First Look: 2024 Commencal Meta V5

Jun 22, 2023
by Mike Kazimer  
photo

After more than a season of testing on the Enduro World Cup circuit, the newest version of the Commencal Meta has been released. Version 5.0 rolls on 29” wheels and has 150mm of rear travel paired with a 160mm fork. The frame is aluminum, of course, and the rear suspension layout is the Virtual Contact System first seen on the Tempo trail bike, where two short links connect the swingarm to the front triangle.

The bike is billed as an enduro race bike that's versatile and easy to handle - Commencal say it's their "ultimate vision of a mountain bike."
Meta V5 Details

• Wheel size: 29"
• Aluminum frame
• 150mm rear travel, 160mm fork
• 64.1° or 64.5° head angle
• 435 or 440mm chainstay length (size dependent)
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• MSRP: $4,000 - $5,800 USD
• Available Fall 2023
• commencal.com

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A flip chip can be used to alter the head angle and bottom bracket height.
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Plenty of chainslap protection and an integrated chainguide.

FRAME DETAILS

One of the biggest points of consternation about the Tempo was the thru-headset cable routing. Luckily, that's not an issue on the new Meta. Yes, you can go down that route if you'd like to add an extra layer of inconvenience, but there are also ports on the side of the downtube to route the housing in a more user-friendly manner. The headtube design also keeps the door open for angle- and reach-adjusting headset options if riders want to tweak the geometry even further.

Other frame details include a room for a water bottle (Commencal says it was designed for Fidlock direct mount bottles, so the clearance might be tight with some regular bottle cages), accessory mounts under the top tube, and a universal derailleur hanger. There's also generous chainslap protection as well as a downtube protector.

photo

photo

GEOMETRY

It's been interesting to watch the geometry changes of Commencal's bikes over the years – there was a time when the reach numbers grew quite long while the chainstay length remained short. With the new geometry, things look more balanced – a size large has a reach of 480mm with 440mm chainstays.

The head angle and bottom bracket height can be adjusted with a flip chip; in the low setting the bike has a 64.1-degree head angle, and in the high setting that bumps up to 64.5-degrees. Note that the chainstay length on the geometry chart in the low position isn't correct - that should be closer to 440mm.

photo
It's great to see that Commencal kept the option for housing to be routed through the downtube rather than the headset.

There are four complete models of the Meta V5 available, with prices ranging from $4,000 for the Meta Essential and going up to $5,800 USD for the Meta Signature.

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Meta V5 Signature: $5,800 USD.

photo
Meta V5 Ohlins: $5,400 USD.

photo
Meta V5 Race: $5,000.

photo
Meta V5 Essential: $4,000.

during round 1 of the EDR World Cup Enduro series Maydena Tasmania Australia.



We have a Meta V5 on the way - look for a full review and a more in-depth analysis of the VCS suspension system once we get enough time in on the new bike.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Enduro Bikes Commencal Commencal Meta


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211 Comments
  • 273 2
 Praise the bike gods! No cable tourism here.
  • 50 1
 Literally the first thing I checked.

I can only hope that our group indignation/outcry from the Tempo changed things here.

