Commencal Meta AM

83/100
BikeRide Score
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Users (1 rating)
80
Experts (4 reviews)
82
Commencal Meta AM
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Facts

Gender
Men, Women
Type
Enduro, Mountain, Non-Electric
Release Year
2019
Brand
Commencal
Wheel Size
27.5”, 29”
Number of Gears
11 (1x11), 12 (1x12)
Gearing Type
External Derailleur
Weight
31.52, 30.19, 15.48, 15.88, 16.10 lb
Suspension
Full
Brake Type
Disc: Hydraulic
Frame Material
Aluminum

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Commencal Meta AM. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

16 reasons to buy

  • Geometry was well-suited to aggressive downhill riding.
  • Fox Factory shocks reacted well to all hits and drops, big and small.
  • Cable-routing was improved on 2019 models.
  • In 2019, suspension kinematics are improved to reduce pedal kickback.
  • Meta AMs come fitted with a downtube protector and miniature mudguard.
  • The main triangle featured room for a bottle cage.
  • Meta AMs climbed well and exhibited minimal squat.
  • Expert reviewers lauded the Meta AM’s capabilities on descents.
  • An extra-thick rubber chainstay protector eliminated unwanted chainslap.
  • RockShox’ Super Deluxe Coil was described as ‘plush and quiet’.
  • Component spec was seen as excellent quality and value for the given price.
  • Up-front on the Team 29, Schwalbe Magic Mary tires tackled turns well.
  • The RockShox Lyrik fork offered impressive performance and easy set-up.
  • Pricing was described as highly competitive.
  • Grey and burgundy-red presented well, on the 29 Essential.
  • 50 and 51 tooth cogs on SRAM and Shimano cassettes were welcomed on climbs.

12 reasons not to buy

  • One owner was saddened to receive a broken box and a scratched saddle.
  • A minority of reviewers saw the Meta AM as a pricey choice.
  • Rear Formula hubs on the 4.2 dragged and lagged on climbs and coasts.
  • One expert found the Ride Alpha bar uncomfortable.
  • Ride Alpha saddles were slippery and uncomfortable on longer rides.
  • Testers reported some heel rub on the 4.2
  • Weight was hefty, with a Team 29 weighing in at close to 35lbs.
  • Seat stays were somewhat wide and could rub on calves or knees.
  • Some reviewers saw LX Brakes as lacking power.
  • On the 4.2, the bottom bracket was sometimes too low on rocky climbs.
  • In the rear, Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires weren’t the most confidence inspiring.
  • Pressfit bottom-brackets on the Signature Team aluminum frame were not easily serviceable.

Bottom line

Commencal chose to stick with aluminum over carbon fiber, to create a bike that unanimously impressed on ragged, rowdy and steep descents. Reports are; the Meta AM climbed well, with or without the included ‘climb mode’ engaged. Innovative features included an integrated mini mudguard to protect the rear linkage. Cable routing was updated to avoid interference with suspension operation. Smart components included RockShox’ Super Deluxe Coil, which features indicators to show how much sag you’re running. This was, overall, a commended bike. Weight was one of the biggest detractors of the Meta AM. But being trained on downhills, extra pounds were easily drowned in big fun.

Expert Reviews

82/100 based on 4 rated expert reviews
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86
ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine
Level 5 expert

Commencal Meta AM 29 Team Replica Review

Level 5 expert

It’s a bike for the toughest trails the world has to offer, yet it’s pleasantly agile and direct. However, it requires an active riding style, and it isn’t quick on climbs.

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85
The Loam Wolf
Level 5 expert

Commencal Meta AM V4.2

Level 5 expert

Small bump performance is above most bikes in category. Combine that with an ability to gobble up the chunkiest of rocks, an impressive price tag, killer aesthetics and we’ve got a bike that really excites us.

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80
BikeRadar
Level 5 expert

Commencal Meta AM V4.2 Essential Review

Level 5 expert

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with properly rugged, steep terrain or spend your weekends racing enduro, the Meta AM V4.2 Essential is an impressive bike.

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78
ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine
Level 5 expert

Commencal Meta AM 29 Signature Orange Review

Level 5 expert

…it sticks to the ground and the steeper and faster things get, the bigger the grin on your the face… Getting to the top of the trail-head with the Commencal under your own steam is really only a means to an end.

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Trail Talk MTB
Level 1 expert

Commencal Meta AM 29 Signature Orange – Demo Review

Level 1 expert

They’ve really designed a bike that you can winch up the hill but just absolutely smash the descents on the way down. The value’s awesome with his bike.

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Bike Magazine
Level 5 expert

Commencal Meta AM Review – 2018 Bible of Bike Tests: Summer Camp

Level 5 expert

This is for somebody who’s embracing aluminum but wants higher-end suspension, higher-end components.

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Freehub Magazine
Level 3 expert

Commencal Meta AM v4.2

Level 3 expert

This bike truly comes alive at higher speeds and in steep and chunky terrain.

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Singletrack
Level 3 expert

Commencal Meta AM 29 SRAM Edition First Look

Level 3 expert

It’s a 29er Enduro bike designed for the EWS stages of the World Cup.

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Bike Magazine
Level 5 expert

Tested – Commencal Meta AM 29: Objectively Fast

Level 5 expert

The particular type of confidence I felt on this bike was mixed with a sort of evil gluttony. It … made me always want more. More speed, more style, even more time in the saddle.

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Pinkbike
Level 5 expert

Review: Commencal’s New Meta AM 29 Team

Level 5 expert

It’s time for ‘freeride’ to make a comeback, which is exactly the category that the Meta 29 belongs in… it’s a solid choice for riders looking for a gravity-oriented machine with a killer component spec at a very good price.

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BikeRadar
Level 5 expert

Commencal Meta AM 29 Team Edition First Ride Review

Level 5 expert

I can confidently say I’ve never ridden a bike so fast … The fact I was able to push myself so hard on a bike I’d not ridden before speaks volumes for the capability this bike has.

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MTB MAG
Level 4 expert

[First Ride] The New Commençal Meta AM 29

Level 4 expert

It’s a bike with a strong downhill inclination, a truly aggressive enduro bike, which still gets you back to the top.

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NZ Mountain Biker
Level 2 expert

Commencal’s Meta AM v4.2

Level 2 expert

Although it has serious chops to perform at the pointy end of the field in Enduro races, it’s equally in its element as an all-day trail bike.

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MTB News
Level 3 expert

Commençal Meta AM 29 Essential in Test: Playful all-rounder with Race Potential [German]

Level 3 expert

…the Commençal Meta AM 29 finds its true destiny in the descent… On rough trails, this enduro bike can fully exploit its strengths. The chassis harmonizes excellently and swallows rough blows…

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MTB News
Level 3 expert

Commençal Meta AM 29 Tested: Evolution Instead of Revolution from Andorra [German]

Level 3 expert

The mix of an extremely potent chassis and solid attachments not only gives the Meta AM 29 a good price-performance ratio, but also makes it absolutely ready for trail use.

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User Ratings

80/100 based on 1 ratings
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  • 4 star
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  • 1 star
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