Back at Fort William, we managed to get some eyes on time with the latest additions to the Commencal range. If those pre-production models managed to whet your appetite then news that Commencal has finally released the AM 29er to the public and at three different price points is going to be music to your ears.
While the Meta AM 29 could easily be mistaken for the 27.5in Meta AM 4.2, well except for the wheel size, the two are actually completely different save the dropouts, headtube, and shock mounts.
Commencal has designed the AM 29 platform to make the most of its larger wheel size while maintaining an efficient chassis that’s equally at home on the EWS race circuit as it is on your local trails.
To do this the AM 29 has been designed to improve stiffness with the use of an added seat stay bridge, not shown on the prototypes at Fort William, and new tube profiles that allow enough give in the backend while not fixing too much under the leverage of the larger wheels.
The main pivot point has been moved further back compared to the Meta 4.2 which Commencal says offers better pedalling efficiency while reducing pedal kickback.
Suspension settings and kinematics have also been tweaked for improved grip and better support over harsh terrain, while also building in as much progression into the linkage as possible giving riders the option of running air or coil shocks.
On top of those changes, there have been some slight refinements that include improved cable routing, new seals, the addition of foam to the inside of the top tube to prevent water entering the mainframe, a mini rear mudguard, a new downtube protector with integrated accessory mount, and better quality Enduro Bearings.
Commencal even states that Teflon Finish Line grease and a “more efficient” thread lock is used at the factory.
When it comes to geometry, the Meta AM 29 isn’t as long, low or slack as some brands’ enduro bikes. The reach on a medium sized frame is 435mm, in comparison the reach on a medium Whyte S150 is 458mm, but as we all know a bike is more than just its reach figures.
The head angle is 65.5 with a 170mm travel fork and the chainstays are just 432mm long, actually 6mm less than those found on the smaller 27.5in wheeled bike.
Three versions of the Meta AM 29 have been announced. The top of the range Meta AM 29 Signature sports an orange and grey paint scheme, Fox Factory suspension front and rear, along with an SRAM GX Eagle 12 speed drivetrain, Shimano XT brakes and E13 TRS wheels for €4,399.
Sitting in the middle of the range is the Meta A9 29 Team with RockShox suspension, SRAM Guide RE brakes, Spank Oozy 350 wheelset and replica team colour scheme at €3,899.
For those of you on a stricter budget, there’s the Meta AM 29 Essential with 170mm RockShox Lyrik, Super Deluxe rear shock, SRAM Guide T brakes and SRAM GX Eagle at €2,999.
While the bikes are officially announced, they are only available for pre-order at this time. Actual shipping time is around September for those of you who are willing to wait.
Now with a 29er downhill bike, and big wheeled enduro machine, all we’re waiting for is official word on the shorter travel Meta TR 29 and perhaps a Supreme SX 29er too?
Is that not enough to quench your 29er appetite? How about watching Commencal’s Meta 29er promo video then:
