Commencal Meta HT AM: Capable All Rounder | 2022 Pinkbike Value Field Test
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- Commencal's Meta HT AM comes with a high-quality frame worthy of upgrading, but how does this value spec build handle the rocky trails of Tucson, Arizona?
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Presented by:
Norrona - www.norrona.com/
Visit Tucson - www.visittucson.org/
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Bike Overview
01:27 - Climbing
05:00 - Descending
08:16 - Components
10:41 - Timing
11:22 - Models
12:28 - Pros
12:50 - Cons
13:21 - Verdict
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I bought the essentials build of this bike and that was the best decision I've ever made on a bike purchase. This bike is super fun, descends great and like this great trio noted, it will climb but it is not in a hurry. I did do some changes to my bike, put some roval traverse wheels on it and saved some weight and the bike is super fun. Great choice for any one.
Agreed! Essential build 🙌🙌.
I bought the ride in 2020 and it’s absolutely amazing. i do wish i bought the essential for the brakes and fork but it is a great bike
I have the 2021 race model and it absolutely rips, couldn’t recommend it more
@@davidn.7000 could you tell me the proper model name so I can research it? I’m interested in it
Does this one come with dropper post? Also what size did you get and your measurements if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks
I just got the 2022 Essential build on this. 29x2.6, 150mm Yari, dropper, 4-pot brakes. Absolutely loving it.
Previous hardtail was a more xc/trail focused bike, which I rode past it's limits too often. This bike, waaaay more capable.
mine is 2021 so it has 160mm yari😎
Hey Jacques. Are you still happy with bike? what do you use it for? I'm planning to purchase this as my only MTB (I only have a gravel bike for now).
Love my essential build of this bike. A Yari fork, Guide brakes, and a dropper post make it the perfect all around bike.
I looked at every geometry chart after buying a bike that didn't fit and settled on The Meta HT. This is the most fun bike I've ever owned. It's a giant BMX bike with gears to get up the hills. Every little hit on a trail becomes a jump. I built mine from a frame so my parts spec is exactly what I want, but the geometry is perfect for me. With my 29 front wheel and a 140 fork it can ride some super sketchy stuff then swap the 27.5 back on and it makes the boring trails fun again.
I have a Fox 36 160mm :) and I built it up also from the frame! Awesome bike!
Exactly why I bought one, to make my local trails exiting again
A geometry chart won't help you find a bike that fits, a size chart will.
@@the6ig6adwolf with all due respect I've owned enough bikes to know what works for me. I'm right in the middle between a medium and a large on most size charts. But very specifically I wanted a bike with the least amount of bottom bracket drop the shortest reach and the shortest chainstays which I found on the geometry chart. My large Kona Biig Honzo fit me fine according to the size chart but it did not provide the riding character I wanted.
@@ish474 sounds like you're higher maintenance than a modern mountain bike. Have fun out there you diva
I have a 2020 meta ht with 29” wheels , absolutely love it , i switched the 35 gold for a fox 36 170 mm, a bit over forked but i just took out a few spacers under the stem . Sometimes i like my meta better than my dh bike on certain trails , great at the dj park and awesome on the all mountain stuff .
RSD Middlechild owner here - 27.5x2.8 on wide rims are excellent on Tucson trails. I don't understand the hate for plus tires (I opted for 27.5 over 29 and I'm not a small rider). The flotation on soft surfaces and grip for braking and climbs are amazing, especially on a hard tail.
Couldn't agree more! I love my 27.5+ they make the trails more interesting and climbing is really good on pluss size tires. But they are not for the weight weenies. The rolling resistance is very noticable on the first few rides but once you get use to it, you can really get to love it.
@@eviltaz78 my experience is actually the opposite, it might be because of a number of reasons between two different bikes but the 27.5x2.8 tires spin up faster and are about the same weight. I think the primary reason is most folks run their plus tires too low, but to maximize those tires you need to add 2-3 psi.
Plus tyres definitely have their place. I guess people just don't run them because they're so thin, which makes them unstable and weak when riding hard, especially if your pressure is off.
@@th_js Definitely can tell when pressures are too low or too high, but haven't had any issues with unstable or thin tires running Maxxis DHF/DHR combo on 40mm rims. I'll probably switch to 60tpi DHR front and rear eventually. Maybe it is your combo or just a consequence of your terrain?
@@MatthewHashim Yeah man. Its almost like not all of us live and ride in British Columbia. Between jagged crust, chunder and baby heads, to lose scramble to sand and kitty litter over hardpack, plus tires are like the best thing in the southwest.
