Field Test: 2021 Commencal Meta Power - The Aluminum Sledge Hammer
PINKBIKE FIELD TEST
Commencal Meta Power
Words by Henry Quinney, photography by Tom Richards
Commencal Meta Power
Words by Henry Quinney, photography by Tom Richards
Commencal is a brand based in the high mountain of Andorra and is known for their World Cup downhill exploits and their era of enduro domination under Cecile Ravanel. To many, they’re that brand that seems to sponsor half the World Cup field, but to others they’re the brainchild of Max Commencal and a continuation of much of the success he enjoyed while working for Sunn.
So, how do these racing credentials translate to their eMTB offering, the Meta Power? And can they still offer their same unique flavour of alloy, high performance and good value bikes when there is a motor bolted to the down tube?
So, how do these racing credentials translate to their eMTB offering, the Meta Power? And can they still offer their same unique flavour of alloy, high performance and good value bikes when there is a motor bolted to the down tube?
Meta Details
• Travel: 160mm rear / 170mm front
• Wheel size: 29"
• Head angle: 63.5°
• Seat tube angle: 78°
• Reach: 475mm (lrg)
• Chainstay length: 453mm
• Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL
• Weight: 54.8lb / 24.85kg
• Price: $6,999 USD
• commencalusa.com
• Travel: 160mm rear / 170mm front
• Wheel size: 29"
• Head angle: 63.5°
• Seat tube angle: 78°
• Reach: 475mm (lrg)
• Chainstay length: 453mm
• Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL
• Weight: 54.8lb / 24.85kg
• Price: $6,999 USD
• commencalusa.com
Before we get into the geometry and how this bike rode let’s just get one thing out the way - the Commencal Meta Power 29 in the Team build we had on test wipes the smiles off all the other bikes’ faces when it comes to value. This bike is $7,000 US dollars. Now, that’s still a good chunk of cash but it’s no exaggeration to say you could have two of these for the price of some of the others. That’s a big difference, and it’s not as if the Meta Power is light on spec either.
This bike is the only alloy framed bike on the field test, non e-bikes included, which is one way it keeps the cost down. The other is their direct-to-consumer sales model.
So, the price is right but what about the bike? The frame is built around the ever-more-common 78-degree seat tube angle which is matched up to an amply slack 63.5-degree head tube angle. The size large on test had 475mm of reach and sizable 453mm chainstays. The linkage-driven single pivot provides 160mm travel and it’s paired to a 170mm fork. The geometry dimension that draws your gaze, though, isn’t one of the more talked about but rather the potentially troublesome 465mm seat tube. Some people might not find this problematic, but that wasn't the case for me - more on that later.
The bike has a really solid spec, especially for the previously mentioned price. The SRAM and Rockshox build offers Utlimate level suspension components and high-end Code RSC brakes. These feature a 220mm rotor on the front, which is something I really like on most bikes, let alone with the added weight of an e-bike. This is paired to a GX drivetrain and some E13 alloy cranks. The wheels are the H1700 rims on 350 hubs from DT Swiss. There is also a KS Lev Integra 175mm seatpost.
The Shimano EP8 motor features across the entire range. It’s combined with a 630Wh battery, which is the same setup used on the Yeti. The EP8 also features on the Norco that we have on test. All bikes provide 85Nm of torque.
One thing that I didn’t like about the frame was how rough the inside of the seat tube was. It absolutely chewed the pre-installed seatpost to bits. To remove it we had to soak it in lubricant overnight and then try and twist it out. Even then, it wasn't just a few scratches but it scarred the not exactly cheap seatpost horribly. We filed down the rough parts but by that point, the damage was done.
On the test, we had the middle to high range Meta Power. The base model starts at a very reasonable $6,000 and features a solid Fox Performance and Shimano SLX/Deore mix. There are higher versions too, with the range topping $7,600 models coming with a choice of either Fox Factory or Ohlins suspension and a Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes.
Climbing
The Meta Power is a bike that offers a comfortable climbing position. Although the frame stack isn’t particularly high at 620mm, the high rise 40mm bar helped me get into a window of usable range when I wanted to shift my weight around. I ended up running the stem with several spacers above it as a way to not compromise the 475mm reach and tried to recoup the bar height with the generous bar rise.
The bike, while offering plenty of traction, doesn’t offer the same platform as something like the Yeti 160E or Specialized Kinevo. It’s happy to spin out a gear and winch up climbs, but doesn’t have that same supported feeling when you have your weight hovering above the saddle on technical pitches.
The biggest inhibitor to my personal experience on the Meta Power was the overall fit of the bike. Because of the tall 465mm seat tube and steep 78 degree seat tube angle, I found that I couldn’t get the saddle low enough to be out of the way on descents. I alleviated the problem by running the saddle further rearward on its rails.
