Had a Meta V4 in XL Race versionb 1×11 RCT3, Debonair. (6’2″ fits a treat).
Spent a few hours on the V4. Thoughts from a ham fisted rider:
Weight: Not heavy. 28.4lbs with nano flats running tubeless.
Service: Eric and Gregory at commencal were/are responsive. 5 days to arrive. Tracking info a bit crap but came well packaged. All the rockshox service kits were included (bleed kit for stealth and tokens for pike). 5 year frame warranty BUT not on the seat stays – weird I know. 2 years on these.
Frame has big welds, big tubes and a solid feel.
Climbing: Great. Fast. Feels light. No lifting on front end, shuffle bum forward a little on saddle at times thats all. I can get back ache with some bikes, not this one yet.
Going down. Fast. More agile than the very long wheelbase would suggest. (long front centre shorter chain stays). Rolls over steeps well due to slacker head angle. Carves well builds speed pretty well. Dont notice any real flex but I dont hammer like mad.
I was sceptical about the speed of 650B but strava shows I’m a little faster all round on this than the other bikes (relative to me not others!) Mind the 29er is very fast on flowing trials as momentum is superb.
Smooth feel to the suspension (shock may be run on bearings no bushings?), haven’t found the bottom yet even though its single pivot doesn’t suffer too badly from pedal kickback. Dont do big jumps just smaller stuff en-route down.
Stem was a little long at 60mm so bunged one I had at 50mm and seems just right.
In house alpha wheels blow up tubeless a treat, seems pretty stiff an light (Novatec Diablos)
Verdict? A great all mountain bike (light enough), climbs very well indeed and handles the steeps just as well. When the pace gets up stays on track due to length and head angle. One magazine put me off stating heels clipped the chain stays due to brake being mounted inside. I have no issue in this respect, with size 11 feet. I’m neutral on the pedals though. If you are heels in they may clip. Bike comes with a taping up sheet so you can cover potential strike areas.
Seems to be on the money to me..
Hope this helps a little.
Jules