I had this bike for a while. Amazing hardtail! It's an incredibly capable bike in descending and still a great climber. I dumped the stock brakes for Shimano Zee, an E13 35 stem to fit a Spank Oozy, and Eegon GD1 grips and SM saddle, everything else is nicely spec'd. I'm a 5'6 light rider and rode a medium, standover height is a bit high for me at a 29 inch inseam, but the reach was excellent. I only took issue with the seatpost mast, I slammed the 150mm dropper and it barely fit me, wish the seatpost was shorter. Being on clips was fine, but on flats it's an uncomfortable fit. Overall an amazing bike, far better and more capable compared to the more tame Trek Roscoe, Specialized Fuse, or Santa Cruz Chameleon. I ultimately sold it for my current dream bike: Ibis Ripmo. Next time I'll build a Marin San Quentin 3 as my 27.5 jumpy thrasher bike.
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So stoked to see you will be reviewing the Meta HT AM! I had the former iteration of it (a 2016) and absolutely loved it! Took it down (and up!) some pretty gnarly trails and it was an absolute shredder. I have regretted selling it ever since I sold it last year. Hopefully it gave the buyer a good and fun intro to MTB though!
Thanks. The daily vids are really helping grow the channel. It's a ton of work and it's exhausting, but it's paying off. I'm super thrilled with the growth of the channel and for all my new subscribers. Here's to many more!
Had the 2020 Meta HT AM a-la-carte build for 20 minutes. After a few days of negotiation with commencal and 1 week for delivery (in EU) i got the wrong build and had to return the whole order. Then I went on and ordered a Ragley frame for 100 Euros less and free shipping.
@@hardtailparty Had another thought on this. I would really like to see the Mullet setup reviewed. I think you are a medium and that is what they are spec-ing for the "Race" version with SLX.
Jeffrey Son Jeffrey Son both were my only options according to what I was looking for. Went with the Scout since the 905 has a unique geo compared to other similar HTs. Both seem great options to review and see the insights from the HT Party channel.
I've been trying to get a scout for review, but no luck. Nukeproof won't return my emails. They're a big company, I get it. I'd love to review one though. On paper the reach looks pretty short. I'd love to review the Whyte too
@@hardtailparty I have a 2019 Scout which I purchased used and it is a solid bike. I like the shorter reach but that is just my preference. I agree Nukeproof is not responsive to email. Compare this to a company like Santa Cruz whom is very responsive and you see the real "value" in some brands.
hardtail party I really took time studying the geo on the scout, since I came from a Trek Roscoe size small. I am 5’6, long limbs, short torso. Regarding sizing recommendations from CRC and Nukeproof they told me to go for a small, but I decided to go for a medium. It fits really well considering my proportions. I’ll agree that it is hard to deal with the bottleneck from Nukeproof/Wiggle to get the hands on one. An annoying caveat is that the replacement hangers are not the same as the one that the bike comes with. Been in a back and forth with CRC for about a month and finally they sent me a brand-x axle. Besides that I am really enjoying the bike. Your aggressive HT body position video was a great eye opener!
@@LuisEspaillat1 I am 5'4 and I agree with you, anyone taller then me, like yourself should get medium. I ride a small and it is okay but for taller person would be too short in reach.
The 2020 wersion is nicely updated, a fragment longer chainstays, and they add aditional link that stiffens the disk brake side of chainstay... interested in this one, so cant wait for your sincere ride impressions :) ...cheers m8
I just came back from a 56km ride with my Commencal Meta HT AM and i absolutely loving it! It's almost as fast on the descends as my Jeffsy 27. For me its perfect in almost every aspect: really nice paintjob, fast uphill, fast downhill, not to heavy for bikepacking and eating the miles on gravel or tarmac.
When my son was 7 I got him a Commencal Meta HT 20 (20" wheels) and he loved it. He's now 9 so he outgrew that bike really fast but a friend of mine bought it from me for his daughter. Great bikes for the price.
I am super stoked for this review. This bike is right behind the Banshee ParadoxV3 and RDS middle child and Orbea Laufey on my list of Hard tails to research. You are really ticking all the right boxes on your channel right now. Given the price of bikes these days I am one to try bike after bike and really research for a good half year before I purchase.
Really curious about a full review... This summer my son will ride a small RSD Middlechild and my daughter a medium Meta HT AM that I just built for her...
I ride the 2018 steel version of the META HT, the steel frame is in my opinion one of if not the most beautiful frame ever. The META HT is crazy fun to ride and it really has tons of character.
Got lucky at a bike demo day we have here in manila to ride that bike and it felt great for an aluminum frame. It's a frame i wanna get personally in a large since i felt the medium size was way to cramped for me. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the frame 🤙😁
I've been waiting for this review brother thank you so much. And thank you Jenny for lending it out. I've been looking at this bike for a while now. This and the Ragley big wig
The Big Wig has a 25mm lower BB, longer front and rear - the 2019 B W still had a matching 72° STA. That's for the fastest divers only - and that's when you may want a full sus. I'd very much prefer the Meta's higher BB and shorter wheelbase for a more handy bike.