It still climbed well, but I didn’t feel my weight was as well centered on the bike and that becomes slightly problematic when dealing with the power of an eMTB. I never really felt like I was able to hit that sweet spot of centered traction as often or as immediately as I would have liked.
All in all, the Commencal feels slightly more rough around the edges than some of the other bikes and this is more apparent on the climbs than anywhere else.
Descending
For all its quirks on the climbs, can this bike make it up on the descents?
All in all, I really enjoyed riding this bike. I’m going to say it once and then not bring it up again - the seat tube is too long. Apart from that I think it’s a very capable descender. I love the 63.5-degree head angle. With the extra weight of an e-bike it’s my belief they need to be slacker to give you more stability when you’re braking hard, especially on the front brake.
For all its quirks on the climbs, can this bike make it up on the descents?
All in all, I really enjoyed riding this bike. I’m going to say it once and then not bring it up again - the seat tube is too long. Apart from that I think it’s a very capable descender. I love the 63.5-degree head angle. With the extra weight of an e-bike it’s my belief they need to be slacker to give you more stability when you’re braking hard, especially on the front brake.
Timed Testing
The enduro and eMTBs were all tested on a section of trail that included a mix of everything you'd expect to find on a race track. There were tight corners, a few drops, some sidehill sections that get trickier the faster you go, along with some higher speed, open corners.
Don't forget that timing is just one of many ways to judge a bike, and fast doesn't always mean it's the best for everyone.
Henry Quinney: "The Commencal had the quickest time of all the eMTBs with a 2:53.6. It's easy to ride nature proved a hit."
The rear suspension delivers a supple feel that tracks the ground well. It hunkers to the ground when you apply the rear brake, which I really like, and helps keep all that e-bike weight nice and low. It’s a very planted bike that offers ample stability. I wouldn’t be averse to it being slightly longer in the reach especially on the smaller sizes, or have a larger amount of stack for that matter. I think the sizeable rear end and plow-like suspension feel really warrants it.
The 453mm chainstay length on this bike is the same irrespective of size. For the large and extra-large this isn’t a problem but on the smaller sizes it could be at risk of dwarfing the 430mm or 450mm reaches of the small or medium. In the version I rode, the large, I found it to be well proportioned.
When all you’ve got is a hammer then everything looks like nails and that was definitely the case with the Commencal. It’s an easy bike to ride that encourages you to treat both it and the trail with little sympathy. I really liked it and think it offers great value. That said, I think the difference between this bike being excellent and merely very good are several small but significant geometry tweaks.
Pros
+ Great value compared to the other bikes on test
+ Confidence-inspiring and easy to ride
Cons
- Seat tube is too long
- Not the best climber
- Frame details could use refinement
The 2020 Pinkbike Field Test was made possible with support from Dainese apparel & protection, Sierra Nevada refreshments, and Smith eyewear and helmets. Thanks also to Maxxis, Garmin, Freelap, and Toyota Pacific.
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Also Everyone; The cheapest bike is the fastest so it must be the best!
The real lesson for PB there is to do timed runs with normal riders as well as ex-WC racers, IMO.
I own a capra and a commencal meta power, so I am both delighted with the timed training results and frustrated by the test conclusions. Like here, the meta power is one of the most bombproof bikes in existence and clearly its suspension layout can't really be degrading performance (at least on the downs). How can you recommend a bike twice the price from a company with a terrible track record for breaking bikes and maintenance schedules, implementing yet another quirky suspension layout they will probably give up on in 3 years?
Yes "fun" is subjective, and I'd consider buying a YT, but "harsh suspension" is a red flag to me and I'm glad the reviewers raised it.
“Ski season is almost here!!! I am so excited to sit in this office chair and complain on a ski forum at a bunch of people I will never meet in real life.”
No one is screaming at anyone outside of here.
I’d also add that a 4,000’ day skinning feels like the physical equivalent of an 8,000’ day of climbing on MTB.
I actually had to return the first bike because Commencal posted the wrong geometry for the 2020 Meta Power Ride. The geo chart claimed the reach was 475mm, but in actuality was the old model's 458mm.
The $1500 more expensive Team seemed better in every way... except the tires which were 2.35 SG Magic Marys vs the Ride's 2.5 Assegais. The Ride also came with the more expensive Shimano charger (4.4A vs 1.8A).
The first few rides were a bit unnerving. Commencal spec'd a block lock headset on the Meta Power that felt tight on the stand, but loose on the trail. Turns out the crown race wasn't pressed on the steerer fully.
I had an Eagle GX drivetrain on my MKIII Nomad, so I had experience with how finicky it can be to get precise shifts across the whole range. That being said, I was able to get the Nomad shifting perfectly after dialing it in.
