GREAT SHREDDING MAN! ive been planning on buying this ht for 2 resons nukeproof scouts are stupidly hard to get in south africa and im not happy with diamondbacks hardtail lineup a third reason is its cheap but thats besides the point just a few more months of saving and ill be able to afford the 2019 essential without the dropper i think ill just add the dropper myself later down the line
Thanks so much for the compliment and comment! Scout is a sick bike and I agree completely about diamondbacks line up. i did the same thing with my essential build. just added a dropper afterwords.
The sound of the trail, bud. My kind of ASMR. And I like to hear that gravely bfff the tires make punching down on the earth after a drop. The sound of pure joy. Chatter can be ok. But if you're truly immersed in the ride, you're not going to be doing too much of that anyway; at least not on the wicked parts...just hoots. And if it's good POV, don't forget, the viewer's going to be in imaginary attack position on their couches, hahaha.
Like what you did with the build. Not cheap to do but money well spent. I wish Commencal would offer a similar build above their current models. I guess custom is an option but it gets pricey.
excellent your report, thank you. on my ht 2020 for the same size as you I ride on an xl, and I love it! behind a 2.8 butcher, a little comfort in this bully world!and bucther 29 2.6 at the front. but I don’t have your commitment, so regale us again !!
I got the dartmoor hornet with asseggai 27.5 x 2.5 front and rear. 40mm rims and a 160mm fork. That bike doesn't know how to flex. I like the sturdy solid feel to it.
The trail looks wonderful. Personally, I’d like to see a little more description in the video post. This is the first of your videos that I’ve watched - I like it a lot. But ideally, I’d like to know whereabouts you are. If it’s an unofficial trail, I’d still like to know the general area.
Hey thanks for the reply! You know what. I will take care of that tonight in the description. You have a very valid point and a appreciate the feedback. :)
I just recently did a trail building class, and all i can see in this video is how much water must puddle up on this trail. Erosion is a bitch! Be careful out there and keep shreddin!
Amazing video! Would you recommend COMMENCAL META HT AM ORIGIN SRAM SAND 2021 as my first mtb? I want it for riding local trails. I want to upgrade parts on it as I develop.
Ben...Ben...I feel like a traitor, but I found a 2020 SC Chameleon 7.1 for $1700 U.S., out the door. Top tube is 3/4 of an inch longer, and you can tell difference. It had WTB i40's with 3" Ardents on it...so I swapped the front to a 29" Bontrager line 30 and I'm running the DHF in a 2.6. Already did the full PNW dropper/cockpit change. The 120mm fork has to go so that's next. It's ok though...it is...because I'm turning my META into a single speed. lol... Oh, you said we're like the same baby? If your last name didn't have an "E" at the end, it might be more true than you realize. hahaha. Love the review, Ben. Subbed, which I should have done before...apologies. I'm watching all your vids now, by the way. I got that hardtail addiction after being off one for so long. It's so pure, so engaging. Keep putting out content and make your way to the mountain biking mecca of the world...BENTONVILLE, AR!
Love the stoke my dude! I'm a huge Santa Cruz fanboy so you can't go wrong there and the chameleon is a sweet weapon especially at $1700 out the door! Pop a 140mm fork on there and you have a do everything bike! Single speed meta will be freaking rad dude! Straight up party bike baby!!! I pick up my 2021 meta frame today. I just bought a fresh sram eagle set for her. Getting pumped to build her up! Thanks so much for the rad comment and sharing the stokness!! Once this whole Covid shit is down I will for sure make my way down there!
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail Can't wait to see the new whip, and the review! Congrats bro!! This Chameleon keeps surprising me. Took it out again this morning and I'm already clearing stuff I wasn't on the full squish (fused spine @ L5/S1, scared to crash lol) because it feels SO good. I, also, think a nice 140mm fork would make this thing an absolute slayer. Inserts will be here soon and, once I figure out if I have an XD driver or not, I'll order the drivetrain that fits, hopefully Box components. The riding is different out here, not as janky, which I miss...but it's still loads of fun and there are SO many trails to choose from. Leatherwood and Passion Play are an hour away. Fitzgerald is half an hour. This is long enough...lol...keep shredding that gnar and sharing the stoke bro!!
