2023 Commencal TEMPO Review // Party Tank

After putting in some miles on my new Commencal TEMPO I wanted to share a quick review of the bike and compare it to some other short travel shredders I've ridden recently.
Check out more here: www.commencalusa.com/PBSCCata...
intro/overview/geo: (0:00)
mellow/meandering trails: (1:33)
climbing: (2:37)
descending: (3:56)
comparisons: (5:39)
who is this bike for?: (7:50)
components/value: (8:49)

[@kacertodd]

Couldn’t tell this is your first bike review as a first time viewer of your channel. Very well done.

[@MTBJonnie]

Hey thanks! Excited to put out some more in the coming weeks/months.

[@peterk7662]

Been waiting for a review of this bike, thanks!

[@yofoo138]

This is the build I’m looking at just because it comes with a thicker fork compared to the 34 the other models come with

[@destinationdenvercolorado]

Great video and information!🙌🔥

[@MTBJonnie]

Thanks!

[@bimmerfan729]

Dope bike hauler! Nice review as well. This bike is for sure on my radar

[@MTBJonnie]

I was wondering if the KZJ78 would get some love ;)

[@BenjaminMcWhorter]

Thanks for the review! Been looking for a review on the tempo and appreciate this one.

[@MTBJonnie]

Thanks!

[@signifyanir]

Thanks for the review , bought them yesterday.

[@MTBJonnie]

Enjoy!

[@hoboworks2691]

Nicely done review!

[@MTBJonnie]

Hey thanks!

[@jrichmond73]

Solid review Jon! Oh...and really cool Land Cruiser!

[@MTBJonnie]

Thanks dude!

[@GF-cb8rr]

Tried to watch this review but could only focus on that Land Cruiser in the background. Very nice!

[@thandler1]

great review. I am tired trying to keep up with my gf, who races xc, on climbs with my specialized enduro. I was pretty sold on the tall boy until this review. I think ill be going tempo, this exact build. thanks!

[@Tequila628]

Absolutely nailed the review. Thanks. Subbed with all notifications. And, man, oh man, that Toyota is beautiful, the bike suits that car well, if you know what I mean! 🤙

[@MTBJonnie]

Hey thanks!

[@joelbiskup3645]

Great review Jon! I've been curious about this bike since it came out and you did a great job of explaining how it rides. Probably still too much bike for my trails which is great to know.

[@MTBJonnie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bike-czech]

Impressive quality for the first bike review.

[@MTBJonnie]

Hey thanks!

[@jeremyrobinette2563]

Badass Cruiser!

[@MTBJonnie]

Thanks dude!

[@AndreasHafenscher]

Thanx. That review helped me a lot, I’ll get one 😅

[@MTBJonnie]

You’re gonna love it.

[@AndreasHafenscher]

Do you still love the TEMPO? Thanx

[@MTBJonnie]

@@AndreasHafenscher so I sold it because I like to ride and test so many different bikes. That size bike is sorely missing from the stable though and I do miss it.

[@AndreasHafenscher]

Now I´m curious! May I ask you about your TOP 3 stable mates/bikes? After buying to many bikes myself - I´m longing for a longer lasting one ;-) Cheers from Austria!

[@MTBJonnie]

@@AndreasHafenscher as far as big bikes go, the nomad is my favorite right now. Typically I don’t love all mountain bikes. Bikes like the Hightower, SB130, etc are great one bike solutions…I just don’t love their manners. Call me an extremist but I like an aggressive shorter travel bike like the Tallboy or TEMPO, or just a full on bruiser. My top picks right now are this nomad, a tallboy or a TEMPO. TEMPO and tallboy are tough because I like the tallboy on chiller trails a hair more but it also gets overwhelmed where I like to ride more often.

[@brendenlopp1782]

Good to see a front ranger doing some reviews. It sounds like a surprising bike but like it may be a small niche bike. For me it couldn’t be my only bike because of trestle and the occasional enduro race but I wouldn’t want it to be my second bike if it isn’t fun on the mellow stuff. Nice review though, hopefully you’ll be doing some more.

[@MTBJonnie]

I think you make some valid points. For me on the other hand it’s a really great second bike as I seldom ride NTM or places like Buff Creek. I’ll be dropping some more reviews soon!

