Commencal's $2,599 Meta TR Ride Review: A Tough Trail Smasher | 2020 Pinkbike Field Trip

[@justabirdwithaword]

I'm a huge Commencal fan. They sell some amazing gear, and no carbon. Which I like.

[@goodbonestructure]

Ah, a man of culture!

[@murf003]

I love my Meta AM! This would fill the bill also.

[@TheMeta6]

Death to carbon

[@jimleonardros1126]

Commencal Bikes gives you the best bikes no carbon no bullshit just pure shredding machine

[@ethanroan]

No carbon👏👌

[@darcyphillips70]

You two, you’re like a married couple 😂

[@hondacota4rt]

That's a goooood looking bike. And love the colour of the grips

[@momchilmarinov2625]

Can't wait for the Torrent....I wanna hear how it competes with full suspension beasts

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

You guys are so much better than the people at bike magazine. I feel like you actually ride. Thank you for the good review.

[@walternaught]

One of the best reviews I've seen lately. Especiallyhow it was broken up into different categories a buyer would be interested in. I get really annoyed when reviewers focus too much on how their 6-10k bike is soooo much better. It just doesn't make sense to spend the same amount of cash for a bike as you would on a decent car (unless you're riding competitively). I didn't feel like that was as much the case in this video.

[@kentweyers1845]

Digging this series. Keep the great content coming

[@drmoynihan]

I bought this bike 7 months ago - road it through the summer and now into the muddy winter in Western Oregon. I love my (medium) Commencal Meta TR !!!!!

[@fioreseraphael9625]

Hi, I'm about to buy a second-hand commencal meta tr in size M. Out of curiosity, what size are you? Apparently the M size is very small for someone who is 1.78m tall. If you have any info on this, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks

[@drmoynihan]

@@fioreseraphael9625 I am the same height as you, 5'10" and medium is perfect for me.

[@jalenparson5006]

Loved this review almost as much as I love my Meta TR! Good job guys

[@drmoynihan]

I love my 2020 Commencal Meta TR 29 !!!

[@jamesharmer4253]

When the Meta AM Ride comes with a Lyrik and Guide T brakes it seems a shame to me that this has a Revaltion and Level T's. If this had a Pike and the same Guide T's I'd buy it now.

[@gabetaylor7922]

James Harmer A revelation is a pike w a different damper

[@jamesharmer4253]

@@gabetaylor7922 Yeah I know but it's not on par with a Lyrik price wisd. It's more on par with a Yari. The Meta AM and TR are the same price so I feel it'd make more sense if it did come with a Pike. I'm not saying a revelation is a bad fork by any means!

[@tfordy]

From experience, I can say that the Level T 2pot performs better than the Guide T 4pot.

[@aidan8594]

pikes are almost $1000.... thats almost 40% of this bikes price. you cant complain about not having the top end fork on a relatively cheap trail bike.

[@jamesharmer4253]

A Pike Select is not £1000 its more like £600. Plus I can when as I said the Meta AM comes with a Lyrik Select that costs the same as a Pike.

[@benefiet]

i just bought the very last meta trail essential brushed 2019, hell yeah!

[@jeffrobinson1223]

I like when Kaz looks like he may punch Levy, you guys make great, funny videos. Keep em coming!!!!!!!

[@trialsted]

I worked my way up to a 150mm fork on my 2018 Hightower (135 rear end) and it's such a good combination for a fun, fast trail bike. It struggles a bit more on the square edge rocks on the downs but then it's active enough to pick up over them (and made a nice job of the head angle).

[@sergeiyoel9142]

I have the 2020 Meta 29 xx edition, 5000$ for a full axs build, carbon wheels, lyrik and super deluxe ultimate and code rcs brakes the value for money is insane. Metal for life.

[@IsfjordenBASE]

That is one AWESOME ride you got there!

