Inside Line: Commencal unveils new Meta AM, splits Supreme into Park and Comp

Now in its fourth generation, the Meta AM seeks to find that perfect balance between descending ability and climbing composure. The new generation is a radical departure from the suspension layout of the previous designs, with the shock tucked in extra-low under the seat tube. Now it occupies a much more traditional spot under the top tube where it can be more easily adjusted, serviced, and can fit modern piggyback shocks. It also means you can flip the compression adjustment lever on most shocks without having to resort to an additional remote on the handlebar.

In all it packs 150mm of suspension travel and is designed around 150mm-160mm forks. Commencal believes in making the most reliable product possible, and uses only aluminum in the frame construction and is built entirely in France.

 

The three-piece top tube dips radically for the most standover clearance possible, actually wrapping itself around the upper shock mount. As with most modern bikes, it is a big longer as well, designed to fit best with a 50mm-60mm stem.

A tried-and-true four-bar single pivot design, the main pivot is placed high and forward for better pedaling characteristics. Below it you’ll find a PressFit92 bottom bracket shell with ISCG-05 tabs. The high direct mount front derailleur mount is entirely removable to keep your bike looking good with a single chainring setup.

The numbers everyone wants to know: a 66-degree head tube angle and 17.2 inch chainstays.

There are three build kits, starting at 1,999 Euros (approximately $2,600.)

 

Meta Trail

There is a new Meta Trail as well, featuring many of the design tweaks from the Meta AM and packaging them in a smaller, lighter, more lively chassis with 120mm of travel.

 

Supreme DH Park and Comp

Like the Trek Session we profiled last week, Commencal is splitting its Supreme downhill bike into two models, one aimed at fun-loving park riders and the other for performance-minded racers.

The 200mm-travel Park bike, pictured here, is build around 26-inch wheels, 17.1-inch chainstays and a 64 degree head tube angle. It is available in three lengths with the head tube and seat tube measurements remaining constant throughout. It will retail for $3,199.

With World Cup tracks as a testing ground, Commencal is rolling out the new Supereme DH Comp, available with either 26-inch or 27.5 wheels. The Comp 27.5, pictured below, has a 63.8 degree head tube angle and chainstays that adjust from 17.5 inches to 17.8 inches. It is available in four lengths with 190mm of travel. There are two build kits available, one at $4,199 and one at $5,299.

The Comp 26 model has 200mm of travel, a 63 degree head tube angle, 17.2-17.7 inch chainstays and is available in three lengths. It will retail for $3,399.