Probably not. But its how I'm choosing to remember it.
  • 20 22
 SX version coming later, possibly a high-pivot + moar travel. I think i'll wait
  • 13 1
 @gearbo-x: Do you actually have any info on this or are you just making predictions?
  • 10 2
 @misteraustin: Have you ever seen that a new model of brand's enduro bike becomes less aggressive, less capable and with less travel compared to the old model? Unless they are making space for a bigger bike
  • 3 0
 But a big head tube to "upgrade" to integrated cables like at the TEMPO.
  • 1 0
 @misteraustin: next Thursday
  • 4 0
 The Tempo gets cable tourism and the Meta doesn't, hopefully that was Commencal's foray into this crap idea and they won't go there again.
  • 2 0
 According to the website "There is also the option of passing the cables through the head tube for a cleaner cockpit."
  • 2 0
 Been waiting for this new version for way too long. Hopefully a frame only option will be available, or any version avail that’s not already sold out through 2024…
  • 1 0
 @pakleni: exactly what giant did when they switched to 29 inch wheels
  • 1 0
 @misteraustin:
  • 1 0
 @Smoothy55: Giant? That company that said how 29ers are dead and how they are moving to a 27 inch bikes only? And then they really did it..
  • 1 0
 @misteraustin: Just a very good hunch. I mean really, the old meta was 165mm rear. 150mm for a full on "enduro rig" dont seem to make sense to me. 150mm is actually my preferred perfect all'rounder BUT, im just saying, commy always had an SX version which usually means badder. Just sayin...wink*wink
  • 104 2
 New white 36 on one of the models too. Cool.
  • 44 1
 that all white bikes is looking quite nice
  • 36 1
 always love it when they make the cheaper builds still look dope. I get why, but it seems like a lot of companies just use standard and drab colors until the pricier build start to show.
  • 19 0
 and the bike seems ready. Taking a quick look at the white and cheapest version, I wouldn't change anything. SLX drivetrain, 4 pot brakes, Fox performance, Maxxis tires. For 1k more you get a Lyrik Ultimate and TRP brakes. Seems perfect right off the box.
  • 8 1
 @mtmc99: I had a white Transition TR450 back in the day, though luckily with a black fork.

Would not do again. Scratches were like magnets for dirt to get embedded in, which looks horrible on a white frame.
  • 4 5
 @aug7hallak: Rims and hubs are weak, the same wheels on my 2021 Meta AM Essential build lasted less than a year. Hub bearings only 6 months.
  • 8 2
 @CaMKii: kinda what you expect from a budget build though
  • 1 0
 You’d hate changing the tyres
  • 1 0
 @aug7hallak: yup add a grip2 in there
  • 2 0
 @Takaya94: In simpler times, you actually had color choices.
  • 1 0
 @aug7hallak: Pretty dialled spec. I'd love to see a Grip2 in the fork, but I suppose a guy could upgrade that down the road.
  • 70 4
 Hey BTW it's illegal to not allow users to opt-out of cookies... you dont use them for anything other than to sell it. Cookies don't help you build a better site. Its meta data for you to help sell to advertisers... People know this. You know this. Get that banner, gone.
  • 6 0
 I feel ya, most sites allow you do it right at the initial prompt, you can manage them on PB - they just tuck them way down under, y'know "Cool Features"
  • 2 2
 Someone wiser than me please correct if I'm wrong, but after my last talk with a IT guy the conclusion was : cookies are just one way of tracking that metadata. There are other ways, which we cannot prevent with a "don't accept" prompt, so whether we accept cookies or not doesn't change a thing.

More efficient ways are to change the browser and set it up to prevent tracking, not using android/apple phone etc
  • 3 0
 Just to clarify, cookies definitely can and do make sites better. They aren't the only way to have persistent storage between sessions anymore, though, and just way too often are used for tracking and data-selling shenanigans. developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Cookies
  • 53 0
 The white one with the white 36 on the website looks like a stormtrooper bike and it’s sick.
  • 50 0
 Since it looks like a storm trooper, I bet you can't hit anything with it!
  • 1 0
 pair the white frame with the white z1...............................
  • 3 0
 @mattmatthew: ...and you get a 2008 Supreme Mini-DH with a 66
  • 31 1
 I find it interesting that the Meta has been changed frequently lately. This is the third new model release (not just part/paint changes) since 2020.

Interesting they went way long and slack, and since that time (2021 model), they've gone shorter in reach, steeper in HTA, longer in chainstay, AND shorter in travel.

All size Large:

2020 Meta AM 29 170mm front, 160mm rear. 65.5 degree HTA, 460mm reach, 633mm stack, 432mm chainstays.
2021 Meta AM 170mm front, 160mm rear. 63.6 degree HTA, 495mm reach, 642mm stack, 633mm chainstays.
2022 Meta SX 170mm front, 160mm rear. 63.6 degree HTA, 485mm reach, 639mm stack, 447mm chainstays.
2024 Meta 160mm front, 150mm rear. 64.1 degree HTA, 475mm reach 635mm stack, 440mm chainstays.

