It's Better Than You Think

[@paulm9340]

Hopefully the greater MTB community will see this and realise they don't need to force themselves onto the largest bike possible, sizing down has it's advantages too!

[@hogey74]

Yep. I learned to ride MTB on a norco nitro xc in M when an XL was probably better for actual XC, commuting etc. That thing felt like a BMX. I then broke a Giant NRS doing the same thing though lol.

[@jj5561]

You are great in front of the camera as well as behind!! Stoked to finally see the build! 🎉

[@ddangerousddave]

Hey, thanks!

[@thechosensloth1452]

Honestly one of the most informative Dream bike videos I've seen, really detailed description with the added explanations so even those not familiar with the parts can understand the reasons behind choosing them. I also love the production quality and how your channel is growing over the past months, keep it up :D

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@therealjaypowell]

Great to see you in front of the camera Dave, you did a really good job. Love the bike as well.

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks Matt! I still prefer to be on the other side of the lens though :p

[@joncam3045]

@@ddangerousddave dont stop! Dave great job very natural

[@davisjl1979]

This is high quality production!!! Hope to see more like this!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks! I'll do these every once in a while, but POV will still be king.

[@thelittleewokboss9929]

@@ddangerousddave Sus

[@Gilmore304]

Iphone 13 is high quality? S T F U

[@ubertalldude]

Killer build, that bike looks nice looking at it from the side since we usually only see the cockpit view!

[@ddangerousddave]

POV for life :p

[@stefanzlatarits5080]

Would be interested to know how you like it vs the Sight! Pros/Cons etc. Also what made you go with the Commencal as your next bike and what other options you considered.

[@steezosaurusrex]

Yeah id also like to hear that!

[@Dj-KZ]

Fascinating and informative video. It's clear that you know exactly what you're talking about and are extremely passionate. Your examples and explanations were straight to the point and I felt like I could understand everything despite not being that knowledgeable in the technical specs of bikes. Nice work!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@TheMops14]

Thank you Dave, I have been waiting for this bike check. Love your channel (and your laugh).

[@ddangerousddave]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hogey74]

Dave, you do you, of course. Just wanted to say I found you via vids of you having fun riding. Appreciated you confidently talking through your decisions about doing or not doing obstacles based on being on your own. Then yesterday (Feb 09, 2023) I caught vids of you going for it in the wrist-tapping thing and vs other youtubers ... nice! ) As much as possible I hope you stick with riding and whatever comes out of your mouth while doing so.

[@src248]

I know it's a small thing but I really love the red plate on the silver stem. Looks fantastic!

[@ddangerousddave]

Agreed! Love how it looks in POV footage especially.

[@HardtailLife]

Wicked! Love seeing the examples of riding as you mention the features.

[@daltonknapton]

Your a natural in front of the camera! Great video and that bike is killer

[@ScottBowman19]

I love my v4s so much, I know you have moved on to new rides but I have evolved these machines and love them more each day. Was fun to go back and look at the post that got my started with commencal.

[@thebigoutside9623]

This is so high quality! Would like to see some more of this in the future! Great job man!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thank you very much!

[@thebigoutside9623]

@@ddangerousddave No Problem!

[@normcook9335]

Exceptional production. Great oration: clear and concise, notable lack of filler words.

[@Cajo22]

Congrats…nice bike review… simple and straightforward! 👍

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks! 👍

[@JDirom]

Dave stumbled across your channel. Great to see that you are still riding bikes, and making videos. Cheers JD!

[@ddangerousddave]

JD - What a blast from the past. Great to hear from you!

[@nicks2716]

Wow, that was a slick production Dave! Honestly, I still don’t know enough about bike components to ask anything overly meaningful… so I’ll just say that is one beautiful looking bike!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks Nick!

[@IDoBlues]

Totally interesting that you moved to a small. I've been riding a medium (reach=450mm) for the past couple of years, but moved to a small (reach=435mm) this year and love the added mobility (I'm a touch under 5'8). I also moved to 5Dev cranks. I went with 155mm and will never go back to 165+. I like the extra clearance, but also like the standing stance on the downs better.