I rode a couple different Meta AM Hardtails over the past 6 years or so and loved them! Only complaint I had was how long the seat tube was on my XL frames.
I am so pumped for this review. 💯 Ive been itching to find a good ride review on the meta ht, and its perfect, because I think your the best person to do it. Just do the Ragley mmbop next and Ill have decision to make 👍🏻
You should see if you can get your hands on a Niner Air 9, I was shopping for a hardtail frame to build up and that's the one I settled on. I put a 140 fork on it and it absolutely rips! Not nearly as aggressive geo but its a good balance of new and oldschool.
Love that bike! I have the same color. I have mine built up with GX Eagle and a RS lyrik 170/140 Dual Position Lyrik, 27.5" DHF/Rekon 2.8" tires. I also trimmed an inch off the seat tube on my large.
@@hardtailparty probably because nukeproof already got blake samson doing a couple of hardtail vids every now and then... dont know... but yeah, he doesnt make a review, doesnt compare it to others... Anyway. I had one in Large (i am 1,79 m) - feels really great to ride. Fitted me perfectly, was a smooth ride. Sold it just because i wasnt satisfied with the looks... yeah... unfortunately, somehow it annoyed me to much. Thats why i bought the META HT.
I have the 2020 version of this frame. Generally the price was the high point of purchasing it. So much so that I didn’t complete the build and went back to my 2017 Norco Torrent. Biggest issue was the internal routing of cables. The ends of the seat stay tuned hidden inside the top tube must come pre sharpened from the factory because they scraped the heck out of my cables pulling them through the frame. Those grommets they provide are cheap garbage. The grey paint on my frame was super thin in many places as well. Definitely just half a coat of paint. It’s for sale on pinkbike currently if you are looking for a size XL. 350 shipped for hardtail party fans. Peace JL
Hey, I have the grand canyon al sl 7.0 and its great. Not only for long distance xc riding but for me its also good in abit more chunky trails. I only upgraded the brakes and a dropper post. Really good budged bike. Really recommend it
I need to do a Roscoe review. I'm not very in-tune with the smaller travel bikes, as they don't really suit my local terrain. But I appreciate the suggestion. I'll see what I can get in. I did review the Ibis dv9 lately and that has short travel
@@hardtailparty Yeah saw that one (actually saw all your videos once I found the channel) but that one looks a bit like an XC bike that wants to do more. Geometry is bad on that one in my opinion, small reach, wrong seat angle etc. Thanks for the reply btw
I think you will find the seat-tube height to be more than low enough when slammed out on the trail. The low stand-over height may make it seem more extreme than it actually feels. Love this bike, had mine for around a year and a half. Looking forward to your impression on how it handles.
I once have to choose between that frame and dartmoor hornet. I chose dartmoor. I'm very well happy with it, i think dartmoor is better because it looks like a frame on steroids. but after seeing this review i don't think that i'll have any regrets if i choose meta ht. Nice vid man.
@Hardtail Party Great comment about the chainstay to reach ratio! Can you elaborate a little more on this? What is the advantage or disadvantage of reach shorter than chainstay length on a size small frame? Thanks!
I haven't ridden the Nukeproof, but the reach looks awfully short. I would hold off on buying the commencal until you see my review to make sure it's for you.
@@hardtailparty Actually the reach is longer on the nukeproof, 450 ( 466.5mm "sagged" ) vs 445 on the Meta both on size Large. I am actually 5'10, so between size medium and large on both brands. I have chosen to go size up precisely because I like longer reach.
What do you think of the part specs of the 2021 Meta HT AM Ride? It's $1399 with no dropper. Seems every other bike in the price range has one. I also heard the SX Eagle drivetrain is less than ideal. Do you think a 160mm fork is overkill for a beginner?
Really looking forward to the ride review on this one; about to click the button and place an order for a frame. Also need to know max tyre clearance for 29er wheels... 2.6" ??? or skinny'er? Great channel, keep em coming!
I just built a medium for my daughter. Clearance at chainstay is 12mm with a specialized purgatory grid 2.3 on 29mm rim. So 2.5 might fit but probably not 2.6
hardtail party took me a lot of video watching. Unfortunately I couldn’t test ride anything, your video on modern geometry really helped me understand what I’m getting into. I’m coming from a specialized rockhopper lol
Had the 2020 Meta HT essential build for half a season. I would argue the geo is too conservative on the Commencal for PNW trails. Ordered a 2020 Chromag Rootdown and could not be happier. The Chromag has far superior geo without being over the top.
The rootdown is a killer bike. The geo is far better than on this commencal. The only place I'd prefer the commencal is on a bmx track. For everything else I'll take the heavier and chromag. I just wish the rootdown was more supple, but it's light years better than the commencal.