[@antoniolatorre8780]

I agree with the Ohlins comment. I also had the Specialized Enduro Pro with Ohlins and i hated it. It was almost impossible to properly set it. It never delivered. Anyhow, if you had the Specialized Enduro and like to deal with hard stuff, you should go for the Meta Sx. It is the best DH bike which you could use also to climb. Not too much fun climbing though. I have outperformed all my DH times at the Meta SX without even noticing it. Best discovery so far.

[@johnnnewmex]

I have been using Ohlins over the past two years and love it. Very reliable. I still use Fox as well and each has its own advantages. But reliability on Ohlins is incredible...not anything like what I've heard from a few years ago. That said on a shorter travel bike you might want to take out the negative chamber spacer on that fork to soften it up. The rxf 36 is really a brawler...I prefer it for longer travel applications.

[@MTBJonnie]

Dude I've been really impressed with how it's held up and how consistent it is. All things being equal, I still prefer fox right now but they're (Ohlins) making a solid argument.

[@Caleb.person]

Nice!

[@MTBJonnie]

Thanks, Caleb!

[@TheSkylar25]

A shorter offset fork might liven it up on the slower trails. I think they speced the tempo with 51mm on the fox builds instead of the 44mm that a lot of other brands are using. not sure on the ohlins fork.

[@AARON818818]

I was so close to buying this bike all most pulled the trigger but after YT had a 25% off sale. I went with the top spec Izzo for 38 hundred bucks out the door. Too good to pass up slap a 150mm Lyrik on it and some Saint brakes and the thing Rips ! I just did that same exact trail at white ranch it would be interesting to compare times. Just didn't what other 35lbs bike on the climbs here on the FR. After hearing how it feels on the climbs. Soo glad I went with the Izzo. Climbs are 80% of your Ride might as well enjoy them as much as possible!

[@MTBJonnie]

Yeah you see me kind of chuckle during the value section mentioning the YT even at retail, it's a dang deal. Glad you like the Izzo. I'd be curious about the difference on the descents.

[@paulfearn8400]

The tempo will climb as fast as your legs and lungs will push it up the hill. I feel like the tempo begs you to go faster wether its up or down. Not what i expected from 125mm travel and when you hit the downs, it wants to be sent.

[@ju5t_joe786]

Thanks for the review and insights Jon! I am eying this one (alternative is the Propain hugene2) atm. Could you tell me what bike size (L or XL I assume) you rode and how tall you are? Thx a bunch! Best, Joe

[@MTBJonnie]

Howdy, friend! I rode the XL sporting a 490mm reach and I’m 6 foot 1 inch (6’2” on a good day) so I prefer an XL with moderate reach figures.

[@user-xn1bo9rx5m]

great review, are Ohlins a better choice for keeping it years and years and years ? they have great reputation for motorcycles . I don’t sell bikes i keep them forever. I will buy my next bike based on shocks . you are 190 and went Ohlins , I’m 260. Started on a DG BMX in 1977 .

[@barachala]

great review. i noticed that in australia the custom build options include a 150mm fox 36 - hearing your review, it seems like the longer fork could actually be a good option for riding that includes some steep enduro. What are your thoughts? Thanks!

[@MTBJonnie]

I'm generally not someone who likes changing the fork travel, and therefore intended use of a well thought out and designed bike. While I don't think a 150 would drastically take from other attributes of this bike I also don't think it would drastically ADD much either. Adding 10mm to the fork wouldn't be the reason I started taking it to the park for example. It's a trail bike, a damn fine one....dare I say it is just a damn fine mountain bike and leave it at that. I love how it rides with the spec'd 140 and personally wouldn't change a thing.

[@sebastienhakimejdaa9363]

Wondering how much it differs from the Meta TR.

[@silvanandermatt1096]

Hi Jon Great review already looking forward to get mine in a few weeks. How did you setup the fork / suspension. Is there anywhere a chart from Öhlins? Thx buddy 🤘🏼

[@MTBJonnie]

Hi Silvan, thanks! Ohlins publishes starting points for setup in their manuals. See here for the fork: ohlins.pl/sites/default/files/mtb_rxf34_rxf36_27.5-29-1.pdf

[@silvanandermatt1096]

Thx, and for the rear suspension? Any tipps for starting point?

