Commencal Meta V5 Review // This bike surprised me

I got the chance to ride the Commencal Meta V5 at all my local digs these past few weeks and here are my thoughts.
Overview Geo/Platform/Build (0:00)
Weight (3:48)
Setup (4:35)
Climbing (5:43)
Descending (7:22)
Comparisons (10:14)
Who is it for? (13:12)

[@COMMENCAL-BIKES-SKIS]

Thanks for the review Jon 🙏

[@B1KER]

Good editing, solid review! Keep at it, I'm sure the channel will grow.

[@DimitriosKanellopoulos]

Subscribed. Was looking for such a review. Thanks buddy

[@MTBJonnie]

Thanks!

[@ftrujillomunizaga]

Great review! Commencal is such a cool company, love their bikes 🔥

[@ramirozambosco]

Amazing review as always mate. Looking forward to see the review of the v5 sx and how it compares to the nomad 😉

[@MTBJonnie]

It sounds like I'll be able to start riding the SX in about 2 weeks. I'm pretty excited because they're making these big bikes really accessible these days.

[@jamesdavid1714]

Love the bike reviews!

[@MTBJonnie]

Hey thanks that means a lot.

[@owenswarthout686]

Let’s go! Been waiting for this one! Killer review man 🤘🏼

[@MTBJonnie]

Hey I really appreciate that!

[@finroddd]

So am I! This is the first ever review that I have found for this bike. Thanks, man!

[@MTBJonnie]

@@finroddd cool tell your friends ;)

[@emveeess839]

@@finroddd review on Enduro MTB (European) if interested. Not as comprehensive as @mtbJonnie !

[@finroddd]

@@emveeess839 thanks, I''ll check it

[@andyboy198577777]

But for real, I really like the way you broke this bike down. I hope to see more reviews like this on your channel. You do a good job man!

[@MTBJonnie]

Hey thanks man. I’ll have some new content out soon thanks for watching!

[@bimmerfan729]

Nice review! Kinda sounds like this is a more fun/playful Commencal than the Tempo. Would love to see you review an Esker Rowl! And always nice to see the Land Cruiser make an appearance!

[@MTBJonnie]

An Esker Rowl, huh? That might be a hard one to get ahold of. Maybe not. I'll give it a shot though.

[@emveeess839]

Have a medium with same shock but an ext era fork. Agree with almost all of your comments but a few. I actually run a lighter rebound damping and less sag ( try to get 26% +_. ). It pedals superbly in the chunk but won’t say it pedals better than a switchblade. The stack is very high and can be a problem on more xc terrain I believe - it might need tweaking for fussy riders - but makes the bike incredibly intuitive to ride like you say. Thanks for putting this review out and hopefully allowing others to grab a bike with confidence that’s its a great decision.

[@VISIONPROquito]

LOVE THIS REVIEW

[@MTBJonnie]

Thank you!

[@GF-cb8rr]

I'm still focusing on that Land Cruiser. ... Great review 👍🏻

[@MTBJonnie]

Lol me too.

[@stephentward]

Great review as always! Would love if you could sprinkle some local pizza shop reviews into the channel. I know how much of an avid 'za lover and consumer you are and would love to get your honest opinions on the local front range pizza scene.

[@MTBJonnie]

Well played.

[@mrvwbug4423]

too many to list, you can't walk 50ft in Denver metro without running into a good pizza place.

[@jessevassallo]

I was able to rent a Meta v5 at the Golden shop early September and I couldn't be more impressed with that bike. It's one of those bikes that immediately makes you feel really comfortable and confident. The one I tried came with an assegai/aggressor combo and I would change the the rear tire for the type of terrain I ride, but otherwise it was flawless.

[@havenoutdoors584]

Also, great review Jon! I stopped by Commencal last weekend on my back home to a Utah and threw a leg over a V5. I want/need one soon!!

[@lefthorse1]

What you think about that 30 mm diameter hole on the down tube right next to the bottom bracket ? When i discovered on my Tempo i was socked , how they dare to weaken the frame this way ? And the funny thing is , in the marketing text they say " let's don't drill holes on the sensitive areas" , that's why they motivate the cable routing thru the headset ... So what do you think , it will brake ? Should i quit to ride stairs ?

[@user-sy3cr6ix3o]

Thanks for the detailed review. Really helps. Have you tried the Ohlins version yet? How do you think it would compare as both the coil and the fork would be different? Do you think that it would still retain some pop/playfullness or would the coil keep it so glued down that it would tend towards a mini SX? What about throwing a 38" into the works, how would that probably affect it?