I just got one, I got the essential model and I must say that it’s quite an amazing bike, the geometry of these modern agressive Hartails feels amazing
Just got my essential too, amazing bike 👍🏻
@@jacquesduplessis6175 probably the best hardtail ive ever ridden
Great trio guys, PB+Beta rocks, cheers
I bought the 2021 frame in large, running as a committed 27.5+ bike outfitted it with XT drivetrain, 160mm Fox 36 performance, light bicycle carbon wheels, Raceface carbon cranks/bars, OneUp 210mm dropper. It's palyful, fast and very versatile. It climbs, descends and singletracks excellent. I have a 2nd wheelset with studded tires. I have a fatbike on the way, a YT Capra and a dedicated bikepacking/touring bike in the stable but just can't bring myself to letting this one go. I'm a bit of a bike snob.... so most built bikes don't sit well due to low spec'd components. This is that frame that's definately worth buying, and at that, it's actually a value!!
I could listen to these guys talk about gas station food as easily as bike reviews. Love your work gents 🙌
Really sick that you guys are uploading one a day. Keeps me occupied lol, nice work
Got one of these after not riding bikes for 10+ years, hoping to get into mtb and better fitness. I got the 2021 Ride trim in the dirt color. I haven't taken it on any trails yet, but so far I really like the bike, everyone I've shown it to really likes it too. I've got a lot to learn but am happy to join the mtb world.
Next review, Commencal Meta TR 2022 please !! 🤘🏽 BETA reviews are always amazing on point!💯
I agree about traction with hardtails. Climbs I can clear with my full sus aren't always doable with my hardtails because of traction loss.
I am glad I see some folks admitting that plus tires have an application and can still be an option for some of us. It sometimes seems the journalism in mtb is out to kill plus instead of letting our sub-category have what we want. If we are willing to pay and you still get your 29ers who cares if plus is a thing?
I agree, when I ride my Meta at the pump track/skate park the last thing I want is to be running 29's.
Have this in the 29er version, added a OneUp dropper, SLX brakes and I love it
Imagining my 2019 self time traveling to this video and seeing Palmer, Mike and Mike together in one video 🤯
If you think about it, your 2019 self, did time travel to this video
@@curtydbikes Hahaha touché. Maybe instantaneous time travel then?
@@ianduckett9135 lol I was just messing! Cheers mate!
Did a build on a 2020 XL of this frame - 170mm dropper, 140mm Pike, 38mm carbon rims, collection of Shimano 1x11 parts. Was not finished until I added a 800mm riser to the 50mm stem (had a flatbar 760). Rolls like a truck! Raced it at Sea Otter XC a few weeks ago with Ikon/Recon tires, was a hoot. Next event, Boggs 8hr!
I have the same idea of components. Isn't too big with XL?I'm 190cm. Do you know seat angle with 140mm fork? How tall are you?
@@K1nKz123 6’2.5” = 189cm. The wide dropper bars make it all work, just do it! Rode it yesterday on trails, maxed out 140mm really needed a Minion on the front, great bike.
I have an older 2017 model and it's by far the best purchase I've ever made, bike or otherwise.
Yea they’re pretty sick so underrated imo
Great to see some "all mountain" hardtails also. But damn, price of bikes has gone up like crazy in past years (spec to spec). Bought quite well specced full sus trail bike for not much more.
No kidding i bought a salsa timberjack back in 2020 for
$1300 and that has a slx drive train with a dropper and a rockshox recon fork. I still have that bike.
@@jlj547 I just bought an x cal 8 from trek. Boost 141, Rockshox judy SL 100mm for $1600 :(
@@johnnelson9742 It has good components so I dont think its a bad deal.
What’s up!!!! Love the series!!!
I got the meta sx coming in july cant wait for it
I got the 2021 meta ht ride version. Has the 35 gold fork I think it is. Added a dropper and it's one of the best all round bikes I've had.
My 2022 is actually a mullet set up from Commencal. Yes I went with a higher priced one but still the best hardtail I've ever ridden
Hey, I'm curious about your feedback. Which model did you choose, which size and what do you use the bike for? Thanks in advance if you take the time to answer!
@@pierreprior2933 I went with the essential build in size medium. I use this bike for anything and everything. I use it do XC with. I've raced Enduro with it and podiumed. Road/gravel. Pump track. I absolutely love it in anything I bring it to. I've upgraded the bars to spank 40mm rise, 13 180mm dropper, pnw loam petals and oval chainring. I just bought the Ohlins edition Tempo and will be in tomorrow. But I honestly don't think I will like it as much. I love this bike that much.