Hey Dave thanks for the comment. It actually Climbs fantastic! Now with a 170mm 29'er fork running 27.5 and a 40mm riser bar its probably not ideal lol. but I have dropped my stem stack down 30mm and it climbs great. One of the best parts of riding any hardtail is that you get 100% of the power down to the ground! And honestly I think in some of the enduro races I have done I think a hard tail would have been faster! "some of them!" lol
I have been in the market for an agressive hardtail, and up until a dew weeks ago, i was informed of this bike having a crazy stiff rear end for a hardtail. How does this handle vibrations, because I dont want to waste my money on a stiff af frame.
Look up "hardtail party" his review of this bike definitely confirms your concern. He doesn't recommend this bike because it beats you up. It's Way too stiff for any rough trails apparently.
Hey Cove. It is a stiff frame but also a light one. And tough! But its also an aluminum hardtail I would say it runs the same stiffness as Scout, Hornet, or San Quentin, I overcome this by running a really plush fork and also by going with the 2.6 27.5 wheel option. I myself have never felt the bike to feel to stiff even with multiple days in a row at whistler bike park. All that being said I work as a Hockey instructor so maybe I just have strong legs and ankles lol. (Knock on wood!) Thanks for the comment!!
Well I definitely hit rougher trails then hardtail party.... And I’m also guessing that is where Cove got that into. But hey to each there own. I only speak through my year and a bit of ownership. :)
I'm having the exact same dilemma. I was all set on a meta ht and then saw the reviews that it was too stiff. I've been looking at steel frames for the last couple of days.
hey really nice HT you got there :D I'm also planning on building one my self but i want a normal (not plus) 27.5 HT so the clmmencal is not for me :( What do you think of the Ragley MMMBOP or blue pig. Im going to put on a 150-160mm yari, shimano brakes , Sram NX or GX.
The blue pig! yes! Honesty those bikes look fantastic with a nice steel frame construction. I Think 160mm yari would allow you to slay any trail you want! I always try to run shimano brakes and sram drivetrain so Im right there with ya! sounds like a killer build!
@@chlangeee9409 Nice dude! You will have to send some pics after you get her built up. Looks like it could be an awesome ride. looks kinda like a Chromag in my neck of the woods :)
How's the bike handle vedder? Is it harsh or just a fun time? Selling my DH Bike since whistler isn't going to open til august and want to be able to do some solo rides. I tend to ride twocents, Ditch, Electric Lettuce, Femur for reference
Hey Colten I personally love this bike at Vedder. handles the chunk no problem and as you know at Vedder there are so many little kickers, hips, and jumps everywhere . so I think this bike is in its element here. Vedder Is my fav spot at the moment to ride! Thanks for the comment and sub my man!
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail No problem, thanks for the advice. Is this your only MTB at the moment and are you considering a different hadrtail frame for your next bike? I've also been eyeing up the Ragley Mmmbop
This is my only bike at the moment, I had an Evil wreckoning but sold her last summer. as for other frames. Im looking at the Chromag Doctahawk! looks epic! but is quite pricy and a ways out in terms of orders.
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail awesome. Thanks for the reply. I just watched your likes/dislikes video where you mentioned it and its crazy how it can be so polarizing between different riders. The other guys review kind of put me off from purchasing with how absurdly negative he was about it. But I'm definitely going through with it now.
I guess it all comes down to what you want out of a bike. hardtail party seems to like more slower tech climb and is more about the grind. I on the other hand am more about charging hard and staying loose. So this bike fits the bill perfect. You will love the bike. I like it so much im getting a 2021!
They are just different components but on the same frame. So the whole line uses the exact same frame just different colour options, and then depending on price point and model you get different drivetrain, brakes, dropper, and so on. I myself ran the essential build more of less stock for almost a year and it worked great. just upgraded tires and a dropper, Hope that helps!
Currently running it at 170mm and it runs awesome in the steeps! I just lowered my bar stack to help with climbing. I really dont notice the higher BB at all myself. that being said the bike is built for 160 to 170mm fork travel. So I say do it up!!!
Ben Yorke - Mr. Hardtail thanks Ben. I really enjoyed watching your vids pushing the META HT to its natural habitat. Even my son loves the HT now more when he tried it out today. Cool. More videos!!!
Using the 29er fork on there, does it feel like it lifts your bottom bracket a little too high making it seem like your riding ontop of the bike instead of in it?
So I just tried to replicate this bike with the Commencal online a la carte option. GX is the lowest drivetrain option. Code brakes is the highest spec brake. Picked the Fox Factory 36. Lowest price options on the rest of it. $4600 Canadian. Ouch.