[@MTBJonnie]

Honestly I am pretty close to just pulling the trigger on a coil Ohlins build. I think that’s the sweet spot for this bike and I bet it would retain plenty of playfulness.

[@AungAa08]

Would love to see your take on Raaw Jibb V2. Im currently deciding between the Tempo and Meta V5 and Raaw Jibb is a possibilty ✌️

[@Hoss.Delgado]

Great review! I own a Meta SX V4 and considering getting this. Have you had any time on the SX v4? If so, what’s your take on how the two bikes compare? Thanks!

[@MTBJonnie]

Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to ride the SX V4.

[@gattydavid660]

Super essai! J'ai actuellement le tempo full ohlins, (le meme que sur ta précédente vidéo) J'en suis bien content je ne m attendais pas un un vélo aussi joueur et efficace. Cependant dans certaines descentes typée enduro avec de la pente, des pierres etc il est presque limite, j arrive à utilisé tout le débattement. Je me demande si le meta v5 ne serait pas plus adapté? mais je pense qu'il est beaucoup plus difficile à monter avec et peut etre moins fun et agile en descente non? En gros les montées durent entre 20 et 30 min

[@Kenneth_R]

Would be great to see your take on a few eMTB's like the Yeti 160e and the Ibis OSO for example.

[@MTBJonnie]

I’m hesitant to give opinions on e-bikes only because I have no experience there. If that changes and I start getting opportunities I definitely will.

[@someonesuperrandom4194]

Awesome review. As a question, I've been running a 2020 meta am 29 for several years and am wanting to upgrade to either the tempo or the v5. I'm generally not riding pure rock craziness, but I do see decent rock gardens sometimes. On paper, I'd love to have a tempo, as a super lively, easy to jump, short travel bike, but I'm now questioning wether or not the v5 is better for me. How much better (if at all) does the tempo climb than the v5? And how far apart are the "riding limits" of the two bikes? I'd assume the v5 will handle more gnarly stuff, but I'm still really sold on the short travel, snappy option in the tempo.

[@MTBJonnie]

You know a lot of that will be determined by where you ride. If you long climbs followed by long descents I'd probably lean towards Meta. If you have somewhat flatter or more rolling terrain I'd lean TEMPO. A lot of that has to do with how the seat tube angle puts pressure on your hands. The TEMPO is a bit slacker in this department meaning less pressure on your hands in flatter or more rolling terrain. Both climb exceptionally well so I wouldn't split hairs over that.

[@brentyancich]

The Toyota compliments the beautiful commencal nicely. I'd watch the review of the Toyota also 😂

[@user-fg5ls1cy6e]

Nice reiew!! I will get one in January. Do you think this bike is suited for a couple of enduro races in the year? I think is the one the commencal enduro team is using... What is your opinion on this?

[@MTBJonnie]

You know every enduro race is so different I'd say it depends. There are courses here in the western US that I would take this on and courses I'd prefer something larger and more forgiving. It just depends on the course.

[@AndreasHafenscher]

Hey Jon, your reviews are really good in conveying your ride experiences to someone who hasn’t ridden that bike. Thanks for that. Would you mind explaining to me the difference between the Tempo und Meta V5 in greater detail? Especially how different the rear end feels in comparison. Does the V5 feel like way more suspension? Thanx and cheers from europe. ;-)

[@MTBJonnie]

Howdy! The tempo just feels shorter and snappier. I’d opt for the tempo if I wanted a bookend bike collection and I’d have it for my shorter travel bike. The meta doesn’t feel like it has a ton more travel but that’s just because you’re going a bit faster. What I noticed more was its length and stability. Does that make sense? Cheers from Colorado!

[@AndreasHafenscher]

Hey @@MTBJonnie - it does make sense and your answer is helping me. Thank you! Then I guess the meta is more in the All Mountain category and the TEMPO a Trail-Slayer. I guess I will soon own a TEMPO (once my Fully is sold ;-) Cheers from Vienna!

[@MTBJonnie]

@@AndreasHafenscher the tempo is an incredibly fun bike you won’t be disappointed.

[@AndreasHafenscher]

@@MTBJonnie I´ll let you know! ;-) Thanx

[@havenoutdoors584]

Stephane Pons at Commencal in Golden is one of the best dudes in the bike industry!!

[@munga1302]

Great review!! That's my dream bike, i'm planning to get one but i'm stuck between sizes, i have to say that i'm the coffee addict rider haha, so probably i need to size down to get all the benefits of the new geometry

[@MTBJonnie]

I’m between sizes and sized up to XL. I rode a large around for a moment and knew immediately it was small for me. For what it’s worth it was still super playful and I wanted nothing more out of the handling.

