Commencal has been working on 29/27 Mullet bikes for 3 years now with their different DH teams. This work has allowed Commencal to understand that to transform a regular bike with the same sized wheels into a bike with different sized wheels, it isn't effective to just throw a 27-inch wheel on the back. The geometry and kinematics of the bike must be completely reworked and it is thanks to this experience that we are now able to present the most successful version of the META V4 we've ever produced, the META SX!
Equipping this META SX with different sized 29/27-inch wheels is not the result of a trend that Commencal is following. Quite simply, this way the bike is much more balanced, specifically relating to grip on the front and back - the large 29-inch wheel on the front allows more confidence and rolling capacity whilst the 27.5-inch rear wheel offers more manoeuvrability and responsiveness.
The result is a bike that is more agile and easier in the steeps, more efficient under braking and more dynamic when pushing hard.
Once again, the choice to work with Aluminium has allowed Commencal to accompany this change in wheel size with an adjustment of the geometry. A shorter 10mm reach, a straightened steerer angle and extended (10mm) chain stays mean that the rider is naturally repositioned in the centre of the bike and will therefore have the ability to be more precise and agile in their technique.
Undoubtedly, one of the points that has changed the most is the way the suspension works. Apart from the kinematics which have been reworked to provide more liveliness, Commencal made a point of managing the stiffness of the rear triangle. Through new double row Enduro Bearings, eliminating any deformation, the new META SX offers perfect deformation/rigidity management to provide grip, comfort and performance.
In addition to all this in-depth work, as on the META POWER TR and META TR models, Commencal now offers a Flip Chip on the shock extension in order to be able to better adjust the geometry, and therefore fit with your style! This system also means you can adapt the height of the bottom bracket as well as the steerer and saddle angles within seconds. Depending on your preferences, you can have the choice between a dynamic bike that's perfect for big pedalling trips, or a more progressive version which is ideal for days in the bike park or on more committed trails.
Finally, Commencal have worked on a detail that makes the difference; the finished look. The welds have been the subject of meticulous work to reduce them as much as possible without affecting the solidity of the frame. The cable routing is neat for easier maintenance, the cables being easily accessible in the down tube, while grommets are placed at the ends to give perfect support and prevent penetration of water and mud.
Installing a bottle cage has also been made easy.
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About the META SX ESSENTIAL:Ā
At the controls of this META SX ESSENTIAL are famous brands FOX and SHIMANO. FOX takes care of the suspension with:
- The 38 Performance fork and its 38mm diameter stanchions which offer great precision when the going gets rough.
- The FOX Float X Performance shock provides rock-solid grip and dynamism.
There is also the SHIMANO SLX groupset for the drivetrain and brakes, renowned for its reliability and ease of maintenance:
- The 12-speed drivetrain and 10-51t gears are perfect for rides with a lot of vertical.
- The 4-piston brakes with 203mm discs offer good feel and power for quiet braking whatever the conditions.
All these components make this META SX a formidable weapon on all trails!