[@ddangerousddave]

Nice! I definitely take sizing on a case-by-case basis depending on the exact geometry and what I'm after in a particular bike, but have enjoyed the extra playfulness this year.

[@ansbdnsnan]

5Dev cranks are like $1,000 though

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

Build is spot on what I would do with maybe the exception of the wheels. I prefer completely silent (running Onyx myself), but on the other hand I have had several times where I've caught up to folks in the park and they couldn't tell I was behind them because my bike is so quiet.

[@AbeKungel]

Great walkthrough! What's the long term verdict? Things you would change about the build? Things you still love just as much as day 1? Thoughts on the mullet? Would love to see a 1 year later review!

[@RiderDon]

WOW! that’s how you do a bike check 👏 the best I’ve seen so far 😮

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks a lot!

[@ThemudhuggerCoUk]

Bit late to the party, but massive thanks for the shout out Dave :)

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks for making useful products!

[@flipxrandom]

My same exact dream build but in black and brushed combo, nice video dave very imfomative thanks

[@maximerossi5285]

Great vid again man! Watching you from France. Thanks for your amazing work and beautiful ride!

[@ddangerousddave]

Merci beaucoup!

[@glpf5]

Great bike check Dave and sweet build! Love my carbon hoops (6 years now with no issues and no truing:). May I suggest as a grip alternative the PNW Loam grips, they stay pretty grippy when wet, even with bare hands.

[@harryls1283]

Dude!!! Awesome bike with awesome parts. Hope you can enjoy it for years to come and keep producing those cool videos. 🤙

[@d-nicebikes]

Nice to finally see exactly what you have been riding, DD. The bike looks awesome, love the Samurai theme, especially as a carver of trails/trail features, that you are, the theme is appropriate. Not sure if there is much left to upgrade, but, any possible considerations for future now that you have ridden the Meta for a bit?

[@ddangerousddave]

Curious about TRP DHR Evo brakes which supposedly have Shimano power with SRAM modulation. Also want to try a coil shock. This bike pedals well so I think you could add a coil for a more supple feel on the descents while keeping it's climbing ability. A coil does add close to a pound of weight though.

[@d-nicebikes]

@@ddangerousddave would be curious to see a coil vs shock comparison. Even with the extra weight, I am wondering if it would be that noticeable for you. Looking forward to what's in store!

[@VanCan]

Pretty neat bike brah

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks for your fancy work behind the lens brah!

[@andrewlamarche325]

Yes!! I’ve been waiting for this!

[@ddangerousddave]

Better late than never haha

[@swamprizz]

Seeing more and more people using the mullet setup. Making me heavily consider grabbing one!

[@ddangerousddave]

I think I'm sold on it. I like the extra traction and rollover of the bigger wheel up front without having to worry about getting buzzed by the rear tire on the steeps. Full 29er would make more sense for racers and tall people, but I'm neither.

[@d.paulgilfillan533]

looks pretty solid! Thanks from Canada!

[@nostr8ghtlinzs596]

I have the 2021 full 29er, also 5'9", and also ride a small. I am newbie so the smaller size makes it easier for me to maneuver. I also picked a small as the year I was lucky enough to get a bike, small and medium bikes had some over lap in size. plus the small size was almost the same size as my reach. So it fairly comfortable. the bike rides well above my pay grade. thanks for sharing.

[@MrNegrulo]

Nice description Dave. I am wondering how much low compression are you using in your shock? I am also using megneg a it feels much better than the regular can in downhills; however, pedaling in a flat/uphill trail I feel the bikes has excessive bobbing and I ended up almost closing completely the low compression. Thank you a lot, cheers from Chile!

[@Henrymayday]

sick meta! nice colorway. loving mine too🤘

[@vashusan1984]

Great looking bike. In the process of building a Comencal HT AM. Really looking forward to a more aggressive hard tail to match the riding I enjoy on my FS.