Curious if other brands will be coming back around as well. I've been really enjoying the more balanced feel of my Banshee Titan compared to my old Kona Process 153 29'er.
  • 7 4
 i gauge this with all the new riders entering the sport learning to ride vs more experienced people. reach is finaly on its way back down.
  • 6 0
 2021 Meta AM, Greg Minnaar edition?
  • 35 0
 160/150 prolly making room for a 180/170 bike next year
  • 12 8
 I find it a sign of Commencal note really testing extremes and thus not really knowing WTF they are talking about more than any real sign of the reach "trend" reversing. Them coming out with 3-4 DH models in a span of little more than a year is clear example of that.
  • 5 0
 With the ability to adjust as quickly as they do from rider/consumer feedback it's not surprising. I think the models will split. Send this out to be a shorter travel option and making a new SX V5 next year.
  • 3 4
 @toad321: Yeah, I think they're definitely making room for a new Supreme SX, I reckon 180/180. I also suspect that for EDR racing 160/150 is just as effective as 170/160.

@ocnlogan: I love my 2020, then tried a 2021 and did not appreciate the literally TWO FOOT LONG chainstays lol Didn't want to try the SX, mulleted my 2020 instead. It's not that long bikes are a bad thing, but bikes with longer chainstays than reach simply have to be ridden differently. I'm glad they're returning to a sort of balance.
  • 10 0
 They went shorter only because the massively overshot the reach figures on their last-gen...
  • 4 0
 Got a typo in the Meta 2021 chainstay length.
  • 4 0
 @Roost66: That makes sense, the bike didn't suit me but 633 seemed ridiculous. Slash my comment ab 2 foot long chainstays, they were apparently only 433 (which is oddly short for a near 500mm reach)
  • 4 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: @Roost66

Yikes, sorry about that giant chainstay typo everyone. As noted above, 433mm was the correct number. I was transposing a bunch of numbers and just failed.

Looks like I can't edit it :/.

