Getting to Know the Commencal Meta HT: beSPOKE ep.2

The Commencal Meta HT is arguably one of the most beloved aggressive hardtails of the modern era, and for good reason! Commencal has been perfecting the bike for close to 10 years and currently offers it in five different build options. In this episode of beSPOKE I’m going to take a deep dive into the history of Commencal and the Meta HT as well as get you up to speed on the current frame and build options.
Learn more on Commencal’s website: www.commencalusa.com/PBSCCata...
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:42 How We Got Here
02:18 Geometry
03:47 Frame Info
05:10 Mete HT Origin
06:42 Meta HT Ride
08:05 Meta HT Essential
09:42 Meta HT Race
11:14 Meta HT Ohlins Edition
12:20 Best Value Picks
#mtb #hardcorehardtail #commencalmetaht

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I made an error in this video, the Meta HT is NOT compatible with the SRAM UDH; Commencal uses their own proprietary hanger. Thanks to those who brought this to my attention!

[@adamf.8564]

I opted for the $2500 one. 2024 model and love it. I also got another Commencal just the frame a few months back, I got it for 450USD (Sale). The frame alone is worth 900 USD, at least in my opinion! The components are very much based on preference. The only downside with biking and components and parts is that the list never ends. Upgrades are just insane. This is the bike I will never ever sell.

[@joshdesj]

Great video... Commencal is such a cool brand and the Meta is a killer bike. I rode the Essential pretty hard for almost two years until just selling it recently to build up a new steel hardtail. That Essential was some of the most fun I've ever had riding... really enjoyed that bike!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Heck ya, thanks for sharing! What frame are you on now?

[@joshdesj]

Yeah thank you guys for putting the content out there! So I just about a week ago wrapped up with a custom build. When I say “I” I mean I bought the parts and my buddy who owns a bike shop in town built it 😂 The frame is a 2022 On One “Hello Dave”. Steel frame, really slack and long… it’s almost the same geo as my transition Spire! Put a GX drive train, code rsc brakes, fox 36, stans flow S2 wheel set… Super fun bike so far, love the steel frame, and super aggressive geometry.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Sounds like a blast! Pretty crazy how different the steel feels isn’t it?!

[@FTheWickerMan]

I built it from scratch and oh men! I get to the point that i enjoyed it so much that i sold my FS and been riding only HT for about a year now. The best bike ive ever owned.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Hell ya, stoked to hear that 🤙🤙

[@Zimblake]

Like the Meta, great Hardtail. But I love the Nukeproof Scout. ❤😊. Good vid 🎉

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thank you! I’ll probably do a video like this on the Scout one day, definitely an equally iconic bike!

[@jisunn]

its, 2023 and all I have is the Meta HT 2016! Great video!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Great bike, one of my first dream bikes haha! Glad you’re still enjoying it 🤙

[@dirtycommtroop]

I ordered the Essential in Keswick green yesterday. Cant wait. I didnt notice frame is without the ISCG mounts. I will need to buy a new bashguard.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, it’s a bummer. A few brands make adapters that go on between your frame and bottom bracket; I have one from e.thirteen on my RSD Middlechild and it works great!

[@PuffinPass]

Hey Josh hope things are going well, haven't heard from you in a minute. Was just starting to research on the Meta HT and your vid was one of the first few on the list. Great info thanks for all the hard work.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thanks man, that means a lot! I picked up a job with 99spokes.com and am running their social media/youtube, so I’ve sadly had to put our own channel on hold

[@PuffinPass]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Completely understand how that happens. Glad to hear things are going well for you two.

[@eagleace67]

The best hardtail i've ever had! The do it all bike.

[@atw196]

Great vid !

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thank you! Hope it helps I for your purchase 🤙

[@atw196]

​@Riding With Josh and Wendy yup helps a lot..the one with the ohlins forks seems interesting

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

It would definitely be my choice if I could afford it, thing is dialed!!

