First Look: 2021 Commencal Meta AM 29 Team Edition

[@singletrack]

The effective top tube is 626mm not 636mm as stated in the video. Sorry

[@antoinecaussade8328]

Hi when are you going tu UP load de riding video

[@seanwooster3344]

how tall are you?

[@antoinecaussade8328]

@@seanwooster3344 1.67 cm

[@James-dn1hu]

Long term review?

[@64Spokes]

It’s nice to see commencal sticking with aluminum frames

[@braddyboy83]

why?

[@64Spokes]

Joseph Kawecki cuz it’s a better material then carbon

[@braddyboy83]

Because it's stronger? It's also heavier than carbon. Any other reasons? Thanks

[@braddyboy83]

I'm considering buying norco range c1 or c2 (carbon) ebike or meta sx race ebike (alu)

[@64Spokes]

Joseph Kawecki I’ve snapped carbon frames in a few weeks. Aluminum can fail too but takes more abuse in my experience.

[@mtbohana]

Great first peek at the new Meta AM. Can't wait to see a full review.

[@singletrack]

You and me both!

[@mtbohana]

@@singletrack Any update on the full review?

[@pace_tracker]

So, when is the full review comming? 😊

[@ldrofone83]

Thank you so much for being a Commencal fan like I am!! I've been a long time lurker of your videos because of that. I have a 2018 Commencal Meta AM v3 650B that I've upgraded just about every component that I can. And I've been eyeing each new year model of the Meta AM 29 that has come out since. This year might be the year that I'm finally able to have a new bike day and I'm super excited about the 2021 Meta AM 29!! Thank you so much for picking one up and reviewing it so quickly! I'll be waiting (not so patiently) for the follow up to this video!!

[@singletrack]

Let us know if you get yourself a new bike 👍👍

[@91mikeyg]

I was lucky enough to get a large meta am from the 1st shipments in Australia. Should arrive early next week!

[@singletrack]

Sweet! Hope you like it👍

[@SoundboxPR]

How tall are you? I'm 6'2" and thinking of getting the large one.

[@91mikeyg]

I’m only 6ft but have ridden large size bikes since starting riding mtb.

[@pepsimies3022]

You getting this in Australia this early? For Europe it says that first shipments starting in December

[@91mikeyg]

Yes it is in transit and arrives to my door on Friday.

[@madmadimadison7542]

My "Signature" model turns up this Thursday! Giggly with excitement!

[@Marshal_6]

Perfect timing, I can now go and press buy it now. I`ve been worried about the "longness" of it. Its got bigger numbers than my Mondraker in some places... Cheers for clearing that up.

[@singletrack]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Marshal_6]

@@singletrack and so the waiting begins..... Send Barney up when it arrives ;)

[@muma5372]

I’m on edge of purchasing one do these, it would be super cool if you guys can get the review out so I can make my decision. Love the video!

[@jarnold1789]

Do it!!

[@twomassable]

Can't wait for the review!

[@MillerRL96]

Makes me wish I lived in a area that I needed this much bike! Cause it’s beautiful! I owned a 2018 meta AM and was just way to much bike for me but I’m loving the look of this new one.

[@singletrack]

If you find the 2018 Meta AM too much bike then this is certainly not for you. TR could be the one though.

[@samit4me]

Awesome first look Andy 👍 The bike looks and sounds amazing 😍 Really looking forward to your full review, seriously close to buying one.

[@singletrack]

Coming soon!

[@methcohna]

How soon?

[@samit4me]

I gave up waiting and got one before they ran out of stock. I'm coming of a Giant trance and this beast is heavy like between 16-17kg ride weight depending on size, super long and slack, pedals suprisingly well but you do feel the weight, incredibly quite and built like a tank.

[@ntxtrance3802]

Looking forward to the review on how it rides and your overall impressions!

[@camperhonsa8633]

Big Betty? I used to run those tires on my DH bike all the way back when I was starting out in 2014😳. Can’t wait to see the new version!

