Privateer Bikes made waves with its 161 enduro bike when it was launched back in 2019, combining alloy tubes, sorted geometry, and suspension to create an affordable, reliable, but race-capable bike.
Privateer has been working over the last three years to develop the best enduro mountain bike for privateer racers. Working with team riders Katy Curd, Fergus Ryan, and Joe Connell, as well as taking in feedback from customers and media, Privater has designed the Gen 2 to be more adjustable, durable, and capable than before.
Full details are yet to be confirmed but keep reading to find out everything we know about the new Privateer Gen 2.
Geometry-wise, the 161 is still bang up to date in terms of its angles and size-specific chainstays. Privateer haven't confirmed the Gen 2 numbers yet although there are a few geometry-based updates to keep it current.
The Gen 2 features two new flip-chips, one positioned in the seatstays and another in the dropout. The seatstay flip-chip allows the Gen 2 to be run as either a full 29er or with a 27.5in rear wheel whilst maintaining the bike's geometry. The dropout flip-chip offers riders the ability to adjust the chainstay length to tune rider weight distribution on the bike.
Privateer has stuck with the same Horst link suspension system as before but updated the kinematics to improve performance. High pivot options were explored, however Privateer found that more complicated systems sacrificed consistency and reliability.
The kinematic updates are said to give the Gen 2 a more supple start to the stroke to aid traction, and linear mid-stroke whilst still maintaining bottom-out resistance. Braking and pedaling performance are also claimed to have been improved.
Like Privateer Bikes' other models, all the bearings are specced with durability in mind, featuring oversized bearings that are fitted with secondary seals throughout. It's all single-sided hardware which will simplify bearing changes down the line too.
Small details haven't been overlooked either, including room for a large bottle and external tool storage on all sizes and shock combos, replaceable ISCG mount, and extensive frame protectors.
Two features surprisingly seem to be missing from the Gen 2. Firstly the frame doesn't feature internal routing (other than a dropper post port in the seat tube). It's unusual to see a frameset with full cables on show these days but the external routing will be welcomed by some. The second is the Gen 2 doesn't appear to use a UDH derailleur hanger so it won't be compatible with SRAM's T-Type Transmission drivetrains.
More details on the Privateer Gen 2 range are expected soon, with pre-orders starting in early February 2024. As Privateer Bikes are part of The Rider Firm, expect to see some competitively priced builds featuring Hunt wheels. To stay up to date with the Gen 2 launch, head over to Privateer Bikes.