[@sergeiyoel9142]

@@IsfjordenBASE When I saw the price I couldn't resist, other brands sale an equivalent spec bike for twice that price. I had a 2014 commencal meta am v3 for about 5 years and when I saw the new meta it was love on first sight, I don't trust carbon frames yet so it was a no brainer.

[@drmoynihan]

@@sergeiyoel9142 I love my 2020 Commencal Meta TR 29!

[@raresneagu5309]

commencal gang where you at

[@steveburrell7969]

I have the 2019 model of this. Love it! The only weak point are the brakes. I am a big guy and upgraded to G2 4 pistons. Love it even more now.

[@lukeneill1568]

How is it holding up? I’m looking at getting one to get into mtbs to ride with my son. Never had a dual suspension bike and this looks like it’s good bang for your buck.

[@Vieiradoingthings]

Would love to see this type of videos but with downhill bikes.

[@tealchief]

DH rigs under 3500?

[@Vieiradoingthings]

George Sak yes

[@tealchief]

@@Vieiradoingthings that would be sweet Enduro as well. Obviously they'd have to raise the price ceiling.

[@Vieiradoingthings]

George Sak same! but up to 3500€ there are still some cool ones

[@herbertzielinski8505]

Problem is not enough people ride DH bikes for the videos to be worth the effort

[@davenicholson3491]

I have the 2015 commencal meta AM V4 (27.5) and it’s an awesome stable bike on the decents and climbs like a goat too 🤘🏻.

[@aidenthwaits2646]

Fun fact: you can over stroke this bike with a 210x55 shock and have 143 mm of travel in the rear

[@simr2148]

And fit a 160mm fork 🔥

[@aidenthwaits2646]

Sim R that’s exactly what Im going to do. It’s gunna rip🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@simr2148]

Yea it does mate!

[@GardPavels]

Did that on mine, put a 210x55 DVO on it, it rips!

[@jackkuckhahn3268]

@@aidenthwaits2646 already run mine this exact way. It's just a nippy Enduro bike and feels amazing

[@steftock8891]

I'm currently between pulling the trigger on either this or a YT Jeffsy, so these reviews are perfectly timed. Hope the YT one is tomorrow! Top stuff.

[@nelson4483]

Stef Tock I am a Jeffsy owner for 1 and a half years now, if you have any questions regarding quality and overall feel i can help you out! Obviously i don t own the newest frame

[@steftock8891]

@@nelson4483 Hey Nelson, that's really good of you. On one hand I've heard really great things about YT bikes, but then also horrendous stories about after sales and customer service. I figure it's only those that actually have issues that make a noise... the other 99% are possibly happy riders! Nothing specific to ask you, but really keen to hear if you have any advice or thoughts.... cheers!

[@jeffedmisten6576]

Good luck getting a Jeffsy. They are hella back ordered. But yeah they are ridiculous bikes for the $$.

[@russgarth782]

brilliant bikes . Still sending my 2012 meta 55 26" great bike but maybe time for a upgrade ?

[@TheMeta6]

I upgraded my 2010 meta 6 for the 2019 AM signature version... it's awesome!

[@tysonseafoot7834]

Russ Garth idk how old you are or how big you are, but 26 is pretty small. I ride 26’s on my DJ bike. If I were you I’d get 29s

[@villimagg]

First upgrade I'd make would be the brakes. I just got a bike with Sram Level TL brakes and they felt like braking with sponges, not a good feeling. I went online and ordered the TRP Slate T4 4-piston brakes and two 180mm TRP rotors plus Shimano Saint sintered brake pads with cooling fins on them which are compatible with the TRP brakes.

[@krispy8537]

I wish you guys reviewed the Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy 29 ST because it is within this price range and I think it is the best bike for your money.

[@jake5793]

When are you going to post the video on the yt jeffsy

[@theceoofgibson2563]

They already did.

[@charlieb9903]

Still PISSED about the grim donut buuutttt it was a good video

[@pulDag]

Sram Level T brakes are neither Matchmaker compatible. Level TL/Guide R are the cheapest option for it.

