Antidote AS05 Brings Unique High-Pivot, Auto Gearbox Prototype DH Bike to the World Cup

Antidote Solutions is set to debut its innovative AS05 downhill prototype bike at the upcoming World Cup race in Loudenvielle, France. The AS05 stands out with its distinctive high-pivot suspension and an automatic gearbox system, designed to enhance rider performance by shifting gears intuitively during races. This unique approach aims to allow riders to focus more on line choice and control, potentially providing a competitive edge in the intense downhill racing environment. The development of the AS05 has been largely an in-house effort by Antidote’s team of 18 experts, with only limited industrial manufacturing support. The bike features a bonded carbon and aluminium front triangle paired with a 7075-T6 aluminium rear, allowing for rapid adjustments to stiffness and geometry. Riders can tailor the bike extensively, with over 1,000 setup combinations available, including options for 27.5” or 29” rear wheels and six different stiffness settings via an interchangeable bridge system on the rear triangle. Gaëtan Vigé, a rider for Antidote Solutions, expressed strong enthusiasm for the AS05 after initial testing, highlighting its responsiveness and the confidence it inspired on track. He noted that the bike seemed to “do part of the job” by managing gear shifts automatically, which allowed him to maintain speed and control more effectively. Despite the promising early results, the team emphasises that the automatic gearbox is still in development and expects further refinement ahead of wider competition use. While many technical details remain closely guarded, the AS05’s design hints at a sophisticated integration of traditional and novel components. The bike appears to retain a rear derailleur and a closely spaced cassette alongside the automatic gearbox, but full specifications, including weight and component partnerships, have yet to be disclosed. Observers have noted the presence of EXT suspension elements and Mavic wheels, though it is unclear whether these represent final choices or prototypes. The introduction of the AS05 signals a bold step in downhill bike innovation, merging advanced suspension technology with an automatic transmission system. If successful, Antidote’s approach could influence future race bike designs by reducing rider workload and improving race efficiency. The cycling community will be watching closely at the World Cup to see how the AS05 performs under competitive conditions and whether it can deliver on its early promise.