[@munga1302]

@@MTBJonnie thanks for the response, so let’s see how it rides when i get it

[@brunoegam9938]

@@MTBJonnie how tall are you?

[@MTBJonnie]

@@brunoegam9938 I'm 6 foot 1 inch. I unfortunately fall between L and XL for most bikes. I tend to prefer XL unless it's an extremely long reach bike like the Pivot Firebird.

[@brunoegam9938]

@@MTBJonnie now you making me doubting...I'm 6 2 and I'm also in between the sizes and was planning to go on the L for the liveliness. I'm a bit fed up with my 495mm reach currently on my Nukeproof mega XL..a bit long in tricky turns

[@paulharmsen3187]

IMO Commençal are building some of the best looking bikes out there

[@MTBJonnie]

You aint wrong, brother.

[@Manniger]

In other reviews I read about potential issues with fitting larger water bottles. What's your experience? On previous versions there was not much clearance for your feet on seat and chainstays. Is that still an issue?

[@MTBJonnie]

I run a standard 22 oz water bottle and had zero issues. As for the balls of your ankles hitting the chainstay area, I know exactly what you mean and that was an issue for me on my demo of the Meta TR. I did not have that issue on this bike but did think it may be a problem when looking at it. It looks like it would be a problem that carries over but again, while riding it was never an issue.

[@Manniger]

Hi Jon thanks for the quick reply!

[@rileygriffin6738]

Thanks for the review! Curious on sizing. I am 6’ and currently on an s5 Stumpjumper Evo. Similar to Xl V5. Commencal would suggest the size L. Thoughts?

[@MTBJonnie]

I’m 6 foot 1 and enjoy the XL. I rode the L around the parking lot and it felt way way too small for me. Tough to say but the S5 stumpy evo has a longer reach than the XL V5 Meta so I’d guess XL for you.

[@rileygriffin6738]

@@MTBJonnie Thank You!

[@lakaldrak]

Oh and how is the pedal Kickback on this new Suspension Design? I can Not Ride my Clash Without ochain the Kickpack is insane.

[@benibart2968]

The music in the background just killed the video.....in can't lisen it

[@andyboy198577777]

You’re a tad on the sensitive side bruh. 😂😂😂

[@benibart2968]

@@andyboy198577777 maybe...

[@Rockytherottweiller]

I agree

[@lakaldrak]

I wanted the v5 sx but im not sure anymore. I ride steap technical stuff and i dont like what i heard😅. Especially if u get tired its gonna be hard to ride that ? Should i get the v4 instead is that more plush?

[@MTBJonnie]

Honestly I’m not sure how the SX will compare to the plain V5 reviewed here. Commencal is letting me take one out shortly though…

[@lakaldrak]

@@MTBJonnie oh Sounds good👍.

[@AungAa08]

What size Meta V5 are you riding and how tall are you? I am 184cm tall and deciding between tempo XL and probably Meta V5 in Large Cheers

[@alexkeyes1706]

The geo on this is perfect for what im looking for. Im on a stumpy evo and it just feels a bit sluggish up hill and a little bit dead on the downhills, would this be a good option from a rear suspension perspective, I want something inbetween a switchblade which I demoed and the stumpy evo.

[@MTBJonnie]

I think you nailed it on the head. I rode the stumpy evo too and it just lacked liveliness to me. This would be a great option.

[@alexkeyes1706]

My only concern is the headtube height as its so tall and i dont want to buy a new fork or crown and steerer@@MTBJonnie

[@mrvwbug4423]

I wonder how this bike compares to the Ripmo? I owned a Ripmo for 3 years and demoed the Hightower and the Ripmo felt much more enduro-y. The Ripmo is also a bike that doesn't like to get into the air. The Ripmo is often considered the ultimate front range bike, but this new Meta sounds like it might be a bike that rides a lot like the Ripmo, just a lot more playful.

[@MTBJonnie]

Both efficient climbers but the v5 loves airtime way more. RipMo feels more planted and smooth.

[@alexkeyes1706]

Do you think the SX will feel like too much bike coming from a mullet stumpy evo, i like mullet wheelsize and longer chainstay, thats why im looking at the SX

[@MTBJonnie]

I’m not sure. This review wasn’t for the SX. I will be reviewing an SX shortly though!

[@bradyballs3084]

Nice review! What about an Orbea Rallon?

[@MTBJonnie]

If I can get my hands on an XL for a couple of weeks I’d love to review that bike.

