I ordered the Large. I made that choice based on my RAD calculations and the specs of the frame. At first they were saying XL for my size, I'm 6' 2". I'm glad I went down to the Large, as it's plenty big for me and the XL would probably be too much. Many times I don't even fully extend the dropper post as I can't reach the ground very well, especially on uneven terrain. Makes me wonder what a medium would feel like.
Did you have any trouble with (what I think they should be) the Formula hubs that come with that wheel configuration (on the Essential version) ? I think I am getting a Race version not only for some other better components (shocks and brakes) but also for better wheel composition (DT 350 hubs with faster engagement). I think the 17 degrees engagement (means 20 per revolution) of the hubs that come with the Essential version would drive me crazy (being used to trial bike hubs with at least 56 engagements).
I've had no issues with riding. However this is also my first "proper" MTB. So to me, it feels just fine. Now that it's become easy to rent bikes again I may start trying out different brands to see which bike feels better to me, but that will be later on this year before I can get time to do something like that.
Yeah, I'm looking for a different solution. They don't seem to be harming anything at the moment, but even so, I would like it to have a cleaner look. I found one brand, but they are in the UK, so shipping is more than the actual product.
Curious. When ya get those test bikes, and the company requires ya make a video-of-it, what happens if ya put some large scratches or dents in the frame or damage any of the components?
I would suppose it depends on the conditions of the rental / loan. If they cover it, then nothing. If they state you cover any / all damages then it would be up to your to pay them for the damages. This bike was bought, so I had no such restrictions. When I rented the Santa Cruz in Brevard they stated any damages would be my responsibility, so I rode more carefully so I wouldn't crash and damage the bike as it was an expensive bike.
I have the ht race 2021 and I want to make a change to this bike How is the bike after a year of use? do you recommend it? I would logically use it to do enduro
Based on the photos of the Ride and the ones on the Essential I don’t see a quick release on the through axel. Now, just curious and all, but what do you find unappealing about the quick release. It clamps down at the end, but it unscrews a number of times before you can pull out the axel.
@@OurMTBJourney the downside of QR is it can catch things its become that "uncool" but its actually practical and the risk of catching is extremely low and probably never happen
@@OurMTBJourney Yeah, you won't be that impressed riding it on the local Triangle Trails but the first "rowdy" section you hit in Dupont/Pisgah is gonna make you smile.
When did you order and when did it say it would be to you by? I just placed an order for mine and it says May do you think that’s pretty accurate or might I get it sooner?
I was unique. I ordered first in July for the Origin, and it was suppose to come in October. It was delayed, and I had more money then, plus my wife said to upgrade, so I upgraded to the Essential in November, which changed my due date to April, and it arrived the first week of February.
Yes. Commencal sent it to my local distributor in Colorado first. Then they shipped it to me. If you live near the local distributor in your country you can just pick it up.
thanks for sharing this, congrats on the new bike, these are really handsome rigs for sure. Do you know if you can use another shock or is that a special shock designed for that linkage specifically? Have you had a chance to get out on the trails? how does it pedal for a long day of riding?
I'm sure you can choose any shock that is within the recommended travel range for the frame geometry. In fact they use three different brands based on the model you choose. As for pedaling, I find it easy to go up hills with it. Of course you still need to be in shape, as long days of going uphill on any bike is going to kick your butt.
@@bettermountainrides I got the All Mountain Style Full and Extra frame guards. www.amazon.com/stores/page/EC64A3B8-53CE-44D0-A574-44621B1928BA?ingress=2&visitId=63d60c75-73cf-44e3-b051-b6541ae6e906&ref_=ast_bln
@@behindthebucks922 Yes, I actually took photos of the camo kit and posted it on my instagram account on ivanwindonmtb. I’m going to make a bike check video (hopefully) tomorrow and will get some video close ups of the bike, as well as talk about the various components of the bike. Hopefully soon I can get a video of me riding it, once it stops raining long enough for the local trails to dry out finally.