[@singletrack]

Drag a little on climbs but super grip on the way down!

[@jacksondrake]

Can't wait for my 2021 Clash Signature to arrive!

[@singletrack]

I do fancy trying one of those 👌

[@tonyparkin3379]

Would like to see non bias reviews of bikes. None anywhere on you tube for the 21 meta

[@Briggsian]

Should have ordered the AM 29 Ride before they all sold... 😔

[@Pedro_Lakay]

Even the hardtails. They are all sold out very quickly.

[@mitsuendeamitsuendea1749]

Excited for my Meta Tr to arrive this end of the month!

[@noname-sd5dt]

Oh man, i got a 2019 tr race and it is phenomenal. Seeing what they have done with the 2021 22 frame fixes all those things that stop it being 100%. Like the chain stay width and relatively steep ha. I over forked and stroked mine to be 143/160 and it has messed the geo up for climbing but not for descending! I do miss the iconic Commencal toptube tho but hey, thats progress.

[@singletrack]

It's a big jump from the previous TR to the new AM, even me going from the previous AM to this it has been a major difference. Hope to get out on her today and get some more thoughts down ✌️

[@jarnold1789]

Absolutely love my Meta HT. Looking to build up a Meta AM in the future

[@alexlamy1271]

Meta Am is a beast ✌🏻

[@James-dn1hu]

Seriously where is the long term review. It’s been 7 months what’s going on

[@mtbohana]

Ok, it's been more than a few weeks. Hows the bike? I'm dying to know.

[@tim__sadler]

Solid edit!

[@singletrack]

Cheers mate👍

[@crush1221]

Where's the review?

[@Tyyler1507]

So although its heavy, it'll still climb decently right? Not as well as other bikes, but will it still take you up a hill without too much stress? That's the only thing I'm worried about with this, although I want the descent capability that I know this thing has. Beautiful bike, I must say

[@singletrack]

Hi mate, I was out yesterday on the bike and it amazes me how well it climbs. Also feel less fatigued when riding which also boosts climbing and overall ride time. It's a big bike though, so you need to be sure that your trails need something like this, our local stuff is probably better suited to the TR.

[@Tyyler1507]

@@singletrack Thanks for the reply! I'm on a cheapo XC hardtail so I've been riding Swinley forest and my local trails (which are very technical to be fair), so it will be very overkill initially but I'm planning to take it around to bikeparks and stuff so I can start improving. The point in getting one of these is so that I can get something that will last me a good few years, but I'll give the TR some consideration too since that will be more suitable for whats immediately available for me to ride. Quick edit: Not sure if you know much about the new Clash but would that be a good mid point between the Meta AM and TR with the long travel but slightly smaller overall bike?

[@andichirila1071]

Hey, i would like to see also the ride review with some details on how the bike does behave with the new components, and how much does weight for the size L? I will appreciate an answer if not so soon a video because i am waiting for mine in December. Thanks and keep up the good work

[@jcmymtb1258]

I ordered a HT frame. Should be here in a few days.

[@singletrack]

Nice hope you enjoy it

[@rokbukejlovic]

i want to hear some impressions from it

[@singletrack]

I'll have something soon

[@tomgannan6845]

When is the long term review coming out?

[@Dononemaccaboy]

I have a meta am 29 SRAM edition,looking at buying a new frame. Would you guys pick the polished am 29 (now delayed until december for medium and large ) or the Propain Tyre Al 29. Geometry looks more balanced on the tyre , but I can't stop looking at the polished meta thoughts ?

[@Dononemaccaboy]

Sorry spell check tyee

[@singletrack]

I also have the 29 SRAM Edition its a rad bike but the new META is so much more stable at speed. Tyee looks rad too but never ridden one. It all comes down to what you're riding (terrain) and what you're looking for in your ride (fun or speed). I've found the new Meta AM to be amazingly stable and calm at speed and it's so much faster than the previous bike but because it's so stable you don't get the same sense of speed. The TR might be something to think of also. I know this isn't much of an answer but feel free to ask if you have any questions.