[@2stroke540]

After getting started riding on a Scott Genius 730 than upgrading to a 920, i watched a video from Blake @ gmbn rave about hardtails and the need to have one. I researched for a while and bought the 2021 Meta HT Ride +KS Dropper in large last August. It has a 160mil RS 35 Gold and 27.5x 2.8 tires. Frankly, i prefer to ride it over my carbon full squish Scott. I am an aggressive rider with the " if it breaks, I'll fix it" attitude and it's been amazing. The 2 piston srams suck. I upgraded the pads to Galfer E bike pads and they definitely improved it, but not enough for the $60 price. 4 pots are a must. I also got a set of 3.0's to roll on for mud and hard sand and just adds more capabilities i believe. I know that was long winded, but just wanted to share my experience. I have no regrets other than not buying one sooner. Keep up the great content and God bless, pal.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thanks for sharing man! You have no idea how many people I’ve heard with similar stories; trying a modern aggressive hardtail and never going back! Sure all the fancy new stuff is great, and will definitely make you faster if outright speed is your goal. But if having fun on your bike is what your looking for than a bike like your Meta HT is about as good as it gets!

[@karma2745]

thanks bro !

[@michaelrieser9928]

Josh get one of these to test from the company so we can find out how it really rides. I think the green one is a good bang for your buck. I’m impressed with the variety in complete builds. If you built one up with the same level of components it would cost you $500 more. I like their choice of tires over the dhf and dhr2 all the other companies give you. The more faster rolling tires are a great for most areas.I’m learning I can buy a frame for $450-$650. Build it up ride it , experience it and if I’m not totally over joyed with it, easily strip it down and sell the frame. We probably spend more in a month eating out with your significant other.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha so true! And resale value on frames isn’t bad at all. I like the tire spec as well; I rode a dissector up front and aggressor in the back and it was a great combo for hard and soft over hard riding!

[@p.c.9714]

Twenty years later I still ride their first "trail" HT that was released in 2003: The mythic PASTA with the infamous burgandy color😍

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Hell ya, that's awesome!!

[@msgesus4518]

Spot on about the reach. I sized up to large to get the reach the same as my old giant reign enduro bike. Would recommend. Although I can only run the 150 drop because of the seat tube height. I rode the medium frame though and it was way too short. I'm 175cm btw.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, really is a bummer about those long seat tubes and short reaches, makes it tricky!

[@CS-ir9mo]

I have the aluminum and the steel frame and love both the steel frame took little longer to make feel like I like it. Wasn’t big fan at first but kept changing it. Aluminum one take to bike park mostly run shimano zee brakes and downhill derailleur with fox 36 160mm and stans no tube mk3 on both for rims steel frame is set up hard trail riding 12 sp sram with fox 150 mm 36. There just something about smoking fullys on jumplines and flow trails on a hardtail it has took a licking and held up flawlessly. And don’t get mad guys i ride fully to

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I feel you man, that’s a fun feeling haha!

[@ish474]

I Built My 2022 meta for around $2,500 with an xx1 drivetrain and a lyric and it's the best bike I've ever owned. I bought it for the short chain stays minimal BB drop and short-reach. I run a 50 mm Riser bar 27.5 wheels and it's just a big BMX bike.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Sounds fun!! You must have gotten a great deal on that drivetrain too, nice job 🤙

[@ish474]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy piece by piece it started out as a GX with an XX1 copper cassette

[@valentinstefanov1502]

I am currently driving an МЕТА HT 2017 Оrigin and now I will replace the stock parts with better ones. I like it and if I have the financial opportunity, I would take the 2022 model. As a minus I find that the frame is very tapered and this makes me think that it is a small bike for teenagers.