[@floydfoster8593]

Thx for the entertaining and very informative reviews! I love your work! I would love to see a trail hardtail test with bikes like the Alutech Cheaptrick, Radon Cragger, Ghost Asket, Nukeproof Scout, Marin San Quentin, Commencal Meta HT... Do you consider doing something like that?

[@Rawkus919]

Buy for Meta AM 29, comes with 4 piston brakes. Costs less in Australia too.

[@lassejensbydahl8772]

Can’t find that specific model in that color anywhere - damn. I live in Denmark / Europe

[@hardtailparty]

Sounds like a winner. Well done commencal. Which loops did you guys use for the climb and traverse? Slim shady for the climb and mezcal for the traverse? I see some ground control footy in there too.

[@pinkbike]

We climbed up Peccary, traversed on Hogwash, and finished with Pig Tail for the timed laps, but we also rode lots of other Sedona classics on all the bikes. - Mike K.

[@hardtailparty]

@@pinkbike Awesome, thanks Mike! I would have loved to have connected with ya on the trails. Super cool seeing my home trails featured on these. Keep up the great work.

[@ricardollorens215]

Do you believe this bike will "survive" in a bike park? The shock travels seems to be short but I have the feeling it would. What are your thoughts?

[@James-dn1hu]

Yes

[@1n0ahhh]

Commencal seems to be taking their house brand pretty seriously. Ride Alpha makes a stem, handlebars, composite pedals, alloy pedals, brake pads, grips, a direct mount stem, chainrings, a headset, and even a bash guide, all of which are available aftermarket on their website. Wonder where they're going with this...

[@jptothetree]

I'm sure this bike rips! I loved my old Meta AM 27 -- that thing was just a solid package and rode super balanced.

[@kylejulius9596]

Just bought the Race model... can’t wait

[@Adzzaa]

Where do you get that grey colour from ? Don’t think we can get that colour in Australia.

[@ratsac]

The NX shifter on my bike is matchmaker compatible. Maybe it's those brake levers that aren't?

[@fwmtb]

There are 2 version of the NX eagle shifter. one has no matchmaker and there is a newer version with matchmaker

[@rykertaylor5752]

what do you think about the polygon siskui n9

[@vurzoktv8444]

Test COMMENCAL Clash Origine 2020 pls. Is it a Good Bike ?

[@ragged9242]

How come you guys have never reviewed the Commencal Clash??

[@bkingvt33]

Nimbly bimbly. Great Super Troopers reference.

[@ndrsg3013]

Very similar set up to the Giant Reign 2 2020 29er, 170mm front and 160mm rear travel... What about review this one?

[@Freefajter]

Please do a test of a Mondraker Foxy aluminium version

[@beni2270]

Is there commencal clash reviews on the channel?

[@TheOtterBiker]

Comparison to the meta am 29????

[@theDayOfAccount]

Hey who is the music by at 4:20?

[@XtopherMartin]

This made me go with the 2021. Ended up getting the Essential.

[@nathanclark302]

Hey, I am in the market for Commencal Meta, what is your take on the Essential?

[@XtopherMartin]

@@nathanclark302 coming from a 2011 Trek X-Caliber hardtail (my only frame of reference) it's a revelation. It is heavier and that's undeniable, but the benefits are so much better. The seat tube angle helps it climb better than it should with so little seat bob that I didn't really notice it. It just feels really good. I used RAD sizing and it feels like a part of me. I swapped the seat for a WTB Pure cromoly medium and 4 piston brake calipers (just swapped them at the banjo.) It stops really well with those.

[@nathanclark302]

@@XtopherMartin thanks for your insight, I will keep in mind what changes you made, how did you pay for it? It seems I have to preorder for my chance to buy it

[@XtopherMartin]

@@nathanclark302 I ordered it in January for a March delivery, then changed my order that pushed it to April. Some people are getting their dates pushed back. I didn't.

[@johnw3131]

Please review the new 2020 yt jeffsy in the cheaper models

[@saul-j]

What size is the frameset of the bike in the video?