[@MTBJonnie]

@@silvanandermatt1096 here's their recommendation for starting. 170psi to start and add/reduce as needed to achieve desired sag. www.ohlins.com/app/uploads/world/2019/02/OM_TTX_Air_AM_6.pdf

[@MarioXcore1]

This is a sick bike, with the REEB SST being the better version of it though 👀 (headset cable routing vs external)

[@patrickhopkins5626]

Doesn't the routing go through spacers? So you should be able to put on your desired stem and bars.

[@323johnnybravo]

Great review , at 6’1 I’m usually between sizes would you say a large would be ok with the 470 reach or would it be cramped ?

[@MTBJonnie]

I would stick with XL. It’s a very comfortable XL for 6’1 guys like us.

[@323johnnybravo]

@@MTBJonnie much appreciated, you’e reviews are solid !! Watched a few today lol.

[@AungAa08]

Would XL be better than Large for 184cm tall? Reach of 470 on large seems to short

[@gattydavid660]

Salut comment le compares tu face a un stumpjumper no evo ? (montées, descentes, facilité, fun....) Merci

[@matthiascampedelli4321]

Man your Toyota looks perfect ! Which model is it ?

[@MTBJonnie]

1993 KZJ78 Prado Japanese Domestic.

[@matthiascampedelli4321]

@@MTBJonnie Thank you man, I also enjoyed the review of the bike btw. keep it up !

[@luigilanducci7324]

Can you tell the differences compared to the Snata Cruz High Tower LT in terms of climbing, descending and fun capabilities?

[@MTBJonnie]

I’d say the Hightower is notably calmer and more tempered. The TEMPO climbs better and is more energetic to jump, change direction, and rail corners.

[@omenjivar86]

Sucks I can’t demo this bike looking for an upgrade from my first mountain bike. My 120mm with older geo currently gets me through most of the trails I ride but it gets super shaky when going down technical black trails. Curious if you think for someone who can only get one bike if you would suggest something with little bit longer travel like meta tr/stump jumper evo or do you think the TEMPO would fill the void? Thanks for the solid review btw I think you have the only tempo review on KZbin!

[@MTBJonnie]

You know I think it could make a great 1 bike solution depending on where you live and how you ride. Here in Colorado I would probably opt for the new Meta V5 that I’ve been riding lately for a 1 bike solution. That said, if a 120mm bike has been mostly fine for where you’re at and has more dated Geo, this TEMPO might really do the trick for you.

[@omenjivar86]

@@MTBJonnie live in Arizona so mostly deal with rock gardens and some chunky stuff on the more difficult trails in phoenix/Sedona. Meta V5 seems to be replacing the Meta Tr will look into that as well! Thanks again for guidance!

[@MTBJonnie]

@@omenjivar86 I rode south mountain and sunset ridge last time I was in your area. I think the TEMPO would be PERFECT for everything except the difficult lines on sunset ridge.

[@omenjivar86]

@@MTBJonnie perfect! Honestly have avoided sunset ridge I know my place would probably have to walk a good portion of it lol big sister and rmr are a good time

[@cliffordrichardc]

is that possible change to 50mm stroke 131mm travel

[@AungAa08]

Great review. Any thoughts how does it compare to Meta tr v4 and stumpjumper evo pro(mullet)? I cant decide between these three bikes for a fun, agile do it all kind of bike. I will mostly ride hiking trails,exploring around the woods and some longer park days occasionally. Any opinions are so welcome and thanks for the great videos, love the in depth and knowledgable down to earth explanations, you rock. 👐 Also,i come from bmx and im afraid 160 front travel will be to much for the style of riding i want to do.

[@MTBJonnie]

Thanks for the kind words! Honestly depending on the park the TEMPO might not be the best fit. For everything else you described it’s optimal. The meta tr v4 rides like a bigger bike and isn’t super playful. The stumpy evo can be set up almost any way you like it but I never honestly loved the bike. The TEMPO gave me the trail feedback I wanted to be aggressive and have fun but it has its limits.