@@kmsbailey405 Thanks so much for the quick anwser! It confirms my idea. I only have the budget for one bike - an all-purpose bike, that is. My surroundings are pretty rolling with some technical sections. I've got a good dirt, XC and freeride background, so I figure a hardtail should do it. But I'm still hesitating between going for the premium AM HT versus the entry-mid level AM TR (full sus)... BTW, how tall are you? thanks again!
@@pierreprior2933 i am 5"8. I would definitely go with the HT the TR is a freaking tank. My brother has one and that is definitely an Enduro machine. I wouldn't want to lug it around all day because it's 40lbs and not really designed to go uphill
@@pierreprior2933 if I were you I'd go with the ride edition and put a dropper post and switch to GX drivetrain and call it a day. You'll love it and it's only $1400+tax/shipping right now save your money for a good POC helmet or something
I have the same bike (though 2020) and agree with everything. It's an amazing all rounder and looks incredible imo.
My nitpicks would be the weight and the stock brakes (though mine had tektros). The brakes were ok but when I started riding longer harder trails they were the glaring problem. I actually think the fork is pretty good, but I'm saving up to get a z1 eventually.
Definitely get the model with the dropper though.
I just finished building my AM Hardtail. Super fun bike I have ran it 29 and 27.5 and both are fun. Almost finished with my nukeproof 290 so we will see what one is better.
If you could update me on what you honestly think betweeen the two Id be so happy because I’ve been doing tons of research and literally hve it down to those two... tysm
Great video! Would have been great to get the Marin San Quentin 2 instead of the more XC one you guys tested. Next time!
Meta Ht is my first mtb bike, i love it
Nice video, grettings from México 👏
I’m 6ft 165 riding a large. Bought the bike as a hard tail play bike. I’d buy a X-Large if longer rides and lots of climbing were the norm, but that’s not why I got it. I swapped a 170 mm Lyric on to it that can clear both 29 and the 27.5+ tires. I’ve ridden both and the ride is completely different. 29 x 2.4s faster but harsher. 27.5 x 2.8s slower but smoother.
A 170mm Lyric seems like overkill, but actually suits the bike well. It climbs well enough and made a huge difference on the descent. I’m not riding the same lines as I would on the Nukeproof Mega, but it’s still a ton of fun. I ride local loops and dirt jump the thing. It’s not great at one thing but it’s good at a lot. I’m honestly looking forward to some bike park laps at Snowmass and Winter Park on it.
The dropper post was definitely the first upgrade, followed by some SRAM Guides and the Lyric from my Mega.
It’s honestly not a bad option for someone that wants to ride a bit of everything, but can only have one bike. Hard tail simplicity and pretty versatile.
"This is the perfect application for plus size tires..."
Can't agree more 👍👍
Love plus size tyres on a hard tail I personally ride one and can keep up mates on dual sus bikes it just plows over everything
You guys are the best
Got the Meta Ht Essential in Keswick Green, the thing is sick
Same here, awesome bike! Loving it
Me too! Such a fun bike.
A hardtail with 2.6 wide tires at the right pressure is absolute bliss.
I love collaborations(hint, hint😉)! Who better than Steve (Hardtail Party) to join the discussion out in the desert? There is always next time PB.
Hello, greetings from Lima, Peru. What can you say about the bottom bracket case is 68mm? Compared with other brands in hardtail that are more common in 73mm, is that matter?
talking to the audience straight on is fine But i would like to see a better seating angle when in the discussion mode! thanks. semi round table or such!! but good job,gang!!
So... the $200 upgrade with the dropper.. is that the 2022 model with 29" wheels?? Thanks
Pimped mine out w a pike fork slx enduro brakes and a 200m dropper, super fun bike
What year?
@@User18dog 2019
Man, I have two hardtails (definitely don’t need another), but I want this bike!
Thanks for this review. Been thinking of buying my son a better hardtail once he outgrows his current Trek Marlin. Looks like this one might fit the bill but with a dropper post, of course.
Mine is awesome, bought the basic spec and upgraded parts. Ridden many mountain bikes and this is definitely up there...
@@AGMTB. I’ll cashapp u if u list ur full bike spec build
i ride my meta ht in a mullet setup with some good 4 piston brakes and its a ripper i love from bikepark riding to croos country adventures it can do it all
How does it climb?
Trippy to have Ryan but I like it. Totally should have a mixed wheel option.