[@perkristiandrangsholt4053]

A la carte! METALLIC PURPLE!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Not offered in the states 😭😭

[@ericf5976]

I want the Ohlins build but I’m not sure how I feel about the mullet setup on a hardtail yet. I ride a mullet on my FS enduro/freeride bike and it’s fantastic for that aspect but slow rolling and harder on the climbs compared to a dedicated 29er. I feel like a hardtail should be balanced with equal size wheels to maintain efficiency.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

The Ohlins edition comes in full 29”, so you should be good to go!

[@Brotha_J619]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy only on large and xl. S/m says mullet.

[@vrwgq3q]

I have a torrent. I think the geo the Torrent and Rootdown has is as progressive you can make a hard tail to be truly multi purpose or all mountain

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s true, good geo there for sure! I’d throw the Honzo ESD and RSD RS-291 in that category as well; true enduro hardtails!

[@TheCaptainsCog]

These bikes are sick but I think I would still want a Marin San Quinten.

[@Sketchybackyardtrails]

Me too

[@METEORA_47]

im ride san quentin with some upgrade.thats sick

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I think that would be my personal preference as well, as long as we’re talking about the 2023 SQ

[@effynashrul8562]

I'm riding the previous marin SQ and lovin it

[@METEORA_47]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy im ride the previous model that really awesome

[@mavatio2740]

I have been using the new Commencal Meta HT for one year and would not recommend to buy a pre-built bike. My bike felt sluggish at the beginning and I changed a lot of parts and now this bike makes really fun. Completely different. Important to know: You also need a new hub if you want to change your cassette (Eagle Upgrade)! The components from Commencal are cheap.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, SX/NX us an HG driver, but you should be able to find a XD driver for the formula hub that comes with the bike. And I agree that the lower tier bikes are speced the best, but it’d be pretty spendy for a new rider to build one frame up!

[@durrantmiller8810]

what trim did you buy?

[@sowadsbikejobs3583]

I had the 2017 one, and now I am willing to buy the 2023 one

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Hopefully they’ll come out with an updated frame soon, it’s been a couple years now!

[@sowadsbikejobs3583]

@ridingwithjoshandwendy I've Already purchased it and I can send a video about how I feel about after a few months,, if it's Okey with you..

[@Cdoles610]

2023 Meta HT XS or San Quentin 3. I can’t make a decision! It’s so hard!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

The SQ3 is a bit more aggressive, where as the Meta HT will feel a bit more playful/nimble. The standover height is also significantly shorter on the San Quentin, so if you have a short inseam or like you’re seat super low on the descents than the SQ3 would be best

[@brianjimmibech1937]

Just love my Race, i ride it more than my fully

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Hell ya, glad you’re stoked on it!!

[@Brotha_J619]

Theres been alot of back and for for me between getting a Rsd middle child a kona honzo ht and the commencal meta ht. It looking like the commencal right now

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice!! All are great bikes!

[@hardmtnbiker]

I completely agree that a steep STA on a hardtail is not necessary and most traditional older STA is prefect for a HT. Especially since most of use will be mashing and standing on much of the climb as we seek steep descents.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Glad to hear I’m not crazy haha!

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy you’re spot on and I really enjoy your videos. I’m obsessed with hardtail’s and have a few. My friend just bought a new 36Fox for his Honzo ESD. Personally I’ve always wanted a Chromag

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thank you man, I really appreciate that! Ya a Chromag has been a dream of mine for years. The brand stands for everything I love about this sport… oh and the bikes aren’t half bad either!

[@michaelsernst]

I got the race but it came with all SLX components except the cassette was deore not sure if it’s changed but for that price I feel SLX was worth the increased price along with the fox 36 up front.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice! Ya I've always been super impressed with how SLX shifts!

