Hopefully the greater MTB community will see this and realise they don't need to force themselves onto the largest bike possible, sizing down has it's advantages too!
Yep. I learned to ride MTB on a norco nitro xc in M when an XL was probably better for actual XC, commuting etc. That thing felt like a BMX. I then broke a Giant NRS doing the same thing though lol.
Honestly one of the most informative Dream bike videos I've seen, really detailed description with the added explanations so even those not familiar with the parts can understand the reasons behind choosing them. I also love the production quality and how your channel is growing over the past months, keep it up :D
Fascinating and informative video. It's clear that you know exactly what you're talking about and are extremely passionate. Your examples and explanations were straight to the point and I felt like I could understand everything despite not being that knowledgeable in the technical specs of bikes. Nice work!
Wow, that was a slick production Dave! Honestly, I still don’t know enough about bike components to ask anything overly meaningful… so I’ll just say that is one beautiful looking bike!
Would be interested to know how you like it vs the Sight! Pros/Cons etc. Also what made you go with the Commencal as your next bike and what other options you considered.
Dave, you do you, of course. Just wanted to say I found you via vids of you having fun riding. Appreciated you confidently talking through your decisions about doing or not doing obstacles based on being on your own. Then yesterday (Feb 09, 2023) I caught vids of you going for it in the wrist-tapping thing and vs other youtubers ... nice! ) As much as possible I hope you stick with riding and whatever comes out of your mouth while doing so.
Totally interesting that you moved to a small. I've been riding a medium (reach=450mm) for the past couple of years, but moved to a small (reach=435mm) this year and love the added mobility (I'm a touch under 5'8). I also moved to 5Dev cranks. I went with 155mm and will never go back to 165+. I like the extra clearance, but also like the standing stance on the downs better.
Nice! I definitely take sizing on a case-by-case basis depending on the exact geometry and what I'm after in a particular bike, but have enjoyed the extra playfulness this year.
Build is spot on what I would do with maybe the exception of the wheels. I prefer completely silent (running Onyx myself), but on the other hand I have had several times where I've caught up to folks in the park and they couldn't tell I was behind them because my bike is so quiet.
Nice to finally see exactly what you have been riding, DD. The bike looks awesome, love the Samurai theme, especially as a carver of trails/trail features, that you are, the theme is appropriate. Not sure if there is much left to upgrade, but, any possible considerations for future now that you have ridden the Meta for a bit?
Curious about TRP DHR Evo brakes which supposedly have Shimano power with SRAM modulation. Also want to try a coil shock. This bike pedals well so I think you could add a coil for a more supple feel on the descents while keeping it's climbing ability. A coil does add close to a pound of weight though.
@@ddangerousddave would be curious to see a coil vs shock comparison. Even with the extra weight, I am wondering if it would be that noticeable for you. Looking forward to what's in store!
Great walkthrough! What's the long term verdict? Things you would change about the build? Things you still love just as much as day 1? Thoughts on the mullet? Would love to see a 1 year later review!
Great bike check Dave and sweet build! Love my carbon hoops (6 years now with no issues and no truing:). May I suggest as a grip alternative the PNW Loam grips, they stay pretty grippy when wet, even with bare hands.
6:41 - OH MAN, you gotta get your hands on TRPs DHR EVO, they are as good as people tell they are! Power of shimano and modulation of sram combined! My favorite brake hands down!
I'm torn between trying the TRPs and Hayes Dominions on my next bike. However I've always been recommended to just stick with sram and shimano brakes for ease of service and availability of parts in the area, and was told that RSC with gaffer rotors with trick stuff pads eliminate most complaints and really excel.
I think I'm sold on it. I like the extra traction and rollover of the bigger wheel up front without having to worry about getting buzzed by the rear tire on the steeps. Full 29er would make more sense for racers and tall people, but I'm neither.
Great looking bike. In the process of building a Comencal HT AM. Really looking forward to a more aggressive hard tail to match the riding I enjoy on my FS.