Which one would you choose for a short guy 5’5”. Trek roscoe 9, Santa Cruz chameleon, ragley mmbop, the meta ht race, banshee paradox, or rsd midle child?
Can you please make a review on the trek xcaliber 8 and 9 2022 as well?
I currently have a Trek Roscoe 8. I am considering this but I initially settled on the Trek Roscoe 8 because I’m 6’6 and it’s the only bike that I could see that has a frame size XXL, the Meta goes up to XL.
The letters literally mean nothing. You need to look at the geometry chart to know what the size of the bike actually is. Some brands' L is larger than some brand's XXL.
Could you guys please review Marin san quentine hardtail ??
Ryan! What a joy it must be to be working alongside your son Levy?
What is the top tube to ground height of the 27.5" wheel / 17.5" frame (matte black option) i think that is the tekton model, but am not sure.
do review of 2022 BMC TWOSTROKE 01
Hi, which store in Tucson can i find this bike?
That's weird that it doesn't have a dropper. I have the 2019 version with a dropper. So I wonder if they took it out even though the price stayed the same.
Specialized fuse next please!!
Mighta been worth mentioning it’s a coil fork. So you have to be roughly 160lbs for it to be well suited for you.
It’s not coil
@@hugoandreas1715 it is coil in this version. 35 silver is coil. 35 gold is air.
But why mention the specifics that are important to most consumers? Instead let’s skip over that and talk about how you should definitely buy this bike over the same priced syncr which comes with an air fork, better brakes and a dropper post. They also share the same size tires that were such a negative for the syncr but seem acceptable on this bike 😂
when two worlds collide - PB and Beta - Sort of works
Is their a plus tire for pavement or long rides?
Was this fork the coil or air version of the 35?
What size was the frame you tested?
I was surprised to see the 2022 Trek Roscoe series not included, considering they just did a full refresh with modern geo and spec, especially since those new Roscoes range from $1700 to $2700 dollars. ( 1700 for the Roscoe 7, 2300 for the Roscoe 8, and 2700 for the Roscoe 9 ) The bikes are pretty well equipped for the price with some pretty special new geometry that I think the Pinkbike presenters would love.
I'd say IS brake mounts are better for precautions against stripping caliper bolts.
do review of NUKEPROOF SCOUT 290
Review the ragley mmmbop, highly underrated bike.
I'm looking for a hardtail as I can't afford a full sus... But I'm looking for a well kitted out hardtail. This brand let's me custom build it, which is awesome. At 64° this is what I need, but how is the frame? Heard is wasn't the best? This would be for Trail/beginner Enduro riding - would rather have good hardtail than a cheap full sus
never heard of the brand but it's a very nice bike
Hi, can you guys do a review on Pinelli R8 MTB (carbon, HT). Thanks
Bushing play? Saw what? What is that? What about the Rocky Mountain or the Narco? How do they compare? Commencal? Never heard of it and none of my local bike shops carry it.
I am curious why trek roscoe 7 never seems to make it into these hard tails choices. I feel like you get a lot of bike for under 2k. Maybe there is something I don't know about it. Any comments towards the trek would be greatly apreciated!!! Thanks for the great videos!
I had the old model 2021 Trek Roscoe before my Meta.
I loved that bike and it was super capable. I had an angled Headset to give me a 66 degree head tube angle, a 140mm Pike Ultimate and 27.5 x 3.0 tyres..it was a beast.
The new model has even better geometry so yes I rate it. Great bike but I still prefer the looks of the Commencal
Would love to know what tyre pressure they ran for these plus tyres. Anyone?
I love my plus hardtail.
do another hardtail like the Nukeproof Scout 275
I was debating between the nukeproof scout and commencal meta ht. Went with the commencal when I found a 2021 in the ride configuration for $1000 with dropper and pedals on local classifieds. There are deals out there.
Wonder how it compares to a Chromag Stylus
What is the frame material?????
Speaking on putting a long dropper post on this bike, I was able to put a 240 mm One Up V2 on this bike with ease. And I need all the drop I can get because I am 6'6."
I thought the seat post could only take like 200mm
Wheres Alicia?
Home with our baby. She’s doing well. Thanks for asking.
First PB x Beta crossover event?
I have the Race 29ner from a few years ago, and it's still a blast to ride. This bike was strangely a comfortable climber. But the DH this was an unstoppable monster truck that rallied hard through anything. Best hardtail on the market. My only small complaint was the sizing. I'm 5'6 and a medium almost felt like a large
I am 5'6 as well and when I called the tech guy at Commençal for queries he said I have to go for the Small size, no questions asked.
