The intended use clearly pointed to the enduro category: touring, trails and bike park missions were on the to-do list for the season. A stable yet pedallable downhill bike was therefore needed.
The choice fell on the Commencal Meta AM V4. With its 150 millimetre rear triangle and 160 mm Pike, this should offer sufficient reserves. Although a weight of 14 kilos is rather average, it doesn't spoil the fun on the climbs. The shape of the aluminium frame is visually impressive: the shock is half hidden in the top tube, giving the frame a very tidy appearance. The colour scheme is also consistent: All parts - including the supplied mudguard - are perfectly colour-coordinated. The add-on parts proved to be a sensible choice: Apart from one weak point, nothing broke that would have restricted its function. On the trail, the Meta impressed: the steep seat angle (73.7 degrees) and the low front end ensured good climbing characteristics, the front wheel was always in contact with the ground when riding uphill. The rear suspension also kept its composure and only pumped slightly when pedalling. However, the Meta only really blossomed downhill with its 65.3 degree head angle. However, the 437 millimetre long chainstay meant that manuals required a bit of effort. The rear suspension felt like a mini freerider and was also able to impress with its potency in the bike park on big jumps and rough trails.
Only the rear wheel axle put the relationship to the test: the Maxle thru-axle broke after 22,000 metres. The replacement axle only lasted 13000 metres. Only a more solid thru-axle from Commencal brought a brief improvement. After a further 27,000 metres, the axle of the hub finally broke and we ended the endurance test. The good news is that we are not aware of any similar cases. The remaining components and the frame coped with the 60,000 metres of depth without any problems.
CONCLUSION: at 14 kilos, a solid enduro bike with good rear suspension and sensible equipment. The series dispersion put a spanner in the works.
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 3 out of 6 points
Mileage: 1923 km | 34,610 metres in altitude | 61,895 tm
TUNING:
- 0 km: Tubes out - tubeless conversion: rim tape and milk in. No flats and less rotating mass made for a lot of fun.
- 20 km: Chain guide - minimalist one-up chain guide fitted, as the chain was not sitting securely on the E13 chainring.
DEFECTS:
- 900 km: Rough E13 bottom bracket - First greased and finally replaced at 1700 km.
- 970 km: Broken thru axle - The Maxle Ultimate thru axle (pictured below) breaks between the frame and hub. At 1330 km the new axle breaks in the same place.
- 1160 km: Brake pads - The organic brake pads lasted just under 31000 depth metres and would now have to be replaced again after a total of 62000 depth metres.
- 1500 km: Rear tyre - The worn rear tyre is punctured and losing air. New Maxxis Minion DHR 2 tyre fitted.
- 1780 km: Hub axle - This time it was not the thru axle but the axle in the hub that gave way and broke (picture below).
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS:
The Tschilli trail in Latsch offers everything the enduro heart desires at an altitude of around 1000 metres. Even small jumps are possible on the Annaberger soil.
THE TESTER
Tobias Brehler, BIKE test rider
19 years old / 1.83 m / 72 kg
Rider profile: Trails - sometimes flowy, sometimes rough - often spiced up with jumps
Favourite areas: Serfaus bike park, Vinschgau, Isar trails
WHAT THE READERS SAY
"For me, the Meta really is a super cool bike! I ride the normal V4 frame. It's a first-class climber and I don't miss my downhill bike at all (depending on the route). The rear end is manoeuvrable, but also tracks true. Simply a mega box." (Henrik Hofmann, Facebook)
"I haven't been riding the Commencal for that long, but so far I'm very satisfied, as I only weigh 15kg despite the XL frame and Shimano Saint cranks and brakes." (Florian Gassner, Facebook)
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