@@freekodry First I would just try it as is, sometimes it may just look heavy, but still would perform well. So give it some good baseline rides first, which is what I plan on doing. Change nothing until you know how it performs the way it came. Then I would switch to tubeless, which will drop some weight. Maybe change out the bars to carbon fiber. You’ll know what type you want after riding with the Ride Alphas and if they work or don’t work for you. You could change out the rims to carbon fiber as well which could reduce the weight a little more. As you replace components with higher end ones, the weight all goes down, but the price goes up. The frame and bike is big, so most of it’s weight is going to be the frame itself.
@@OurMTBJourney thanks for fast answer. I`m waiting for arriving my Meta Essential in April and it will be in L size. Also I`m 185cm, think it will be nice for me.
I was different, as I originally ordered mine in July, for the Meta origin. However in October when it was due to arrive it was delayed, and they said probably December/January. As I had some more money at that time I thought I would upgrade to the Essential, thus starting my place over in line. That was November. I received it the first week in February, and they were saying I would get it in April. So I actually got mine 2 months early. I'm sure results vary based on the model you order, and what country you are in as well.
Haha, yeah, I didn’t re-filmed it, but I noticed right away and went... well that’s not good. So I cut the tie off and made sure the brake line was on the outside. So all is good. :-)
Sure thing. I’ll do a bike check video, going over the components and I’ll get the sound of the hub as well. I may also just make a quick video of just the hub sound and post it too as well. Thanks for watching!
Yeah, I was trying to get the seat post to extend, but couldn’t and was trying to figure out how to clamp it to the bike stand. I was very careful with the bike when I sat it down to remove the extra packing material. Then I decided to just clamp it on the base of the dropper post, which ended up working out for the rest of the build.
@@OurMTBJourney Yeah I noticed that alright 👍 A beauty if a bike. How are you finding it? I recently ordered a meta HT but was very tempted by the clash but already have a canyon spectral.
@@OurMTBJourney I'm loving it. It makes my 2018 Meta AM feel so slow. The 2021 Meta AM is so damn good. I need to put some videos of it up on my channel.
Sweet bike! Thanks for taking the time to film the build
Could you happen to tell me what size bike that is, I just bought this varient in XL 😁
I ordered the Large. I made that choice based on my RAD calculations and the specs of the frame. At first they were saying XL for my size, I'm 6' 2". I'm glad I went down to the Large, as it's plenty big for me and the XL would probably be too much. Many times I don't even fully extend the dropper post as I can't reach the ground very well, especially on uneven terrain. Makes me wonder what a medium would feel like.
@@OurMTBJourney im 6,4 , long reach so i went with the XL, hopefully it was the right call .....
@@domb4027 I’m sure it will. Let us know what you think.
I’m getting the same bike tomorrow but in gun metal can’t waitttt
Looks like you got the bike earlier than you expected. Enjoy and welcome to the Commencal family!
Yes. It came early. I didn’t complain. 😁
Did you have any trouble with (what I think they should be) the Formula hubs that come with that wheel configuration (on the Essential version) ? I think I am getting a Race version not only for some other better components (shocks and brakes) but also for better wheel composition (DT 350 hubs with faster engagement). I think the 17 degrees engagement (means 20 per revolution) of the hubs that come with the Essential version would drive me crazy (being used to trial bike hubs with at least 56 engagements).
I've had no issues with riding. However this is also my first "proper" MTB. So to me, it feels just fine. Now that it's become easy to rent bikes again I may start trying out different brands to see which bike feels better to me, but that will be later on this year before I can get time to do something like that.
Sharp bike . The zip ties on the fender kill me . Hope your enjoying it
Yeah, I'm looking for a different solution. They don't seem to be harming anything at the moment, but even so, I would like it to have a cleaner look. I found one brand, but they are in the UK, so shipping is more than the actual product.