[@Tequila628]

6:41 - OH MAN, you gotta get your hands on TRPs DHR EVO, they are as good as people tell they are! Power of shimano and modulation of sram combined! My favorite brake hands down!

[@ddangerousddave]

I've heard good things from a few people. A wee bit more modulation would be nice!

[@LastAphelion]

I'm torn between trying the TRPs and Hayes Dominions on my next bike. However I've always been recommended to just stick with sram and shimano brakes for ease of service and availability of parts in the area, and was told that RSC with gaffer rotors with trick stuff pads eliminate most complaints and really excel.

[@duncanwright301]

The DHR evo is my favorite brake ever - I stick with the Quadiem for a slightly lighter weight but the modulation + power is absurd

[@kylegoplin]

amazing bike, amazing video, amazing quality, keep it up!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks Kyle!

[@genisis53]

Great video, Dave! Thanks for your hard work

[@trailjockeytj6160]

Very nice bike check! Love the theme, I name all my bikes!

[@anthonybergeron3682]

Beautiful! I need it! Now we would like to see the field test / impressions please. Thanks

[@ixcel83]

I love the raw aluminum! It is sweet that you had fun making your bike yours! Nice video!

[@ashpunting]

I'm definitely going to look into the SQ lab 611 sadle for sure 👍🏾

[@ddangerousddave]

I've been happy with them. So much so that I've slowly swapped all my saddles to SQ. The first couple rides feel weird because they distribute noticeably more weight onto your sit bones compared to normal saddles, but then again, that's the whole point.

[@ashpunting]

@@ddangerousddave I will take weird over pain anyday cheers brother 💯 🙏👍🏾

[@Scotty_P]

Woahhh that's a beast of a bike ! Love that you went for the lyrik, took me a long time to get used to weight of a zeb.. and let's be honest probably 80% of riders don't need the 38mm stancions

[@alexnze9747]

This bike is MAD! I love riding this beauty 🔥

[@kendrickcarroll680]

Looks like a great bike. I've been wondering about the oval chainring, seems like people are very split on them, but probably just have to try one for myself. I am curious how you're liking the mullet setup? I'm starting to look at new bikes, but almost everything I'm seeing now is going to the 29ers, and I'm not sure I want to go to those. The mullet just seems like the best of both worlds

[@MikeKraemer87]

Man this bike is absolutely gorgeous! Drool worthy.

[@darrinkulyk9560]

AWESOME Build 😎 AWESOME Rider 😎

[@johnnyrc9304]

I’m VERY late to the party, but I’m truly curious why you chose an aluminum frame instead of carbon? Thanks.

[@ddangerousddave]

Commencal only makes aluminum bikes. I generally prefer carbon for weight savings, but aluminum frames offer better bang-for-the-buck.

[@johnnyrc9304]

After checking the website, I saw that they only do aluminum. I agree with the weight, but the bigger point for me is I really like the stiffness of the carbon frames. Devinci carbon frames really aren't much lighter, but the difference in stiffness and responsiveness is noticeable to me.

[@leifostrum9597]

At 6:06 on the bottom right pivot arm is a screw hole where you can install a M3 .5x6 screw which will help to increase the derailleur's shifting capability. Just look up AXS Eagle Worn pivot arm on mtbr forums page 2 and it discusses rider's issues with that one particular pivot point. I believe it will work on GX, X01, and XX1 AXS derailleurs since that screw hole is threaded from the factory but does not come with a screw. Let me know if this is true AXS owners.

[@leifostrum9597]

Also look up homemade Hall-Lock to help reduce AXS derailleur's chain slap, it requires a 1mm washer from a shock mount hardware kit.

[@ehyojono]

I like how you used a Marvel character as the theme of your bike. Build looks rad!

[@mtbohana]

Your bike is sick. I got my Meta SX frame in Feburary and built it up. The bike rips and I'm loving it so far. I have the 2021 Meta AM and I think the SX is better for my type of riding. You should post your video up on the Commencal subreddit.