I've always liked the philosophy behind their full squish bikes, but I had not idea they made such a killer hardtail! I'm going to have to get ahold of one of these for review. Thanks for putting liteville back on my radar
@@hardtailparty Cool to know your trying to review it :) I'm 5'10 so I went for the large and the geo feels good. I come from a 2012 Hardrock 26in... 😂
Hey man, I really enjoy your videos and I also am crazy about hardtails. Question for you: how do you feel about that gap between the top tube and the down tube exactly where they weld with the heat tube? I just don't like to see that gap. Cheers!
I place looks at the very bottom of my list of requirements. The gap doesn't bother me at all. If they were to join them, it could change how the bike rides. It may make the front end stiffer.
@@hardtailparty what do you think about the 2020 Raleigh Tokul 3? I have a 2017 and has been a great bike with it's correspondent upgrades (tires, wider handlebar, brakes, saddle, crankset, BB). This new version may just need personalization (a wider handlebar, pedals and better saddle). Cheers!
If Steve can get one in I'm sure he will review it (I've seen this question asked many times on his videos). I love my 2020 27.5 fuse, rode it on one of his group rides.
Looking for some advice. I own a medium san Quentin 2019 model I'm 5'8. At the moment I have a 150 fork on it, but I want to decrease travel. I have other bikes to justify bigger suspension when I travel but my hardtail is my main bike for my loc trails. And my local trails include more climbing that descending. Super tight switchbacks rocky rooty. But also long grass sections road etc. I have a dhf on the front and a double down dhr2 in the rear. I want to just make it way more efficient, in super in shape but all my buddy's are also and have like xc bikes. I know my bike isnt a xc bike but I know there are ways to make it quicker. For starters I want to change my dvo saphire (2019 model) and decreed travel to 130 from 150. Any other tips? Or should I leave fork the same length. Extremely appreciate the feedback
A lighter shorter travel fork would help some but lighter tires would make a bigger difference without completely changing the geo and handling characteristics . DHF 2.3 Front, Minion SS 2.3 Rear is my go to combo, it still offers a ton of traction but is considerably lighter than a DHF/DHR combo. If you want to go super light you could run Rekons front and rear but you will lose traction on anything loose or wet.
I do in-depth advice for my patrons, but heres a short answer. I agree that wheels and tires will make the biggest difference. The San quentin will never ride like an xc bike sadly. But you can learn to ride it like one and master those climbs to keep up with your friends. Those heavy tires are the first place I'd start.
Such a good looking bike! And you've been absolutely smashing the reviews/1st looks lately... so do you have like 10 hardtails in the stable right now? Haha!
I send my hardtails back when I'm done with them, but yes, I do have a lot at the moment. It's hard to decide which one to ride every day. :) I switch it up depending on the trail. I have 2 hardtails the channel hasn't seen yet (but patrons have seen it). Videos coming soon of those.
I'd like to, but ragley is out of review budget for the year and can't afford to send me one right now. Maybe if enough people email them and tell them how much they'd like to see it on the channel, they'll reconsider?
@@hardtailparty I'm curious what you think of it. If I were shopping just off geo it looks really interesting. Officially it wiil fit a 29x2.3 but I have heard of folks fitting a 2.5. Just because it will go in there doesn't make it necessarily a good idea though. Got to have some clearance.
Im not a fan. In fact, thos used to be my fork before I sold it to my buddy Kenny, who put it on this bike. A lot of people like the ribbon. You can adjust the positive and negative Chambers separately tondibe tube the feel. I don't care for the ramp control, I prefer tokens , and the fork was very inconsistent to me. I had it in twice for warranty issues. It would feel great one day and overly harsh the next day. Some people are able to dial them in nice and get them perfect, but after 2 years i sold it, got a pike, and never looked back.
@@hardtailparty thank you for your input and opinion. I will probably get a middle child next year. I currently have the bike that you reviewed ( meta ht)and run it here in South Florida. Would you pick the Pike over a Lyric? I am glad that you are having this Hard tail channel, because that's all I rode all my life. I would love to come to Sedona and ride there, I will have to check out the Accommodation prices and see. Thanks again mate for all the nice videos. 👍
I have both a pike ultimate and a lyrik ultimate. The pike is lighter, and I don't really need the extra stiffness of the lyrik. For Florida, the commencal could be a great bike, as most of your trails are smooth. Sedona isn't cheap, but once Covid-19 is over, come visit and we'll ride a trail together.
Great question. I'm really not sure, it seems to be prevalent in hardtails especially. It must be cheaper to make. For bikes with sliding dropouts, you want the brake to slide with the axle, but with no sliding dropouts, totally not needed.
Major issue/oversight on all Commencals models, not just their hardtails, especially if you're (like me) on the shorter side, or have short legs, but want as long a dropper post as possible: All their frames have too long seat tubes compared to the reach, and on their fullies there's a kink in it too. I really like their looks and price points, but the geometry/sizing just doesn't add up for me, compared to other brands like Ragley, Nukeproof, Orange, Whyte, Saracen etc.
hardtail party Agreed. And for the more averaged sized/proportioned is not much of an issue. Having short, thick legs, getting the saddle as much out the way as possible is major factor for my riding. With a medium Commencal I’d have to go back to a 125-ish dropper, where as on a lot of other frames at similar price points/geometry I can fit 150-180 droppers. But they do look nice.
