I’ve had one since March and it’s a beaut of a bike.
Did all of the UK Gravity Enduro races on it, plus I’ve took it to Whistler and did Top of the World trail, Gargamel, Khyber pass et al, plus a few UK trail centres and it’s come out shining in all rides.
I’d dispute the need for 36’s on it, ok I swapped my Std 32 Floats for 32 Talas to get the reduced travel for climbing, but the 32’s are man enough for the job.
Historic Commencal cracking issues are long gone, I have been told by both the UK and Nth America Distributors that they have not had 1 single cracked frame since launch of the new design, (V3, AM, SX and SL).
The rear end is so plush, I only use pro-pedal for fire road climbs, anything technical turn it off and it pedals through anything.
Mine tips the scales at just under 31 lb, but it rides lighter than that and felt like I was on an XC bike compared to my old Meta 6.
A mate changed his 55 for an AM in the summer and he’s raving about the AM too and said it’s way better thna the 55.
Must admit I’m not too keen on the 2013 colours, so I’d Def recommend the 2012 blue one at the reduced price, it’s a bargain at that price and you wouldn’t regret it.