Commencal reckon the META HT AM is the most versatile bike in their entire range. This all-mountain hardtail mountain bike is back for 2021 with a lower profile to allow riders to select size according to their desired reach figure. Sizing options are also improved with the addition of an XL frame. Here’s what we know about the 2021 META HT AM.
First, kick back and enjoy Alex Rudeau trialing the new hardtail on the streets, in a rocky canyon and on an exposed ridge line.
A film by Gaetan Clary
Commencal’s new META HT AM
Commencal felt that sizing options on the previous META HT AM were limited because of the length of the seat tube. To accommodate riders who prefer the ride feel from a longer mountain bike, Commencal have shortened the seat tube on the 2021 META HT AM.
Seat tube length should no longer be a limiting factor in sizing options – allowing riders to select the bike with the reach and wheel base figures that suit them best. A second upside is that riders can run a much longer dropper seat post, to get the saddle out of the way on descents.
The new frame is lighter for 2021, with a so-called “semi-rigid” construction. Clearance is sufficient for both a 27.5″ and 29″ wheel setup. Commencal recommend a 27.5″ wheelset for small and medium sized riders, and for those who prefer the more nimble handling of smaller wheels. 29″ wheels are recommended for taller riders, and those who appreciate a faster-rolling and efficient larger wheelset.
2021 META HT AM Geometry
Commencal have added an XL frame for 2021 now offering riders much improved sizing options. Reducing the length of the seat tube was their main aim for this model year.
It starts at 380 mm in Small, increasing to 420 mm in Medium, a decreasing of 20 mm as compared to last year’s offering. The large seat tube is now 25 mm shorter at 465 mm while the XL measures in at 490 mm.
Reach figures span a 400 mm to 470 mm range. The 27.5″ version of the 2021 META HT AM is spec’d with a 150 mm fork while the 29er gets a 160 mm fork.
The head angle remains at 65° while the seat angle sits at 74° with a 160 mm fork on 27.5″ wheels.
Cable routing is internal on this Boost 12 mm x 148 mm alloy frame hardtail mountain bike. It features an ACROS, Alloy cup ZS44/ZS56 headset and pressfit bottom bracket.
Pricing & Availability
Commencal are offering the 2021 META HT AM at five price points, starting with the frame only. Four complete build options are available. Head to Commencal’s website for full details on pricing.
The budget option Origin build comes in a British Racing Green colorway. This is the basic version kitted out with a Rockshox Silver 35 160 mm travel fork, TEKTRO HD-M275 brakes, Shimano Deore 10 speed drivetrain and 27.5″ E13 LG1 EN Base rims home to Vee Tire Flow Snap 2.6″ tires. This build does not come with a dropper seat post.
At the top-end of the line is the META HT AM Race build in a Matte Graphite colorway. This model offers a more attractive spec list. It comes with a 29″ wheelset in the form of SPANK Spike Race 33 rims on Formula hubs.
These are paired with a 150 mm FOX 34 Performance Elite fork with FIT4 damper. It gets a 12s drivetrain from Shimano Deore along with Shimano Deore brakes and a KINDSHOCK Ragei dropper seat post.
