Commencal Meta HT AM: Capable All Rounder | 2022 Pinkbike Value Field Test 

I bought the essentials build of this bike and that was the best decision I've ever made on a bike purchase. This bike is super fun, descends great and like this great trio noted, it will climb but it is not in a hurry. I did do some changes to my bike, put some roval traverse wheels on it and saved some weight and the bike is super fun. Great choice for any one.

I could listen to these guys talk about gas station food as easily as bike reviews. Love your work gents 🙌

Love my essential build of this bike. A Yari fork, Guide brakes, and a dropper post make it the perfect all around bike.

I have a 2020 meta ht with 29” wheels , absolutely love it , i switched the 35 gold for a fox 36 170 mm, a bit over forked but i just took out a few spacers under the stem . Sometimes i like my meta better than my dh bike on certain trails , great at the dj park and awesome on the all mountain stuff .

I bought the 2021 frame in large, running as a committed 27.5+ bike outfitted it with XT drivetrain, 160mm Fox 36 performance, light bicycle carbon wheels, Raceface carbon cranks/bars, OneUp 210mm dropper. It's palyful, fast and very versatile. It climbs, descends and singletracks excellent. I have a 2nd wheelset with studded tires. I have a fatbike on the way, a YT Capra and a dedicated bikepacking/touring bike in the stable but just can't bring myself to letting this one go. I'm a bit of a bike snob.... so most built bikes don't sit well due to low spec'd components. This is that frame that's definately worth buying, and at that, it's actually a value!!

Great trio guys, PB+Beta rocks, cheers

Got one of these after not riding bikes for 10+ years, hoping to get into mtb and better fitness. I got the 2021 Ride trim in the dirt color. I haven't taken it on any trails yet, but so far I really like the bike, everyone I've shown it to really likes it too. I've got a lot to learn but am happy to join the mtb world.

Next review, Commencal Meta TR 2022 please !! 🤘🏽 BETA reviews are always amazing on point!💯

Really sick that you guys are uploading one a day. Keeps me occupied lol, nice work

I just got the 2022 Essential build on this. 29x2.6, 150mm Yari, dropper, 4-pot brakes. Absolutely loving it. Previous hardtail was a more xc/trail focused bike, which I rode past it's limits too often. This bike, waaaay more capable.

I just got one, I got the essential model and I must say that it’s quite an amazing bike, the geometry of these modern agressive Hartails feels amazing

I looked at every geometry chart after buying a bike that didn't fit and settled on The Meta HT. This is the most fun bike I've ever owned. It's a giant BMX bike with gears to get up the hills. Every little hit on a trail becomes a jump. I built mine from a frame so my parts spec is exactly what I want, but the geometry is perfect for me. With my 29 front wheel and a 140 fork it can ride some super sketchy stuff then swap the 27.5 back on and it makes the boring trails fun again.

Have this in the 29er version, added a OneUp dropper, SLX brakes and I love it

RSD Middlechild owner here - 27.5x2.8 on wide rims are excellent on Tucson trails. I don't understand the hate for plus tires (I opted for 27.5 over 29 and I'm not a small rider). The flotation on soft surfaces and grip for braking and climbs are amazing, especially on a hard tail.

I agree about traction with hardtails. Climbs I can clear with my full sus aren't always doable with my hardtails because of traction loss.

I got the 2021 meta ht ride version. Has the 35 gold fork I think it is. Added a dropper and it's one of the best all round bikes I've had.

Did a build on a 2020 XL of this frame - 170mm dropper, 140mm Pike, 38mm carbon rims, collection of Shimano 1x11 parts. Was not finished until I added a 800mm riser to the 50mm stem (had a flatbar 760). Rolls like a truck! Raced it at Sea Otter XC a few weeks ago with Ikon/Recon tires, was a hoot. Next event, Boggs 8hr!

Great video! Would have been great to get the Marin San Quentin 2 instead of the more XC one you guys tested. Next time!

What’s up!!!! Love the series!!!

I have the same bike (though 2020) and agree with everything. It's an amazing all rounder and looks incredible imo. My nitpicks would be the weight and the stock brakes (though mine had tektros). The brakes were ok but when I started riding longer harder trails they were the glaring problem. I actually think the fork is pretty good, but I'm saving up to get a z1 eventually. Definitely get the model with the dropper though.