[@liwx]

finally a new bike check vid ! i do have a question: you mentioned you've rolled your bar quite forwarded but as far as i know excessive forwarded bar roll would make steering way too quick and sharp, which means the bike might knife underneath you when cornering under high speed. how do you tackle that issue ? i believe aaron gwin also mentions such issue that most ppl roll their bar fairly forward to have sorta extra comfort when riding flat terrian but it would totally ruin the steering quality

[@chrispemberton4931]

Great rundown. What's that bottle cage ?

[@ddangerousddave]

It's from Serfas. You can rotate it depending on whether your grab your bottle with your left or right hand. You can also mount it at an angle so the tip of your bottle doesn't hit your shock reservoir. That's how I fit a full size bottle in this small frame.

[@Cajo22]

@@ddangerousddave And this would be the NC-300 switch-hitter nylon cage (according with their website)? Thks

[@markx9623]

Guess I have to build a new bike around those cranks 😲 5Dev was new to me. Cool. Nice build btw 👍

[@quantumfineartsandfossils2152]

1:30 + "when they get wet they are not as grippy" yes details like this agreed you never want to overlook not wiping out ever is a great idea we are limited by what bikes we ride it is true but that doesn't mean you are not limitless as to how you use a bike according to its limits you can go from a not so good bike to the best bikes and go crazy on the good bikes because you are so trained on bikes with so many potential hazards like unsteady grips when wet with good gloves that keep you attached to your bike as you ride

[@javduranm]

I loved the idea of building the bike inspired by a comic character. I'm in the process of building one Commencal Meta SX V4 from scratch; but I wished I got that idea before start buying the components hahah.

[@AKiDNAMEDLAX]

"the hubs that come on most bikes have about 10deg before they engage" Makes me think about the 180+ degrees that my bendix two speed has... at least I managed to circumvent the coaster brake.

[@thereisaplace]

But… there was no smile-inducing Dave giggle/laugh. Are we sure this is THE Dave? ;-)

[@ddangerousddave]

I caught a cold and lost my voice a few weeks ago so I don't think I could hit those high notes even if I tried 😂

[@thereisaplace]

@@ddangerousddave Well please get better, your fans can only go so long without that patented giggle/laugh! 🙂

[@JaggedTusk]

sick bike bro

[@janeblogs324]

Great, I have to look up what geometry they think small is now

[@janoshtrenhem3573]

Hey Dave, how well suited for freeride/jumps is this bike in your opinion ?

[@ddangerousddave]

Feels pretty good to me, although the Clash might be a bit more playful with the 27.5 wheels. Hoping to demo one at some point to compare.

[@mjasz4341]

Awesome build! I love that it's themed! Although I do miss the McSight a little bit 🤣 What's the pedal kickback like with the high engagement hub?

[@noahbaergolf]

loved the intro

[@drMomirPantelic]

best bike check I’ve ever seen! so I am almost exactly the same height/weight as u Dave.. would the M size be too long for u or did u feel like it was still OK just not as maneuverable? Seems like the M would be quite long.. also aluminium frame v. carbon, did u go for aluminum for any specific reason? the bike must be on the heavier side.. thanks - I am looking between the dreadnought and possibly meta so any added info will be helpful

[@alfadeki5175]

Sweet build!

[@Emolokz]

Oh man, you're around my height and I'd been humoring a small size Commencal (albeit an AM rather than an SX, but focused around a WRP mullet link +27.5" rear). The SX has a shorter reach than the AM does in general, you didn't feel too crowded in the cockpit?

[@krisdamboise9402]

Dave, I have the same bike but my wheels are the I9 305 not 315 carbon wheels, size small frame. Do you recall the build weight?

[@ddangerousddave]

I think 34.5, but don’t quote me on that. Heavier than I would have liked lol

[@IamRolling]

Great video! Very well done. I do wonder, why the Mullet setup?

[@legionofful]

wow awesome break down, what psi are you running in your tires?

[@brandonmagyar2444]

Do you have a link to that new paddle for AXS shifter that you got? Great bike and video!