That is such a nice bike! I'm definitely interested to see how the Meta does on the trails! New subscriber right here
Thanks! I really love the bike, it’s great. Looking forward to being able to ride it on all the trails and see how it rides.
Curious. When ya get those test bikes, and the company requires ya make a video-of-it, what happens if ya put some large scratches or dents in the frame or damage any of the components?
I would suppose it depends on the conditions of the rental / loan. If they cover it, then nothing. If they state you cover any / all damages then it would be up to your to pay them for the damages. This bike was bought, so I had no such restrictions. When I rented the Santa Cruz in Brevard they stated any damages would be my responsibility, so I rode more carefully so I wouldn't crash and damage the bike as it was an expensive bike.
Sweet ride! Commencal makes some awesome looking bikes.
Beast, loved from Philipppines sir ride safe always
Thanks. The rain has stopped here so today I’ll get on a trail today. Hope to have a ride video by Monday.
The bike looks so sick! Have fun, buddy! 🤘
Thanks. I’m sure I’ll be showing you many other photos and talking about it very soon. 😁
I have the ht race 2021 and I want to make a change to this bike
How is the bike after a year of use? do you recommend it?
I would logically use it to do enduro
I'm still enjoying the bike, and I feel it helps me where needed for my riding style. I've not had any problems with it, and enjoy riding it.
Just ordered AM 29 Ride. Hoping it doesn't come with QR like yours seems to of ?
Based on the photos of the Ride and the ones on the Essential I don’t see a quick release on the through axel. Now, just curious and all, but what do you find unappealing about the quick release. It clamps down at the end, but it unscrews a number of times before you can pull out the axel.
@@OurMTBJourney the downside of QR is it can catch things its become that "uncool" but its actually practical and the risk of catching is extremely low and probably never happen
You are going to love it. My main bike is a Ripmo AF. I ride that bike in western NC, Raleigh, and FL. More fun in western NC though. :)
I’m looking forward to taking it to Pisgah and Dupont soon.
@@OurMTBJourney Yeah, you won't be that impressed riding it on the local Triangle Trails but the first "rowdy" section you hit in Dupont/Pisgah is gonna make you smile.
When did you order and when did it say it would be to you by? I just placed an order for mine and it says May do you think that’s pretty accurate or might I get it sooner?
I was unique. I ordered first in July for the Origin, and it was suppose to come in October. It was delayed, and I had more money then, plus my wife said to upgrade, so I upgraded to the Essential in November, which changed my due date to April, and it arrived the first week of February.
Ordered a TR 29 in early august. If all goes well it is due to arrive tomorrow!
Hope all goes well and you get to ride this weekend. 😁
Did it come with the wheels tubeless ready? (taped)
How was the heritage green in personal?and how's the bike rides? Love the bike though!!
I love the color. I’ve not had a chance to ride on a trail just yet.
So commencal will deliver to home residence??
Yes. Commencal sent it to my local distributor in Colorado first. Then they shipped it to me. If you live near the local distributor in your country you can just pick it up.
@@OurMTBJourney awesome thank you for you’re quick response I’m a state below Colorado in west Texas definitely going to order one ASAP
thanks for sharing this, congrats on the new bike, these are really handsome rigs for sure. Do you know if you can use another shock or is that a special shock designed for that linkage specifically? Have you had a chance to get out on the trails? how does it pedal for a long day of riding?
I'm sure you can choose any shock that is within the recommended travel range for the frame geometry. In fact they use three different brands based on the model you choose. As for pedaling, I find it easy to go up hills with it. Of course you still need to be in shape, as long days of going uphill on any bike is going to kick your butt.
Such a great bike.
Agree. It’s very nice. I’m looking forward to getting on a trail soon.
Love the green
Thanks, I love the color too. And with the All Mountain Style camouflage style frame covers on it, I think it makes it even nicer.
@@OurMTBJourney which frame covers did you buy?