This was not the case with the Meta Power, which never shifted perfectly, right up to the point where after 100 miles it started slipping the chain while in the 4th sprocket. Inspecting the cassette revealed a chipped tooth on the cassette.
When I tried to warranty it through Commencal they told me cassettes are wear items, and despite the low mileage, the failure did not fall outside of what would be considered normal life for the cassette. I ended up giving the cassette to my friend, and replacing the drivetrain with a Shimano Hyperglide +. If I was going to be replacing cassettes every 100 miles, I wasn't going to spend $200 each time. My friend slapped it on his bike, and low and behold... it shifts perfectly. Meanwhile my Hyperglide +, while considerably better, is still not up to the level I'd expect from a brand new Shimano drivetrain.
It was around this time that I started experiencing an unnerving feeling while feathering the rear brake going over rough terrain. The Code RSC have fantastic modulation, and yet I was always finding myself unexpectedly locking up the rear wheel. After eating it pretty hard on a steep and gnarly trail, I decided to do a deep dive into the bike to try to figure out what was happening.
What I found was a significant amount of lateral play between the hub and the rear end. To be clear, this isn't leverage induced deflection, but a distinct click clack indicative of the presence of excessive clearance. I swapped wheels to see if it was a flaw with the hub, but the click clack persisted. I busted out the dial calipers, and the axle checked out fine. I even put retaining compound between the axle and the hub just to ensure the play was in fact not coming from the axle to hub interface.
As of right now the source of the click clack still remains a mystery. It does however seem to be the source of the imprecise shifting and accelerated cassette wear. What it most likely will end up being is one of the bearing bores in the linkage being too large, resulting in the bearing shifting under load.
Of course being direct to consumer, the warranty process requires video evidence of such an issue. Capturing freeplay on the order of thousands of an inch is much better felt than seen, and given that the current projected availability of Commencal's bikes is at the earliest late spring 2022, I'm viewing the warranty process as a last resort.
In my experience, the best customer service I have had over 10+ years riding.
Fastest eBike: 2:53.6
Were these timed on the same track? Was the fastest eBike nearly 8sec slower???
On 1:45 minute runs (short runs here in TX) all were 5-8 seconds slower on the e-bikes.
Kinda disappointed we haven’t seen more brands jump on this platform. I’d love to see what Santa Cruz could come up with along the same lines.
All the same, very interesting that ebikes are consistently slower on the downhills.
What's the point in comparing these bikes under conditions in which they'd never be ridden? I can't imagine it's common for folks to turn off the motor before each descent. I can see the virtue in removing the motor from the equation if the motors are radically different in terms of output, but for this test weren't most bikes using the same Shimano EP8 system?
No matter how fair the PB editors attempt to test, people always complain about the methodology. Even I complain sometimes!
@lev3000- think of it this way, you don't want a runaway train on the downhills, so boost mode is a bad idea. But you do want the bike to respond when you sneak a couple pedals in. Eco mode is the way.
Spinning up the pedals gives a nice kick to help out.
Unless you were above 20mph constantly 100% of the time on the trails it seems a bit strange to turn off the motors to test ebikes on descents.
I don’t know any rider that does that in real life :-)
Pedalling those things up the small uphills you find on trails is not a nice experience, and the little boost you get on eco pedalling mid trails is super cool.
Maybe turn ON the engine? Or put in a fully charged battery?
Im just reading comments xD
@gticket Agreed, the climbing section of emtb reviews is pretty pointless. The range test Mike did will be more relevant.
The climbing con is explained in the review.
""The biggest inhibitor to my personal experience on the Meta Power was the overall fit of the bike. Because of the tall 465mm seat tube and steep 78 degree seat tube angle, I found that I couldn’t get the saddle low enough to be out of the way on descents. I alleviated the problem by running the saddle further rearward on its rails.
It still climbed well, but I didn’t feel my weight was as well centered on the bike and that becomes slightly problematic when dealing with the power of an eMTB. I never really felt like I was able to hit that sweet spot of centered traction as often or as immediately as I would have liked."""
The seat tube is definitely and issue and I run the bar slammed as low on the steerer as possible which make the handling feel great.
As mentioned it is not the most nimble beast but it's scary fast over rough terrain where you can just let her run. For me it is a very confidence inspiring bike and I've checked off a bunch of lines/ features that I'been eyeing for years and never had the balls to hit on any bike.
For me the slightly less refined finish is almost a pro. For the money I paid ( just before the pandemic hit so prices were even lower) I could give a crap whether I ding or scratch her. Ebikes are heavy no matter what and therefore the carbon is easier to crack. I'll take the bike that I can beat up and put away dirty.
For what it's worth. My seat post has zero issues.
The finish is OK. But who cares. Its an aluminium downhill gonad slaying machine. I have truly never been on a bike that goes down this fast. I will probably be dead by the time PB reviews the next bike and it will be commencals fault.