[@zarate1999]

Just ordered the Race as well, it indeed comes specced with SLX drivetrain. It even shows the SLX graphic on the crank arm in this video. All good though, definitely worth it with the updated drivetrain and fox 36, especially when it’s on sale for $2200. Can’t help to think it’s on sale for a reason though, 2024-25 model coming soon? 👀

[@benitomojarro3134]

@ridingwithjoshandwendy great content keep it up brother, was wondering if u can give me some advice i have 2,000$ total looking to buy my first hard tail been looking at san quentin 3,stoic 4, and commencal which bike do u recommend also if theres other hard tails u recomend would take that in to account,im 6”3 weigh 205 lbs if that helps in any way,thanks in advance

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thank you man! All of those are great bikes! I’d personally choose the SQ3 as it’s a killer deal and I personally prefer its geometry. But I think you’ll be happy on any of those!

[@Pablo-kt7cz]

0:24 that was my bike like, 10 years ago... I miss me neon yellow

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ah man that was my dream!!

[@ThatMountainMoment]

I hear from other reviews that this bike rides super harsh compared to other similar bikes. Any thoughts on that?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Yeah, definitely pretty stiff! Which can be a perk on flow trails, but will definitely wear you out quickly on rougher terrain

[@user-ol7ew7pp9c]

For the record, this bike/frame does NOT support SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH). I own the frame and the design regarding hanger is totally different, UDH won't fit for sure. TBH I don't have a clue where does Josh's info come from and I haven't been able to find anything on that. That aside, the bike is amazing, I've actually built it from scratch on the Keswick Green frame and it rips.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thanks for the clarification! I’m guessing that at the time of filming their website had mistakenly listed it… but I very well could have just gotten facts mixed up between the different bikes I work on. I’ll pin a comment to let people know 🤙

[@woduk]

Do you get brands like Stanton over in the states? they make really nice hardtail frames mainly steel with the slackline etc

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

We do! Had my eye on the switchback for years! Just can’t afford it haha!

[@woduk]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy they are, here in the uk I have a bird zero am hardtail which is something different. Loads of nukeproof scouts over here with them being based in Northern Ireland.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I’ve seen those Zero AMs and am super interested!! How do you like yours?

[@woduk]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy it’s a good solid frame, still surprising the meta doesn’t have tabs for a bash guard. I don’t ride hard enough but still run one only the bottom part just incase.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Aggreed! I run an adapter on my RSD Middlechild and it gets the job done, but would rather have it integrated for sure

[@kmsbailey405]

My Ride modle came as a 29/27.5 so you can get a mullet and they were both and still are maxxis dissector tires so..... theres that

[@kmsbailey405]

And sram NX drivetrain. I've swapped up to the GX because I had one on my last bike and enjoy it more

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice!! I'm sure the GX was a huge upgrade!

[@kmsbailey405]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy definitely worth the upgrade. Plus it was only $75 because planet cyclery had a huge sale on it awhile back

[@kiethpederson7558]

These bikes are really nice however I went with a vitus sentier vrs because I'm not into the mullet phase or set up I should say the trails I ride I definitely not copacetic with that set up

[@IsmaxRide]

what do u think abou Giant Fathom 1 2022 ?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

It’s a killer bike for the money! The geometry is a bit more conservative than I tend to prefer, but it’s a super solid frame with great parts on it for the price

[@yamahschector]

Pay attention to sales. I bought the ohlins for $28xx out the door with Black Friday on top of sales prices.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s rad man, great find!!

[@trindermon]

"kez" "ick" :) (its a place in the UK).

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ahh, makes sense, thanks for sharing 🤙

[@justgo4033]

Stick with RSD had a meta-HT before and it’s not a bad bike, but the RSD is a level above

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Agreed! Geo is 100% and the aluminum frame feels surprisingly supple! Definitely not comparable to a steel frame, but not as harsh as some

[@justgo4033]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy the new version of the meta with the shorter seat tube is more compliant but the one i had was so stiff it would buck me off my pedals , my rsd doesn’t do that . I want a meta to set it up as a big wheel dj / pump track bike , thats where it shines in my opinion.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya, that’d be rad! Still too high of a seat for that type of thing for my personal taste though. Too many years on a BMX bike has me used to dropping my hips suuupper low lol

[@justgo4033]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy i used to ride bmx to but never felt comfortable on them until dj bikes came into the scene. ( im old lol ) . At my dj park, ive noticed guys jumping with super long seatpost . So i guess it’s all about preference. I find my enduro bike better at dj than my dj bike to be honest.

