Here it is, the 2012 Commencal Meta SX. I took delivery of this baby in mid December 2011, just the frame only and built it up with my favorite parts off my Meta 55 Carbon. A few different bits were needed, press in BB, direct mount front deraileur, 31.6mm seat post, post-to-post rear disc adaptor, 142x12 end caps for the Hadley hub, a headset and tapered CSU for the forks and the new FOX RP23 Factory shock in stock tune with custom made rock/mud guard.
The bike is very different to the old Meta in every respect. Very well engineed is the first thing that I noticed. So much time and thought has gone into the design of this bike and the way it is build. The pivots are big and bomber and move very smoothly straight out of the box. Big down tube, soild drop outs and big fat head tube. Solid and robust are what immediately comes to mind. It's not light, 3.8kgs (8.5lbs) in large with the shock, but you do not feel this once you are on the move. Actually the thing that strikes you the most is how fast it is and how fast it accelerates. Like really fast, so fast you laugh your head off as you seem to levitate over rocks and drops. It likes to jump too and just pops of everything with ease.
The front is super positive. Stiff front end means great steering and stability at speed. It climbs really well too. Sure you feel the weight then, built as it is at 15kg's (33lbs), but there is so much traction and with the 73 degree seat angle keeping you in the middle, it just tractors up the climbs. I've been on a few big missions on it over the summer, climbing for close to 2 hours in the granny gears and been blown away at how it just eats up terrain, especially if it's rocky and lose.
The bad bits. Well not alot to complain about really. Sure it would be nice if the frame was lighter, but in the end I'd rather be riding something that was strong and durable, has minimal flex and goes where it's pointed. Some quality chain stay and seat stay chain slap protectors would be a nice finishing touch, the frame came with nothing and the shock has to have a protctor for it too. Luckily I made one of those easily enough. I would really like to have the option of carrying a water bottle on the down tube. I know it's not really cool to have one on such a bike, but when you are riding up in the alpine areas, hours from the nearist water, an extra water bottle can be a life saver.
The bad bits. Well not alot to complain about really. Sure it would be nice if the frame was lighter, but in the end I'd rather be riding something that was strong and durable, has minimal flex and goes where it's pointed. Some quality chain stay and seat stay chain slap protectors would be a nice finishing touch, the frame came with nothing and the shock has to have a protctor for it too. Luckily I made one of those easily enough. I would really like to have the option of carrying a water bottle on the down tube. I know it's not really cool to have one on such a bike, but when you are riding up in the alpine areas, hours from the nearist water, an extra water bottle can be a life saver.
So to conclude, if you want to get into the back country for the big decsents, go on epic missions, ride the bike parks, race Super Enduro's and generally have a bike that will do it all, this Meta is a very able and willing machine. I'm looking forward to a long and fun relationship with this yellow rocket. Stay tuned.
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