Feature

Pro Bike Check: Cécile Ravanel’s COMMENCAL META AM V4.2


Seven wins in eight races speak for themselves. Once again Cécile Ravanel from the “COMMENCAL Vallnord Enduro Team” dominated the Enduro World Series and took home the 2017 title on her COMMENCAL META AM V4.2. We had a chance to look at her bike right on the beach of Finale Ligure.

EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 1 von 17 810x540

Except for a few details in spec, Cécile Ravanel’s COMMENCAL META AM V4.2 is pretty much the same bike as the one that won her last year’s EWS-race in Finale Ligure.
We will tell you which parts she’s updated and which ones she’s decided to leave untouched.

EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 17 von 17 810x540
Same as in the last season, Cécile runs Hutchinson Toro 27,5×2,35 Enduro tires both front and rear, paired with American Classic All Mountain rims.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 15 von 17 580x387
The 33-mm Renthal Apex stem and an AEROZINE titanium headset and bolts with a 780-mm- Renthal carbon bar. Last year Cécile was still riding on 760-mm bars.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 2 von 17 580x387
As the overall winner of last year’s Enduro World Series, the World-champion had the honour to race the 2017 series with the number 001. Win after win Cécile has been clinging onto a Renthal Fatbar Lite Carbon- handlebar throughout her season.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 14 von 17 810x540
For a quick lockout of the rear shock Cécile relies on a Grip Shift-remote. For her RockShox Reverb Stealth she uses the new 1-remote
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 7 von 17 580x387
This year Cécile replaced her traditional drinking bottle with a Cageless Water Bottle from Fabric.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 4 von 17 580x387
Cable routing for the lockout of the RockShox Blackbox coil shock – as opposed to last year, it’s now neatly tucked away inside the top tube.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 11 von 17 810x540
Cécile swears by her Crankbrothers Mallet E 11 pedals. She was running a 36 t chainring in Finale Ligure this year, last year she was running a 34 t.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 12 von 17 580x387
RockShox’s enduro-flagship the Lyrik RCT3 with 170 mm travel and a new Charger 2-damper help smoothen Cécile’s path.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 13 von 17 580x387
Fancy, but still not available to buy: The American Classic hub on Cécile’s bike.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 3 von 17 810x540
For the 2017 season Cécile replaced her futuristic-looking Tioga Spyder Outland-Saddle with a very similar Stratum model.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 9 von 17 580x387
Again this year Cécile chose a state of the art SRAM XO1 Eagle-cassette with a matching derailleur.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 6 von 17 580x387
A SRAM Guide Ultimate brake with a 180-mm Centerline rotor delivers enough braking-power on the back wheel.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 10 von 17 810x540
Cécil uses a Design & Innovation Award-winning Huck Norris foam ring to protect her rims.
EWS Finale Commencal Cicil Ravanel 16 von 17 810x540
Max Commencal didn’t miss the chance to personally congratulate his rider on her win in the overall classification of the Enduro World Series.
EWS Finale Commencal Cecil Ravanel 1 810x608
Sorry, that’s private now!
EWS Finale Commencal Cecil Ravanel 2 810x540
Cécile on Fire on the first race day in Finale Ligure.


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words & Photos: Manne Schmitt

About the Author

Manne Schmitt
Authorized Officer

Manne Schmitt is a Procurator at 41 Publishing, contributing a wealth of methodological expertise from his career as a Chief Analyst for a state authority. This background ensures the journalistic depth of his research, and the acquisition of exclusive news for E-MOUNTAINBIKE, ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, and DOWNTOWN. Active in cycling since 1989, he combines operative test support with administrative responsibility, strengthening the quality of editorial processes. The world of racing remains a passion; no one on the team knows the EDR professionals better than Manne.

ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

ENDURO is the leading magazine for mountain bike technology and the modern trail riding lifestyle. We cover high-end bikes, global trends, and technical innovations – in-depth, bold, and always with an eye on the bigger picture. Our editorial approach speaks to everyone who sees mountain biking not just as a sport, but as a way of life. We view bikes as more than just the sum of their parts, evaluating products through the lens of real world riding rather than just on the spec sheet, testing bikes everywhere from alpine adventures to intense bikepark laps.

Since 2011, ENDURO has stood for journalistic quality and transparent reporting in the MTB segment. In our in-depth individual and comparison reviews, our specialist test team brings years of on-trail experience from around the world to deliver well-founded verdicts and real guidance for riders. Our awards are internationally recognized as a benchmark for innovation and quality in the bike industry, offering reliable orientation for readers, retailers, and manufacturers alike.

ENDURO is published in both German and English, reaching an international audience.