Commencal's Meta Trail isn't big on travel, but the Andorran brand has produced a fun and surprisingly capable trail machine nonetheless.
This ‘Essential’ model sits in the middle of the three-bike range and, in terms of spec for money, is the one to go for. On the trail though it’s the playful attitude of the frame, not the equipment, that shines through.
- Highs: Long reach adds comfort and allows for aggressive cornering despite low-profile treads, light weight gives rapid acceleration, efficient suspension helps with climbing and descending
- Lows: Non-dropper post is frustrating; flexy Reba fork is easily overwhelmed
Commencal has got on board with the long front end philosophy pioneered by Mondraker and this comes across in the ride character of the bike. The frame boasts a lengthy top tube, giving a roomy 483mm reach figure on our XL sample. The broad top tube and hydroformed, triple-butted tubeset boost stiffness, contributing to snappy handling.
ADVERTISEMENT
A single-pivot swingarm drives a rocker-actuated shock mounted in a recess in the top tube to deliver 120mm (4.7in) of rear travel. This combines a supple action with efficient pedalling response. In order to improve swingarm stiffness there’s no room for a front derailleur, but there are ISCG-05 tabs for a chain guide.
To help maximise swingarm stiffness, it's a single-ring-only affair
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
via BikeRadar All the latest from BikeRadar.com http://ift.tt/1M4xZR8
No comments:
Post a Comment