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Whilst I love my Cube Stereo Carbon for its efficiency.
I am thinking of selling the frame and shock, heading towards a Commencal Meta AM.
I almost got an SX last year but popped into my LBS and walked out with the Stereo.
Commencal have confirmed I can run a 160 fork up front - it looks like a fun option just wondered if any has any opinions?
The Stereo is great but a little detached - a recent ride on a Merida was more lively and "fun" whilst losing some of the efficiency.
Other suggestions welcome!
I had a meta am1 26" & 29" concurrently last year.
I kept the 29"
Its more stable, faster & more confidence inspiring than the 26", but harder work uphill than the 26" bike. This surprised me.
I recon the 650b will be the perfect compromises between the 2 wheel sizes.
I have the 29... I love it... bit heavy, but awesome at battering through stuff.
IS there much difference between that and the sx?
I assume I am giving up 10mm of rear travel over my cube - which likely isn't going to make much difference.
TBH I know the cubes a great bike, its just a little underwhelming on the fun side.
It goes faster than I can, goes up well - but I need fun!!
Always deals on the Commencal site - 2014 stuff now reduced.
I have the 2013 AM 26. The only difference I can tell between it and the 2013/14 SX (remember 2014 frames, only the SX is 26 now) is 10mm less rear travel at 150mm, possibly slightly smaller bearings and a 67 degree head angle instead of 66. Regarding this last point, I'm not sure if the actual head angle is different or merely the SX is measured with a matching 160 fork and the AM a 150? Either way I run mine with a 160 fork.
Worth pointing out these frames are pretty tank-like and indestructible but at a price - my frameset is over 8lbs and the bike with reverb, lyriks, Flow EX comes in a bit over 33lbs. Pretty agile once up to speed though and climbs surprisingly well.
Thanks - really helpful. I know I will pay the price weight wise if I go down this route, but I didn't really notice it.
Not sure Carbon is for me long term either...something about the feel of it.
They confirmed I can run a 160 fork on it which is good. However if I want a piggyback type shock I need to go anodised and guess what, the frame no shock is sold out in my size 🙁
No dealers up my way so cant demo either....
Looking forward to seeing your climbing skills scamper
I have just built up a 650b meta and I'm very impressed with it. Not the lightest of frames and the internal cable routing is a bit of a pita. I've not noticed the weight when climbing though, and it's definitely in its element descending, very lively and fast. I bought a large at 6'4 and the fit is brilliant. I'm using a 150 fork and have no issues with pedal strike.
I still haven't decided - its not a strong point. The cube gets really good reviews, chainstays aren't that long really. So its down to rider and my lack of skill I suspect - my feeling is to get a pike up front see if that makes it pop a bit more.
I do however pedal strike constantly, really annoying - off to states for a holiday this weekend, I am trying to resist using the exchange rate and getting an intense tracer 😀