Over the past few months there have been some pictures surfacing of the new Commencal range and, last month I got invited to Commencal’s base in Vallnord, Andorra, to check the bikes out and do some riding. When we arrived at the main gondola station in Vallnord, all the 2011 bikes were laid out in an exhibition space and, even from a distance, I was struck by the new colours. They don’t come across as well in the photos but the bikes are really stunning! A great mixture of bright and matte colours are used to great effect with a beautiful yellow Supreme 8 catching my eye from a couple of dozen paces! Unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to ride the new bikes but there was time to get a good look at them and ask a few questions.
So, on to more pictures and a brief description of the bikes…
Supreme 8
Designed around the Supreme DH frame, this bike uses a single crown fork to make a more maneuvrable freeride machine. This model featured a Marzocchi 66RCV fork (with custom yellow flashes), a Fox van R shock, Avid Elixir 3 brakes, a tapered non-adjustable headset and Kenda Nevegal 2.5 tyres. The spec is basic but offers a very functional freeride bike which you won’t have to worry too much about breaking stuff on.
Carbon Meta 55
The headline for this bike is that with a 150mm Fox Float RLC´s it will apparently weigh in at 10.2kg (22.48lbs). We didn’t get an indication of the price but the spec is pretty much a weight weenie’s dream, with XO kit everywhere, Formula R1 brakes and Easton Haven carbon rims. This bike really does have more carbon than a colliery. For some it’s probably the ultimate trail bike. Unfortunately the internal cable routing isn’t going to be featured on production models, which is a pity because it looked really neat.
Super 4
With the travel upped to 120mm, as for last years bike, the Super 4 seems to be more geared towards a trail type bike rather than a marathon racing set-up. Running the 120mm Fox ALPS fork up front and a Float RL out back, Avid Juicy 3 brakes and Mavic Crossride discs this seemed to be a sweet, middle of the road set-up.
Ramones CroMo
This is a 150mm travel steel hardtail featuring 15mm bolt through 150mm Revelation forks, Elixir 3 brakes and silver Spank Subrosa rims which looked really trick. It looks like it is going to be a lot of fun and will be a great bike for a lot of people; a total trail bike weapon.
Matt Red 4x Bike
Due to the single pivot rotating around the bottom bracket a chain tensioner isn’t required for this singlespeed set up. It´s going to be quite heavy and expensive so not really designed to be a trail bike although it does look like it will be a whole load of fun in the right situations!
Supreme DH
Featuring Fox 40’s and RC4 front and back and lots of Shimano Saint kit.
24″ Supreme DH
A fantastic looking bike with 24″ wheels! With a 140mm Marzocchi 55RS fork and Marzocchi coil shock it’s going to be a great option for shorter riders!
