Commencal

MTBOnline were lucky enough to be invited to have a look at the new Commencal bikes that are now being imported into South Africa. Unfortunately they have only received sample stock and all the bikes are a medium size, which as you may know is not quite my size. But I got to touch the bikes and take a closer look at the interesting looking rear suspension.


The first bike I checked out was the pimpy white Meta 4. The sample they had is the top of the range and features a Fox RP3 on the rear and some very nice feeling Formula Oro brakes. The Meta 4 is a 4 inch travel bike and I am told it weighs slightly more than 12 kgs.
The rest of the Spec all fits in with the latest SRAM/Race Face trend and if you are into that then that is right down your alley.

Next in the line up was the Meta 5.5. This looks like the free rider, starter bike. It has 5.5 inches of rear wheel travel and mirrors the spec on the Meta 4. It tips the scales under 13 kgs.

Both bikes will retail at around R26500, which seems like awesome value for money.

I was able to take the 5.5 for a little spin around the parking lot. I forced it over some harsh looking curbs and the rear soaked it up very well. There was no visible bob in the extremely short test. If anything did feel harsh it was the Fox fork, but I am sure it just needs to bed in a little.

Don’t be too overwhelmed by the complicated looking suspension, it is very simply a single pivot design, which is activated through linkages.

The bike that really caught my attention was the flame. With my new found interest in hard Tails my first question was, "What does it weigh?". 10.1 kgs for the medium. Pretty good i think.

The Flame will retail at around R23 5oo.00. For more information on Commencal bikes in South Africa and to check availibility send a mail to info@commencal.co.za

I am told that stock should be reaching our shores in December/January. So you might want to save that Christmas bonus until then! Also look out for the Commencal van, they will be going all over the country showing off the bikes. Stop them and have a chat, they are really guys.