And yeah, huge reach numbers, tiny chainstays on the 2021 got some not as amazing reviews, and they quickly pivoted away from that. And it does look like things are swinging the other way again (my 2018 Kona Process 153 29 had 425mm chainstays, but on the newer Process X they offer 435mm and 450mm).
  • 1 2
 @SintraFreeride: This. Exactly this. They just jumped into the trend with both feet for their last generation of bikes and it didn't pay off. Should have looked before they leapt.
  • 6 1
 @toad321: I imagine the Meta SX will become the 170/180, mixed wheels, hopefully dual crown compatible
  • 3 0
 I loved the 2021 Meta AM large with 495mm reach. My new bike with 515mm reach is too long. It feels great in certain circumstances, but all around it can feel long. Settling around 475-485mm for Large sizes I think is a good idea.
  • 3 0
 I have a 21 Meta AM 29 and love it. While the new bike looks quite impressive I don’t like the numbers
  • 2 0
 I’ve got a lrg 21 Meta TR race. The good thing about the old model is you can mullet it. Did the WRP link first. Now I’ve done a SX rocker and Clevis conversion and bumped the travel front and rear. 170/160. I like the mullet with short stays as it leans and turns much better. Front is a bit long, but shorter stem sorts that out. Looks like the new model will be hard to mullet.
  • 5 0
 @ocnlogan: I love your typo because a couple of comments mentioned how terribly long it was vs 2020 while its 1mm longer - proof ppl are bots or just say random crap haha.
  • 3 1
 I have a 2017 Commençal hardtail, size L. 480mm seat tube, 415mm reach. I knew it when buying.
But for people that aren't geometry geeks, all the recent reach and CS swings of Commençal have just made people buy really unbalanced bikes (especially since it's DTC : not everyone could try one before buying).
  • 2 0
 @Lumenous1: kids these days and their mullets. The worlds become invercargill
  • 1 1
 Well, Commencal lose a not insignificant portion of the market by their conscious decision not to do carbon frames. So they have to compensate in some way and use the advantages aluminium gives them, not the least being that they can change geometry quickly with low associated cost.
  • 22 1
 Not in the market for anything anytime soon, as I have a SX and TR now (both of which rips), but curious to hear about the new suspension platform. As expected, another looker from Commencal.
  • 9 0
 Agreed, that thing looks rad. Especially in the "British racing green-like" color.
  • 5 1
 SX is the new Meta, the Meta you wanted.
  • 1 0
 Not entirely a new platform. Similar to Yeti’s, but maybe tuned for different anti squat outcome. I am probably biased because of my history with it. But i would rate it as one of the best.
  • 2 0
 @FoesKnows: No doubt. SX is way above my paygrade and will never take it to it's limit, in fact, it actually bails my ass out from poor lines choices and misjudged landings.
  • 17 0
 Wonder if Ohlins knows that commencal just announced the RXF 36 m.3 by accident on the website lol. They have the fork on the ohlins edition listed as the RXF 36 m.3. Not sure if it’s a typo or if Commencal just made an oopsie by announcing it before ohlins.
  • 6 0
 that would make sense, especially as the m.2 is 40% off (i just grabbed one)
  • 2 0
 @WasatchEnduro: only jenson has it on sale. Every other retailer I’ve seen is still $1350. It’ll be interesting to see. Although they still have the damper listed as the ttx18 so the only change I could see would maybe an adjustment to the air side
  • 8 0
 They do it all the time, even the Tacky Chan was a speck on their bikes on the website for a month
  • 1 0
 @Keegansamonster: they are always the lowest price online. Fanatik or jenson for me
  • 18 1
 The bump down in travel is interesting, may be about to release a bigger bike.....?
  • 4 0
 Return of the Supreme SX???
  • 6 0
 It's because their Enduro racers apparently prefer their bikes to be more lively and nimble. They've actually been racing on the Meta TR before, not the AM or SX.
  • 2 0
 @Muscovir: I think most people that have never raced think enduro is just dh where you pedal to the top, and that's what you see in the highlights cause that's what's interesting to watch
  • 5 0
 @Muscovir: my feeling is that for us mere mortals, longer/slacker gives us the confidence to go faster, whereas the pros are already confident, so they need the manoeuvrability to take crazy line choices and thread the eye of the needle down right sections, which makes them faster
  • 2 1
 @Muscovir: Believe it or not, not that long ago enduro bikes used to be 150r/160f if not less. They did just fine Wink That amount of travel is still more than enough for most riding if you know how to use it.
  • 2 0
 @yoimaninja: some still are. Look at the winner of the last men’s race. Rhys Verner is riding a 130mm frame.
  • 1 0
 @schwaaa31: horses for courses. Some races a 170mm bike is going to be faster and some a 130mm bike. This is especially true at the non ews level where the terrain people have access to is so varied.
  • 1 0
 I think this has less to do with what racers are or are not running, and more to do with market presence. 170/170mm bikes are hawt right now, and I can't imagine Commencal not wanting a piece of that pie (insert sassy hand emoji)
  • 4 0
 Commencal's IG yesterday hinted at a MX bike (presumably bigger travel) being dropped this coming Thursday. The Commencal Enduro Project IG account has been showing their prototype frames running a bolt on front shock mount, presumably to allow for the fitment of a 230x60/65 shock, which would bring the travel into the 170 realm. Those same prototype bikes have been running Fox 38 forks.

Between that, and the current Meta SX frames being on sale on Commencal's website, I believe it is a fair to assume that 1) a 170mm ish big bike is coming shortly 2) This Meta V5 is more likely a replacement for the Meta TR
  • 15 0
 Looks amazing. Regular internal routing is good to see too. An affordable 150mm trail bike is exactly what I've been looking for, and this could be the one.
  • 5 10
flag wburnes (Jun 22, 2023 at 15:02) (Below Threshold)
 Check out Vitus (Escarpe 150/140mm, and Sommet 170/162 in 29, or 170/170 mullet) and Specialized status (140 or 160mm).

