Pro Bike Gallery: Cecile Ravanel’s Commencal Meta AM V4
Ravanel claimed that the less technical, high-speed tracks in Colorado didn’t suit her, but she still handily won five out of five stages. Photo by Eddie Clark
Cecile Ravanel is the unquestioned queen of the Enduro World Series this year. Through the first five EWS races of the 2016 season, the 35-year-old Frenchwoman has four wins and one second place, earning her a commanding lead in the overall standings. Going into this weekend’s single day event in Whistler, British Columbia, the Commençal Vallnord Enduro Team rider has a 320-point lead over second placed Isabeau Courdurier (SUNN). Aiding in this demolition of the competition is Ravanel’s Commencal Meta V4. Mtbr caught up with rider and bike after her win at round No. 5 in Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado. Here’s a closer look.
The first thing you notice about this size medium 27.5 bike? It’s aluminum. Who says you need the latest and greatest frame material to be the best in the world.
Ravanel is among the numerous EWS riders that’s made the recent switch from SRAM’s 1×11 to new 1×12 Eagle drivetrain.
When it comes to saddle choice, clearly Ravanel values low weight over comfort. Meet the minimalist Tioga Spyder Outland.
Ravanel was once among France’s most promising cross-country racers, winning a junior world title in 1998. But today her focus is all about going downhill fast.
Front suspension is provided by a 170mm RockShox Lyric. She typically uses a pair of bottomless tokens and sets the pressure to about 60 psi.
Rear suspension is also courtesy of RockShox, including a remote lock-out for climbing.
On the left side of the cockpit is a grip shifter to lock-out the rear shock and a well-placed KS Lev dropper post lever.
Ravanel’s cockpit mates a 760mm KS bar with a 50mm KS Ether stem equipped with 20mm in spacers. Due to the Colorado course’s less technical nature, Ravanel dropped her position slightly. Expect to see both those spacers underneath the stem in Whistler.
Some good looking welds on this alloy enduro trail taming machine.
Wheels are American Classic All Mountain wrapped with Hutchinson Toro rubber. Typically she specs a 2.35” tire up front and 2.25” in the rear.
French rubber is mated with American-made alloy wheels.
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