Woahhh that's a beast of a bike ! Love that you went for the lyrik, took me a long time to get used to weight of a zeb.. and let's be honest probably 80% of riders don't need the 38mm stancions
Nice description Dave. I am wondering how much low compression are you using in your shock? I am also using megneg a it feels much better than the regular can in downhills; however, pedaling in a flat/uphill trail I feel the bikes has excessive bobbing and I ended up almost closing completely the low compression. Thank you a lot, cheers from Chile!
I have the 2021 full 29er, also 5'9", and also ride a small. I am newbie so the smaller size makes it easier for me to maneuver. I also picked a small as the year I was lucky enough to get a bike, small and medium bikes had some over lap in size. plus the small size was almost the same size as my reach. So it fairly comfortable. the bike rides well above my pay grade. thanks for sharing.
I've been happy with them. So much so that I've slowly swapped all my saddles to SQ. The first couple rides feel weird because they distribute noticeably more weight onto your sit bones compared to normal saddles, but then again, that's the whole point.
"the hubs that come on most bikes have about 10deg before they engage" Makes me think about the 180+ degrees that my bendix two speed has... at least I managed to circumvent the coaster brake.
Your bike is sick. I got my Meta SX frame in Feburary and built it up. The bike rips and I'm loving it so far. I have the 2021 Meta AM and I think the SX is better for my type of riding. You should post your video up on the Commencal subreddit.
Looks like a great bike. I've been wondering about the oval chainring, seems like people are very split on them, but probably just have to try one for myself. I am curious how you're liking the mullet setup? I'm starting to look at new bikes, but almost everything I'm seeing now is going to the 29ers, and I'm not sure I want to go to those. The mullet just seems like the best of both worlds
At 6:06 on the bottom right pivot arm is a screw hole where you can install a M3 .5x6 screw which will help to increase the derailleur's shifting capability. Just look up AXS Eagle Worn pivot arm on mtbr forums page 2 and it discusses rider's issues with that one particular pivot point. I believe it will work on GX, X01, and XX1 AXS derailleurs since that screw hole is threaded from the factory but does not come with a screw. Let me know if this is true AXS owners.
finally a new bike check vid ! i do have a question: you mentioned you've rolled your bar quite forwarded but as far as i know excessive forwarded bar roll would make steering way too quick and sharp, which means the bike might knife underneath you when cornering under high speed. how do you tackle that issue ? i believe aaron gwin also mentions such issue that most ppl roll their bar fairly forward to have sorta extra comfort when riding flat terrian but it would totally ruin the steering quality
1:30 + "when they get wet they are not as grippy" yes details like this agreed you never want to overlook not wiping out ever is a great idea we are limited by what bikes we ride it is true but that doesn't mean you are not limitless as to how you use a bike according to its limits you can go from a not so good bike to the best bikes and go crazy on the good bikes because you are so trained on bikes with so many potential hazards like unsteady grips when wet with good gloves that keep you attached to your bike as you ride
It's from Serfas. You can rotate it depending on whether your grab your bottle with your left or right hand. You can also mount it at an angle so the tip of your bottle doesn't hit your shock reservoir. That's how I fit a full size bottle in this small frame.
I knew I should have insisted Fezzari build me a small bike but they recommended a medium. I love my bike but it feels more like a Cadillac than an MTB sometimes 😂
After checking the website, I saw that they only do aluminum. I agree with the weight, but the bigger point for me is I really like the stiffness of the carbon frames. Devinci carbon frames really aren't much lighter, but the difference in stiffness and responsiveness is noticeable to me.
If I get a similar bike, would I be able to ride like you? Lol just kidding. You're an awesome rider Dave, I can't even dream about riding like you do. Kudos!
Good thing you went for the small frame because the medium and large versions have unbalanced handling especially on steep techy sections and out of corners
best bike check I’ve ever seen! so I am almost exactly the same height/weight as u Dave.. would the M size be too long for u or did u feel like it was still OK just not as maneuverable? Seems like the M would be quite long.. also aluminium frame v. carbon, did u go for aluminum for any specific reason? the bike must be on the heavier side.. thanks - I am looking between the dreadnought and possibly meta so any added info will be helpful
