Review
Enduro Mag Exclusive Test : The S.150 - from a different planet.
17 April 2025
“The Atherton S.150 delivers outrageously good trail performance and, with its unique look, offers plenty of small-talk potential at the trailhead.”
Enduro Mag in Germany is known for the rigour of their tests and we’re delighted to have been awarded their “Trail Bike Best Buy” this April 2025.
The comparison test covered 16 of the hottest trail bikes out there... it’s a massive read and covers a lot of more expensive bikes, so here’s a close-up of editor Peter Walker’s Solus S.150 review. PW: “We’ve ridden several Atherton bikes in the past, and they count amongst the most fascinating bikes we’ve ever tested – especially in terms of trail performance… the S.150 doesn’t disappoint…
Climbing
- If you think that a heavy trail bike like the Atherton S.150 doesn’t pedal well, you’re mistaken.
- The DW-Link rear suspension remains pleasantly neutral even when pedalling out of the saddle and with the chain under tension, efficiently conserving energy on the way to the top.
- Sure, the bike’s 16.2 kg weight is noticeable when accelerating, but once you pick up speed, the weight quickly fades into the background. The upright, compact riding position allows for efficient pedalling, even with the saddle fully extended. As a result, the Atherton is also a great companion for long days in the saddle.
Descents
The S.150 is in its natural environment when gravity takes over. Downhill, it places you in a deeply-integrated, secure riding position, inspiring huge amounts of confidence from the get-go. Even steep, technical sections feel like docile fire roads, and you never feel as if you were about to dive over the handlebars head-first.
Thanks to the progressive suspension kinematics, it remains surprisingly agile on flat flowing trails, effortlessly carving from one berm into another and catching air with great eagerness – reserves for botched landings included. The S.150 doesn’t shy away from bike park adventures either, performing impressively on technical singletracks and through heavy compressions. The suspension remains consistently active, and glues the rear wheel to the ground.
Not only does this provide exceptional safety, braking traction, and stability, but also adds to the agile character of the bike, allowing you to spontaneously change your line knowing that the bike will follow your steering input with great precision and excellent feedback. All of this makes the Atherton S.150 one of the most fascinating trail bikes currently available on the market. If you’re looking for a bike that can tackle any terrain, from chilled post-work laps on your home trails to the occasional bike park session, the Atherton S.150 should be at the top of your list.”
FEATURED: S.150.1
Only the best! Our flagship S.150 build features Fox Factory Float X2 with Fox 36 Factory 160mm upfront and an XO1 drivetrain. Specc’ed with the raceteam’s favourite components this bike will ensure that your Enduro days are super-fun, even if you’re playing in the woods you’ll have mind-blowing performance on every run!