[@Dononemaccaboy]

@@singletrack thank you, I enjoyed the vids you posted due to sharing the same bike. The SRAM does everything I need really , perhaps I'm getting caught up in the geometry updates with bikes at the minute. Weight of bikes is not a factor for me but I did read it is slightly heavier frame (not sure where) so would be interested to know if that's true. Also I love how there are now tubes for the cable routing around the pivot and better exit on the downtube. I found the cable retainer thing that goes though the pivot poor and had to cable tie to stop it moving toward the chainring. Looking forward to the review although I think this vid has made the decision , cheers

[@Dononemaccaboy]

@@singletrack I live in the Midlands so riding is mainly peak District. I'm not into jumps etc. but I liked the confidence the SRAM gave on downhill and that I could make mistakes and the bike looked after me, so sounds like this could do the trick

[@James-dn1hu]

When can we expect to see a review?

[@quiqueneutze3436]

Any long term review?? Please

[@markmonea3752]

How long till we see the riding review??

[@yannick.hensler]

There is still no full review. When does it come?;)

[@tomgannan6845]

Mine is arriving today😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@mikec9022]

How does the bike ride compared to your old one? Thanks

[@guikoelln]

I was trying to decide between the TR, Norco Sight and the AM. Went to Commencal Australia showroom which is 10km away from home and after talking to the guys decide to go for the TR Ride, looked it online and a couple of hours later when I decided to pull the trigger it was sold out in large. I'm gutted. Does anyone know how the new Norco Sight compares to the Metas? In my opinion the geometry sits in between the TR and the AM. I'm not sure if I should go for the 2021 Sight that are coming in August or wait for the next lot of TRs

[@singletrack]

Sorry I've not ridden the Norco, hopefully someone can help you out. The Meta's are selling out like crazy here too some are showing March 2021 for availability!

[@benny360]

Just go a frame only and do a custom build :) my partner picked up a large frame only this week (Australia) :) I think they still have some large frames left.

[@leebroadley1982]

Cool to see this going down my local trails 'Thin Brown Line' 'Are You Local'

[@Mesa3077Boogie]

Ya seems Commencal took the feedback and got it right this year!

[@oliverstrid4545]

still waiting for mine since august.

[@axial27]

3:11 the spider likes it too

[@singletrack]

haha I didn't spot that 😂

[@pinoypridemtb]

Nice video! I’m looking at both the meta AM 29 signature and team. New 2021 fox 38 / float X2 or Rockshox Zeb/ super deluxe ultimate? $400 difference. Thanks!

[@singletrack]

I believe the Signature also comes with a Shimano drivetrain and Maxxis tyres. My money I would go for the Team and use that $400 to take my new bike to places I haven't ridden before and enjoy it. Fox has much more adjustment, but the RockShox suspension on the Team is simple and performs really well. Also the Team has Schwalbe tyres which are amazing 😉

[@pinoypridemtb]

Singletrack Magazine thanks for the advice. Much appreciated and more power.

[@kevanwoodcock6858]

Hi, Can you fully insert the dropper all the way down? I have very short inseam and would need a large but only if the seat post can be fully inserted. Also what is the max insertion for a seatpost? Cheers Mate.

[@Tequila628]

My 2019 Spectral is always jealous when I look at other bikes... Gotta say though, this Meta is frickin' DIALED.

[@mikaa1202]

🤮🤮🤮Canyon

[@Tequila628]

@@mikaa1202 Sure, when you can find that frame, angles, gx eagle, fox 36, fox dpx2, dropper, dt swiss wheels and guide Rs for €2500, let me know.

[@singletrack]

Is that the Specialized Status? 😉

[@LowBr4in]

any further review on this?:) thanks

[@rokbukejlovic]

when will the review be out?

