The market for enduro bikes is on a continual upward spiral, and while this is great news – it does make picking the right bike even tougher. On paper, the COMMENCAL META AM V4 RACE 650B looks promising; it boasts a great spec, a fair price and well-chosen geometry, but can it live up to the sum of its parts?
The spec of the COMMENCAL META AM V4
COMMENCAL have played it fairly safe with the spec, relying on RockShox suspension that works well in unison. There’s the PIKE RCT3 Solo Air with 160 mm travel, which rocked up to the office with two tokens and lends firm, progressive suspension to the fork. True to tradition, the PIKE is easy to tune to the rider’s preference and works super responsively.
If there’s one distinguishing feature on the META, then it’s the toptube-integrated rear shock. And while they’ve lengthened the rear shock, it’s still a regular RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 with the regular mount. The bike’s bars, stem, grips and saddle all hail from COMMENCAL’s own brand RIDE ALPHA. The components make a really solid impression, and the manufacturing is top. On long rides the saddle kept us content, raking in nods of approval with its comfort. The general consensus on the grips was that they were too thin, although not everyone would grumble at that.
To get the power down there’s a SRAM X01 11-speed drivetrain, E13 TRS+ cranks and 32-tooth chainring. The lack of a chainguide isn’t ideal if you’re going to throw the bike down descents, but fortunately there’s an ISCG 05 mount so you can fit on easily. The conversion to tubeless is super easy with these E13 rims and MAXXIS tires – given the decreased risk of puncturing, additional grip and less rolling resistance we’d always root for tubeless.
The spec of the COMMENCAL META AM V4: in brief
Forks: Rock Shox Pike RCT3 Solo Air, 160 mm
Rear shock: Rock Shox Monarch Plus RC3 Debonair, 150 mm
Brakes: Sram Guide RS, 200 mm / 180 mm
Drivetrain: Sram X1 / X01 mix
Seatpost: Rock Shox Reverb Stealth, 125 mm
Stem: Ride Alpha Freeride 50 mm
Bars: Ride Alpha, 780mm
Wheels: E*Thirteen TRS* 650B Felgen, Ride Alpha Hubs
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHR 2, 3C, EXO Protection, Tubless ready
Price: 3.899 €
The geometry of the COMMENCAL META AM V4
| Size | S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headtube angle | 66° | 66° | 66° | 66° | |
| Seat tube angle | 74° | 74° | 74° | 74° | |
| Top tube length | 570 mm | 591 mm | 618 mm | 550 mm | |
| Reach | 403 mm | 423 mm | 448 mm | 466 mm | |
| Head tube length | 110 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm | 125 mm | |
| Stack | 596 mm | 601 mm | 605 mm | 610 mm | |
| Chainstay length | 437 mm | 437 mm | 437 mm | 437 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1.144 mm | 1.167 mm | 1.193 mm | 1.225 mm | |
| Standover height | 705 mm | 715 mm | 743 mm | 750 mm |
COMMENCAL META AM V4 on climbs
Hyped as a cross between a trail and enduro bike, we rolled out from the office hoping that the COMMENCAL META AM V4 would continue to prove itself on the climbs – after all, work comes before play, doesn’t it? As soon as you get you notice the high front end puts you in a comfy position. Plus, even with deactivated platform damping, the rear keeps nice and firm with no unwanted bob. Excluding pedals, the META tips the scale around 13.3 kg, which – for an aluminium frame, c’mon – is more than acceptable, and won’t be hefty enough for complaints on climbs.
The COMMENCAL META AM V4 RACE 650B on the trails
On descents the COMMENCAL META AM V4 is a capable beast. From flow to gnar, this bike is in its element whatever you chuck at it.
Even with just 150 mm rear travel, the META can really pick up speed on long straights. Add in some big hits and high speeds and it’ll be your buddy for life. The plush sensation at the rear plus the RockShox rear shock lend the bike a super generous nature, and there was no sign of bottoming out or diving in its travel. With the wide bars, long and slack geometry and high front, you’ll feel royally in control over this rig.
The COMMENCAL keeps it playful round tight turns and charges along trails without undue effort. Even when on its limit, the META is still controllable, forgives minor errors and makes for a confident ride. These are the sort of characteristics that render the COMMENCAL META AM equally as suited to newbies as it is to experienced, speed-hungry riders.
The COMMENCAL META AM V4 RACE 650B on long-term test
Over the course of five intense months, we’ve put the COMMENCAL META AM V4 through the wringer on all manner of terrain and multiple bike parks. It’s been down (and often up) 70,000 metres of descending. And other than regular wear and tear on the tires and brake pads, it’s kept its cool. Certain flecks and scars on the frame are testament to these five months, but other than a broken chain it has come out largely unscathed. Said broken chain was even fixed on the fly with a chain tool. Despite this summer’s monumental rain levels (who said climate change was a myth?), there’s no play at the rear or any issues with bearings.
The drivetrain was the only real victim of the poor weather conditions, and we’ll soon be swapping that chain for a brand new one. The RockShox PIKE forks are still working as though fresh from the box, and they’ve been serviced once during the five months. Our experienced riders are all unanimous that this particular COMMENCAL is one that’d serve them well for multiple seasons.
Conclusion
A really great bike, the COMMENCAL META AM V4 deserves some praise for its very fair price, great ride and long lifespan. It’s a bike that you’ll willingly ride up to your favourite trail without a groan, and then the fun can really begin as you hammer down trails. The COMMENCAL META AM V4 has consistently provided the goods, and recovered some minor off-line choices with a firm but forgiving hand.
For more information and smashing offers head to the COMMENCAL-Website.
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Words: Pirmin Fischer Photos: Simon Fischer