I ran this bike close to stock as the essential build for over a year and took it to some crazy places and even raced it at whistler crankworx. check some of the 2019 vids. its not always about having all the bells and whistles. but its for sure fun too! here is a link of the bike after a summer of shredding around north America . th-cam.com/video/D9ttbA6ME_U/w-d-xo.html
Thank you. This bike is sick:). I love hard tails. I have a Cannondale Trail 4 and I love it. Also upgraded everything on it :). Subbed:) awesome! Thank you.
GREAT SHREDDING MAN!
ive been planning on buying this ht for 2 resons
nukeproof scouts are stupidly hard to get in south africa
and im not happy with diamondbacks hardtail lineup
a third reason is its cheap but thats besides the point
just a few more months of saving and ill be able to afford the 2019 essential without the dropper
i think ill just add the dropper myself later down the line
Thanks so much for the compliment and comment! Scout is a sick bike and I agree completely about diamondbacks line up.
i did the same thing with my essential build. just added a dropper afterwords.
i just ordered the 29 version , cant wait to get .awesome review buddy.
After a long time of a bike im wanting to get back into it. This is a bike im looking at
The sound of the trail, bud. My kind of ASMR.
And I like to hear that gravely bfff the tires make punching down on the earth after a drop. The sound of pure joy.
Chatter can be ok. But if you're truly immersed in the ride, you're not going to be doing too much of that anyway; at least not on the wicked parts...just hoots. And if it's good POV, don't forget, the viewer's going to be in imaginary attack position on their couches, hahaha.
Amen brother!!!
I am running dhf's f and r with Cush cores 40mm shield rims 27.5 x 2.8 very plush . Bike is a hornet pro
That sound like a pretty bulletproof setup! I like it!
Like what you did with the build. Not cheap to do but money well spent. I wish Commencal would offer a similar build above their current models. I guess custom is an option but it gets pricey.
excellent your report, thank you. on my ht 2020 for the same size as you I ride on an xl, and I love it! behind a 2.8 butcher, a little comfort in this bully world!and bucther 29 2.6 at the front. but I don’t have your commitment, so regale us again !!
Sounds like a solid build! Is you're 2.8 rear a 27.5?? you rocking the mullet setup?
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail yes, I already ride on this configuration on my Levo fsr, and suddenly I also applied it on the Meta, I appreciate it.
@@manuvince4187 Thats epic!! I bet you she looks rad!!
I got the dartmoor hornet with asseggai 27.5 x 2.5 front and rear. 40mm rims and a 160mm fork. That bike doesn't know how to flex. I like the sturdy solid feel to it.
Such a great choice! That thing is a bulletproof bike! and you go the 40mm rims! beauty!! what colour did you get? Black?
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail yes sir I got the matte black. I wanted to get the space blue but its not the right size for me.
The trail looks wonderful. Personally, I’d like to see a little more description in the video post. This is the first of your videos that I’ve watched - I like it a lot. But ideally, I’d like to know whereabouts you are. If it’s an unofficial trail, I’d still like to know the general area.
Hey thanks for the reply! You know what. I will take care of that tonight in the description. You have a very valid point and a appreciate the feedback. :)
I just recently did a trail building class, and all i can see in this video is how much water must puddle up on this trail. Erosion is a bitch! Be careful out there and keep shreddin!
I am building one myself 😃. This is a good review.
Subbed!
I just switched from a 2007 cannondale f7 hard tail to a fuse 27.5+ hard tail and what a huge difference can’t wait to send it down a rock garden lol
The first part imma replace is deff the hub. I miss the noise my old bmx bike made with the primo remix and or profile racing hub with dual pawls lol
Amazing video! Would you recommend COMMENCAL META HT AM ORIGIN SRAM SAND 2021 as my first mtb? I want it for riding local trails. I want to upgrade parts on it as I develop.
I enjoyed this, by the way how tall are you and what size frame is it that you built up?
Hey thanks for the comment. I’m 6’2 and ride a size large but could easily ride an XL as well. I just like my bikes on the smaller side as to bigger.
Ben...Ben...I feel like a traitor, but I found a 2020 SC Chameleon 7.1 for $1700 U.S., out the door. Top tube is 3/4 of an inch longer, and you can tell difference. It had WTB i40's with 3" Ardents on it...so I swapped the front to a 29" Bontrager line 30 and I'm running the DHF in a 2.6. Already did the full PNW dropper/cockpit change. The 120mm fork has to go so that's next. It's ok though...it is...because I'm turning my META into a single speed. lol...
