adjust geometry
Poppy, playful handling
Pro-level dampening
FACT carbon construction engineered for impact resistance and high torsional rigidity.
Adjustable geometry (flip-chip/headset options) for tailoring handling to course conditions.
$4,000-5,500 CAD
Trek Session 9.9 Carbon Frameset
The Session 9.9 carbon frameset brings Trek's OCLV carbon expertise and a race-focused suspension platform with easy geometry adjustment (Mino Link) to suit a wide range of tracks and riders. It is a market leader for riders who want a well-balanced package with strong dealer support and aftermarket parts availability, which can reduce long-term ownership costs compared with boutique builders. Relative to peers, Trek emphasizes serviceability and a proven, tunable platform rather than chasing the absolute lightest layup.
Stability at speed
Burly confidence
Stability at speed
Burly confidence
Review Summary
"The Trek Session 9.9 is praised for its stability at speed, adjustable geometry and race-focused compliance, though some riders note it can feel heavier and pricier than competing framesets."
Corner-carving precision
OCLV carbon frame built for durability under repeated race abuse and big impacts.
Corner-carving precision
OCLV carbon frame built for durability under repeated race abuse and big impacts.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Session 9.9 carbon frameset brings Trek's OCLV carbon expertise and a race-focused suspension platform with easy geometry adjustment (Mino Link) to suit a wide range of tracks and riders. It is a market leader for riders who want a well-balanced package with strong dealer support and aftermarket parts availability, which can reduce long-term ownership costs compared with boutique builders. Relative to peers, Trek emphasizes serviceability and a proven, tunable platform rather than chasing the absolute lightest layup.
Stability at speed
Burly confidence
Corner-carving precision
OCLV carbon frame built for durability under repeated race abuse and big impacts.
ABP-influenced rear end for active braking performance and maintained traction.
Stability at speed
Burly confidence
Corner-carving precision
OCLV carbon frame built for durability under repeated race abuse and big impacts.
ABP-influenced rear end for active braking performance and maintained traction.
$3,500-5,000 CAD
Commencal Supreme DH V5 Race Carbon Frameset
The Supreme DH V5 Race carbon frameset is Commencal's value-focused contender that delivers aggressive geometry and race-capable performance at a comparatively lower price point than many premium rivals. Commencal often undercuts the big brands on price while still offering modern suspension kinematics and stout carbon construction, making it an excellent choice for teams or riders seeking high performance per dollar. Compared to the Santa Cruz, Specialized and Trek options it represents a more budget-conscious race platform without sacrificing core downhill capability.
Aggressive leverage
Direct steering feel
Aggressive leverage
Direct steering feel
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate the Commencal Supreme DH V5 Race for delivering aggressive geometry, durable construction and strong value for money; a minority mention slightly heavier weight and finish details vs premium rivals."
Pyrenees-ready grin
Full carbon construction focused on maximizing stiffness and reducing weight for competitive racing.
Pyrenees-ready grin
Full carbon construction focused on maximizing stiffness and reducing weight for competitive racing.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Supreme DH V5 Race carbon frameset is Commencal's value-focused contender that delivers aggressive geometry and race-capable performance at a comparatively lower price point than many premium rivals. Commencal often undercuts the big brands on price while still offering modern suspension kinematics and stout carbon construction, making it an excellent choice for teams or riders seeking high performance per dollar. Compared to the Santa Cruz, Specialized and Trek options it represents a more budget-conscious race platform without sacrificing core downhill capability.
Aggressive leverage
Direct steering feel
Pyrenees-ready grin
Full carbon construction focused on maximizing stiffness and reducing weight for competitive racing.
Progressive, downhill-oriented geometry with long reach and slack head angle for confidence at speed.
Aggressive leverage
Direct steering feel
Pyrenees-ready grin
Full carbon construction focused on maximizing stiffness and reducing weight for competitive racing.
Progressive, downhill-oriented geometry with long reach and slack head angle for confidence at speed.
$2,800-4,000 CAD
Forbidden Dreadnought XT Carbon Frameset
The Dreadnought XT carbon frameset is a boutique, performance-driven downhill platform that prioritizes a long, stable wheelbase and robust carbon layup tuned for aggressive race and freeride use. As a smaller manufacturer, Forbidden offers high levels of customization and thoughtful frame details that punch above its weight, often delivering competitive stiffness-to-weight and unique features at a price that undercuts some mainstream S-Works or CC offerings—though dealer network and spare-part availability are more limited. Against the large brands here it is a specialist option for riders who want bespoke tuning and distinct geometry choices rather than widest dealer support.
Massive-travel confidence
Modern progressive geometry
Massive-travel confidence
Modern progressive geometry
Review Summary
"Users commend the Forbidden Dreadnought XT for its burly, modern geometry and excellent descend performance for race use, while some call out occasional parts compatibility quirks and smaller brand support."
British-made sass
Premium carbon layup emphasizing impact resistance and controlled compliance for race terrain.
British-made sass
Premium carbon layup emphasizing impact resistance and controlled compliance for race terrain.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Dreadnought XT carbon frameset is a boutique, performance-driven downhill platform that prioritizes a long, stable wheelbase and robust carbon layup tuned for aggressive race and freeride use. As a smaller manufacturer, Forbidden offers high levels of customization and thoughtful frame details that punch above its weight, often delivering competitive stiffness-to-weight and unique features at a price that undercuts some mainstream S-Works or CC offerings—though dealer network and spare-part availability are more limited. Against the large brands here it is a specialist option for riders who want bespoke tuning and distinct geometry choices rather than widest dealer support.
Massive-travel confidence
Modern progressive geometry
British-made sass
Premium carbon layup emphasizing impact resistance and controlled compliance for race terrain.
Aggressive downhill geometry tuned to prioritize traction, composure, and rider confidence.
Massive-travel confidence
Modern progressive geometry
British-made sass
Premium carbon layup emphasizing impact resistance and controlled compliance for race terrain.
Aggressive downhill geometry tuned to prioritize traction, composure, and rider confidence.
$3,000-4,500 CAD