Toughly calculated prices paired with an all-rounder claim. In the all-mountain duel, the French mail-order company Commençal takes on the German mail-order company Young Talent and is aimed at the price/performance buyer. 27 per cent of our readers already buy their bikes online. With a knowledge of and willingness to wrench, there is little to speak against this decision. Compared to last year, however, the number of online buyers has already fallen slightly. Is this a trend that is due to the technology requiring explanation and the service aspect?
Both complete bikes in this duel cost significantly less than the hardtail frames in the first duel, but offer a very wide range of use. Thanks to the downhill-heavy geometries with slack head angles and suspension travel of around 140 millimetres, both the Meta and Jeffsy feel in their element even on demanding trails. The Meta has been in the French brand's model range for some time, but has been updated with a little more suspension travel (ten millimetres more at the rear) and also comes with a refined geometry, e.g. with slightly shorter chainstays. The typical look with the voluminous top tube, under which the shock is hidden, has remained. With better equipment, the same frame is also available as an Essential model for 2999 euros.
The YT Jeffsy 29 was already presented last year. Since this year, there is also a Jeffsy alternative with 27.5-inch wheels and slightly more suspension travel. Both Jeffsy frames will remain current in the coming year and will only continue with equipment updates. The carbon versions of the Jeffsy cost up to 4500 euros.
Cheap automatically means heavy. Unfortunately, this is true in the bike industry. Every gram less has to be paid for dearly. Nevertheless, there are also clear differences here. Despite the 29er wheels, the YT weighs a whopping 800 grams less than the Commençal. The frame is 250 grams lighter, the rest comes from the consistently higher quality equipment. The bottom line is a total weight of 14.3 (YT) and 15 kilos when ready to ride. Lovers of extended tours won't be clicking their tongues in delight at these figures, but the riding position and efficiency of the suspension make both bikes ideal touring companions. Both the Jeffsy and the Meta have a steep seat angle that positions the rider far enough forwards. Due to the significantly longer reach, however, the Commençal is a bit sportier, while the position on the YT is quite comfortable. Despite its high sensitivity, the rear suspension of the Metas works very smoothly and efficiently even without a platform. The Jeffsy rear end pumps a little more when pedalling. Annoying: With big feet or a slightly inwardly turned heel, you'll quickly rub against the protruding rear triangle of the Metas.
Contrary to expectations, the YT provides a surprise on the descents. Despite the 29er wheels and almost identical wheelbase, it feels noticeably more playful and active. With its low centre of gravity, the Meta also generates a lot of confidence downhill, but feels much bulkier and more sedate. In terms of rear suspension function, both bikes do a first-class job. Sensitive, active and with enough progression when the going gets tough. The YT rear suspension also has plenty of pop, which supports its playful character. However, Commençal's choice of fork, the Rockshox Revelation RC, is the loser. Compared to the Pike RC, it offers less comfort and responds more slowly to small, fast hits. Despite the same adjustment option, the Revelation obviously has a firmer basic setup, which is why the fork can be locked out almost completely, whereas the Pike cannot. The rest of the equipment is also a class above from the German mail order company, even if the DT rims are too narrow by today's standards.
Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager: YT wins the duel relatively clearly due to the better overall package. Higher quality equipment, lower weight and, on top of that, more pleasant handling and better fork function speak in favour of the Jeffsy. A different fork and a little less weight would significantly upgrade the robust Commençal Meta.
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COMMENÇAL META TRAIL V4.2 ORIGIN
The new BMC Speedfox is a sporty trail bike that impresses with its excellent propulsion and innovative details. The geometry provides downhill confidence, but the chainstays could be shorter for more playfulness. The Trailsync concept, in which the seatpost and shock are controlled simultaneously, works, but the benefits of the system depend heavily on the rider's preferences.
YT JEFFSY 29
Despite the large 29er wheels, the Jeffsy 29 has a good deal of playfulness and is simply fun, no matter what trails you ride. Added to this is a really first-class spec that is rarely found in this price range. With a reach of 439 millimetres, the bike in size L tends to be short. YT could still optimise the narrow rims and the overly high end spacer.
Technical data and measurement results