Finally! I am waiting for month to see you reviewing this bike/frame. I am loving it! Ordered the 2020 frame (same geo, just different colors) a couple of days ago. It should arrive on thursday! If you dont like it, well... i have to unsubscribe your channel. That will hurt my feelings ;)
@@hardtailparty Just for the love of it! For dreaming, to get a little bit of the feeling when you cant ride by yourself (because of weather, kids, in the evening ... ;)
I remember searching a lot about this bike back in the day, If I remember correctly the only bad thing I did found were coments about the frame lateral flex, would be cool if you guys check on that
@@hardtailparty Great info before the ride review. I also heard this, good to know this is no longer an issue on the 2020 frames... good luck with the channel, you've certainly found a niche with Hardtails, there's a lot of love out there for them!
This video was one reason why I picked up the 21 meta HT essential. My bike finally arrived. I love it. I'm also close by in Flagstaff.
I had this bike for a while. Amazing hardtail! It's an incredibly capable bike in descending and still a great climber. I dumped the stock brakes for Shimano Zee, an E13 35 stem to fit a Spank Oozy, and Eegon GD1 grips and SM saddle, everything else is nicely spec'd. I'm a 5'6 light rider and rode a medium, standover height is a bit high for me at a 29 inch inseam, but the reach was excellent. I only took issue with the seatpost mast, I slammed the 150mm dropper and it barely fit me, wish the seatpost was shorter. Being on clips was fine, but on flats it's an uncomfortable fit.
Overall an amazing bike, far better and more capable compared to the more tame Trek Roscoe, Specialized Fuse, or Santa Cruz Chameleon. I ultimately sold it for my current dream bike: Ibis Ripmo. Next time I'll build a Marin San Quentin 3 as my 27.5 jumpy thrasher bike.
So stoked to see you will be reviewing the Meta HT AM! I had the former iteration of it (a 2016) and absolutely loved it! Took it down (and up!) some pretty gnarly trails and it was an absolute shredder. I have regretted selling it ever since I sold it last year. Hopefully it gave the buyer a good and fun intro to MTB though!
these are killer value. and in the few weeks ive followed you, your subs numbers are skyrocketing
Thanks. The daily vids are really helping grow the channel. It's a ton of work and it's exhausting, but it's paying off. I'm super thrilled with the growth of the channel and for all my new subscribers. Here's to many more!
@@hardtailparty looking forward to your review
❤❤❤❤❤ can't wait to see that review on the trails
Truck yeah brah...that's a great steed...great bang for buck. I run mine in the 27.5 + configuration 👌🤙🚴
Had the 2020 Meta HT AM a-la-carte build for 20 minutes.
After a few days of negotiation with commencal and 1 week for delivery (in EU) i got the wrong build and had to return the whole order.
Then I went on and ordered a Ragley frame for 100 Euros less and free shipping.
Would love to see an update to this on the new version of this bike! Thanks!
I've been in contact with commencal. Hopefully soon...
@@hardtailparty appreciate you!
@@hardtailparty Had another thought on this. I would really like to see the Mullet setup reviewed. I think you are a medium and that is what they are spec-ing for the "Race" version with SLX.
What's next? Nukeproof Scout? Whyte 905? Those three are the ones that I was looking before I got mine. Great modern aggressive bikes!
Jeffrey Son Jeffrey Son both were my only options according to what I was looking for. Went with the Scout since the 905 has a unique geo compared to other similar HTs. Both seem great options to review and see the insights from the HT Party channel.
I've been trying to get a scout for review, but no luck. Nukeproof won't return my emails. They're a big company, I get it. I'd love to review one though. On paper the reach looks pretty short. I'd love to review the Whyte too
@@hardtailparty I have a 2019 Scout which I purchased used and it is a solid bike. I like the shorter reach but that is just my preference. I agree Nukeproof is not responsive to email. Compare this to a company like Santa Cruz whom is very responsive and you see the real "value" in some brands.
hardtail party I really took time studying the geo on the scout, since I came from a Trek Roscoe size small. I am 5’6, long limbs, short torso. Regarding sizing recommendations from CRC and Nukeproof they told me to go for a small, but I decided to go for a medium. It fits really well considering my proportions. I’ll agree that it is hard to deal with the bottleneck from Nukeproof/Wiggle to get the hands on one. An annoying caveat is that the replacement hangers are not the same as the one that the bike comes with. Been in a back and forth with CRC for about a month and finally they sent me a brand-x axle. Besides that I am really enjoying the bike. Your aggressive HT body position video was a great eye opener!
@@LuisEspaillat1 I am 5'4 and I agree with you, anyone taller then me, like yourself should get medium. I ride a small and it is okay but for taller person would be too short in reach.