Oh, you said we're like the same baby? If your last name didn't have an "E" at the end, it might be more true than you realize. hahaha. Love the review, Ben. Subbed, which I should have done before...apologies. I'm watching all your vids now, by the way. I got that hardtail addiction after being off one for so long. It's so pure, so engaging. Keep putting out content and make your way to the mountain biking mecca of the world...BENTONVILLE, AR!
Love the stoke my dude! I'm a huge Santa Cruz fanboy so you can't go wrong there and the chameleon is a sweet weapon especially at $1700 out the door! Pop a 140mm fork on there and you have a do everything bike!
Single speed meta will be freaking rad dude! Straight up party bike baby!!!
I pick up my 2021 meta frame today. I just bought a fresh sram eagle set for her. Getting pumped to build her up!
Thanks so much for the rad comment and sharing the stokness!! Once this whole Covid shit is down I will for sure make my way down there!
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail Can't wait to see the new whip, and the review! Congrats bro!!
This Chameleon keeps surprising me. Took it out again this morning and I'm already clearing stuff I wasn't on the full squish (fused spine @ L5/S1, scared to crash lol) because it feels SO good.
I, also, think a nice 140mm fork would make this thing an absolute slayer. Inserts will be here soon and, once I figure out if I have an XD driver or not, I'll order the drivetrain that fits, hopefully Box components.
The riding is different out here, not as janky, which I miss...but it's still loads of fun and there are SO many trails to choose from. Leatherwood and Passion Play are an hour away. Fitzgerald is half an hour.
This is long enough...lol...keep shredding that gnar and sharing the stoke bro!!
i rock with the meta ht.....YEE!!!!
So good right?!
Amazing settup you have and great trail. I you you descend pretty well but How does the meta HT climb?
Hey Dave thanks for the comment. It actually Climbs fantastic! Now with a 170mm 29'er fork running 27.5 and a 40mm riser bar its probably not ideal lol. but I have dropped my stem stack down 30mm and it climbs great. One of the best parts of riding any hardtail is that you get 100% of the power down to the ground! And honestly I think in some of the enduro races I have done I think a hard tail would have been faster! "some of them!" lol
"I've always been a pretty big shi- man -o fan" lol great review
why did it get so much more expensive for the essential build.
Hello Ben, I'm on the edges of buying this bike...im 5.11 is a large gonna be ok 👌
A large should be solid! You will not regret!
I have been in the market for an agressive hardtail, and up until a dew weeks ago, i was informed of this bike having a crazy stiff rear end for a hardtail. How does this handle vibrations, because I dont want to waste my money on a stiff af frame.
Look up "hardtail party" his review of this bike definitely confirms your concern. He doesn't recommend this bike because it beats you up. It's Way too stiff for any rough trails apparently.
Hey Cove. It is a stiff frame but also a light one. And tough! But its also an aluminum hardtail I would say it runs the same stiffness as Scout, Hornet, or San Quentin, I overcome this by running a really plush fork and also by going with the 2.6 27.5 wheel option. I myself have never felt the bike to feel to stiff even with multiple days in a row at whistler bike park.
All that being said I work as a Hockey instructor
so maybe I just have strong legs and ankles lol. (Knock on wood!)
Thanks for the comment!!
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail yeah, that is a good solution, I've been looking at the scout too, thanks for ur response
Well I definitely hit rougher trails then hardtail party.... And I’m also guessing that is where Cove got that into. But hey to each there own. I only speak through my year and a bit of ownership. :)
I'm having the exact same dilemma. I was all set on a meta ht and then saw the reviews that it was too stiff. I've been looking at steel frames for the last couple of days.
hey really nice HT you got there :D
I'm also planning on building one my self but i want a normal (not plus) 27.5 HT so the clmmencal is not for me :(
What do you think of the Ragley MMMBOP or blue pig.
Im going to put on a 150-160mm yari, shimano brakes , Sram NX or GX.
The blue pig! yes! Honesty those bikes look fantastic with a nice steel frame construction. I Think 160mm yari would allow you to slay any trail you want! I always try to run shimano brakes and sram drivetrain so Im right there with ya!
sounds like a killer build!
