Mountain biking in South Africa hasn’t forgotten its roots as the gravel revolution swallows even the most hardened of off-road rider… industry legend Commencal and its sister brand – in SA – Unno – offer stylish, super-functional machines that will get you back on the gnar when your 40mm-rubber fetish cools off a little.

COMMENCAL

Officially, Commencal’s history starts in the year 2000, with industry veteran Max Commencal moving his 16+ years of engineering know-how and experience into an eponymous range of bikes that would take follow on from his 70+ world titles as ‘constructor’ as the best riders in the world took his previous firm, Sunn, to the highest of heights. And boy, did it come off just right with the medal and trophy haul continuing unabated in the increasingly more competitive world of MTB gravity racing. Located in the heart of the Andorran mountains, their offices are just a few meters from the Vallnord Bikepark, with which Commencal collaborates closely. It shows in the slick bangers that exit the factory…

The Commencal range in South Africa includes five big-hit bikes, for the DH and Enduro acolytes, a sleek XC machine and four e-bike options, as well as a wide range of kids/young adult bikes for the next generation of rippers and two dirt-jump models. Visit Commencal’s SA online store for all the juicy details.

UNNO

It may be a newer, less-accoladed brand, but Barcelona-based UNNO has taken the gravity world by storm. UNNO is a small and dedicated team based in Barcelona, Spain, led by Cesar Rojo, engineer and accomplished ex-World Cup downhill racer. With his team at CERO Design, Cesar is behind some of the most ground-breaking bike and suspension designs in the mountain bike industry of the past ten years, such as pioneering what is now universally known as the “long and slack” geometry that has been adopted pretty much industry-wise. CERO Designes continues to be a cutting edge engineering and design firm with high-profile customers in the bike industry and in the automotive industry.

But what about the bikes? In eight short years, the UNNO team has developed a small range that oozes Barcelona design chic, without sacrificing a millimetre of off-road rowdiness. There are three models available in South Africa – two analogue models and a digital masterpiece that will make you rethink how beautiful an e-bike can be. Visit UNNO’s SA online store for more.

APEX SPORT

Based in Jonkershoek, Apex offers a full factory warranty for both brands, with backing from France and Barcelona. Beyond that, Apex supports riders in two ways:

Apex customer care: If there is an issue with the bike the customer may take it to their local bike shop to get repaired and send Apex the invoice, who will cover the costs. Apex also runs demo days at some of the best bike parks in the country, such as Hellsend and Plaisir. 

Apex Owners Club: When a customer buys a bike they become part of the Apex Owners Club, which provides skills training with local pro riders, offers discount to Hellsend open days as well as early access to pre-orders and discount on Apex products, which include Melon Optics, Quinton and Ride Cake.  

Apex Sport has affiliate bike shops around the country which offer support. For your nearest one, email them or visit Commencal South Africa or UNNO South Africa.

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