The 2020 wersion is nicely updated, a fragment longer chainstays, and they add aditional link that stiffens the disk brake side of chainstay... interested in this one, so cant wait for your sincere ride impressions :) ...cheers m8
I just came back from a 56km ride with my Commencal Meta HT AM and i absolutely loving it! It's almost as fast on the descends as my Jeffsy 27. For me its perfect in almost every aspect: really nice paintjob, fast uphill, fast downhill, not to heavy for bikepacking and eating the miles on gravel or tarmac.
Hi are you running 27.5 wheels on the Meta HT? What tires/width? Thanks?
When my son was 7 I got him a Commencal Meta HT 20 (20" wheels) and he loved it. He's now 9 so he outgrew that bike really fast but a friend of mine bought it from me for his daughter. Great bikes for the price.
I am super stoked for this review. This bike is right behind the Banshee ParadoxV3 and RDS middle child and Orbea Laufey on my list of Hard tails to research. You are really ticking all the right boxes on your channel right now. Given the price of bikes these days I am one to try bike after bike and really research for a good half year before I purchase.
My kind of man! Good call. I've ridden all 4 of those. Stay tuned for the laufey review and the commencal review.
Really curious about a full review... This summer my son will ride a small RSD Middlechild and my daughter a medium Meta HT AM that I just built for her...
love it! i have the 2017 crmo version, and it's so true "Geometry is free"
Really loving your videos, and how well you explain ever detail of your builds. Keep it going, can't wait to see the next one. Have a great day.
I ride the 2018 steel version of the META HT, the steel frame is in my opinion one of if not the most beautiful frame ever. The META HT is crazy fun to ride and it really has tons of character.
Got lucky at a bike demo day we have here in manila to ride that bike and it felt great for an aluminum frame. It's a frame i wanna get personally in a large since i felt the medium size was way to cramped for me. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the frame 🤙😁
Been waiting for this!
Love the thoughtful commentary. I'm a know-it-all but I always learn something new here. 👍
Glad to hear it?
I got the Junior version for my son, and that thing absolutely shreds! Best spec and geo kid's bike for the money I think.
I've been waiting for this review brother thank you so much. And thank you Jenny for lending it out. I've been looking at this bike for a while now. This and the Ragley big wig
The Big Wig has a 25mm lower BB, longer front and rear - the 2019 B W still had a matching 72° STA. That's for the fastest divers only - and that's when you may want a full sus. I'd very much prefer the Meta's higher BB and shorter wheelbase for a more handy bike.
Stay tuned for the review. I hope to get to review a bigwig soon.
@@coolcycles thank you for this infor actually. How do you feel about the Nukeproof scout expert 275
i been ridin the commencal ht frame myself for about a year and it shreds for sure!!!!i like it better than my sc chameleon
Totally agree with you. I love my meta ht so far
I have one with 27.5 wheels and I love it. And I thinking to buy another one but with 29 wheels.
I cant make up my mind which to jump for 27.5 or 29 ???
i still have my 2015 commencal meta ht.. awesome bike.. keep up the awesome vids🤘😎
I rode a couple different Meta AM Hardtails over the past 6 years or so and loved them! Only complaint I had was how long the seat tube was on my XL frames.
The 2021 shortened the seat tube length.
@@666psicko Ya, by quite a bit too. Got my 12 yr old on a 2021 Meta AM HT. He loves it!
@@havenoutdoors584 I love my '21 meta ht.
wow this is a great bike i miss riding meta ht am, i hope to see more of this bike in your channel
I am so pumped for this review. 💯 Ive been itching to find a good ride review on the meta ht, and its perfect, because I think your the best person to do it. Just do the Ragley mmbop next and Ill have decision to make 👍🏻
I've been trying to get an mmbop in for review, but their marketing budget is already spent and they can't get me one.
Man, thats a bummer! Still pumped for the meta review either way
You should see if you can get your hands on a Niner Air 9, I was shopping for a hardtail frame to build up and that's the one I settled on. I put a 140 fork on it and it absolutely rips! Not nearly as aggressive geo but its a good balance of new and oldschool.
I have this bike. Love it
Love that bike! I have the same color. I have mine built up with GX Eagle and a RS lyrik 170/140 Dual Position Lyrik, 27.5" DHF/Rekon 2.8" tires. I also trimmed an inch off the seat tube on my large.
Good call cutting that seat tube. There's no reason for it to stick up so tall.
Definitely, a 490mm seat post is absurd on a large by today’s standards. Cut it to 465 with a pipe cutter without even removing the dropper.
Crossing my fingers for a Nukeproof Scout 290 review in the near future.
You and me both, but Nukeproof won't get back to me.
@@hardtailparty probably because nukeproof already got blake samson doing a couple of hardtail vids every now and then... dont know... but yeah, he doesnt make a review, doesnt compare it to others... Anyway. I had one in Large (i am 1,79 m) - feels really great to ride. Fitted me perfectly, was a smooth ride. Sold it just because i wasnt satisfied with the looks... yeah... unfortunately, somehow it annoyed me to much. Thats why i bought the META HT.