YT Jeffsy Alloy is 150mm and can be had for $2,500 with good parts.

us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/jeffsy

us.vitusbikes.com/collections/escarpe

us.vitusbikes.com/collections/sommet

www.specialized.com/us/en/status-160/p/199767?color=320387-199767
  • 2 0
 @wburnes: like I said, I'm looking for a 150mm bike.. none of those are 150mm
  • 3 5
 @danielfloyd: YT Jeffsy is 150mm, but dont focus to much on that.

Plus or minus 10mm is not something you'll notice.

Also, manufacturers often lie about travel, Trek says the Rail is a 150mm bike, but if you buy it and measure it, its actually a 140mm bike:

www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/electric-bikes/trek-rail-9-7-electric-mountain-bike-review

I've seen deviations from the specsheet of at least 21mm in suspension in some cases.
  • 1 3
 @danielfloyd:

From the MBR review:

"Suspension
Trek claims the Rail delivers 150mm travel, but we only measured 140mm (3mm less than the last Rail we tested). However, we didn’t notice this shortcoming on the trail”
  • 11 0
 This almost seems like a replacement for the TR, unless Commencal is backing off the geo and travel a bit because it makes it a better race bike?
  • 14 2
 That pricing is very attractive
  • 7 0
 That's actually really sick! Not in the market for a bike like this, but if I were I'd consider it.

Also, can I just say they deserve a huge commendation for going to EFBE and getting their bike tested properly? The EFBE Cat. 5 certificate is such a huge selling point on a brand that in the last couple of years kinda struggled with frames that cracked easily. If EFBE says it won't break, it definitley won't break.
  • 9 0
 That is a damn fine looking piece of machinery. Absolutely love the colorways as well.
  • 8 0
 The stamped/indented Commencal insignia on the steertube is a nice touch. =
  • 1 0
 Took the words out of my mouth
  • 6 1
 Interesting to see how much this bike has "shrunk" compared to the previous Meta AM29. 10mm shorter travel Front and Rear, 15mm shorter reach on the size Large (495 from the previous large is now the XL size on this one), steeper HTA, higher BB height, shorter wheelbase, and the stock Rockshox fork has gone from a Zeb to a Lyrik.

Is it time to retire "Longer, Lower, Slacker" and replace it with "Shorter, Higher, Steeper"?
  • 3 1
 Nope, it's not that time. Appropriately long reach is still fantastic. Modern geometry still makes for bikes that are infinitely better than anything we had 10 years ago. I think they just backed off a bit because they massively overshot the target with their last generation of bikes.
  • 8 0
 It's the wrong bike for me, but, jeebus I want that green one!!!!
  • 6 0
 So will the Furious be updated as a MX option with 170mm rear and this suspension platform next? Seems like 150mm is bucking industry trends for Enduro Racer.
  • 2 3
 Commencal has confirmed this bike will come out with a mixed-wheel option soon.

I suspect they're bringing back the Supreme SX for the long-travel Enduro bike crowd. Rhys Verner just won an EDR on a 130mm rear travel bike, I think that the brutal mid-stage climbs that frequent EDR races make it so that 170/180 travel bikes with big 38mm stanchion forks have near no advantage at the top level.
  • 5 0
 Interesting to see 150/160mm travel for their enduro bike as opposed to 160/170. Would be cool to hear some insight from the team on why the opted for a little less travel.
  • 3 0
 Same with the fork. Most racers are running 170 or 180 forks with 38mm stanchions. Although, Charlie Murray did just ride a Stumpy Evo with a Lyrik in the Leogang Enduro.
  • 9 0
 @succulentsausage: And Rhys Verner winning w/a 130mm-160mm Forbidden Druid v2
  • 5 0
 Very debatable how effective 38mm stanchions are for EDR racers. The 38/Zeb are each closer in weight to dual crowns than their Lyrik/36 counterparts- which seems a bit silly when enduro stages routinely contain heinous lung-busting climbs. 2 cents
  • 5 0
 Jesse running a spectral for the first rounds.
  • 1 0
 @trelleder: Oh wow totally thought he was on a Dreadnaught, which is still "short travel" compared to a lot of enduro race bikes out there right now.
  • 7 0
 sheeesh that looks good!
  • 7 4
 How much does it weigh? It has very similar geo to my Transition Sentinel, which I love, but if it weighs 4 pounds more, it's a tough sell.

