Is it time for 2017 bikes already? It looks like Commencal’s thinking well ahead, as they’ve just recently announced a few of next year’s models. In 2017 consumers will see an interesting mix of new bikes, old models and some smaller revisions from Commencal. And this is just the first glimpse of what’s to come – there’s more news slated to be announced later this summer.
In this article we’ll check out the revived Meta SX in V3 form, the re-release of the Meta TR V3 as an entry level model, and new hardtail models for both adults and junior-sized rippers. And once you’ve soaked up the info, check out a video of Commencal’s riders putting the new bikes into action…
The first big news is the Meta SX has come back after briefly disappearing in 2016. The frame appears unchanged from the previous model, but the V3’s rear end has grown slightly to accommodate its new 650B wheels. Commencal has also gone with a longer 170mm fork and a few other components that make the newest SX look like an ideal enduro machine.
Commencal places a particular focus on providing good suspension right out of the box, and they’ve put their faith in RockShox to keep the rough stuff under control. The Meta SX features a RockShox Lyric RC Solo Air 170mm fork, mated to a Monarch R+ shock which handles the bike’s 160mm of rear travel.
As for other notable components, Sram’s got the stop and go handled with Level T brakes on 200/180mm rotors and their entry level NX 1×11 drivetrain. Aside from the WTB STP rims on Formula sealed hubs, most of the other stock components are Commencal’s own Ride Alpha products. The complete bike’s weight is listed at 31.4 lbs. The 2017 SX V3 comes in Matte Black and sells for $2199 USD.
Despite offering a Meta TR V4 since 2015, Commencal is set to re-release the Meta TR V3 in 2017 as a base level, trail-focused model. The company says the design is still relevant, reliable and a proven performer, but some changes did take place. The V3’s frame geometry has been revised to offer a bit more travel so it now provides 130mm in the rear and the ability to squeeze on a 140mm fork. The updated model also boasts 650B wheels, of course.
The new TR V3 comes with a RockShox Sector RL Silver 140mm fork and a Monarch R rear shock. The bike features a Sram X-5 2×10 drivetrain, Tektro’s HD brakes on 180mm rotors, and WTB STP rims laced to sealed Formula hubs. Ride Alpha components fill in most of the gaps, and help keep the price down to $1599. The 2017 Meta V3 is available in Black only and the complete bike weighs 32.4 lbs.
Succeeding the El Camino hardtails, Commencal brought the Meta nomenclature back to their no-squish lineup with the 2017 Meta HT TR, which will come in an Origin and top-spec Ride model. The lower-spec Origin comes with a RockShox XC30 120mm fork, Tektro HD brakes on 180/160mm rotors, and a Sram 2×9 drivetrain. The Origin model sells for $699 and comes in yellow. It weighs in at 30.4 lbs.
The Ride features the same brakes and a 2×9 Sram drivetrain like the lesser model, but upgrades the fork to RockShox’s 120mm Recon Silver RL Solo Air. The Ride comes with an orange paint job, and costs $879. The Ride model drops the bike’s overall weight to 28.8 lbs.
There’s also been a few updates to the junior models as well, with new color options and some functional revisions. The Meta HT 20 now has a shorter wheelbase, firmer suspension and more kid-friendly brake levers.
The Meta HT Junior comes equipped with 650B wheels, a RockShox Recon Silver RL 120mm Solo Air fork, Tektro HD brakes with 180/160mm rotors, and a complete Sram NX 1×11 drivetrain. The HT Junior sells for $949 and weighs 27.4 lbs.
Check out their video ‘Smiles for Miles’ for a fun look at the new bikes being shredded upon (and enjoy the Barry White soundtrack!). Not all the new bikes are currently shown, but keep an eye on Commencal’s USA web store for updates or jump to the UK site for more info.