I have the 2020 version of this frame. Generally the price was the high point of purchasing it. So much so that I didn’t complete the build and went back to my 2017 Norco Torrent.
Biggest issue was the internal routing of cables. The ends of the seat stay tuned hidden inside the top tube must come pre sharpened from the factory because they scraped the heck out of my cables pulling them through the frame. Those grommets they provide are cheap garbage.
The grey paint on my frame was super thin in many places as well. Definitely just half a coat of paint.
It’s for sale on pinkbike currently if you are looking for a size XL. 350 shipped for hardtail party fans.
Peace JL
Yes, I meant to mention the internal brake routing on this frame, but I forgot. I hate that. I'll mention it in my review.
Great content man! It would be nice to check some of the smaller travel bikes like the new Grand Canyon SL or maybe Roscoe. Cheers
Hey, I have the grand canyon al sl 7.0 and its great. Not only for long distance xc riding but for me its also good in abit more chunky trails. I only upgraded the brakes and a dropper post. Really good budged bike. Really recommend it
I need to do a Roscoe review. I'm not very in-tune with the smaller travel bikes, as they don't really suit my local terrain. But I appreciate the suggestion. I'll see what I can get in. I did review the Ibis dv9 lately and that has short travel
@@hardtailparty Yeah saw that one (actually saw all your videos once I found the channel) but that one looks a bit like an XC bike that wants to do more. Geometry is bad on that one in my opinion, small reach, wrong seat angle etc. Thanks for the reply btw
@@niipheus it's liigt years ahead of the roscoe.
I got the 27.5 2016 version of this bike a month ago. Broke my collar bone on the first ride so itching to ride it on trails.
Oof, sorry to hear that.
I think you will find the seat-tube height to be more than low enough when slammed out on the trail. The low stand-over height may make it seem more extreme than it actually feels. Love this bike, had mine for around a year and a half. Looking forward to your impression on how it handles.
I just bought that frame last night at CRC🤙🏻
I once have to choose between that frame and dartmoor hornet. I chose dartmoor. I'm very well happy with it, i think dartmoor is better because it looks like a frame on steroids. but after seeing this review i don't think that i'll have any regrets if i choose meta ht. Nice vid man.
Stay tuned for the review.
Commencal HT AM 27.5 2020 Essential simply rocks!
New subscriber here! Awesome review, been looking for a few more reviews regarding this bike
Hey, thanks for subscribing! Make sure to watch my review where I ride it on a trail and talk about what it feels like.
It’s a keeper !! 🔥
@Hardtail Party Great comment about the chainstay to reach ratio! Can you elaborate a little more on this? What is the advantage or disadvantage of reach shorter than chainstay length on a size small frame? Thanks!
Great question. That will be addressed in my upcoming course.
I was really looking at the Meta HT but I am on the way to get the Nukeproof scout 275 instead. what do u think ?
I haven't ridden the Nukeproof, but the reach looks awfully short. I would hold off on buying the commencal until you see my review to make sure it's for you.
@@hardtailparty Actually the reach is longer on the nukeproof, 450 ( 466.5mm "sagged" ) vs 445 on the Meta both on size Large. I am actually 5'10, so between size medium and large on both brands. I have chosen to go size up precisely because I like longer reach.
What do you think of the part specs of the 2021 Meta HT AM Ride? It's $1399 with no dropper. Seems every other bike in the price range has one. I also heard the SX Eagle drivetrain is less than ideal. Do you think a 160mm fork is overkill for a beginner?
Your videos are so informative! Any opinions on the on-one hello Dave frame. It has a 62° head angle
I'd love to test one. I think it's going to be too slack for 99% of the trails out there, but who knows.
Really looking forward to the ride review on this one; about to click the button and place an order for a frame. Also need to know max tyre clearance for 29er wheels... 2.6" ??? or skinny'er?
Great channel, keep em coming!
I just built a medium for my daughter. Clearance at chainstay is 12mm with a specialized purgatory grid 2.3 on 29mm rim. So 2.5 might fit but probably not 2.6
Hold off on buying it till you see my review.
Great bike!! I had one since 2018 and it got stolen a few months ago 😭
Dangit, sorry to hear of your loss.
On this 2020 commencal you can change the rims Fromm 27.5” to 29”?
Is the Maxle truck included when you buy the frame only??
This or the Ragley Marley I couldn’t decide but pulled the trigger on a Marley 1.0 last night.
Sounds like you could decide after all
hardtail party took me a lot of video watching. Unfortunately I couldn’t test ride anything, your video on modern geometry really helped me understand what I’m getting into. I’m coming from a specialized rockhopper lol
Had the 2020 Meta HT essential build for half a season. I would argue the geo is too conservative on the Commencal for PNW trails. Ordered a 2020 Chromag Rootdown and could not be happier. The Chromag has far superior geo without being over the top.
