Commencal launch new 2021 META AM 29 – Bigger, yes, but is it better?
Everything about the Commencal META AM 29 is big. Big wheels, big travel, big intentions, big value. The popular Andoran big-hitter has been reworked for 2021 with some equally big changes. We take a look at the new Commencal META AM 29.
All you need to know about the New Commencal META AM 29 2021 in one paragraph.
The 170 / 160 mm Commencal META AM 29 features a new suspension kinematic claimed to reduce rider fatigue on tough enduro race stages. The new bike is 27 mm longer in the reach (in size large), now up to 495 mm. The seat tube angle is a whopping 2.1° steeper (now 78.6°) and the head angle is 2° slacker (now 63.6°). The rear triangle has been made more compact for improved heel clearance, with a shorter seat tube for long dropper posts. New double row-Enduro bearings are now used to improve the stiffness of the frame
The geometry of the new Commencal META AM 29 2021
The biggest change with the new 2021 bike is undoubtedly the new geometry, with some significant angle changes. Most notable is the seat tube angle, keeping on-trend by increasing by a whopping 2.1° degrees to 78.6°, putting the new META AM 29 at the radical end of the spectrum. The head tube has also been slackened considerably, 2° in fact, to 63.6°, which should dramatically increase the bikes gravity credentials. All sizes feature short seat tubes, 380, 420, 440 and 460 mm respectively for sizes S, M, L and XL allowing the use of longer 170-200 m dropper posts. The reach of the bikes has also increased considerably, putting the META AM 29 in ‘long bike’ territory with reaches of 445, 470, 495 and 520 mm respectively for sizes S, M, L and XL. Chainstays have been kept relatively short at 433 mm and the -21 mm bottom bracket drop is on the higher side.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 380 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm |
| Top tube | 573 mm | 600 mm | 626 mm | 652 mm |
| Head tube | 115 mm | 120 mm | 125 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 63.6° | 63.6° | 63.6° | 63.6° |
| Seat angle | 78.5° | 78.5° | 78.5° | 78.5° |
| Chainstay | 433 mm | 433 mm | 433 mm | 433 mm |
| BB Drop | 21 mm | 21 mm | 21 mm | 21 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1231 mm | 1258 mm | 1285 mm | 1312 mm |
| Reach | 445 mm | 470 mm | 495 mm | 520 mm |
| Stack | xxx mm | XXX mm | XXX mm | XXX mm |
Design changes of the Commencal META AM 29 2021
The frame of the META AM 29 has been fully reworked in the 2021 model. The rear triangle has been slimmed down to give more heel clearance, which will be interesting for those with big feet, or who ride flats. We like that the seat tube heights have been reduced to improve compatibility with long dropper posts (though a 34.9 mm size will limit choices a little) and bottle cage compatibility has been retained. Commencal has invested time making the new META 29 AM more durable and serviceable, using double-row high-quality Enduro bearings and improving the ease of disassembly of the pivot points.
While we’ve not been given any information on the leverage curves, anti-squat, pedal kickback or anti-rise. Quoting Commencal they claim they have improved the kinematic to make the suspension “dynamic and more comfortable during suspension travel. This results in less rider-leg fatigue and essentially the ability to ride the bike optimally towards the end of long race stages”. Without any further information, we can only assume they have reduced the progression in the system, but more details will follow.
Commencal META AM 29 2021 models
There will be 6 models of the new META AM 29, ranging in price from €2,499 to €5,299. Here is a rundown of the 6 models, each is available in 4 sizes, S,M,L and XL.
Commencal META AM 29 Origin €2,499
Starting the lineup is the most affordable bike. The Commencal META AM 29 Origin runs a RockShox Deluxe Select shock and YARI RC fork, and is powered by an entry-level Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain, combined with the cheap but effective Shimano MT501 brakes with 203 mm rotors. E13 LG1 DH Base wheels, complete with VEE Tire Co Flow Snap 29 x 2.35 tires, finish the bargain package. Unfortunately there is no dropper post on the bike.
Commencal META AM 29 Ride €2,799
The Commencal META AM 29 Ride runs a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, and is powered by an entry-level SRAM X1/NX/SX combination 12-speed drivetrain, combined with SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 200 mm rotors. E13 LG1 DH Base wheels, complete with Schwalbe Magic Mary 29 x 2.4 tires, finish the package.
Commencal META AM 29 Essential €3,699
All you need, just the essentials. The Commencal META AM 29 Essential runs a FOX Float DPX2 Deluxe shock and FOX 38 Performance GRIP fork. The bike is powered by the workhorse Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain, combined with Shimano SLX 4-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors. DT Swiss E 532 wheels, complete with MAXXIS Assegai 29 x 2.5 / MAXXIS Dissector 29 x 2.4 tires, finish the package.
Commencal META AM 29 Team €4,499
We see the €4,499 Team model being a popular choice. Running a RockShox Super Deluxe shock, the bike is powered by the popular SRAM GX 12-speed drivetrain, combined with SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 200 mm rotors. DT Swiss EX511 wheels, complete with Schwalbe Magic Mary 29 x 2.4 tires, rounds out a solid specification.
Commencal META AM 29 Ohlins €5,299
Fans of Swedish Heavy Metal (well OK, not that heavy) will love the Ohlins edition. The META AM 29 Ohlins runs on an Ohlins TTX 22 M shock and 170 mm Ohlins RXF 36 M.2 Air fork. The bike is powered by a Shimano XT 12 speed drivetrain, combined with Shimano XT 4 piston brakes with 203 mm rotors. DT Swiss EX511 wheels, complete with Schwalbe Magic Mary 29 x 2.4 tires, completes the build.
Commencal META AM 29 Signature €5,299
The Signature model is the top-of-the-line specification. The META AM 29 Signature runs on a FOX Float X2 Factory shock and 170 mm FOX 38 Factory Grip 2 fork. Driven by a Shimano XT 12 speed drivetrain, combined with Shimano XT 4 piston brakes with 203 mm rotors there is little to complain about. DT Swiss EX511 wheels, complete with MAXXIS Assegai 29 x 2.5 / MAXXIS Dissector 29 x 2.4 tires, finishes the package.
Our thoughts on the new Commencal META AM 29 2021
The 2021 META 29 represents a ground-up rework of the bike, and with such big geometry changes, we expect the new bike to have a much more gravity focused intent. The proportions are certainly generous, and given the new long reaches, we would be more cautious of sizing up if caught between sizes. On paper, the bike looks like it should be a total animal on the descents, but a full test will be needed to see if it has sacrificed some of its all-round potential in the hunt for faster stage times.
For more information head over to commencal.com
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Words: Photos: Antoine Vidal