[@glowble]

Nice intro video! How tall are you for the large frame? What do you recommend for someone between sizes at 188cm?

[@russgarth782]

Hopefully gonna be able to get one next year , think I’ve had about as much as I can out my 2012 meta 55 🤙🤙🤪 although she’s still going strong 🤟

[@singletrack]

Is that the one with the small linkage in the frame? Similar to an Orange ST4 ? I had one of those too👍

[@russgarth782]

Think so , the one with the single swing arm from on the bike like the orange ??

[@robertonannetti8885]

Hi guys, could you please let me know about sizing? I read some reviews which says the large size is really large and in case of rider height on the edge, they suggest to downsize. So, 182 cm (6ft) should be large or medium basing on your experience? Tha ks for your reply.

[@juliankrieg3616]

I am 183cm tall and ride a medium frame. I wanted a playfull bike and it is really stable in fast sections. But I think a large frame brings a lot of fun too.

[@dasanoneia4730]

Hey Big Betty nice to meet ya😉

[@singletrack]

😂

[@flooperswastaken]

How much does it weigh? For a size large

[@mtbohana]

I have a 2018 Meta AM and want a new bike. I don't know if I should get this or the 2021 Clash. So confused.

[@themagicillusions]

MTB Ohana depends what you’re looking for. If you mainly ride park then the clash is probably better suited for the task. If you mainly pedal up and race enduros then you’ll be better off on the meta.

[@singletrack]

I'd say that Paul's comment is right, but the 2021 Clash has an updated geometry which would make it suitable for longer rides, and enduro. I suppose it really comes down to wheel size and if you plan on hooking 40ft gaps ;)

[@cwalt74]

if they had a 27.5 meta I'd buy one, the clash is too much bike

[@singletrack]

@@shrimpquarantine1741 Andi knows the Nico, the designer and suspension guru at Commencal, we can ask him to get an interview with if. We're sure he would love to test the Clash too. Watch this space.

[@mtbohana]

@@themagicillusions Man, Shirmp took the words right out of my mouth on everything. I do park days (Snow Summit, Sky Park) and all my local trails require a pedal up to rip the downs. I love my 2018 Meta AM, but it does have some pedal kickback and my heals do rub the seat stays. The 2021 Meta AM seems perfect, but that dang Clash looks so dang good too.

[@bobbilly501]

Is the commencal linkage good? And how’s the bike overall?

[@iketaylor697]

What's the weight?

[@Julian.133]

I have one and this is so good🙌🙌🙌

[@singletrack]

Awesome!

[@eastcoastcruisin4071]

Has anyone looked into a coil shock for this bike? I am waiting on mine in the US and I'm deciding between a DHx2 and a Float x2 any insight is helpful.

[@singletrack]

There are builds with a coil and speaking with the designer the bike will happily take one, but I've not tried it myself.

[@eastcoastcruisin4071]

Singletrack Magazine well if it’s designed for it then it sounds like I’ll be joining the coil crew

[@jonathonwright2210]

How tall are you, im about to order one but really stuck on whether to get a M or L, im 5.11'' thanks

[@James-dn1hu]

I’m the same height and have gone for the medium. Bike has not strived yet but im sure it will be a good fit for dh riding and still be small enough to Chuck about.

[@James-dn1hu]

Where’s the full review?

[@AaronDav-nq8hk]

did you every do a ride review on this?

[@singletrack]

Yes, here! singletrackworld.com/2021/11/commencal-meta-am-29-team-review/

[@jacksong9942]

I’m copping

[@FlyingMeta]

hot hot hot!

[@j.s.1967]

The biggest problem if i want to custom build this bike i cannot find RS deluxe 62.5..

[@singletrack]

Commencal has stock, I know this as I've checked for a bike I plan to build.

