[News] Privateer Bicycles launches the second generation of the Privateer 141 and 161

Enduro and trail bikes have a redesigned linkage with an adjustable rear center and size-specific seat tube lengths

News Feb 16, 2024 0 199 Add to Reading List

[News] Privateer Bicycles launches the second generation of the Privateer 141 and 161

Privateer has unveiled its updated Gen 2 range, with the 161 endurance bike and 141 trail bike featuring a new ALP suspension linkage, size-specific chainstays and an adjustable rear center.

Privateer launched the 161 and 141 Gen 1 three years ago, with the new bikes featuring minor geometry updates such as steeper effective seat tube angles and more angular tubes.

Only one spec level is available for the bikes at launch, with the 141 priced at €4,789 and the 161 at €4,879.

The 141 features a 150 mm Fox 36 Performance Elite fork and a Fox Float X Performance Elite shock, controlling 141 mm of rear travel. The 161 uses a 170 mm Fox 38 Performance Elite fork combined with a Fox Float X2 Performance Elite shock, controlling 161 mm of rear travel.

Frame options are also available, with the 141 frame costing €2,089, while the 161 is more expensive at €2,179.

Completely new suspension

Privateer claims to have developed its new ALP suspension system together with its team of cyclists, including Joe Connell and Katy Curd.

The new system is based on a Horst linkage, with the brand claiming to have provided highly customizable anti-lift and anti-squat values, allowing it to create consistent and predictable kinematics.

At the heart of this linkage is a one-piece forged rocker arm, which the brand says is precision machined to ensure perfect alignment of the bearings.

The British brand worked with Fox to create a custom tune to get the best performance from the ALP system, with all models receiving a Fox rear shock.

Privateer claims that the new system provides a similar feel to an air shock absorber, even with a pneumatic shock absorber, with a sensitive and flexible start of travel.

Compared to the previous generation, the generation 2 is more aggressive, with the top tube featuring an angled bend towards the head tube.

As is the case with many modern enduro bikes, the 161 uses flip chips in the knuckle, which means you can rotate a 27.5-inch rear wheel into a mullet configuration.

This is also possible on the 141, which is a less common feature on a bike in this travel range.

These flip chips also allow you to change the rear center by 10mm, giving you options to experiment with.

The gear, brake and dropper cables are routed externally, at the top of the downtube, which should liven up internal cable routing opponents and make it easier to work on the bike.

Privateer says that the bikes have 42 mm Enduro Max main bearings and a sealed pivot on one side that uses an O-ring to prevent the elements from getting in.

The bikes have space for a water bottle on all frame sizes, and there is a dedicated tool holder on the underside of the top tube.

A downtube protector keeps out rocks and there's a chainstay protector, which should reduce noise on difficult descents.

Specific sizes

The bikes are available in four sizes, with Privateer labeling them P1, P2, P3 and P4, the latter being the largest.

The head tube angles remain the same for both bikes, with the 141 at 64.5 degrees and the 161 at 64 degrees.

Privateer has given the bikes size-specific chainstays, which increase from 443 mm to 453 mm for a 29-inch wheel with the flip chip in the shortest configuration.

The seat tube angles have also increased, with the 161 having an effective angle of 80 degrees and the 141 having an angle of 78.5 degrees.