Also, the seat tube length is egregiously long... 420mm for a medium? Way too long.
  • 2 1
 Bingo. Commencal makes some cool stuff, but they are known to be hefty
  • 7 1
 If Commencal (and basically every other bike maker except Knolly) would just avoid the seat tube kink 120mm above the bb, they could lower the height of the seattube and still fit a reasonable dropper length in.
I’ve got a ‘21 Meta and it’s disappointed to see there was no progress in this area with the new design.
  • 2 0
 egregiously
  • 5 0
 Claimed frame weight and some comparisons:

meta v5: 7.16 lb without shock, size unknown (add a pound for a similar air shock as the below frames)
meta tr: 8.1 lb without shock, size unknown (add a pound)
ripmo AF: 8.25 lb with air shock, size medium
lithium: 8.8 lb with air shock, size medium
sentinel alu: 9.7 lb with air shock, size medium

According to this they've actually shaved a pound off the frame over a meta tr. If so, that's awesome.
  • 4 1
 @WasatchEnduro: I reckon the solid rear triangle is where they've shaved the weight because it doesn't need as much bracing. My evidence is they've taken the seat stay brace off, something that nearly every Meta has had for the last four years.
  • 2 2
 I love the extra weight of my ‘21 Meta. 36.5lbs it feels really sturdy
  • 1 0
 Yep 7.16lbs would be really decent. Closer to carbon transitions
  • 1 1
 7.16lbs with shock, so about 8.25lbs give or take a few oz. Super Deluxe is about 500g (1.1lbs).

It's not bad, but it's not great.
  • 2 0
 Interesting they reduced travel from the old model! I wonder if they are making it make sense to keep the SX in the line-up as a longer travel mullet version (Think PNW Edition) or if the new platform takes big hits better and can get away with shorter travel! That being said, I am surprised they didn't kill 2 birds with one stone and make this bike 27.5" compatible. Looks amazing! Can't wait to hear how it feels compared to the previous LDSP. Good updates with the headset sizing, UDH, and gear mount.
  • 4 1
 This bike looks sweet! I'll probably buy one of these eventually if it doesn't suffer from frame alignment issues like the Tempo, or durability issues like the last generation of Metas.
  • 4 0
 Well they definitely didn't use an AI robot for the voiceover in that video. Take the chew out your lip before the chat next time Waylon
  • 7 1
 Looks crackin
  • 5 0
 Probably should be 441.8 on that chainstay length.
  • 6 0
 That blue is bangin'
  • 2 1
 Well at least it doesn't have a massive hole in the top tube that lets all the shit straight into the headset bearings like the last one. I wonder if they've sorted the cable routing so droppers work, or the paint so it lasts more than 2 weeks without peeling away
  • 5 1
 Does this seem expensive for a DTC brand? I remember them being more on the affordable side in previous years.
  • 3 1
 In todays bike pricing they definitely lean to the more affordable side.
  • 2 0
 Yes. Commencal massively increased their prices over the last 3 years. The cheapest Tempo currently is almost 50% more expensive than the cheapest Meta TR it replaces.