[@nomadcarpenter8549]

My plan is to run a 230x65mm shock and hope I have the clearance for the extra 7mm of travel

[@michaelw4620]

Being 6,2 what size in your opinion should I order?????? 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@singletrack]

I'm 178cm and I am on the large, so with that in mind I would say XL. BUT, it depends a lot on how you ride and the bike you're currently on. Commencal suggest an M for me, but I'm happy on this size L, that said I know riders the same height as me who prefer the M. Take a look at your current bike effective top tube (ETT) and compare it to the Meta geo. Also keep in mind that the seat tube is very short so you might need a longer dropper depending on the frame size you end up on. Hope that helps👍

[@nomadcarpenter8549]

I'm 6'2" and have ordered a xl based on the relatively short ett. Coming from a whyte s150 xl.

[@SoundboxPR]

@@singletrack I'm 188 cm and thinking of ordering the large one. My last bike was a Scott Spark large but I tried my friends Scott Genius XL and feel like was way to big for me. You think I could stick with the large Meta? In the chart they recommend both sizes.

[@andrewcoyne7690]

I'm 6 2 and ordered the large as I want a more playful bike as the XL is a big old bike! Im already looking at a one up dropper post to get the extra height. Like they said it depends on how you ride and what your riding style is like. The joys of being inbetween sizes 😂

[@SoundboxPR]

Andrew Coyne thanks for your feedback!!

[@IPlayVidyaGames]

What's the saddle? I know it's Fabric but which one?

[@singletrack]

Scoop Flat Elite👍

[@eecommencal265]

Still running my faithful 2009 Fizik Gobi 250g. I hasn’t spread even if my ar*e had 😂

[@eecommencal265]

It hasn’t.... if I have.

[@oscarramirez9768]

Great Video!! Im torn between getiing a Large size or an XL, im 6'2 and unfortunately I dont have any buds that have the new 2021 to sit on, I come from a Nomad 3 size XL which fitted me a little small, what do you think?

[@manologarciaantuna4078]

Excelente video ! Can you make one of the clash please

[@singletrack]

I'll see what we can do👍

[@rm2005nz]

How much does it weight

[@singletrack]

The official weight for a small is around 15kg. This is a large and I don't have anything to weigh it with here at home but my guess is more than 15kg, but it's very well balanced and it rolls super fast so you don't notice the weight.

[@rm2005nz]

@@singletrack 15.8 for a small without pedals 16.3 maybe with pedals but large frame maybe 16.5 this seems pretty heavy ?

[@bitumen83]

Everything is great on that bike except 1 thing, stupid press fit BB!

[@singletrack]

I think the issues with press fit were fixed long ago. My 2018 Meta has a PF BB and when I came to change the groupset to the new GX early this year I was surprised to find it still running smoothly and it has never creaked.

[@MrBigad77]

Want one or the tr.

[@singletrack]

Not an easy choice is it 😂

[@MrBigad77]

Singletrack Magazine no! Interested to watch the full review. At 5’10” in the middle of the sizing as well

[@dukeofmtb]

@@MrBigad77 It was a nightmare to decide. I ended up ordering the TR. I think the AM is just too much for most of my riding. I wish I could have both though. 😅

[@jasonkatz8]

@@dukeofmtb Ugh literally in the same boat as you. Can't decide!

[@dukeofmtb]

@@jasonkatz8 So I recently just got the TR. It's actually a very lively and playful bike. I expected it to be more "plowy" considering it's geometry. It corners suprisingly quickly even though it's so long and slack. It _is_ harder to get the front wheel up though. So learning to manual is going to be a little harder on the new Meta bikes.

[@kmjsabbir8668]

have crush on both - meta and clash .. which one is best overall ?

[@singletrack]

I haven't tried the Clash, but with the updates in geo for 2021 the new Clash looks like the 27.5in replacement to the smaller wheeled Meta. The Clash still looks like more of the park/freeride bike, but with the longer reach and steeper seat tube there's no reason you couldn't ride it all day and even race enduro.