@@bettermountainrides I got the All Mountain Style Full and Extra frame guards. www.amazon.com/stores/page/EC64A3B8-53CE-44D0-A574-44621B1928BA?ingress=2&visitId=63d60c75-73cf-44e3-b051-b6541ae6e906&ref_=ast_bln
@@behindthebucks922 Yes, I actually took photos of the camo kit and posted it on my instagram account on ivanwindonmtb. I’m going to make a bike check video (hopefully) tomorrow and will get some video close ups of the bike, as well as talk about the various components of the bike. Hopefully soon I can get a video of me riding it, once it stops raining long enough for the local trails to dry out finally.
@@OurMTBJourney I can't wait to see it..
Still waiting on mine... I was wondering, what is the weight on size L? Does it come with tubes?
37.6 lbs and it comes with tubes, however it is tubeless ready.
@@OurMTBJourney I was hoping on less 🙄 what do you think I can change to lose some weight?
@@freekodry First I would just try it as is, sometimes it may just look heavy, but still would perform well. So give it some good baseline rides first, which is what I plan on doing. Change nothing until you know how it performs the way it came. Then I would switch to tubeless, which will drop some weight. Maybe change out the bars to carbon fiber. You’ll know what type you want after riding with the Ride Alphas and if they work or don’t work for you. You could change out the rims to carbon fiber as well which could reduce the weight a little more. As you replace components with higher end ones, the weight all goes down, but the price goes up. The frame and bike is big, so most of it’s weight is going to be the frame itself.
@@OurMTBJourney Thank you for your in-depth answer. Will wait for it and then decide what to do. Thank you!
Hey there! Whats your height and frame size? Thanks
Thanks for watching. I ordered the large frame size as I’m 6’ 2” or 188cm. I also calculated my RAD and it showed the large was best for me.
@@OurMTBJourney thanks for fast answer. I`m waiting for arriving my Meta Essential in April and it will be in L size. Also I`m 185cm, think it will be nice for me.
Did you have to bleed the brakes?
No. They were ready to go on arrival.
How accurate was their pre order estimate?
I was different, as I originally ordered mine in July, for the Meta origin. However in October when it was due to arrive it was delayed, and they said probably December/January. As I had some more money at that time I thought I would upgrade to the Essential, thus starting my place over in line. That was November. I received it the first week in February, and they were saying I would get it in April. So I actually got mine 2 months early. I'm sure results vary based on the model you order, and what country you are in as well.
Zip tie over the brake line!??
Haha, yeah, I didn’t re-filmed it, but I noticed right away and went... well that’s not good. So I cut the tie off and made sure the brake line was on the outside. So all is good. :-)
What is the frame size?
It’s a large.
In the next video could you please show the hubs sound
Sure thing. I’ll do a bike check video, going over the components and I’ll get the sound of the hub as well. I may also just make a quick video of just the hub sound and post it too as well. Thanks for watching!
Here is the video that has the hub sound. ua-cam.com/video/95s9xycjoLI/v-deo.html.
@@OurMTBJourney thank you
nice!
check out fox fender for 38 fork! no more zip ties!!
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
Lovely bike but I did shed a tear when you set it on the ground with a bike stand behind you .🤦♂️
Yeah, I was trying to get the seat post to extend, but couldn’t and was trying to figure out how to clamp it to the bike stand. I was very careful with the bike when I sat it down to remove the extra packing material. Then I decided to just clamp it on the base of the dropper post, which ended up working out for the rest of the build.
@@OurMTBJourney Yeah I noticed that alright 👍 A beauty if a bike. How are you finding it? I recently ordered a meta HT but was very tempted by the clash but already have a canyon spectral.
I just got the same bike but in gunmetal.
What do you think of yours so far.
@@OurMTBJourney I'm loving it. It makes my 2018 Meta AM feel so slow. The 2021 Meta AM is so damn good. I need to put some videos of it up on my channel.