Issue #034, Review - July 27, 2018

COMMENCAL META AM 29 Team Replica Review

COMMENCAL is on a roll: Cecile Ravanel has been dominating the Enduro World Series, and so far Amaury Pierron has consecutively taken the top step of the 2018 Downhill World Cup. Will the recently introduced COMMENCAL META AM 29 also come out on top in this group test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Love at first sight – 8 enduro bikes under € 4,500 in Review

**COMMENCAL** META AM 29 Team Replica | 15.88 kg | € 3,899

At first glance, the COMMENCAL META AM 29 looks like the META AM V4. But if you think this is just a slightly modified frame, you’re wrong. Except for the dropouts, the quick-release thru-axle and the head tube, everything on the AM 29 has been revised. The bike now claims to boast more agility, but without being stingy when it comes to composure. As with all Commencal models, the bike is only available in aluminium and at a very fair price (€ 3,800).

However, the spec on our test bike differs slightly from the series spec. Instead of the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, COMMENCAL sent us a model with a higher spec a X01 Eagle. Also, the SRAM Guide RE (Guide lever with CODE calliper) brakes on the standard model were replaced with SRAM CODE RSC brakes. The rest of the componentry, however, corresponds to the bike as it will be available to customers. The suspension consists of the fantastic new RockShox Lyrik Charger 2 RC2 and a Super Deluxe Coil RCT shock. The cockpit comes from Renthal. We particularly liked the super sticky Renthal traction-grips.

Where is the limit? The COMMENCAL META AM 29 pushes your limits and is sure to deliver a rush of speed!

**Helmet** Specialized Ambush | **Jersey** ION Seek_Amp | **Shorts** ION Bikeshorts Scrub_Amp | **Shoes** ION Rascal

The COMMENCAL META AM 29 Team Replica in detail

Fork RockShox Lyrik RC2 170 mm
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe RCT Coil 160 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RE 200/200 mm ^**
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle ^*
Seatpost KS Lev Integra
Stem Renthal Apex 40 mm
Handlebar Renthal Fatbar Alu 800 mm
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary / Hans Dampf 2,35″
Wheels Spank Oozy 350
Weight 15.88 kg
Price € 3,899

^**Test bike: XO1 Eagle/Gx Eagle/Truvativ Mix
^*Test bike: Code RSC

**Smooth**
The new RockShox Lyrik Charger 2 RC2 on the COMMENCAL META inspires with an extremely sensitive response and a lot of support. And the setup is quick and easy – perfect!

**Pity**
A press-fit bb on an aluminium frame. Why? Exchanging or servicing the BB could be so easy …

**Neat**
The shock is semi-integrated in the top tube! Compared to earlier COMMENCAL bikes, the welding seam doesn’t go around the entire tube, which makes the frame look much better.

**Full Control**
The high cockpit provides a lot of safety, especially in steep terrain. Sit back, hang on and have fun!

The geometry of the COMMENCAL META AM 29 Team Replica

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	563 mm	586 mm	619 mm	634 mm
Head tube	105 mm	110 mm	115 mm	120 mm
Head angle	65.5°	65.5°	65.5°	65.5°
Seat angle	66°	66°	66°	66°
Chainstays	432 mm	432 mm	432 mm	432 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1173 mm	1197 mm	1222 mm	1283 mm
Reach	413 mm	435 mm	460 mm	480 mm
Stack	604 mm	603 mm	603 mm	603 mm

The first thing you notice when you hold the COMMENCAL in your hands is the weight of it. Our test bike weighed a whopping 15.88 kg. That is 2.62 kg more than the lightest bike in the group test. Nevertheless, the COMMENCAL climbs well, above all thanks to the balanced seating position. Sure, you won’t be claiming any KOM’s, but mastering even technical climbs won’t be a problem. But the META AM 29 truly comes into its own on the descents. With its super-plush suspension the bike irons over the nastiest rock gardens like a steam train. Just point and shoot! The bike will compensate for any lack of riding technique and pick up speed relentlessly within only a few meters. And although the coil shock has great sensitivity, it still directly transmits the rider’s input, which makes for a very agile ride. Even when braking, the suspension remains active, which further increases traction. The rider position on the bike feels nicely integrated, with a high stack you feel confident behind the fork but you do have to actively shift your weight over the bars for hard cornering. It conveys a lot of safety and confidence but requires an engaged riding style. Fast changes in direction pose no problem, though the bike happiest on steep, high-speed sections. Flat flowing trails bore the META AM 29.

Tuningtips:
– chain guide for safety on really rough trails
– air shock for weight reduction if necessary

Conlusion

With the COMMENCAL META AM 29, your average speed will increase as if by magic and new Strava KOMs on demanding trails will be yours for the taking! It’s a bike for the toughest trails the world has to offer, yet it’s pleasantly agile and direct. However, it requires an active riding style, and it isn’t quick on climbs.