I’m 6ft 165 riding a large. Bought the bike as a hard tail play bike. I’d buy a X-Large if longer rides and lots of climbing were the norm, but that’s not why I got it. I swapped a 170 mm Lyric on to it that can clear both 29 and the 27.5+ tires. I’ve ridden both and the ride is completely different. 29 x 2.4s faster but harsher. 27.5 x 2.8s slower but smoother. A 170mm Lyric seems like overkill, but actually suits the bike well. It climbs well enough and made a huge difference on the descent. I’m not riding the same lines as I would on the Nukeproof Mega, but it’s still a ton of fun. I ride local loops and dirt jump the thing. It’s not great at one thing but it’s good at a lot. I’m honestly looking forward to some bike park laps at Snowmass and Winter Park on it. The dropper post was definitely the first upgrade, followed by some SRAM Guides and the Lyric from my Mega. It’s honestly not a bad option for someone that wants to ride a bit of everything, but can only have one bike. Hard tail simplicity and pretty versatile.

I just finished building my AM Hardtail. Super fun bike I have ran it 29 and 27.5 and both are fun. Almost finished with my nukeproof 290 so we will see what one is better.

Meta Ht is my first mtb bike, i love it

I have an older 2017 model and it's by far the best purchase I've ever made, bike or otherwise.

Love plus size tyres on a hard tail I personally ride one and can keep up mates on dual sus bikes it just plows over everything

Imagining my 2019 self time traveling to this video and seeing Palmer, Mike and Mike together in one video 🤯

I am glad I see some folks admitting that plus tires have an application and can still be an option for some of us. It sometimes seems the journalism in mtb is out to kill plus instead of letting our sub-category have what we want. If we are willing to pay and you still get your 29ers who cares if plus is a thing?

talking to the audience straight on is fine But i would like to see a better seating angle when in the discussion mode! thanks. semi round table or such!! but good job,gang!!

I got the meta sx coming in july cant wait for it

Great to see some "all mountain" hardtails also. But damn, price of bikes has gone up like crazy in past years (spec to spec). Bought quite well specced full sus trail bike for not much more.

I love collaborations(hint, hint😉)! Who better than Steve (Hardtail Party) to join the discussion out in the desert? There is always next time PB.

"This is the perfect application for plus size tires..." Can't agree more 👍👍

Man, I have two hardtails (definitely don’t need another), but I want this bike!

Nice video, grettings from México 👏

Which one would you choose for a short guy 5’5”. Trek roscoe 9, Santa Cruz chameleon, ragley mmbop, the meta ht race, banshee paradox, or rsd midle child?

Trippy to have Ryan but I like it. Totally should have a mixed wheel option.

So... the $200 upgrade with the dropper.. is that the 2022 model with 29" wheels?? Thanks

Hello, greetings from Lima, Peru. What can you say about the bottom bracket case is 68mm? Compared with other brands in hardtail that are more common in 73mm, is that matter?

i ride my meta ht in a mullet setup with some good 4 piston brakes and its a ripper i love from bikepark riding to croos country adventures it can do it all

You guys are the best

Got the Meta Ht Essential in Keswick Green, the thing is sick

I currently have a Trek Roscoe 8. I am considering this but I initially settled on the Trek Roscoe 8 because I’m 6’6 and it’s the only bike that I could see that has a frame size XXL, the Meta goes up to XL.

Can you please make a review on the trek xcaliber 8 and 9 2022 as well?

My 2022 is actually a mullet set up from Commencal. Yes I went with a higher priced one but still the best hardtail I've ever ridden

A hardtail with 2.6 wide tires at the right pressure is absolute bliss.

That's weird that it doesn't have a dropper. I have the 2019 version with a dropper. So I wonder if they took it out even though the price stayed the same.

Pimped mine out w a pike fork slx enduro brakes and a 200m dropper, super fun bike

I'm looking for a hardtail as I can't afford a full sus... But I'm looking for a well kitted out hardtail. This brand let's me custom build it, which is awesome. At 64° this is what I need, but how is the frame? Heard is wasn't the best? This would be for Trail/beginner Enduro riding - would rather have good hardtail than a cheap full sus

Ryan! What a joy it must be to be working alongside your son Levy?

Would love to know what tyre pressure they ran for these plus tyres. Anyone?

I'd say IS brake mounts are better for precautions against stripping caliper bolts.

What is the top tube to ground height of the 27.5" wheel / 17.5" frame (matte black option) i think that is the tekton model, but am not sure.

I have the Race 29ner from a few years ago, and it's still a blast to ride. This bike was strangely a comfortable climber. But the DH this was an unstoppable monster truck that rallied hard through anything. Best hardtail on the market. My only small complaint was the sizing. I'm 5'6 and a medium almost felt like a large

Thanks for this review. Been thinking of buying my son a better hardtail once he outgrows his current Trek Marlin. Looks like this one might fit the bill but with a dropper post, of course.