The rootdown is a killer bike. The geo is far better than on this commencal. The only place I'd prefer the commencal is on a bmx track. For everything else I'll take the heavier and chromag. I just wish the rootdown was more supple, but it's light years better than the commencal.
I was seriously interested in buying this bike, but I'm worried that the reach is too short
it would be nice to see a review of the ''liteville h-3 mk3''. i think you will like its geometry
I've always liked the philosophy behind their full squish bikes, but I had not idea they made such a killer hardtail! I'm going to have to get ahold of one of these for review. Thanks for putting liteville back on my radar
Better and more aggressive looking than Nukeproof Scout :)!
Hey I would love to know your opinion on the new Fuse Comp from Specialized... I just bought one for my first MTB :)
Me too. I'm trying to get ahold of one for review. I can't find a size med anywhere to demo.
@@hardtailparty Cool to know your trying to review it :)
I'm 5'10 so I went for the large and the geo feels good. I come from a 2012 Hardrock 26in... 😂
It really looks like my nukeproof scout. but I love the color of that
how big a plus tyre do you think will fit in the rear?
Nice video! Have you ever ridden a guerilla gravity pedalhead? If so I'd appreciate your thoughts on that bike.
Not yet. Trying to get one for review. Hopefully soon.
@@hardtailparty thanks for the response. Great channel! Just subscribed!
Hey man, I really enjoy your videos and I also am crazy about hardtails. Question for you: how do you feel about that gap between the top tube and the down tube exactly where they weld with the heat tube? I just don't like to see that gap. Cheers!
I place looks at the very bottom of my list of requirements. The gap doesn't bother me at all. If they were to join them, it could change how the bike rides. It may make the front end stiffer.
@@hardtailparty what do you think about the 2020 Raleigh Tokul 3? I have a 2017 and has been a great bike with it's correspondent upgrades (tires, wider handlebar, brakes, saddle, crankset, BB). This new version may just need personalization (a wider handlebar, pedals and better saddle). Cheers!
Do a review of the Marin San Quentin! Would love your feedback!
Can you please review the specialized fuse 27.5
If Steve can get one in I'm sure he will review it (I've seen this question asked many times on his videos). I love my 2020 27.5 fuse, rode it on one of his group rides.
I'm trying to get ahold of a medium, but I can't find one locally for demo.
Dude! I saw this frame is only 399$ ? I thought about “what would hardtail party think” about this frameset
Beware of using cost as your only criteria for purchasing a frame. Stay tuned for the review.
hardtail party I’d be so STOKED if you made a sketch of your dream hardtail frame . Like a blueprint style geo and material sketch
This frame looks rad, and is soo cheap, but Steve already said that he hated how it rides😷🤘
Looking for some advice. I own a medium san Quentin 2019 model I'm 5'8. At the moment I have a 150 fork on it, but I want to decrease travel. I have other bikes to justify bigger suspension when I travel but my hardtail is my main bike for my loc trails. And my local trails include more climbing that descending. Super tight switchbacks rocky rooty. But also long grass sections road etc. I have a dhf on the front and a double down dhr2 in the rear. I want to just make it way more efficient, in super in shape but all my buddy's are also and have like xc bikes. I know my bike isnt a xc bike but I know there are ways to make it quicker. For starters I want to change my dvo saphire (2019 model) and decreed travel to 130 from 150. Any other tips? Or should I leave fork the same length. Extremely appreciate the feedback
A lighter shorter travel fork would help some but lighter tires would make a bigger difference without completely changing the geo and handling characteristics . DHF 2.3 Front, Minion SS 2.3 Rear is my go to combo, it still offers a ton of traction but is considerably lighter than a DHF/DHR combo. If you want to go super light you could run Rekons front and rear but you will lose traction on anything loose or wet.
I do in-depth advice for my patrons, but heres a short answer. I agree that wheels and tires will make the biggest difference. The San quentin will never ride like an xc bike sadly. But you can learn to ride it like one and master those climbs to keep up with your friends. Those heavy tires are the first place I'd start.
Ik tires for sure. Will fork travel also play any difference ?
Where did you get ur frame ?
Can I find it in europe ?
Such a good looking bike! And you've been absolutely smashing the reviews/1st looks lately... so do you have like 10 hardtails in the stable right now? Haha!
I send my hardtails back when I'm done with them, but yes, I do have a lot at the moment. It's hard to decide which one to ride every day. :) I switch it up depending on the trail. I have 2 hardtails the channel hasn't seen yet (but patrons have seen it). Videos coming soon of those.
Have you ever ridden a Ragley? I'm considering building one up and would like some opinions about the frame!
I'd like to, but ragley is out of review budget for the year and can't afford to send me one right now. Maybe if enough people email them and tell them how much they'd like to see it on the channel, they'll reconsider?
@@hardtailparty hopefully it'll all work out! Always stoked to see your bike builds and reviews!
I wander if it will fit a 29x2.6. Im probubly gonna buy this frame upgrade my lux and give the HT some hand me down parts.
Me also, frame only build! I also would like to know what the max tyre clearance is for 29er wheels on this frame; 2.6" yey or nay anyone??