My only gripe right now is that there is a creak in the rear triangle that only happens when power is applied to the drivetrain. The steeper the hill the more the creak is pronounced. So I am kinda bummed I have to chase that down at 300 miles. But oh well. The shit eating grin makes up for it after each ride.
Cheers.
I found and fixed that same creak early on as Dustfarter says, easy fix.
I’m 5’11 and on the Large, absolutely zero seat height issues at all.
Check out www.williamsracingproducts.com for a mullet yoke for even more abilities with it, if mullets your thing for turning tighter.
Would love to try a purpose built Push coil for it, but I don’t know if anything would be close to how amazingly good this Ohlins shock is on this bike!
Someone has found the magic potion formula of both low and high speed damping tune for the fork and shock on this thing - I now have permanent wrinkles from a 6 month smile!!
Cheers Commencal & Ohlins top job.
So the fastest bike down a hill gets told its not got it right for going down hill (as well as uphill)....
That has a long rear end and short front, which weights the front too much (does that mean front end grip which translates into a fast time).
That soft off the top rear suspension which translates to compliance on the way down, might be ideally matched to a bike that moves your weight forward for max front end grip whilst staying supple on the back.
Just a guess.
Maybe Commencal actually have something right (well, thats what the clock has indicated)!
Still cant afford an e-bike, but if I had one I would be out on it every night for sure.
Otherwise, it seems the reviewer might have benefitted from the more comparable reach of the size XL, although that would have made the seat tube complaint worse.
Excited to see an EMTB priced appropriately. There is really nothing preventing a company like Commencal from making some tweaks that would push this bike past bikes with twice the price.
I mean, I suppose it's good weight training...
It's also why the e-bike times were quite a bit slower than the normal enduro bikes.
But I will definitely keep renting them sometimes when in new to me riding areas far from home. That's the one thing they are brilliant for in my mind: making the most of limited time on holidays.
For sure it’s taller than a lot of similar bikes. But at just-a-few mm’s shy of 6’, I could fit a 210mm dropper on this frame—- so its not so far off the mark. Plus 1997 was awesome.
U will see tremendous improvement in arm fatigue due to more proper positioning in general
I'm not opposed to trying it, but I don't see how a more backswept bar would help? If anything I imagine that would put me even further behind the front wheel and thus having to work even harder to weight the front end. If anything I am thinking about going to a 50mm stem instead of 40mm.
The issue for me was being too far behind the bars. Thus requiring an awkward shift forward to get my full body weight on the front wheel. Or use of only my arm muscles while keeping my weight centered. Using a shorter stem and bars with more backsweep ended up helping a lot for me.
YMMV of course. I found that bike most fatiguing on moderate grade, twisty or off camber turns. Steeper stuff and wider turns weren't a problem.
Also that long rear end means it will go up ANYTHING without tipping backwards - again, opposite to what you guys found.
She's a tank going down, that's for sure, but my main grumble is the lack of progression in the rear linkage, which can only be mitigated somewhat with an air shock, but it still less than ideal. It's what makes the back end wallowy too.
Great bike overall, just not a classic for the ages.
It's great, but theres another flaw with ebikes not really being mentioned.
The nearly 1000 motor is treated as disposable. There are no spare parts available. Third party suppliers make kits for *some* of the bearings but that's it. It's not like you can ride the bike without it either! A common fault is a torque sensor error, a tiny part that results in a bill for a new motor outside warranty.
.. and is a 2 year motor warranty acceptable? (Especially on bikes as expensive as the Yeti??)
But even with a big warranty, you still need spare parts. All it takes is a crash or pedal strike and it's new motor time!
Other than that, pretty spot on for my (affordable) e-bike dreams.
Suspension design is obviously a meh. Pedal platform matters even on an eBike and it is obvious the Meta isn't that great.
Is the bike cheap? Yes. Is it a good value? Debatable.
I don't hate e-bikes I just don't want 50% of my PB feed about them since... It'S a DifFerRent SpORt
"This is not a mainstream product that PB has to waste our time producing an article on."
Your $2,500 mountain bike is also a toy or luxury item, and I can guarantee that the majority of non-cyclists think you're insane for purchasing it. They might even say that you're, "freakn retarded," but they probably wouldn't sound as threatened as you do. I can also guarantee that every company is selling all of their e-bikes, regardless of the price tag or if you aren't willing to spend the money. Hey, they're not for me either, but everything will be okay.
Complain all you want but ebikes are here to stay. And go look at the stock of these ebikes. They're selling out everywhere so hate to break it to you, this is a mainstream product and you're the moron if you think otherwise. Your hex for lost profit for these companies is having the opposite affect.
Go turn on the filter for ebikes if it bothers you so much.
For comparison my L trail-bike has a 210mm post, and clearance to go longer if such a post existed.