Atherton Bikes, renowned for their innovative approach to mountain bike design, has unveiled a new online configurator that allows riders to visualize and customize their ideal mountain bike build. This tool not only offers a fun and interactive experience but also introduces a new ride-tuning option, expanding the UK’s manufacturer’s already extensive sizing choices. Riders can now select their preferred chainstay length, choosing between neutral, shorter (for increased agility), or longer (for enhanced stability) settings, tailoring the bike’s handling to their personal preferences. (bikerumor.com)
Atherton’s Online Custom Bike Configurator
The configurator enables potential buyers to customize various aspects of their bike, including logo placement, size, color, and component specifications. While similar tools exist in the industry, Atherton’s configurator stands out by allowing riders to see a realistic representation of their custom build before making a purchase. (bikerumor.com)
Customizable Chainstay Length to Tune Your Ride
Beyond visual customization, the configurator introduces the ability to adjust the chainstay length, a critical factor influencing a bike’s handling characteristics. Atherton offers three options:
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Neutral (0mm): The factory-set chainstay length, optimized for a balanced ride, delivering a blend of stability and agility.
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Agile (-5mm): A shorter chainstay that shifts weight rearward, making the front end lighter and easier to lift. This setting sharpens turn-in response, making the bike feel more playful and maneuverable, particularly on tight, technical trails and in corners.
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Stable (+5mm): A longer chainstay increases wheelbase and plants the rear wheel more firmly, improving high-speed stability, climbing traction, and composure on steep, rough terrain. Ideal for riders who favor confidence at speed over quick handling.
These adjustments are subtle, with only a ±5mm change, but they can significantly impact the bike’s performance. Importantly, these modifications have been approved by Dave Weagle, ensuring they do not compromise the bike’s handling. Atherton’s goal is to provide riders with more options to fine-tune their ride without altering the carefully engineered geometry and suspension kinematics of each model and size. (bikerumor.com)
Atherton Customizer – Online Now
The new online configurator is live across all analog (i.e., pedal-powered) A-series and S-series Atherton mountain bikes, allowing riders to mix and match components to their heart’s content. For those seeking more customization options, Atherton offers a fully custom Premium Build Service. While the configurator is user-friendly, some users have reported minor issues with certain browsers. Nonetheless, the tool provides a comprehensive platform for creating a personalized mountain bike. (bikerumor.com)
Atherton’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by their use of 3D-printed titanium lugs and custom carbon tubes in their A-Range bikes, offering a unique blend of performance and durability. Each bike is built to order in Machynlleth, Wales, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. (athertonbikes.com)
For riders interested in electric mountain bikes, Atherton has also ventured into the e-MTB market with the S.170E, combining a CNC-machined aluminium frame with the Avinox M2S motor system to deliver a gravity-focused e-MTB experience. (ebike-mtb.com)
In summary, Atherton Bikes continues to push the boundaries of mountain bike design by offering riders the tools and options to create a bike that perfectly suits their riding style and preferences.