Commencal Meta AM - 2013

Long Term Test 01.10.2013 -

Commencal Meta AM replaces the Commencal Meta 55 which is a legend among AM bikes.We got our AM three weeks ago to be our subject over the next 2 years to see how it holds up compared to its predecessor.

It is always hard to follow up a great bike and there is always the risk that it might just not be as good as the one before, which with the AM is hopefully not the case.

The Commencal AM comes in 3 variations the AM1(top) the AM2(mid) and AM3(entry).All three sporting the same Meta V2 frame with various different levels of kit which is great cause you can get an AM3 on the cheap and slowly upgrade all the gear you really want.Our test bike over the next 24 month will be the Meta AM1 with all the goodies. Also it might be worth to mention that this will be the last Meta AM in the 26" wheels as the 2014 models will all be 27.5".(Exept the SX which will still available with real 26" wheels only.)

First Impressions:

The bike arrived at Wombat HQ in perfect condition but before you rip open the box the first thing we recommend is put on some sunnies and dim the lights. The color of the AM1 is out there - signal yellow is probably the word.Once your eyes have adjusted to the initial shock the matt color looks quite cool. On assembly we found there was no bleed kit supplied for the Rock Shox Reverb seatpost which makes installation impossible. So off to the shop and 40 bucks later the post is full functional.(Why Commencal Why?)

Once the bike is assembled it looks stunning with the yellow and black colorsceme which complements the black 32 Fox CTD with its Kashima coating perfectly.

After some shakedown laps on our test-track we decided that the You Yangs would be a good place to ensure all things are in good working order.Cressy and Travs all day long (sweet), the frame and suspension held up no problem but the hubs on this thing suck.The Commencal branded rear hub exploded in the afternoon and that was the end of the day for us.

So what is the first impression:

Rockets down the hill, very smooth and solid, and is not bad on the climb considering it is not the lightest bike out there.All up very impressed and it might give the Meta 55 a run for its money after all.

Great looking bike but for 4500 bucks the componentry let it down especially the hubs. Also for an AM bike there is the absence of a chain guide which should be on a bike of this calibre (The SX has got one) , we lost the chain a couple of times during our day at the You Yangs.The AM2 might be the best option to buy (if you can live without the Kashima bling) as you will have some spare cash to get some decent AM wheels,a chain guide, a Reverb bleedkit and you will still have some cash left for beers at the end of the day of great riding.You will than probably be a 1000 bucks ahead (depending on your thirst) and have a better bike than the AM1.The Fox 32 seemed also a bit underpowered on such a beefy frame we would have preferred to see a 34 on this bike to make us really happy.

So that's it for the first look,we will keep you updated to see if the Meta is all what marketing is making us believe.

3 Month Update:

It only get's better.

In the last 3 month we have ridden the Commencal quite hard and it is hard to fault.After the initial hickups with the hubs no more mechanical problems since.

It now sports a new tubeless wheelset and we had to replace a new chain and the front chainrings due to normal wear and tear.

So far excellent and the Australian summer is still fresh with a lot more hot riding to be done.

6 Month Update:

Now a quarter of our test period over and the Commencal is still going strong.In the last 3 month we removed the front derailleur shifter and replaced it with a single Blackspire NW ring and a bashgard .The Meta now runs a 1 x 10 gearing and works great so far.

We also had to replace the rear outer gear cable which is an absolut s#%^ of a job. But once done shifting in the rear improved by a large margin. If you own one of these bikes this will be a job you might have to do on a regular basis.(ouch). Recommend to use the highest quality outer you can find to get the most timespan out of it. This must be by far one of the most difficult cableruns we have seen so far and the design for maintenance is absolut crap. With winter and mud riding only now to start for this bike it will be interesting to see how often we will have to change it in the next few month.

That said the challenges of a first Australian Winter are still ahead for the Meta and it will be good to see how it will hold up when we put bit of wet Aussie red mud in the mix.

1.10.2014 One Year on:

One year down and all is good. No major let downs on the frame side of things.Winter and plenty of mud did not bother the meta to much. Surprisingly the neoprene mudguard did an exceptional job protecting the rearshock of any damage due to mud. This little gadget is a must when riding in mud to avoid clogging up the shock.

Had to change rear Gear Cable outer again after winter - still not any easier.

Another nice thing is that the bright yellow paintwork still in remarkable good condition, after wash still looks like new.

Replaced the 32 Fox fork with Xfusion Slant will update on how this one goes.

1.01.2015 :

Replaced all Shock Bearings as part of normal service shedule , all old bearings were still functional but on the way out. Made a small vid on this procedure.

The Xfusion Slant:

Xfusion 34 Slant made a major improvement on the handling of the Meta. Should have been on there from the start Fox 32 in 150mm version are utter rubbish when compared.

Xfusion Slant now about 4 month on and can not fault . Set and forget. Change oil every month (15 min job) and that is all. Minimal service cost , excellent price , fantastic performance - love this fork.

Jumpsession on Baldrick with the Commencal , check out the Slant when it takes a full hit

so long and stay safe ..............Team Wombat