Commencal have a knack of getting frame stiffness just right, and the Meta AM V4.2 is no exception. There’s enough give to prevent it feeling harsh when you’re slapping turns or pummelling through boulder fields but it remains taut under power and surprisingly efficient on the climbs, especially considering its 14.7kg weight. At higher speeds, the suspension balance between the top-end Lyrik fork and Super Deluxe RC3 shock is fantastic, with superb mid and end-stroke support that creates an incredibly stable ride through the wildest sections of trail. It’s quiet too, with no nasty chain slap or cable rattle, so you’ll not need to faff about with mastic tape as soon as the bike lands on your doorstep.
The tall 490mm seat tube was the only real issue for some testers, who found they couldn’t slam the saddle low enough on steeper descents. (It’s worth noting that there’s a 50mm difference between the seat tube lengths on the medium and large frames.) If you do have long enough legs to make it work for you though, you’ll not be disappointed with how the Meta feels on the trail.
The spec is great – as you’d expect of one of the most expensive bikes on test, which ended up coming in just over our $4500 threshold. Highlights include some of our favourite rubber from Maxxis, quality Mavic rims and the crisp, accurate shifting and wide gear range of SRAM GX.
Minor issues to note include the broad back end, which caused some testers issues with heel rub, both when pedalling and descending. Not everyone experienced this to the same extent though. After a hard week’s riding in Italy, all of the Meta’s pivot bolts had worked themselves loose, so pre and post-ride checks are well worthwhile. We’d also recommend getting rid of the tubes as quickly as possible, as the Meta was the bike that suffered the most punctures of the final six.
With a hard-to-fault spec, sorted suspension and great ride feel, the Meta AM is tough to pick fault with, but the tall seat tube and heel-clipping back end mean it won’t suit all
SPEC
Frame Aluminium, 160mm travel
Fork RockShox Lyrik RCT3 Solo Air Boost, 170mm travel
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe RC3
Drivetrain SRAM GX with X01 rear mech (1x11)
Wheelset Mavic 427 rims on Formula hubs, Maxxis High Roller II EXO 27.5x2.4in (f) and Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO 27.5x2.3in (r) tyres
Brakes SRAM Guide RS, 200/180mm
Bar/Stem Ride Alpha, 780mm/ Ride Alpha, 50mm
Seatpost/Saddle RockShox Reverb Stealth 150mm dropper/ Ride Alpha
Weight 14.7kg (L)
Price $4555