[@jessegiling9603]

Hi Brandon, The shifter is by ADBIKING, check out the website and send Henri an email.

[@2minus1_Shredder]

Yaaaaay finally!

[@Tankers]

Been waiting for this vid!!!

[@bru96851]

holy shit!!!! biking is a science!!!

[@Durwood71]

Truly a dream bike, as in a bike that most people watching can only afford in their dreams.

[@993cupswe]

do you have a link to the makers of you AXS shifter pleaseeee :)

[@jessegiling9603]

Check out AD-biking, and send Henri an email.

[@DarkFeedFPV]

Love a full Pro bike check ;) We want to know what pros ride

[@ddangerousddave]

Not sure I'm a pro, but thank you!

[@DarkFeedFPV]

Sure looks like pro skills level to me ahah your welcome ! @@ddangerousddave

[@323johnnybravo]

Very clean !!

[@rockywayne5385]

I love the proper anatomical terminology:) im curious what you do for a living. Maybe another physio shredder like me ☺️

[@ddangerousddave]

PT represent 💪

[@LowBr4in]

hi man, love your content and the bike is so sick:) do you feel the small frame held you back during the enduro race or was it just fine?

[@MellowBellow_]

Why not a carbon frame?

[@garykawamura1181]

Great video and I love your content! I'm interested in the 5dev myself. Curious what made you go for 160 vs 155? I'm 5'5 and looking at the 155 cranks

[@ddangerousddave]

Fear of change 🤣. I've been running 165s for years so 160 felt like a safer bet.

[@garykawamura1181]

@@ddangerousddave thanks! I think I'm going to try the 155.

[@whiteknucklemtb7511]

How does it compare to your Sight? Any particular reason you went with Commencal?/

[@ryanrobertson2371]

can’t wait for my sx to arrive, how does it ride ?

[@scottmajor9214]

How do you like the Sq Labs 611 saddle? I have the exact one on order. Great video.

[@fj80_gxl]

Good thing you went for the small frame because the medium and large versions have unbalanced handling especially on steep techy sections and out of corners

[@이용민-g4b]

I'm also riding a Meta V4 SX model, and when I tried using the SRAM GX AXS, I felt like the transmission was not compatible. Are there separate hangers for Shimano and SRAM?

[@Azazel518]

Great vid Dave..I looked up the ad biking website for the axs shifter and was confused by 2 prices for whatI thought would be the same thing. there are 2 prices..one for shift and one for down shift..do they come in 2 sections?. cheers from Sydney Australia 🤙

[@ad-biking]

Hi Black Hawk, nice to hear you where looking around on the website! The difference between the 2 models is that the Quickshift also can be used with your indexfinger (trigger shift) and with your thumbnail. The Upshift model is thumb only.

[@jessegiling9603]

I would go with the QUICKSHIFT option for sure. Makes for easy and ‘quick’ shifting if you know what I mean. 👈🏼😉

[@5DEV]

We are late to the party but this build is INSANE!!

[@SonyToprano1908]

Grey/silver bikes with red forks 🙌

[@ddangerousddave]

Too bad RockShox stopped making the Lyrik in red this year :(

[@snat6299]

Beautiful bike

[@Tequila628]

bike check??? BIKE CHECK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@quellerie]

Thanks!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks a lot for your support!! Much appreciated.

[@6godgforce861]

can u atleast tell us what's the size of the spindle and what's the exact bb u using with that 5dev cranks because i have the same frame and i'm having hardtime what's the exact measurements of the Bb thanks 😊

[@gMTBaddict]

Dave what is the width of your wheel set and what tire width front and rear are you running on that beauty?

[@ddangerousddave]

31.5mm internal diameter rims and 2.5" tires.

[@dirtyshiza8587]

nice, dude!

[@petarstoychev1210]

How is the balance from the longer chainstay compered to the shorter reach ?

[@lovr8363]

Nice bike check! What does the bike weigh?

[@dadlife8289]

Dang I was looking for a video about this bike after I saw you started riding it. I have one on order