Yeah I'm 5'5.5 and went for a small. Glad I did. It's like a dirt jumper with gears. I can throw my weight back instantly or get over the bars on climbs.
Smaller bikes are easier to throw around, I don't buy into the whole "low, long and slack" jargon the internet is pushing
I'm having such a hard time deciding between this bike, the nuke proof scout and maybe the Marin team 1. I plan to ride through neighborhoods and fireroads and light trails , but don't want something that's going to kill me if I get adventurous everyone once in a while at local nature park or something. I don't plan on doing super high jumps or anything.
In your position I would choose the Marin team 1. The commencal and nukeproof are much more downhill oriented frames. So for fireroads and light trails the Marin is the way to go!
(I’m my opinion)
What did you get?
Is it legal for Palmer to sit? I thought there was some ordinance that compelled him to stand and wax poetic with craft beer in his hand ...?
Anyone got a web link to this exact model for the price they mentioned ?
It's a bit heavy ?, someone answer me plz
Palmer with the Mikes reviewing bikes. This is like the Mount Rushmore of Bike Reviewers.
🔥🔥🔥
Help me out guys, I'm, looking at the Commencal HT/AM Ride but not sure if it's overkill for what I'd use it for - I'm in Florida where there's not too much in the way of crazy trails but I love these Commencal HT/AM hardtails! I just can't see spending close to the same amount on a Trek or other big name bike mgf. Thanks!!!
I know what ur talking about and it’s definitely not overkill it’s hard to overkill a hard tail unless you have a 200mm travel or something lol if anything you will buy nice parts that you can always swap over to another frame if you don’t like it
Does anybody know how is sizing of this bike? I am 180cm and cant decide between size M or L. And should I just go with the ESSENTIAL build, because price difference is pretty high comparing to the model tested here. Thanks!
What size and version did you get?
Awwww Miśka is sooo sweeeet :D
IS brake adapter for the win! If you ever screw up your threads, you just change the adapter, on PM you are screwed 😉
So I want to put a 160 on a Santa Cruz chameleon. What are your thoughts?
It’s a 29ner non Mx
I was thinking of this bike then I saw 2022 Trek Roscoe 8 and 9
I might get 2022 Riscoe 8
The frame did change for the 2022. It got slacker and longer than the 2021 you reveiwed. The geo is completely different for the 2022 frame.
Which do you think is better?
@@User18dog I like my new 22 frame more than the 21 frame I just switched from. Slacker head tube and longer wheelbase helps with descending and the steeper seat tube angle allows it to pedal just as well. The most noticeable difference is the lower standover height and the shorter seat tube length. I have a 180 dropper on my Medium. It was mounted as low as possible on the 21 frame but the 22 frame seat tube is shorter so my dropper sticks out just over an inch. I could definitely switch to a 210 dropper if I wanted to get the seat even further out of the way.
@@tommyruggiero ok, I see. Thanks cheers
I think this spec is great. For $200 bucks you can go upgrade a PNW dropper yourself.
nice
This or Giant Fathom?
The girl looks a little different in this episode.
Edit: I figured it out. She's changed her hair!
Wait, the bike climbing timed ranks,. We're some done with Alicia and this one with the guy?
@@stevemurray710 might've been kaz's times for them all, or an average of Alicia, Ryan and Kazimer
@@danp2509 PB certainly doesn't make mistakes but one has to be curious. With first 3 reviews it seemed like they averaging the 2 testers. Maybe subscribers get the details.
Udh ? Awesome vid !
27.5 , carbon , tubeless, 3inch tires . You cant really judge the plus tires until its set up properly. Ive been riding them for 10 years. I have 3 bikes , 29er with 2.5 ", 27.5 with 3" , and a fat bike with 4" so i get lots of side by side comparisons. The bigger tires are always better , with carbon wheels.
Do y’all plan to weigh in on the overall best value bike in the hardtail class?
Fork getting damned by faint praise: “it feels like a high end fork from 15 years ago” 🤣
New mate twitching like he's in the box and about to be questioned about the quarter of nose beers they found in his oneup edc.
I bought the ohlins version comes mullet on the small I needed. Has 150 fork travel. We will see how it is
Damn bro that’s like 3k$
It’s what I want too tho want it so bad
@@User18dog on sale and Black Friday otd pickup in person 28xx
@@yamahschector 200 less ?
@@User18dog $400 less after taxes and discounts. It’s $3200 before taxes with no discounts