Enduro and trail bikes see redesigned linkage with an adjustable rear-centre and size-specific seat tube lengths
Privateer has unveiled its updated Gen 2 range, with the 161 enduro bike and 141 trail bike featuring a new ALP suspension linkage, size-specific seatstays and an adjustable rear-centre.
Privateer launched the 161 and 141 Gen 1 three years ago, with the new bikes seeing minor geometry updates such as steeper effective seat tube angles and more angular tubing.
Only one spec level is available for the bikes at launch, with the 141 priced at £4,289 / $5,389 / €4,789 and the 161 £4,379 / $5,479 / €4,879.
The 141 features a 150mm Fox 36 Performance Elite fork and a Fox Float X Performance Elite shock, controlling 141mm of rear travel. The 161 uses a 170mm Fox 38 Performance Elite matched to a Fox Float X2 Performance Elite shock, controlling 161mm of rear travel.
Frameset options are also available, with the 141 frame priced at £1,889 / $2,389 / €2,089, while the 161 is more expensive at £1,979 / $2,479 / €2,179.
All-new suspension linkage
Privateer says it has developed its new ALP suspension system alongside its team of riders, including Joe Connell and Katy Curd.
The new system is based around a Horst-linkage, with the brand saying it has provided highly customisable anti-rise and anti-squat values, enabling it to create a consistent and predictable kinematic.
At the centre of this linkage is a forged one-piece rocker, which the brand says is machined with precision to ensure perfect bearing alignment.
The British brand has worked with Fox to create a custom tune to achieve the best performance from the ALP system, with all models receiving a Fox rear shock.
Privateer says the new system gives a coil-like feel even with an air shock, with a sensitive and supple start of the stroke.
Compared to the previous generation, the silhouette of the Gen 2 bikes is more aggressive, with the top tube featuring an angular kink towards the head tube.
As is the case with many modern enduro bikes, the 161 uses flip chips in the linkage, meaning it can run a 27.5in rear wheel for a mullet setup.
This is also afforded to the 141, which is a less common feature for a bike in this travel range.
These flip chips also enable you to alter the rear-centre by 10mm, giving you options to experiment with.
Gear, brake and dropper cables are routed externally on top of the down tube, which should cheer up internal cable routing opponents and make working on the bike easier.
Privateer says the bikes have 42mm Enduro Max main bearings and sealed single-sided pivot hardware that uses an O-ring to keep the elements from ingressing.
The bikes have room for a water bottle in all frame sizes, and there is a dedicated tool mount on the underside of the top tube.
A down tube protector fends rocks away and there is a chainstay protector, which should reduce noise on harsh descents.
Size-specific seatstays
The bikes are available in four sizes, with Privateer labelling these P1, P2, P3 and P4, and the latter being the largest.
Head tube angles remain the same for both bikes, with the 141 at 64.5 degrees and the 161 remaining 64 degrees.
Privateer has given the bikes size-specific chainstays, which grow from 443mm to 453mm for a 29in wheel with the flip chip in the shorter setting.
Sea tube angles have also steepened, with the 161 now sporting an 80-degree effective seat tube angle and the 141 getting a 78.5-degree angle.
Privateer 141 Gen 2 price and spec details
- Fork: Fox 36 Performance Elite, 150mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX 1x 12
- Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4
- Wheels: Hunt Enduro Wide V2
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai EXO (f), DHR II DD (r)
- Price: £4,289 / $5,389 / €4,789
Privateer 161 Gen 2 price and specs
- Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite, 170mm
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Performance Elite
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT / SLX
- Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4
- Wheels: Hunt Enduro Wide V2
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai EXO+ (f), DHR II DD (r)
- Price: £4,379 / $5,479 / €4,879