I'd hold off for the review before buying, because this frame won't suit everyone.
@@hardtailparty I'm curious what you think of it. If I were shopping just off geo it looks really interesting. Officially it wiil fit a 29x2.3 but I have heard of folks fitting a 2.5. Just because it will go in there doesn't make it necessarily a good idea though. Got to have some clearance.
How do you like the Ribbon Fork? What is good and bad in your opinion.
Im not a fan. In fact, thos used to be my fork before I sold it to my buddy Kenny, who put it on this bike.
A lot of people like the ribbon. You can adjust the positive and negative Chambers separately tondibe tube the feel. I don't care for the ramp control, I prefer tokens , and the fork was very inconsistent to me. I had it in twice for warranty issues. It would feel great one day and overly harsh the next day. Some people are able to dial them in nice and get them perfect, but after 2 years i sold it, got a pike, and never looked back.
@@hardtailparty thank you for your input and opinion. I will probably get a middle child next year. I currently have the bike that you reviewed ( meta ht)and run it here in South Florida. Would you pick the Pike over a Lyric? I am glad that you are having this Hard tail channel, because that's all I rode all my life. I would love to come to Sedona and ride there, I will have to check out the Accommodation prices and see. Thanks again mate for all the nice videos. 👍
I have both a pike ultimate and a lyrik ultimate. The pike is lighter, and I don't really need the extra stiffness of the lyrik.
For Florida, the commencal could be a great bike, as most of your trails are smooth.
Sedona isn't cheap, but once Covid-19 is over, come visit and we'll ride a trail together.
How much travel does the fork have?
Dartmoor hornet and ragley mmmbop review in the future :)
I'm trying to get both of those. Ragley can't send me a bike, so you won't see one soon unfortunately.
How do you have so many bikes?
These aren't my bikes. They're loaners that I ride for a month then I send them back.
Does anybody know if the Genesis Tarn is a good option?
Commencal meta or santa Cruz chameleon r? That's my predicament
does 29plus fit in that frame
no
Is it just me or does anyone else pre-like before watching?
Why come a lot of *new* bikes these days with *old* IS brake mount standards?
Great question. I'm really not sure, it seems to be prevalent in hardtails especially. It must be cheaper to make.
For bikes with sliding dropouts, you want the brake to slide with the axle, but with no sliding dropouts, totally not needed.
Try also the dartmoor hornet
Looking at the geo chart, that looks like an amazing bike. I'll see if I can get one for review.
Major issue/oversight on all Commencals models, not just their hardtails, especially if you're (like me) on the shorter side, or have short legs, but want as long a dropper post as possible: All their frames have too long seat tubes compared to the reach, and on their fullies there's a kink in it too. I really like their looks and price points, but the geometry/sizing just doesn't add up for me, compared to other brands like Ragley, Nukeproof, Orange, Whyte, Saracen etc.
Totally agree. But they're cheap and some people won't see that the price tag.
hardtail party Agreed. And for the more averaged sized/proportioned is not much of an issue. Having short, thick legs, getting the saddle as much out the way as possible is major factor for my riding. With a medium Commencal I’d have to go back to a 125-ish dropper, where as on a lot of other frames at similar price points/geometry I can fit 150-180 droppers. But they do look nice.
Finally! I am waiting for month to see you reviewing this bike/frame. I am loving it! Ordered the 2020 frame (same geo, just different colors) a couple of days ago. It should arrive on thursday! If you dont like it, well... i have to unsubscribe your channel. That will hurt my feelings ;)
Lol. I never understood why people watch reviews of bikes they already have. :)
@@hardtailparty Just for the love of it! For dreaming, to get a little bit of the feeling when you cant ride by yourself (because of weather, kids, in the evening ... ;)
Can this bike withstand big drop?
Stay tuned for the review. But yes.
the best looking trail/enduro is the alutech cheaptrick 29
My vote goes to the Banshee Paradox V3 in Raw
Nukeproof scout 275 2020 please hehehe
I wanna ride this
Stay tuned for the review...
That looks like my bike
I remember searching a lot about this bike back in the day, If I remember correctly the only bad thing I did found were coments about the frame lateral flex, would be cool if you guys check on that
I already filmed the review. I didn't. Price any lateral flex, quite the opposite.
@@hardtailparty Great info before the ride review. I also heard this, good to know this is no longer an issue on the 2020 frames... good luck with the channel, you've certainly found a niche with Hardtails, there's a lot of love out there for them!
Hi, when is this mountain-party you speak of? Could you please re-send my invitation?
The party has been suspended until COVID-19 is under control. Then it will resume through Instagram, where I post all my upcoming rides.
Sun of a bish, I just ordered a salsa Timberjack. I wish I would’ve seen this
I think the salsa is the better bike unless you ride bmx tracks and super smooth stuff.
hardtail party Good to know! Doing a little bikepacking and single track action. Considered a karate monkey but ultimately chose the salsa.
Udh ? Awesome vid
First