And with the new Meta V5 they didn't even bother making a "Origin" or "Ride" version. Those used to be the moniker for their more affordable build kits under 3k.
  • 6 1
 No Frix Frix launch vid no care...
  • 3 0
 There's something about bikes that are simple, and don't have a ton of complicated technology and cable tourism that just has a draw to it. Love it.
  • 6 1
 27.5 version please Mr Commencal.
  • 3 2
 27.5 is dead. Long live 27.5
  • 1 0
 They still make the Clash
  • 1 0
 @jsobrie: the Clash is different remit. 180/170 compared to 160/150.
  • 1 0
 Prices got higher, but the finish quality looks to have jumped up to another level. I was hoping it'd go the other way in terms of rear travel, was hoping for 165mm ish versus the previous 160mm. I'll be skipping mainly because of that and price, but it looks good.
  • 2 2
 FLAW- where the shock mounts to the top tube. Where is the metal meat backing the shock force????. transferred upward into the MIDDLE of the top tube.!!!! A top tube that is flattened and has little strength against an upward force. Whoops commencal hope you get lucky on this one. beautiful bike but id bet that top tube is going to fail badly. guess time will tell.
  • 3 0
 What is this suspension platform then Is this a 4-bar, or a VPP? Something else, both?
  • 3 0
 Sounds like VPP. Commencal calls it " Virtual Contact System," and there are two short links between the front and rear triangles.
  • 2 3
 I think it's a reverse dw link (all the crap inside the front triangle instead of behind it) or their version of a Yeti. Upper linkage is very yeti-esque and the movement of the lower link very similar to switch infiniti.
  • 4 0
 It is very similar to the Chris Currie suspension design from the Jamis Hardline and Ministry Psalm 150.
  • 3 0
 @iforte312: It's a little different, but yeah, I'm a big fan of what you can do with that lower link configuration. Awesome to see Commencal using it, too.
  • 3 1
 I would love someone to explain why the Tempo has headset routing and this doesn't. Totally baffling.

Which one started development first?
  • 7 0
 This one has optional headset routing, I would assume the Tempo was developed first.
  • 13 0
 My best guess is this: Commencal has a history of changing their bikes very often (sometimes annually), which is easier to do because they only work in aluminum. They put out the Tempo, saw the negative feedback on the cable tourism, and decided to make the change back on the Meta - something many companies can't do because of the lead times required for carbon frame production.
  • 3 0
 The feel-good answer to that question would be: Because they listened to the media and comment section feedback.
  • 5 1
 Looks like a simpler Yeti
  • 2 0
 Curious how this will compare to the Stumpjumper evo as the geometry is almost identical short of the higher BB. Obviously a much different suspension layout.
  • 4 0
 This is the age of “Enduro goes trail”
  • 4 0
 That's a compact XL which differentiates it nicely from the XXL, oh wait.
  • 2 0
 Make Extra Large Extra Large again!!
  • 3 0
 Interesting that they wouldn’t let Ed Masters weigh it for his recent enduro bike weight video.
  • 4 0
 Not an x-2 in sight- nice
  • 4 0
 It rubs the lotion on its skin.
  • 2 0
 It looks amazing, but where's the size(s) for tall people? Especially since they had previously been using such 'progressive' geo
  • 2 0
 Good job listening to the people/regarding headset routing!!! I’m digging the swingarm and overall vibe of the bike/ looks great!!!
  • 3 0
 Why is nobody commenting about the narrator in the video? Sounds like an ad for a guided fly fishing trip to Wyoming.
  • 3 0
 Needs a raw Alu version. Smile
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer when is the full review of this coming?? My 3 year cycle cycle is coming up
  • 2 0
 @gossman, this fall - the Meta is going to be included in our upcoming enduro Field Test.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: is it fall yet? Or will the test drop in October?
  • 4 2
 I was hooked until I saw press fit
  • 4 3
 awhile ago i said "bikes have grown to much in reach, we will see brands go the other way soon"

