2020 Commencal Meta: What you need to know
The Commencal Meta range has been released. There have been some updates from previous models and there are a few different versions to choose from. So, in this post I am going to break down the Commencal Meta range to help you decide which one is best for you.
Models
Commencal Meta HT AM 29 Hardtail
A hard tail all mountain/enduro bike isn’t the norm. Usually hardtail mountain bikes in this price bracket are reserved for cross country riders. But this is an entry level all mountain bike. This means that it is very capable and will do what most riders want it to do without spending thousands on a full suspension bike.
The components are entry level, but quality ones. The advantage of a bike with components like these, is that you don’t have to spend money on upgrades straight away if you don’t want to.
The geometry is in keeping with modern trends with having quite a slack head angle, but it isn’t too extreme. This gives it nimble handling, while being able to feel stable on steep descents.
The Rockshox fork has 150mm of travel, which is quite long and coupled with the 29″ wheels will smooth out the ride on technical terrain.
I like the fact that it has the SRAM Eagle SX drivetrain. This is one of the lower end versions of the Eagle, but it will have you climbing like a mountain goat.
Who is it for?
If you are in the market for a versatile hardtail 29er that is easy to climb with, feels stable on descents and feels nimble in the corners, you can’t really go wrong with the Commencal Meta HT AM.
There are two versions of this bike. The one featured here is the Commencal Meta HT AM Ride, but if you can afford it, you can look at the Commencal Meta HT AM Essential 29. This one is more expensive, but has higher quality components, such as an upgraded fork.
Specifications (Commencal Meta HT Am Ride)
- Frame: Meta HT AM, Alloy 6061, triple butted tubes, T4, T6.
- Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL, 150mm travel, 29″, Debonair, rebound, Boost (15×110 mm), 51 mm offset
- Stem: Ride Alpha Freeride, 40mm, 31.8mm, 0° angle, 2014 Alloy
- Headset: Acros Alloy cups, ZS44/ZS56
- Handlebar: Ride Alpha, 6061 Alloy double butted, 15mm rise, 760mm wide, 31.6mm
- Grips: Ride Alpha, DH Ultra soft compound, single clamp
- Brake System: SRAM Level hydraulic disc; Rotors: Front: 200mm; Rear: 180mm
- Shifters: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB, pressfit
- Cassette: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Crankset: SRAM X1 1000 Eagle, 32T
- Chain: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Rims: WTB ST i30, 32 holes, 30mm inner width
- Hubs: Formula, sealed bearing rear, loose bearing front
- Spokes: Sapim Race
- Tyres: Front: Vee Tire Co. Snap WCE Tubless Ready, 29×2.35″; Rear: Vee Tire Co. Flowsnap Tubless Ready 29×2.35″
- Saddle: Fizik Taiga
- Seatpost: Ride Alpha
- Weight: 13.8kg
Geometry
Alternative
If you want something a bit cheaper, but also excellent, check out the Vitus Sentier.
2020 Commencal Meta TR 29 Origin
The Commencal Meta TR is the version that gives you full suspension. But this one won the Bike Radar Trail Bike of The Year! (well the Brit edition anyway).
The video above is a good representation of what to expect from the TR, however, the other versions have different components and tyres. But with whichever version you end up with, you will have an excellent aggressive trail bike.
(Note: The video above was filmed in Finale Ligure, Italy. If this bike can cope with that terrain, it can cope pretty much anywhere you are going to take it. See what I thought of Finale Ligure here.)
There are three versions available at the moment:
- Meta TR 29 Origin
- Meta TR 29 Ride
- Meta TR 29 Race
The Origin is the lower specced version, but it is still pretty good, with some good components. Spending a bit more on the Ride version, will get you better suspension components, wheels and a higher end Eagle drivetrain amongst others. The Race is a fairly big jump up in price, but it has the components to reflect this and its intended use.
Who is it for?
If you want to go out on all day pedals, there are better options out there. However, if you ride for a few hours at a time and want something that will take on technical terrain, be fun to ride, but will also get you to the top of the fun stuff, this would be an ideal bike for you.
Specifications (Commencal Meta TR Origin)
- Frame: Meta Trail 29, 130mm travel
- Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL, 150mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select. rebound, 210x50mm
- Stem: Ride Alpha Freeride, 50mm
- Headset: Acros Fibre cups, ZS44/ZS56
- Handlebar: Ride Alpha. 27mm rise, 780mm width, 31.8mm
- Grips: Ride Alpha, DH grips
- Brake System: SRAM Level hydraulic disc; Front Rotor: 200mm; Rear Rotor: 180mm
- Shifters: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB pressfit
- Cassette: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Crankset: SRAM X1 1000 Eagle, 32T
- Chain: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Rims: WTB ST i30
- Hubs: Formula; Front: Loose bearing; Rear: Sealed
- Spokes: Sapim Race
- Tyres: Front: Vee Tire Co. Snap WCE 29×2.3″; Rear: Vee Tire Co. Flowsnap WCE 29×2.3″
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Flat Sport
- Seatpost: Ride Alpha
- Weight: 16kg
Geometry
Alternative Bikes
If you fancy something a bit more gravity focussed, check out the Vitus Escarpe.
2020 Commencal Meta AM
The Commencal Meta AM 29 is designed for the Enduro World Series. Therefore, it has race pedigree and can take on the toughest of terrain. The key difference between the AM and the TR above, is the amount of suspension travel. The Am has 160mm on the rear shock and 170mm on the fork. This should give you an idea of what this bike is intended for.
There are two versions:
- Meta AM Ride
- Meta AM Team
Specifications (Commencal AM Ride)
- Frame: Meta AM 29, 160mm travel, 29″, Alloy 6066, triple butted tubes, T4, T6. Enduro bearings
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select, 170mm travel, 29″, Charger damper, Debonair, rebound, Boost (15 x 110 mm), 51 mm offset
- Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+, 230 x 60 mm, rebound, lockout
- Stem: Ride Alpha Freeride, 40mm, 31.8mm, 0° angle, 2014 Alloy
- Headset: Acros Alloy, ZS44/ZS56
- Handlebar: Ride Alpha 6061 Alloy double butted, 27mm rise, 780mm wide, 31.8mm
- Grips: Ride Alpha DH, Ultra soft compound, single clamp
- Brake System: SRAM Guide T, 4-pistons, 200mm rotors front and rear
- Shifters: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB pressfit
- Cassette: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed, 11-50T
- Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle, 32T
- Chain: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Rims: E13 LG1 EN Base
- Hubs: Formula, sealed bearings, 32 holes, 6 bolts, 15 x 110 mm front, 12 x 148 mm rear
- Spokes: Sapim Race
- Tyres: Front: Schwalbe Magic Mary 29×2.35″, TLE; Rear: Schwalbe Hans Dampf 29×2.35″, TLE
- Saddle: Fizik Taiga
- Seatpost: Kindshock Rage, 31.6 mm, Southpaw alloy lever
- Weight: 15.4kg
Geometry
Who is it for?
The Commencal Meta AM is for riders that are going to take on big alpine rides consisting of rough terrain, big descents over big rocks, roots and jumps. This would be total overkill for riding in trail centres and probably not much fun. However, riding it for what it was designed for would be very rewarding thanks to its capability.
Alternative Bike
You may want to check out the Nukeproof Mega 290 Al Pro. This is built to do a similar job and I personally love it.
Which version of the 2020 Commencal Meta range will you buy?
Please leave your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. I’d love to hear about your experiences with these bikes, both positive and negative.
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