[@AungAa08]

@@MTBJonnie what do you think about Tempo t-Type with 150mm upfront? Maybe more capable on sends and still playful?

[@MTBJonnie]

@@AungAa08 I think it’s a solid 1-bike solution for many people with that 150.

[@AungAa08]

@@MTBJonnie how would you compare it with Meta V5? Is meta v5 still poppy and playful or is it more of a big bike?

[@MTBJonnie]

@@AungAa08 v5 is super playful. Honestly the numbers are way different but the bikes feel closer spaced together on one end vs the SX being at the other.

[@mattn7]

Have you ridden the Optic? Wondering how this compares.

[@MTBJonnie]

I actually spent about 6 months on an optic and really liked that bike. To me the optic sizing just didn’t work great. large was too small and xl was way too long. I’d say optic felt a little longer and more stable where this bike feels shorter, more playful and supportive. FWIW I could also never get the optic rear suspension setup the way I liked.

[@andremtb480]

Are you on Strava? Curious to see how fast Longhorn rides on this bike.

[@MTBJonnie]

I am "Jon Mottern". Rides on this bike are 4/12, 4/9, and 4/3 at White Ranch. I was filming some and/or riding with buds. I really enjoyed it in UPPER GOATDAMAGE because of the handling, actually got a PR there.

[@wd99999]

Common-Saul

[@JepoyIgana]

Are the commencal bike frame durable or do they crack easily?

[@gattydavid660]

No commencal is very strong !!!

[@cheddy_chedderson_cheddouard]

great review ! you beat pinkbike to it ;)

[@MTBJonnie]

Ha, not quite. They put out a written article but haven't done a video yet. Surprisingly there really aren't any videos out yet with someone talking about this bike.

[@cheddy_chedderson_cheddouard]

@@MTBJonnie yeah! very happy with your review, I was thinking about adding it to my Meta SX. Would you say having those 2 would cover pretty much all riding scenario?

[@MTBJonnie]

@@cheddy_chedderson_cheddouard Dude yes! This would be an amazing daily driver and bleeds into some seriously surprising terrain but def wouldn't be happy taking it to the bike park where the SX shines.

[@cheddy_chedderson_cheddouard]

@@MTBJonnie that's all I needed to know ;)

[@cheddy_chedderson_cheddouard]

@@MTBJonnie Last thing ! what height are you? With a 490 reach this is a xl right ?

[@Bubs941]

Hi was wondering what frame size you got and what your hey. Thanks

[@MTBJonnie]

Howdy. I’m on an XL and am 6 foot 1 inch.

[@Bubs941]

@@MTBJonnie thanks it’s hard. I’m that height and I’m always between L and Xl. High end of large and low end of XL. Just depends on bike brand.

[@MTBJonnie]

@@Bubs941 Yeah exact same but I usually opt XL unless it's like a 515mm reach. Since the reach is 490 on this one XL feels perfect.

[@user-pk6jf1fh5j]

Isn't it just some kinda Yeti-looking alloy bike?

[@mattisraselli4854]

can we jump big jumps or gaps with this bike

[@MTBJonnie]

You can do whatever your heart (and ability) dictate my friend.

[@highwaychile416]

Hey What size do you ride?...

[@MTBJonnie]

XL and I’m 6’2”

[@gattydavid660]

Comment le compares tu as un occam m10 ? Et a un rallon ?

[@MTBJonnie]

I haven't ridden the Orbeas you mention so I cannot comment as to how they compare.

[@gattydavid660]

Merci, pour ta réponse si rapide, en revanche je n ai pas compris la comparaison face au stump (non evo) peux tu me faire un petit résumé rapide. En montée, plat, en descente etc..

[@thefluffchucker1424]

Have you tried it at a bike park?

[@MTBJonnie]

Nah. This ain’t the kind of bike I want with me at the park. I know there are dudes who can race downhill on anything they throw a leg over but that ain’t me. I’d prefer my megatower or anything a bit longer and more stable.

[@warwicksworkshop9511]

Koh-Men-SARL

[@southpawlibranine3511]

This is a trail bike dude the geometry is fine. 2 years ago that head angle and reach were enduro bikes. Heck my 2016 canyon strive has a 66 degree head angle.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

Just buy the meta trail