In the experience of the Meta’s both me and a friend have owned, it will break eventually. Between us we have broke Meta’s from 2007/08/09/10.

Unless you’re getting it for peanuts I’d walk away.

I thought 10 onward were okay.

All but the 2010 were replaced under warranty so no need to repair.

Would you really want to start welding a frame prone to breaking?

’10 model did address the issues that had occurred in the ’09 frame.
Build quality was noticably different between the two.

Also, the problems were mainly on L & XL frames, which had a different configuration of the top shock mount with respect to seat /top tube joint.

Personally, I’d not touch an ’09 (having had one in L size and broken it) but would happily have another ’10 (XL warranty replacement), if I hadn’t switched to a Five.

General points:
The Commie felt like a much longer, stretched out riding position that the Five (XL Commie v 20″ Five, 745 bar/50 stem on both).
The outstanding + point of the Commie was the rear suspension action which always impressed me, despite being a bit flexi in the swingarm.
If I could have a Five with the Commie’s rear suspension, I’d have my perfect bike.

So you’re interested in buying a frame in the wrong size?

My 2011 large was fine inc. a week in the Alps, couldnt get on with the slack seat angle but apart from that I liked it.

‘Commonfail’ ?

Brilliant…

From memory you’re 6’3 aren’t you? I just can’t understand how you can find an 18inch frame too big (different strokes for different folks of course). I ride a Spesh at the moment and I’m 6’2. I’ve got the post up almost at the maximum so it’s only just big enough for me – do you have an extra long neck or something?

Absolutely loved my 2008 Meta, by far the most fun bike I’ve ever owned, I was always a bit big for it at 6’6″ though. Riding a 22″ Five now, feels quite sedate in comparison, very similar sort of thing though.

2009 was THE year to avoid though.

Weigh it…..
That’ll give you an answer to how heavy it is… 😉

DrP