[@kmjsabbir8668]

@@singletrack give a review on clash soon if possible . there are many positive reviews on meta but very few on clash, those are not at the level of satisfaction .

[@singletrack]

Will try and arrange it👍

[@Mesa3077Boogie]

So sick. Hate the colors. Love the bike

[@dev_IL666]

Meta or clash and why ??

[@singletrack]

Not ridden the Clash but hope to do so

[@HeretiCflow]

6 months and still no review.

[@singletrack]

The review is here.. singletrackworld.com/2021/01/staff-bike-test-andis-commencal-meta-am-29-sram-edition/

[@hesko125]

Is it too heavy

[@singletrack]

Not noticed the weight at all, suppose it depends what you're coming from.

[@hesko125]

@@singletrack I am between this and a jeffsys. Thoughts

[@Spenwall]

@@hesko125 Me too. Well I am looking at the Meta TR or Jeffsys. I like the looks of this one more just worried about the weight.

[@juanpabloducaud9725]

Dude its the same that commencal web site said....

[@matthew_dag6201]

A pre bike shortage video 😭

[@dev_IL666]

Dam it, why only in 29er !?

[@singletrack]

Because the new Clash and it's updated geo is pretty enduro already ;)

[@andichirila1071]

so it has been more than a couple of weeks since this video and not a review, that's kind of lame, and the new world order it's back with the quarantine so no new hopes.

[@michaeljeffrey5514]

who else saw that little spider at 3:06

[@turner02]

it too heavy

[@singletrack]

On paper it is heavy, on the trail you don't notice the weight. The same can be said for a lot of 'heavy' bikes. The point here is the kinematic is tuned to give it a lively ride and the tyres have a good rolling resistance. It picks up speed very quickly and is eager to get in the air. The only time I would say it 'drags' is on long road climbs, but I feel this is more the Big Betty tyre on the rear.

[@edolakes]

Yes, size S weighs 15.9 Kg without pedals. The aluminum frame weighs 4 Kg for a size M, considering the density of 6066 aluminum is between 2.6 to 2.8 g/cm3 and the carbon is between 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm3, you can expect that, at same volume of material, an identical carbon frame weighs 2 kg. You decide if it is a problem for you.

[@nomadcarpenter8549]

I'd think of it in the same way chris porter does. He adds lead to the ht and bb to give the the bike better damping. So if anything having the weight in the frame is no bad thing.

[@underdog6169]

Commencal is a brand with one of the WORST customer services...wait until you broke your frame and cry dealing with them. You have NO warranty at all.

[@singletrack]

Where are you based? We've found the people in Andorra to be really good.

[@edolakes]

I read the same comment in another video, from you. Can you tell us more about your experience with Commencal and with other brands to compare?

[@underdog6169]

@@edolakes My Supreme frame last only 3 months ( borken rocker link) and the say it was "lack of manteinance"...and several friends of mine had the same issue (metas as well)...so the warranty simply does not exist. I have been ridding (and sadly breaking frames) more than 20 years and I dealt with a lot of brands and for sure Commencal is the wosrt.

[@eecommencal265]

I am a big guy, 228lbs, and have been running a Meta 552XT since 2009. Other than consumables my eCommencal is as faithful today as it was back then. The only thing I do after a ride is spend as many hours post-ride preparing it as I spent out on the trail. All these stories of breaking bikes makes me wonder what on Earth you are doing to them that your body survives. And Yes I’ve had a fair bit of work done on me in hospitals so I’m not afraid to over push it. Love the new 29 AM. Totally different journey Commencal have taken over the years. Like watching a child grow. Brilliant. Thanks for the peek. Look forward to the test.

[@underdog6169]

@@singletrack Spain. The customer service for warranty issues I thiink is in France, but I am not sure.So many bike shops do not wnat to work with Commencal because is a brand of " colect customer money and forget"

[@felixj.4279]

how tall is he ?