[@KRET666]

I want to know more about your experience with the meta v5!

[@MTBJonnie]

What else would you like to know specifically?

[@KRET666]

@@MTBJonnie about proggressivity, is that 150mm really feels like more travel?

[@KRET666]

I don’t wanna bottoming out bigger gaps

[@MTBJonnie]

@@KRET666 this bike feels very progressive and bottoming out on drops and features should not be a concern.

[@mikeborges31]

hi, do you think its more arch or race than pivot firebird ?

[@MTBJonnie]

Arch?

[@finroddd]

From what I heard about the bike, it does not sound like a bike for me. I wonder what the new Meta SX is going to be like?

[@MTBJonnie]

I try to be candid, it's not necessarily the bike for me either. But it's def the bike for some riders. I'm very SX curious and they're gonna let me take one out in a couple of weeks for another review.

[@finroddd]

@@MTBJonnie that is fantastic, man! Wish you happy riding and will wait for the review. Meta SX v5 is another bike with virtually no reviews.

[@xxfinnxx4850]

A question, what size would you recommend for someone who is 6.4

[@MTBJonnie]

XL for sure

[@xxfinnxx4850]

thanks@@MTBJonnie

[@liwx]

whats the name of background music

[@5gb6]

How would you say it compares to the Meta TR 29 V4?

[@MTBJonnie]

More light on its feet and playful. Better climber. Sacrifices some of the very good plow and plush characteristics of the v4.

[@user88..]

I currently have a Meta V4 TR 29 2021 .. Is the switch to this Meta V5 really worth it? I was surprised by the weight

[@MTBJonnie]

I thought the weight was really respectable given the intended usage. It’s a very different bike and only you can really answer that. Moving platforms from single pivot to dual link has made it really hard to compare generations apples to apples. If you’ve wanted your current bike to climb better and have more travel….an upgrade is worth considering.

[@user88..]

@@MTBJonnie So would you say that you felt more like an enduro bike on the Meta TR than on the new Meta V5?

[@MTBJonnie]

@@user88.. not really because there are enduro bikes that prioritize active riding and efficiency over plushness.

[@user88..]

@@MTBJonnie I understand... I was thinking in terms of plushness, if you could say that the Meta TR is honestly a more plush bike🤔

[@Rockytherottweiller]

So this is kind of same of a canyon spectral?

[@MTBJonnie]

I have very limited time on the spectral but my limited time on it was not great. I found it pretty harsh riding.

[@mikeborges31]

15 kg ??? which size , are you sure because on website is 15,7 size s

[@AungAa08]

How does it compare to Tr v4?

[@wageesha07]

I own the exact same bike with almost all the components are the same and in size M. It weighs 17kg!

[@MTBJonnie]

That's wild, mine wasn't even close. You have the V5 and not the SX V5?

[@wageesha07]

⁠@@MTBJonnieI have a V5 not V5 SX. And my tires also EXO not even DD!

[@MTBJonnie]

@@wageesha07 very weird. We definitely weighed it a couple of times.

[@zacharypump5910]

Intermediate rider here. I want a boring bike that will rescue me when I pick shit lines. But also not suck pedaling distance . Cheers :)

[@MTBJonnie]

Get a Hightower

[@zacharypump5910]

@@MTBJonnie noted! Also really considering one of the Commencal TEMPO models … for the price it seems so solid

[@MTBJonnie]

@@zacharypump5910 I love the TEMPO but it’s not a boring bike and requires a really active rider. The more you put in the more you get out. It doesn’t bail you out of rough stuff…rather helps you jump it.

[@thezolrack8362]

I’d love to own a commencal however I have schwinn money.

[@MTBJonnie]

I hope that changes! Although modern mountain bikes are expensive, Commencal is a great value relative to the industry.

[@andyboy198577777]

They’re all sold out online. How are you guys getting these whips? Lol.

[@MTBJonnie]

I’m lucky to live near the US HQ and can demo.

[@user-dp3cx2jh2m]

Is it downhill capable like the meta sx?

[@MTBJonnie]

No the SX is a completely different beast. But you lose a lot of playfulness with the SX

[@cliffordrichardc]

Commencal Meta V5 want try

[@Snivv]

33.1 pounds ! What a joke. I think your scale is messing up or this is a demo bike. The bare frame weighs 4.1kg in L. The bike weighs 16.8kg with xtr brake, XO1 transmission, DT M1700s, exo tire

[@user-cx4eu3wx2r]

한국에서 구매가 가능한가 한국사니까 불편한게 많네