[@batchmatch]

You guys make amazing reviews, I wish you had also some review about radon bikes, It’s a German brand company, and it seems they offer good value bikes but with affordable price, but I am not rly sure about the durability of their carbon frames

[@mtb_skg]

Is this also an enduro bike?? And in comparison with Yt Capra and Jeffsy which is better

[@tomibgoode]

The best part of the video, start from 8:00

[@herrlurch4290]

What's the Name of the Song when they talk about descending?

[@יהונתןגואטהשרף]

Can you do vidio on the meta 29 AM ?

[@abo0odm.n949]

What the name of this trill the guys used to test bikes?

[@LynnHarrod]

So much has changed over the years. I remember when a value bike (i.e. cheap bike) was anything around $500. Nowadays, $2,700 is considered cheap.

[@johnnygunz2300]

Cheap for a full suspension DH capable bike. There are great hardtails in the 700-1000 dollar range that majority of riders wouldn't be held back at local trails... Amazing HT bikes in the 1500 dollar range (commecal meta HT for instance) that is downhill capable. I've ridden since the 90's and TBH stuff that is 10-15 years ago isn't even comparable even if it was mid teir back in the day compared to a 700 dollar modern bike. 500 dollars in my area doesn't get you a decent used bike on Craigslist, But a few more benjamins gets you an amazing bike compared to most stuff offered in the early 2000's.

[@bassdrum2003]

Where do you guys get the music used in your video's?

[@v.n_videography1964]

Would you recommend this bike over something like the vitus sommet vr?

[@ЕвгениГеоргиев-т1я]

Where on their website is this spec...i find one costing 3.500 eur....?

[@mikkoholler]

Would be very interested to see a comparison of the Meta TR Signature and Meta TR SX. Especially what kind of a difference does the added real travel and the coil make on the feel of this bike. Are you up for it Mikes?

[@mikkoholler]

*rear

[@fireblade1986]

if you allready had a really fun and capable 140mm Hardtail (NS Eccentric Cromo) and you'd want to go full sus but don't quite want a full on, smash it all Enduro ... what would you go for? like something thats still playfull and jumpy, but could allready hold its own in some Enduro-style terrain & speed with some maybe litte more precise line-picking. not rendering your local trails completely dull, but also beeing quite alot more capable than the Hardtail

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

Get the 650b Version of the Meta Tr, or maybe a 650b Stumpjumper. Otherwise: Proudction Privee Shan No5, Last Clay. Dont go with a 29er - They def. dull the trails down

[@Coerced]

I find it strange how nearly all bikes are 29ers now. I don't like how stubborn they feel

[@user-180-mand90]

Except that first 29er ride when you're 190cm and quite strong/aggressive rider..."where have you been all my life!"

[@Coerced]

@@user-180-mand90 well tastes obviously differ as I fit that exact description as well ;)

[@meteormedia7021]

They only feel "stubborn" if you can't ride...

[@Coerced]

@@meteormedia7021 that's assuming one can't still counteract its stubbornness. Even when you're perfectly able to make the bike do what you want, the counteracting (gyroscopic) forces will be felt by any competent rider. So I'll argue the exact opposite: only incompetent riders will NOT notice the gyroscopic forces which counteract rider input when changing direction, AKA 'stubbornness'. But more importantly: only in childish moods will people say individual preferences mean incompetence

[@user-180-mand90]

No need to get yer knickers twisted... it's why we have choices 27.5 or 29. Lovely innit?

[@trialsted]

Great job AGAIN Commencal

[@guill_7805]

where and how to buy this bike? Im from Singapore

[@joebmxx]

I honestly don't get why Commencal aren't more popular! They're the cheapest premium on the market and absolutely shred! I love my clash!

[@rodrigocalderon-aragon7328]

If you go to their website it says, “the selected product doesn’t exist or is no longer available”.