@@chlangeee9409 Nice dude! You will have to send some pics after you get her built up. Looks like it could be an awesome ride. looks kinda like a Chromag in my neck of the woods :)
How's the bike handle vedder? Is it harsh or just a fun time? Selling my DH Bike since whistler isn't going to open til august and want to be able to do some solo rides. I tend to ride twocents, Ditch, Electric Lettuce, Femur for reference
Hey Colten I personally love this bike at Vedder. handles the chunk no problem and as you know at Vedder there are so many little kickers, hips, and jumps everywhere . so I think this bike is in its element here. Vedder Is my fav spot at the moment to ride!
Thanks for the comment and sub my man!
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail No problem, thanks for the advice. Is this your only MTB at the moment and are you considering a different hadrtail frame for your next bike? I've also been eyeing up the Ragley Mmmbop
This is my only bike at the moment, I had an Evil wreckoning but sold her last summer.
as for other frames. Im looking at the Chromag Doctahawk! looks epic! but is quite pricy and a ways out in terms of orders.
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail That doctahawk looks sick? Any plans to go back to full squish or is the hardtail just too fun?
@@colten4355 Who knows! Will most likely pick up a new DH this season but that really depends on how things are when bike park season starts.
Would you recommend this for a new rider? I saw a review that said the bike was way too stiff. How do you feel riding over chunky sections?
hardtail party review?? Yes I 100% would recommend this for a beginner. and it can run chunky sections all day long :)
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail awesome. Thanks for the reply. I just watched your likes/dislikes video where you mentioned it and its crazy how it can be so polarizing between different riders. The other guys review kind of put me off from purchasing with how absurdly negative he was about it. But I'm definitely going through with it now.
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail and yes it was hardtail party.
I guess it all comes down to what you want out of a bike. hardtail party seems to like more slower tech climb and is more about the grind. I on the other hand am more about charging hard and staying loose. So this bike fits the bill perfect. You will love the bike. I like it so much im getting a 2021!
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail sick man. The 2021 looks so good.
Nice vid. Btw how is this different from the commencal meta ht am origin?
They are just different components but on the same frame. So the whole line uses the exact same frame just different colour options, and then depending on price point and model you get different drivetrain, brakes, dropper, and so on. I myself ran the essential build more of less stock for almost a year and it worked great. just upgraded tires and a dropper, Hope that helps!
Hey ben how much travel you put in by the way. Im planning to upgrade my fork up to 170
Currently running it at 170mm and it runs awesome in the steeps! I just lowered my bar stack to help with climbing. I really dont notice the higher BB at all myself. that being said the bike is built for 160 to 170mm fork travel. So I say do it up!!!
Ben Yorke - Mr. Hardtail thanks Ben. I really enjoyed watching your vids pushing the META HT to its natural habitat. Even my son loves the HT now more when he tried it out today. Cool. More videos!!!
where can i buy that bike
can you give me a link
Using the 29er fork on there, does it feel like it lifts your bottom bracket a little too high making it seem like your riding ontop of the bike instead of in it?
Honestly I barely notice it. I noticed more my bars feeling higher. I just dropped the stack down a bit and that fixed that.
So I just tried to replicate this bike with the Commencal online a la carte option. GX is the lowest drivetrain option. Code brakes is the highest spec brake. Picked the Fox Factory 36. Lowest price options on the rest of it. $4600 Canadian. Ouch.
I ran this bike close to stock as the essential build for over a year and took it to some crazy places and even raced it at whistler crankworx. check some of the 2019 vids. its not always about having all the bells and whistles. but its for sure fun too!
here is a link of the bike after a summer of shredding around north America .
th-cam.com/video/D9ttbA6ME_U/w-d-xo.html
@@BenYorkeMrHardtail Word. I watched this a while back. Pure awesome. Not sure why I didn't sub at the time. Better late than never.
Nice video! How does it feel on the climbs?
sorry for the late reply! but she climbs surprisingly well! :)
Whats the weight?
im 187cm or 6foot 2inches, ordered a large. do you think i messed up the sizing?
I think you nailed it. I’m 6’2 as well and got the large. Your good. You will dig it.
Hi Im your subscriber. I like you video
Hey thanks so much!
Thank you. This bike is sick:). I love hard tails. I have a Cannondale Trail 4 and I love it. Also upgraded everything on it :). Subbed:) awesome! Thank you.
Hardtails for the win baby!!!!!!
I like video of man bike mountain
Come on ya?
Lose the music while you are talking. super annoying, vid is good other than that
Ya guess it is a bit loud eh. Thanks for the feedback!