And here we are...
  • 5 0
 The oracle has spoken... Along with a crap load of co-oracles saying the same thing.
  • 1 0
 Thank god it's happening
  • 2 0
 I don't think its that they went too far with the reach and geo - my XL 2021 meta only just fits me... I think keeping the same size range but with say 5 sizes instead of 4 within that range would provide the options people are after. The XL on this new model would now be like a kids bike for me
  • 1 0
 @Jacker123: That's the thing though. They sould have never made the XL any bigger. Instead they should have added an additional size XXL to the range.
  • 1 1
 Nah. Bikes won't decrease in size. That's not going to happen. What we will see though is generally more and closer stacked sizing options.
  • 2 0
 The meta with the white 36s looks dope.
  • 1 0
 Damn good looking bikes, love the styling of the frame. White 36 is sick, White is making a comeback!
  • 1 0
 Ya wonder if fox is gna go all in(33-40lwith the white(perf elites) hopefully!
  • 1 0
 Looks good to me.... Just need some fellow commenters to explain why it isn't.
  • 1 0
 They found a pile of swingarms left over from the Blackmarket Killswitch. Sick bike though. Id have one.
  • 1 0
 I rarely think about buying a Commencal (maybe because they're rarely seen in my circle), but they're beauties.
  • 3 0
 Love the threaded BB…
  • 2 0
 What’s that sarcasm or irony
  • 2 0
 Absolutely nailed it, what a stunning steed!
  • 2 0
 Commencal employees are out to downvote you
  • 2 1
 What if you want ohlins but with decent shimano stuff rather than the dreaded sram
  • 1 0
 Wow, that's the best lineup of parts spec and colorways on a bike I've seen in a while.
  • 1 1
 Terrific bikes but they had more visual flair a half-dozen years ago or so. These days they look like every other generic bike on the market: nowhere near as distinctive.
  • 2 0
 Very attractive
  • 2 0
 Goddam I want one
  • 1 0
 Any word on the kinematics here??
  • 1 0
 Tacky Chan's front and rear on the signature model, interesting
  • 4 4
 New model, new colours, old habits...why on earth Commencal insists on a press fit BB on aluminum???
  • 2 0
 100% only reason is cutting cost. It’s unfortunate though.
  • 2 2
 Hope these frames are more sturdy than some of the bikes they've been putting out recently..
  • 1 0
 Oh that essential is purdy!
  • 2 0
 150mm is the new 170mm?
  • 2 0
 Take my money
  • 2 0
 Sexyyy
  • 1 0
 I friggin hate that shock position, why do manufacturers do this.
  • 1 0
 Solid specs for the price. Bikes look great too. Good on ya commencal!
  • 1 0
 Honka Honka me like
  • 1 1
 No broken backbone like the T.E.M.P.O., LIKE!
  • 2 5
 What is a “first look”? This isn’t a review, or a first ride impression. But it’s also not just a press release written by commencal.

It’s like a press release, but written by pinkbike?
  • 17 0
 You got it. If we'd ridden it it'd be a First Ride.
  • 6 5
 @mikekazimer: We need weight numbers. Frame weight & build weights. Please and thank you!
  • 1 0
 @ridedigrepeat: commencal site indicates 7.16lbs raw frame weight (no shock) - about a pound lighter than the v4, which would be nice (if accurate).
  • 1 0
 oops, wrong Mike if you saw that comment..
  • 1 0
 @xy9ine: I just got one. Didn’t bother weighing the frame but its definitely lighter than V4. Also looks mad sexy in the flesh. Very clean.
  • 1 1
 That's a sexy piece of engineering.
  • 1 0
 Coil me up! Nice...
  • 5 5
 Propains are way cheaper for same
  • 1 1
 I will wait for the carbon versions.
  • 1 1
 If it had a glove box this would be my next frame no doubt.
  • 1 1
 Sex dating➤ u.to/mWPGHw
  • 2 4
 they better get that price down a couple thousand to compete with the norco fluid.
  • 4 6
 More hype from Commencal. I bet they'll have a new redesign of this model in 6 months...as per usual.
  • 4 0
 It’s been 2 years since they changed the design of the meta…
  • 1 3
 Looks like no frame only option at this time?
  • 6 0
 They have frame only on the website for $2200
  • 1 0
 @Keegansamonster: oh sick
  • 2 5
 Hang on…. Isn’t that just a really nice looking low single pivot? What’s new?
  • 3 0
 It's a dual-link bike. A couple of short, semi-hidden links you're missing.
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