[@nelsonalvarez9054]

Is the same frame in all of the builds?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

It is, which is one of the best things about this bike! The $1400 origin as such an upgradable starter bike!

[@orinsjus2010]

I am 5'6, what size would let me sit on the frame tube with both feet planted?

[@DontWorryImAPilot]

I'm 5'6". I have a small Meta HT. I can't plant both feet with my heels down standing over the top tube. Almost, but not quite. I have a 30" inseam. Honestly, though, you just get used to the slight lean to one side or the other to feel comfortable when stepping off. It's a great bike. I've ripped it all year and it's been killer!

[@orinsjus2010]

all the small metas would have the same specs I presume?@@DontWorryImAPilot

[@orinsjus2010]

29 or 27.5?@@DontWorryImAPilot

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Hard to say, but I'd guess you could stand flat footed on a size medium seeing as your height is included in their recommendations for that size (5'2-5'7 for S, 5'6-5'11 for M)

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@jackychuang4692]

How would you compare it with trek roscoe?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

The frame geometry is going to be more catered towards fast descending, whereas the Roscoe will be a bit more agile/playful.

[@jackychuang4692]

@ridingwithjoshandwendy I'm new to mountain bike. I test-rided 2023 roscoe 7/8 and found it's quite fun. But, for the same price of roscoe 8, I can get commencal HT in essential version which has better components. The only downside would be that I cannot test ride commencal. Would you recommend commencal over trek for the beginner who might be using for easy park and trail with kids?

[@nsxacura200]

Is X-Fusion a good gork???

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

The make a wide range of products, from really crappy to really nice haha. Do you know what model your specifically referencing?

[@wiliam-bd]

marin sq 023 vs cammencal meta ?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Tough one, both great bikes! Might simply come down to your preferred wheel size, as the SQ is only offered in 27.5 and for the most part the Meta HT is just 29

[@urielgonzalez9916]

In the images its mullet

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Is it?? I don’t think so!

[@slide_drexler]

0:54 Allez Pompon! 🍑❤️ #myriamnicole

[@makro6321]

Ewww that rear caliper mount… Wish they had used post mount.

[@o.zzzzzz]

agreed

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Really don’t get why anyone is still using IS mounts at this point 🤷‍♂️ But at the end of the day I don’t really care

[@tomaskaleta1041]

Andorra is not a region of Spain, it is a sovereign state between Spain and France :)

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Good to know, thank you for clarifying!

[@hardknocksmuaythai5844]

Andorra and Spain are two different countries.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Whoops! Thanks for the catch!

[@frank8278]

The Meta HT is one of the most uncomfortable hardtails ever made.

[@barneyrubble6485]

I find it rides well

[@frank8278]

@@barneyrubble6485 Did not say it does not. It is just very uncomfortable.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Definitely stiff, but that makes it great for buffed out flow trails! I actually found my first gen San Quentin to be even stiffer though

[@frank8278]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I am coming from a Paradox V3 maybe that's why maybe the Meta feels like rock.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha that would definitely do it! Probably one of the softest aluminum frames out there!

[@marcwilliams4014]

You'll find Andorra is it's own country, not a region of Spain. 🤦‍♂ Keswick is pronounced kezick

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Not a geography expert lol, thanks for the catch 🤙

[@juanhidalgo7043]

Wait commencal from Spain? I do not support anything made in Spain or the Basque region. Spain (and Portugal) abuse of bulls it is a no and you should not supports these countries (i.e., Rotor brand.)

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

My bad, actually from Andorra! North American here with horrible European geography 🤦‍♂️