The Andorran manufacturer Commencal presents the Meta HT V3, the latest version of its popular trail hardtail. The Meta bikes are part of a long, long line of ancestors: The first one we tested was probably back in 2009 - back then it was still a Fully, and what a Fully it was! The last test of the We had Meta HT in 2020 - and we loved it!
The latest version of the Commencal hardtail has a completely redesigned aluminium frame which, according to the manufacturer, should offer greater comfort on demanding trails. Commencal remains true to its policy of using aluminium as the frame material: No carbon - the motto.
Commencal Meta HT: New frame for more comfort
The main focus during development was on improving riding comfort. The seat stays were bent for this purpose. They connect to the top tube directly in front of the seat tube without an intermediate bar, which should lead to greater flexibility in this area. In combination with the 29-inch wheels and a tyre width of up to 67 millimetres (approx. 2.6 inches), Commencal promises an exceptionally comfortable ride for a hardtail.
The geometry has been revised for better control and more safety on technical trails. The steering angle has been flattened to 64.5 degrees for most sizes, with 65.8° for frame size S, which should give the new Meta a smoother ride at high speeds. The seat angle has been steepened to 75.5 degrees (size S: 76.8°) to increase efficiency when riding uphill. At the same time, the Commencal has short 430 mm chainstays for agile handling.
Adapted impeller sizes and protective measures
Depending on the frame size, different wheel combinations are used on the Commencal Meta HT V3. The size S is designed as a mullet version with 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels, while the sizes M and XL use 29-inch wheels throughout.
To protect the frame from damage, Commencal has given the new Meta a wide down tube protector and a chainstay protector with extra rubber. The latter is designed to provide optimum protection against damage as well as chain noise. In addition, an anti-chain-suck guard is fitted to the chainstay to prevent the chain from jamming. The cables for the gears and brakes are routed internally through the frame.
Technical details and features of the new Commencal hardtail
The new head tube in the ZS56/ZS56 standard allows the use of angle-set or off-set headsets for customised geometry adjustment. The bottom bracket shell retains the BSA standard for easy maintenance.
The frame is now UDH-compatible so that the latest Sram T-Type drivetrains can be used. The frame has two attachment points for storing water bottles or tools, with a magnetic Fidlock mount installed as standard.
Certified quality and guarantee
Commencal wants to build bikes that are tough. The Meta HT V3 has therefore been tested by the independent EFBE laboratory and has been awarded the highest possible EFBE 5 certification. This classification confirms the suitability for gravity and e-bike applications and attests to the frame's maximum resistance. Commencal emphasises its confidence in the quality of its frame with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects for first-time owners.
The Commencal Meta HT V3 as a complete bike
Commencal has designed the Meta HT to master all trails, from small, natural single trails to the most demanding enduro trails. The Meta Hardtail Signature model returns in the V3 version, equipped with high-quality components tailored to the intended use:
- The new Fox 36 Factory fork offers 150 mm of suspension travel. It features the Grip X2 cartridge, which allows control over high and low-speed compression and rebound. The revised chassis ensures rigidity with reduced weight, and the air release valves have been redesigned for easier handling. The integrated mud flap is also new and is no longer attached to the valves.
- New Sram Eagle 90 and 70 shifting componentsThe rear derailleurs are mounted directly on the frame using UDH to ensure unrivalled d and precision in mechanical gear changes.
- The Sram DB8 4-piston brakes in combination with 200 mm discs offer a powerful and long-lasting braking effect. These disc brakes work with mineral oil.
- The Ride Alpha Cockpit adjusts the handlebar width to the respective frame size and offers optimum ergonomics.
Availability & Price
The Commencal Meta HT V3 is available in four frame sizes from S to XL. It is available as a complete bike in the Signature configuration at a price of 3,173.33 euros (RRP). The frame alone costs 743.75 euros (RRP). The frame is available to pre-order from today - the complete bikes can be ordered from June 2025.
Technical specifications of the Commencal Meta HT
- Frame: Meta HT V3: 29''/27'' in S // 29''/29'' in M / L / XL; 6061 aluminium
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory, 150 mm; Boost (15 x 110 mm), 44 mm offset
- Tax rate: Acros ZS56/ZS56
- Stem: Ride Alpha 40 mm, 31.8 mm
- Handlebars: Ride Alpha R20 760 mm in S // Ride Alpha R27 780 mm in M / L // 800 mm in XL
- Brakes: Sram DB8, 4 pistons
- Discs: Sram G2 200 mm, 6-bolts
- Circuit: Sram Eagle 90, 12-speed
- Bottom bracket: Sram DUB BSA, width 68 mm
- Cranks: Sram Eagle 70, 170 mm crank length
- Chainring: Sram Eagle 70, 32 teeth
- Cassette: Sram Eagle 70, 10 - 52 teeth
- Rims: DT Swiss EX511, 30 mm inner width
- Hubs: DT Swiss 370
- Tyres: Maxxis DHRII // Front: Maxxis Assegai
- Seat post: KS Rage-I; stroke: 150 mm in S, 170 mm in M, 190 mm in L/XL
- Weight: 14 kg (size S)
- Colour: Pure White, Shiny finish
- Price: 3173.33 euros (RRP, complete bike) // 743.75 euros (RRP, frame)
Marc Strucken
Editor
