Ari Releases the Superior Peak Downhill Bike

I rode a Superior Peak to test an interesting new hub from a notable wheel company that's hitting the market in the not-so-distant future. I only racked up four days on the bike, but I figured I'd include some things that stood out during that time. - schroeder

It's a bike that morphs well to terrain or how you want to ride. It leans more towards being a poppy, lively, machine-built bike park trail destroyer, but holds its own in rough tech. I don't think it would be my first choice as a race bike, but for summertime chairlift-accessed riding, it's a really fun bike.
The bike is well supported as it goes through its travel. I did ride the more progressive shock link, so this checks out. It doesn't have that boggy, slow feel that some DH bikes carry, but rather a nice platform to push against that still offers plenty of cushion during high-speed hits.
The adjustability options are rad for those who want to play around with setup. Reach adjust headset compatible, two rear triangle flex options, two chainstay lengths, different kinematics, and wheel size—not much left to desire. I ran the bike in both dual 29-inch and mixed, the standout difference being an increase in cornering responsiveness with the smaller rear wheel. This helped the Superior Peak really drop into big berms and whip around tight ruts.
I rode a large, and it was spacious, tall, and rode low to the ground—all things that I want from a DH bike. I didn't change the chain stay length and ran it in the short position. I think most riders will enjoy the tucked-away rear end more as it matches the overall party-lap vibe of the bike.
The Elite build kit doesn't leave anything to be desired, with the RockShox Ultimate level suspension being a standout performer. $6,500 bones ain't nothing, and if it was my money, I'd get the Peak Comp build, and then update the fork damper or shock at some point.
Lastly, the bike was really quiet and easy to work on. The layout is open, and all the pivots are easy to reach, which makes day-to-day bolt checks or cleaning straightforward. For a bike that I would likely set and forget and do like a thousand laps on during bike park season, I appreciate the simplicity.

Full press release below to learn all about the new Superior Peak:

The Superior Peak started as a passion and learning project for the in-house design team. It also filled the need created by the Ari Factory Racing gravity team and Ari’s freeride athletes, Kurtis Downs and Kyle Strait. Over the last year, Ari athletes and racers have helped refine the Superior Peak to what it is now. Those refinements have paid off with freeride event wins at Proving Grounds, overall series win at the Big Mountain Downhill, Dark Fest Best Trick, and will be ridden by Kyle Strait at the 2024 Red Bull Rampage in Ari’s home state of Utah. With this rider feedback, development, and winning results helping to prove the design and capability of the Superior Peak, it’s a serious contender for those looking for a fun, balanced, and durable downhill bike for bike park laps, racing, or desert freeride trips.

Superior Peak’s Growing Award List:

- 1st Place at Proving Grounds 2023
- 1st Place 2024 Overall Big Mountain DH Series
- 1st Place 'Best Trick' at Dark Fest

Frame Details

Aluminum alloy frame with CNC’d linkage
29-inch or mixed wheel compatible (selectable when ordering)
63.5 Degree Head Angle (in stock setting)
445-451 mm chainstay length
83mm english thread bottom bracket
148mm Rear Dropout
200mm Post Mount brakes
1.5/1.5” headtube is compatible with reach or angle adjust headsets
UDH derailleur hanger
GA Links for adjustable geometry
2 front shock mounts for adjustable leverage rate
Hidden front triangle brace for stiffness
Frame mounted fork bumpers
3 sizes
Two build kit options

Adjustability is the name of the game

Chainstay Adjustment: Flip chip in the chainstay offers up to 6mm of length adjustment. Whether you want a short and snappy rear end for jumps and tricks, or more stability at high speeds, Superior Peak has you covered.

Adjust the Kinematics: Progressive and linear shock mounts are included with the frame providing enhanced kinematic control over your ride. Run progressive for more bottom out support or linear for chunk eating traction. It is also another fine tune point for riders using coil shocks and air shocks.

5. Seatstay Brace.gif?VersionId=2S1SPO3E7Hbe5U6H

Seatstay Brace: Removable brace in the seat stay gives the option to opt for more flex in the rear end. Remove it for more traction in muddy, wet conditions, or add the brace to stiffen the rear end for park laps, freeride sessions and rough tracks.

Bottom Bracket Height Adjustability & Mullet Compatible: Compatible with both 29 inch and mullet wheelsets with a convenient flip chip in the seat stay/rocker link. 29 and Mullet options are available at checkout.

Made to Huck

Engineered to endure the harshest conditions, Superior Peak features a robust aluminum alloy frame and CNC’d linkage to handle anything you throw at it.

Geometry

Build Specs & Pricing

Superior Peak Comp - $4499

Fork: RockShox Boxxer
Shock: RockShox Vivid Drivetrain: SRAM GX DH Wheels: DT Swiss F 1900 Classic Brakes: TRP DH-R Evo
Tires: Maxxis Assegai/DHR II - DH Casing

Superior Peak Elite - $6499

Fork: RockShox Boxxer Ultimate Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate DH Drivetrain: SRAM X0 DH
Wheels: DT Swiss FR 1500 Classic Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver
Tires: Maxxis Assegai/DHR II - DH Casing

Superior Peak Frameset - $1999