Commencal revives the SX as the 2020 Commencal Meta Power SX e-MTB along with the 2020 Commencal Meta Power 29 both with internal battery, and new features.
The following information comes from Commencal’s press release. For Andi’s first ride review of the 2020 Commencal Meta Power 29 Team then head over to our full review with embedded video at the link below.
2020 Commencal Meta Power press release follows:
Each has their character!
It seemed inconceivable for us to have one without the other. The META POWER range is composed of two platforms: the 29 and the SX (in 27.5). The name SX refers to the legendary COMMENCAL bikes, famous for their downhill capabilities.
The POWER SX is the ‘angry’ POWER of the range. A bike made to make maximum laps onboard, smash berms, jump high and shred the steep parts of any track!
The POWER 29 is pure performance. A beast on technical climbs with a disconcerting downhill ability. It’s an ally to the person who climbs for their descents. It will help the rider through difficult sections which makes it easier to find flow in places there shouldn’t be any!
For MY20, the META POWER goes internal on the battery front, but this is not the only evolution. Far from it in fact. Thanks to the introduction of an internal Shimano battery with compact dimensions, we were able to work on a highly redesigned platform that conserves what makes the META POWER’s DNA.
This POWER is above all a META! The BM-E8035 (the model code for this new Shimano battery) allows us to to maintain a satisfactory weight distribution, a key point in relation to keeping a bike dynamic and easy to manoeuvre in any circumstances. Because of the battery’s low position in the down tube, we use a long shock with a large stroke to vary the progressiveness of our suspension system. In concrete terms, the META POWER has controlled progressivity.
This results in two main major characteristics: The bike is dynamic, it’s easy to move and provides a very good feeling of tyre-to-ground contact. The bike is comfortable throughout the travel. There is no stiff point, the movement happens naturally without consuming too much travel.
When we decided to create a motorized version of our META, the first thought in terms of the specs was clear; keep the DNA of our bikes. Simply put, a fun bike which is as comfortable and powerful uphill as it is downhill. To achieve this, we had to find an electrical-assisted system which synced with our frame. We chose a Shimano engine for its technical strengths and reliability.
Technically, the Shimano system is excellent. Its capability, engine management and shape are the main pluses. The compact engine allows us to make the mountain bike as we understand it here at COMMENCAL; with a geometry and kinematics that are not compromised by the size of the engine itself.
The reliability of our bikes is our priority and again the Shimano system scores points. The Japanese giant has a reputation for reliability and the many service centres available around the world are helpful for a smoother after-sales service experience.
The behaviour of the META POWER is as good on the uphills as it is on the downhills. An excellent suspension system is nothing without excellent geometry. More than a fashion or trend, lengthening the front of our bikes meets a need for stability and grip during turns. Progress made on the suspension and the chassis are such that the speeds achieved require this readjustment.
The seat tube angle is very straight. The electrical assistance enables the ability to climb slopes that would be impossible to climb with a conventional bike. Thanks to this new angle, steep and technical climbs are less tiring. Less effort is needed to keep the front wheel on the ground. We save this energy to be able to pedal harder, for longer, or to send it a little more downhill.
2020 Commencal Meta Power 29
The short chainstays and the relatively linear suspension gives a playful character to the META POWER 29. It is easy to influence the weight distribution between the front and rear.
Simply put, it is easy to get behind the saddle and put weight on the rear wheel axle. We remain masters of the bike, we ride it!
With the POWER 29, we talk about efficiency. Everything becomes easier, climbs and descents. An impressive potential and a heightened experience!
2020 Commencal Meta Power 29 geometry
2020 Commencal Meta Power 29 Team Specifications
- FRAME // 2020 META POWER 29, integrated battery, 150mm travel
- MOTOR // SHIMANO E8000
- BATTERY // SHIMANO E8035, 504Wh
- DISPLAY // SHIMANO SC-E8000
- SHOCK // ROCKSHOX SUPER DELUXE ULTIMATE, 230x65mm, open/locked
- FORK // ROCKSHOX LYRIK ULTIMATE, 160mm, 15mm axle, High /Low-speed compression, rebound, boost
- STEM // RIDE ALPHA, Aluminium 2014, 50mm,
- BRAKES // SRAM CODE RSC, 200mm/200mm
- SADDLE // WTB SL8 RACE, 142mm width, cromo rails
- GRIPS // RIDE ALPHA // DH Grips, ultra soft compound, single clamp
- BAR // RIDE ALPHA, Alloy 7050, double butted, 27mm rise, 780mm, 31,8mm
- SHIFTERS // SRAM GX EAGLE, E-Click, 1x12sp
- REAR MECH // SRAM X01 EAGLE, 1x12sp
- CRANKS // SHIMANO E8050, 165mm, forged
- CASSETTE // SRAM NX EAGLE, 11-50, 12sp
- WHEELS // DT SWISS H 1700 SPLINE, 29», 30mm inner width
- TIRES // SCHWALBE MAGIC MARY 29×2.35, Super Gravity, ADDIX Soft, Super Gravity, front & rear
- SEATPOST // KINDSHOCK LEV INTEGRA, 31.6 mm, South-paw Matchmaker alloy lever
- SIZES // S/M/L/XL
- FROM // Commencal
2020 Commencal Meta Power SX
With its 27.5’’ wheels and generous travel, the META POWER SX is able to go fast, very fast. The geometry was designed accordingly with a long front and an open head angle.
It’s all coupled with a 40mm stem to maintain an optimal downhill riding position, the SX’s favourite terrain! Thanks to its smaller wheels, chainstays are even shorter, which help putting the rear wheel where it needs to be and hit berms easily, even short ones.
2020 Commencal Meta Power SX geometry
2020 Commencal Meta Power SX Team Specifications
- FRAME // 2020 META POWER 27.5, integrated battery, 170mm travel
- MOTOR // SHIMANO E8000
- BATTERY // SHIMANO E8035, 504Wh
- DISPLAY // SHIMANO SC-E8000
- SHOCK // ROCKSHOX SUPER DELUXE COIL ULTIMATE, 230x65mm, open/locked
- FORK // ROCKSHOX LYRIK ULTIMATE, 180mm, 15mm axle, High /Low-speed compression, rebound, boost
- STEM // RIDE ALPHA, Aluminium 2014, 50mm, 31,8mm, 0° Angle
- BAR // RIDE ALPHA, Alloy 7050, double butted, 27mm rise, 780mm, 31,8mm
- GRIPS // RIDE ALPHA, DH Grips, ultra soft compound, single clamp
- BRAKES // SRAM CODE R, 200mm/200mm
- SADDLE // WTB SL8 RACE, 142mm width, cromo rails
- SHIFTERS // SRAM GX EAGLE, E-Click, 1 x 12
- REAR MECH // SRAM GX EAGLE, 1 x 12s
- CRANKS // SHIMANO E8050, 165mm, forged
- CHAIN // SRAM GX EAGLE, 12sp
- CASSETTE // SRAM NX EAGLE, 11-50, 12sp
- WHEELS // DT SWISS H 1900 SPLINE, 27,5’’, 30mm inner width
- TIRES // front MAXXIS ASSEGAI, 27.5×2.5, 3C MaxxGrip /TR / Double Down, rear MAXXIS ASSEGAI, 27.5×2.5, 3C
- MaxxTerra / TR / Exo +
- SEATPOST // KINDSHOCK LEV INTEGRA, 31.6 mm, Southpaw Matchmaker alloy lever
- SIZES // S/M/L/XL
- FROM // Commencal