[@conman1395]

Other than weight, what is the difference between a Revelation and 35 Gold if they have the same damper (Motion Control)?

[@1n0ahhh]

I'm pretty sure the Relevation is internally upgradable whereas the 35 isn't.

[@Srdeo33]

One thing I don’t understand about commencal meta TR is at same price meta am would come with better brakes and fork. They are essentially same bikes. TR should be either cheaper than meta am or come with equal level components as meta am at same price.

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

Awesome review

[@CreamyBone]

How much for these 2 guys to oil wrestle?

[@marloncordova9006]

Will this bike be considered an ENDURO BIKE if I was to add 20mm more travel on the front fork and 20mm more travel in the rear? Will this geometry be upgradable to that?

[@solfest9508]

Why? Just buy the regular Meta, same bike, longer suspension

[@JessHines]

Do you (or anyone else here) feel like the weight of this holds you back? I'm looking to buy my first "made in the past 10 years" bike, and not sure I'll notice one, two, even three pounds all that much given how much more capable geo-wise bikes are than what I'm used to riding (a 2006 41lb Stinky with a Drop Off Triple). Wish the Ripmo AF and a Canyon had been part of this Field Trip! I would have loved to see how those stacked up against the YT and Commencal!

[@MrPete95]

I have this bike with a custom build and its a touch heavy but it climbs really well. lots of grip and no noticeable peadal bob/ movement robbing you of power. The weight just makes it a better more stiff descender. As long as your not always racing up the climbs the weight wont be a big issue. I regularly climb 4,000ft a ride and i love the meta

[@Al-em5lq]

I ride equal parts trail and DH. Would I be better off with the AM instead of the TR?

[@raresneagu5309]

yes, the meta am rips

[@mrspester]

im a little taller and got the medium, works well, especially for getting your weight over the bar when steep climbing

[@MonsieurCrez]

How tall are you? I'm 5'8 and can't decide between the m or l.

[@mrspester]

@@MonsieurCrez over 5 10, 31 inseam

[@drmoynihan]

@@mrspester I'm 5'9" and my Medium 2020 Commencal Meta TR 29 is a perfect fit.

[@FreeLander5280]

Would you die on 80 kilometer days with this bike? I'm shopping for a new aggresive trail bike but will be kicking it off with a 800 kilometer bike packing trail ride. Jeffsy cf a batter choice? 2,400£ budget.

[@DangerDavez]

Depends on the trails but their are probably better options for something like that. I'd probably go for a HT for bikepacking but I've used a Spark 930 and it was fine though that bike is a lot lighter and faster than this.

[@nicom4996]

commencal for the win

[@James-dn1hu]

Surely all of the meta models should come with a four piston brake front and rear. The 2021 models only have this luxury after the third level build. Ide be happy to pay the extra money just for the ease of not having to buy aftermarket.

[@felixstefant5355]

Any dealer of this bike in Germany?

[@justskipme5495]

what song used in intro?

[@tristanjones2035]

i have sram levels ts on my trail bike, no complaints after 2 years now so i dunno wat all fuss is about

[@trailblazeratv6306]

This company is in Colorado ?

[@gabvelasquez1489]

Hi! I'm a fan from PH😀

[@maverick2242]

Just a dam shame they still persist with press fit bottom bracket instead of a threaded bb. Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB pressfit

[@DM-hw4cr]

Yep Deal breaker

[@tellyawhatmate]

Thanks guys

[@MonsieurCrez]

Awesome review! As a 5'8 guy would you recommend the medium or large? I'm always right on the border of sizes. On a 2017 meta hardtail in large at the moment (and fits good) but as bikes are getting longer these days I'm not sure on sizing 🤣

[@MonsieurCrez]

Well I went for a large as that was all they had in stock, and feels all good 👍 went for the origin and loving it so far. The Vee skinwall tyres not so good though, punctured on the second ride and it was only a chilled 12miler down the canals, not even taken it on the trials yet! Good excuse for new tyres and trying going tubeless for the first time 🤣

[@drmoynihan]

Did you buy yet? I am 5'9" and got my Medium 2020 Commencal Meta TR 29 in April. It is just perfect for me. I thought seriously about the Large, but all my other Bikes are Medium. I believe that the Large would have been fine, but then I would wonder what the Medium would be like. If you haven't bought one yet, go for Medium!

[@johnnygunz2300]

@@drmoynihan I'll seconded the medium... Have the meta am 27.5 in medium at your height and it feels biggish.. no way would I want a large .

[@JoelManers]

5'10" puts you in a large? That's the high end of a medium according tp their web site.

[@johnnygunz2300]

I'm 5'9" and find the medium see spacious... Was thinking the same as you.

[@epicwarrior1018]

$400 more gets you a Ripmo AF with significantly more travel and much more sophisticated DW-Link.

[@rstrakovsky]

I'll just ask the question that everyone wants to know. Is....Levy faster than Kazimer now?

[@pinkbike]

No, he's just worse at maintaining a consistent effort for timed laps. I can still take him in a real race. - Mike K.

[@rstrakovsky]

@@pinkbike Cheers Mike, you guys have a great mix of personalities, hope you're getting out on the bike at least a little bit.

[@electrichope4049]

Guys try out Carver Drift Mountainbikes

[@lolonthecake]

Still can't believe the Jeffsy didn't make this list

[@Tiger24kicks]

This may be my 2nd bike

[@bensun432]

beautiful bike, beautiful price

[@elimccappin6180]

nimbly, bimbly...

[@TeddyParker]

From tree to tree!? Well, do you see me eating mice!? You stop laughin right meow...

[@gabrielhoffmann8805]

Tbh I dont get how companies can still use sram brakes that aren‘t codes since guides or levels just are not holding up.. i‘ve never seen anyone who has been happy with them

[@kawirider338]

Gabriel Hoffmann Working at a shop, I see issues mainly with the base level brakes. Guide RSC’s and Ultimate’s seem to hold up great!

[@gabrielhoffmann8805]

kawirider338 alright I only have experience with guide rs but I guess the point I‘m trying to make is that there are better cheap brakes to put on bikes and I dont get why brands are stiking with these ones

[@kawirider338]

Gabriel Hoffmann I would agree. I’d choose 2 piston Shimano’s over Guide R’s

[@benasquith26]

I just wouldn’t go for SRAM brakes whatsoever

[@shanemccartney8811]

Commencal Clash all day!

[@robinrai4973]

i'm broke someone tell me my 2006 26er's okay

[@rockybutler]

I ride the 2006 meta 666, bike is a champ

[@johnnygunz2300]

I have a commecal but also a mid 2000's DJ mountain bike running 26" that I ride a lot. TBH the 27.5 wheels still seem too big on my meta after a year worth of riding. I still like 26" bikes!

[@oz8402]

🤔 Great price if only it had a little more travel. Maybe a test ride would change my mind.

[@bitsybitcoinbanksy9346]

Cool bike but secret recipe for a cheap bike : - Make in China (Taiwan)... - No Carbon - they don't have the know-how and that would spice up the price for the quality needed - Company headquarter in Andorra with maximum taxation at 10%.... compare to min 30% average for France Italy or Spain...

[@thesupernad]

I get the sense that these two hate each other. They only talk with each other to make these videos.

[@michaelh5967]

Can't believe Commencal didn't do a 27 AM OR TR for the Meta in 2020. Very disappointing.. 😞

[@johnnygunz2300]

Agreed! I'm so glad I got my meta am in 27.5.... coming from a 26" I am still feeling like 27.5 is a bit big. 29" would be not fun at all.

[@fringelunatic]

Nitpicking on a sub 3k bike with everything else in the right place? I would say at that price that bike is perfect.

[@lukeneill1568]

Looking at getting it or the new sx version. First dual suspension mtb haven’t ridden in 5 years or so only getting into it to ride with my son hopefully it is a worthwhile investment