Could you guys please review Marin san quentine hardtail ??

Bushing play? Saw what? What is that? What about the Rocky Mountain or the Narco? How do they compare? Commencal? Never heard of it and none of my local bike shops carry it.

Hi, can you guys do a review on Pinelli R8 MTB (carbon, HT). Thanks

Is their a plus tire for pavement or long rides?

Hi, which store in Tucson can i find this bike?

What size was the frame you tested?

do review of 2022 BMC TWOSTROKE 01

Speaking on putting a long dropper post on this bike, I was able to put a 240 mm One Up V2 on this bike with ease. And I need all the drop I can get because I am 6'6."

Was this fork the coil or air version of the 35?

when two worlds collide - PB and Beta - Sort of works

Review the ragley mmmbop, highly underrated bike.

Anyone got a web link to this exact model for the price they mentioned ?

I was surprised to see the 2022 Trek Roscoe series not included, considering they just did a full refresh with modern geo and spec, especially since those new Roscoes range from $1700 to $2700 dollars. ( 1700 for the Roscoe 7, 2300 for the Roscoe 8, and 2700 for the Roscoe 9 ) The bikes are pretty well equipped for the price with some pretty special new geometry that I think the Pinkbike presenters would love.

Is it legal for Palmer to sit? I thought there was some ordinance that compelled him to stand and wax poetic with craft beer in his hand ...?

Wonder how it compares to a Chromag Stylus

do review of NUKEPROOF SCOUT 290

I am curious why trek roscoe 7 never seems to make it into these hard tails choices. I feel like you get a lot of bike for under 2k. Maybe there is something I don't know about it. Any comments towards the trek would be greatly apreciated!!! Thanks for the great videos!

Specialized fuse next please!!

never heard of the brand but it's a very nice bike

It's a bit heavy ?, someone answer me plz

What is the frame material?????

Does anybody know how is sizing of this bike? I am 180cm and cant decide between size M or L. And should I just go with the ESSENTIAL build, because price difference is pretty high comparing to the model tested here. Thanks!

Mighta been worth mentioning it’s a coil fork. So you have to be roughly 160lbs for it to be well suited for you.

Help me out guys, I'm, looking at the Commencal HT/AM Ride but not sure if it's overkill for what I'd use it for - I'm in Florida where there's not too much in the way of crazy trails but I love these Commencal HT/AM hardtails! I just can't see spending close to the same amount on a Trek or other big name bike mgf. Thanks!!!

I love my plus hardtail.

First PB x Beta crossover event?

I was thinking of this bike then I saw 2022 Trek Roscoe 8 and 9 I might get 2022 Riscoe 8

I'm having such a hard time deciding between this bike, the nuke proof scout and maybe the Marin team 1. I plan to ride through neighborhoods and fireroads and light trails , but don't want something that's going to kill me if I get adventurous everyone once in a while at local nature park or something. I don't plan on doing super high jumps or anything.

🔥🔥🔥

So I want to put a 160 on a Santa Cruz chameleon. What are your thoughts?

IS brake adapter for the win! If you ever screw up your threads, you just change the adapter, on PM you are screwed 😉

do another hardtail like the Nukeproof Scout 275

This or Giant Fathom?

Awwww Miśka is sooo sweeeet :D

27.5 , carbon , tubeless, 3inch tires . You cant really judge the plus tires until its set up properly. Ive been riding them for 10 years. I have 3 bikes , 29er with 2.5 ", 27.5 with 3" , and a fat bike with 4" so i get lots of side by side comparisons. The bigger tires are always better , with carbon wheels.

The frame did change for the 2022. It got slacker and longer than the 2021 you reveiwed. The geo is completely different for the 2022 frame.

Do y’all plan to weigh in on the overall best value bike in the hardtail class?

New mate twitching like he's in the box and about to be questioned about the quarter of nose beers they found in his oneup edc.

Wheres Alicia?

Fork getting damned by faint praise: “it feels like a high end fork from 15 years ago” 🤣

I think this spec is great. For $200 bucks you can go upgrade a PNW dropper yourself.

I dont agree thar a good hardtail restrict you a lot maybe if you ride a full suspension all the time and then 1 ride have a hardtail you are not goin to get used and feel out, new geometry hardtails are great as good as a full suspension unless you are doin super big jumps

I have one but haven't ridden it much over my fs. It is capable but to me it feels very burly and you have to ride with more force than finesse. It won't suit all riders that's for sure.

Palmer with the Mikes reviewing bikes. This is like the Mount Rushmore of Bike Reviewers.

nice

Udh ? Awesome vid !