The long-running aluminum Commencal Meta path to all-mountain to enduro bike platform will get that main v5 suspension overhaul we knew was coming already final summer season. Now out there in each a typical 29er enduro spec (no-longer AM) or a blended wheel dimension SX supercross mullet model, this subsequent era of Meta adopts an all-new quick hyperlink 4-bar digital pivot suspension design to race even sooner and extra managed than ever. And in a little bit of a shock transfer, the enduro model really will get much less journey than earlier than, whereas the mullet bike goes even longer…
Final summer season we obtained a stable sneak peek on the Fifth-generation Commencal Meta being raced at EWS Tweed Valley. There we obtained the final low-down on the brand new suspension design, however the “Digital Contact System” (VCS) particulars have been nonetheless below wraps, as was the bike’s precise journey. And it appears that evidently tease would possibly counsel that there’s extra to return than simply the 2 variations of the brand new Meta Commencal has already shared…
OK, so what’s new?
The standout new function of the Fifth era Metas is their new 4-bar VCS suspension design with a 1-piece rear triangle related to the entrance triangle with two quick linkages, higher optimized for “actual life driving conditions”.
The design uniquely locations its comparatively horizontal quick decrease hyperlink ahead of the principle decrease pivot on the center of the seattube (hidden behind the mini chain information). After which an virtually vertical higher hyperlink that connects a pivot in entrance of the center of the seattube with the pivot on the uppermost level of the rear triangle.
It seems like a digital pivot level that might begin simply in entrance of the highest of the chainring firstly of the bike’s journey, then just about transfer the pivot backward because the suspension compresses. (Watch how the suspension strikes in animations right here.)
Commencal explains the brand new 3-phase digital pivot kinematics saying, “The bike is reactive firstly of the suspension journey to advertise grip and to manage higher with ever-changing terrain. As soon as at sag the bike gives management. It handles simply and pedals effectively in technical areas so the rider can focus solely on sticking to the road. Dynamic and energetic, it permits the rider the power to consistently play with the terrain to realize velocity and circulation. On the finish of the stroke, the bike absorbs massive shocks and stays comfy via impacts.”
Tech particulars
As within the earlier era, each Meta v5 & Meta SX v5 are constructed from triple-butted 6061 & 6066 aluminum in Taiwan for power and sturdiness. Claimed weight for a uncooked Meta v5 body with out shock or equipment is 3.25kg / 7.16lb, or for the Meta SX v5 3.3kg / 7.27lb.
Commencal now says they’ve put the brand new Metas via the extra-tough EFBE Tri-Check at its highest degree 5 DH/Gravity/eMTB, so the brand new bike is licensed to the very best unbiased power & reliability classification in mountain biking.
Additionally they each get size-proportional chainstays – with S & M bikes that includes shorter stays (435mm on the Meta, 442mm on the SX) and L & XL frames going longer (440mm on the Meta, 447mm on the SX).
The brand new bikes function a ZS56 built-in headset for tapered forks, both conventional semi-internal cable routing of absolutely hidden routing via the headset, 34.9mm seatpost, PressFit BB92 backside bracket, ISCG05 tabs, Increase 12mm Maxle rear axle, SRAM UDH / T-Sort Transmission derailleur mount, submit mount 200mm brakes (max 223mm rotor), plus built-in molded downtube/chainstay/seatstay/shuttle pad protectors, bottle cage/Fidlock & software bag mounts, and max 64mm/2.5″ tire clearance
Meta v5 vs. Meta SX v5, however what concerning the Meta EN v5?
Now, Commencal has formally launched two variations of the brand new Meta… that look just about an identical till we dive into the main points.
The Meta v5 is a 29er solely with 150mm of rear wheel journey paired to 160mm forks, however the skill to adapt its geometry a few diploma and a half with a flip chip on the decrease eyelet of its 210x55mm stroke rear shock.
Commencal says that is their best imaginative and prescient of what a mountain bike ought to is, describing the 150mm bike as, “Typically a race bike, generally a path bike, the META V5 is synonymous with versatility and ease, with out neglecting efficiency.” Though, they’re formally simply calling it ‘Meta’, a few of Commencal’s file names counsel they seek advice from this setup internally because the ‘Meta TR’.
They’ve additionally added a Meta SX v5 with a 29″ entrance / 27.5″ rear wheel construct that will get longer journey – 165mm rear by way of a 230x65mm rear shock & 170mm forks – and extra relaxed geometry with each a slacker headtube and slacker seattube, plus longer chainstays.
This one is supposedly constructed extra for bike park and tremendous steep path driving. Commencal says, “This can be a bike for riders on the lookout for an enduro bike that feels as near a DH bike as attainable.“
Meta EN V5 Workforce racing prototypes
However the Commencal Enduro workforce isn’t really racing both of those Meta v5 variants. They’ve their very own bikes that look to share not less than the entrance triangle of the Meta v5 (and almost definitely the rear triangle, too.)
However the workforce bikes now have their very own machined higher hyperlink that sits additional behind that high seatstay pivot, extra seen via the higher nook of the 1-piece rear triangle. They’re additionally clearly operating the identical 65mm stroke Fox Float X2 shock because the SX bikes suggesting the identical 165mm rear journey, and are racing the Fox 38 forks that workforce mechanics instructed us final summer season have been sporting 170mm of journey.
Maybe, these workforce enduro race bikes may very well be an extended journey 29er AM or now even EN model of the v5 Meta, probably to be launched within the close to future?
Commencal Meta v5 – Pricing, Choices & Availability
As of now it’s simply the ‘TR’ path model and the SX mullet supercross variations which might be that can be purchased. However with which might be loads of choices. Each the brand new Meta v5 and Meta SX v5 can be found for pre-order as a frame-only beginning at $2200 / 2100€ in Commencal’s A La Carte on-line customizer in Pure White or Glittery Black, with SX frames out there first in September, and the brand new Meta v5 frames following in October 2023.
5 full builds of the path Commencal Meta v5 can be found to preorder now, beginning at 3700€ Trip with SRAM NX & extra fundamental RockShox suspension and operating as much as 6400€ T-Sort with GX AXS Transmission & Fox Manufacturing unit suspension. Actual availability varies via the autumn till January of subsequent 12 months, however the 4100€ Important Shimano SLX/Fox Efficiency & 5500€ Race GX mechanical/RockShox Final builds each ship out in September 2023.
As for the mullet bike, the Commencal Meta SX v5 is available in 3 full builds – 5500€ Race, 6200€ Signature & 6900€ T-Sort – all with related builds to the path bike, and supply dates in October & November 2023.
No phrase but on whether or not the longer journey 29er Meta v5 that the workforce is racing on the UCI enduro circuit – and down the Mountain of Hell – will come later this 12 months or not.
