Hey all, I’m a broke college student, and need assistance on how best to get a new bike setup.
I’ve ridden the same bike since 2020, a Commencal Meta Am 29 that I bought new. I bought the near base model, so over time as things broke and wore out, I’ve replaced near everything/ upgraded some things I wanted to. I’ve grown out of the frame, and need to go to a modern Large/X-Large. (The 2020 Large that I have meta fits like a modern medium)
The issue is I’m not confident in being able to afford anything worthwhile with the used market being so poor. I see my options as:
-selling my bike the buying a used one
-buying a used frame, swap over parts and sell my old frame
buying a frame and swapping parts would probably be a good way not to loose the many individual parts I’ve invested aftermarket in.
in a perfect world, I would downsize the 170/160mm bike the Meta is to an aggressive short travel bike such as the Commencal Tempo, but that seems like a non-cost effective route.
SO. After this long-winded yammering, I conclude with:
-does anyone have a 2020 Commencal meta am 29 size X-LARGE they would be willing to part with for a somewhat reasonable price?
-what aggressive short travel bike do you all like? (Such as a transition spur or a Commencal Tempo.)
-what is your favorite 170mm fork compatible frame that you would recommend?
I had the same size and model as you, the next generation was a step backward IMO. Longer reach with a very short rear end and less progressive suspension.
Think about the specialized Enduro.
Yeah I’ve definitely heard mixed reviews on the next gen on the Meta. The largest issue I currently have with my current Meta is that I can’t fit a long enough dropper in. I have a 170mm that works perfect for my upright climbing height when extended, but on the downhills, it hits me in the tail end a bunch.
yeah that is a shame, I really liked that model Meta.
One up droppers have a very low insertion depth for their drop, I ran a 180mm version and could get the seat out of the way, but I have long legs.
Also a Switchgrade from Aenomaly could be useful in your situation
https://www.aenomalyconstructs.com
I'm just posting to give the OP props on his username. Radioactive Burrito sounds like a great punk rock band name.
How high does your seat need to be for climbing? I mean I wish mine was higher too I just stand out of the saddle when I need to and spin with my seat 30-40 mm too low the rest of the time. Just not worth a couple hundred for a new dropper on my budget.
I’d just keep Riding what you have. Put some bucks away every month so you can keep it maintained and get a new frame when you absolutely need to. College kids have better things to spend money on when they already have a working bike.
The dropper all the way in the frame is still a couple inches high. That puts it at the perfect height for me. I’ll probably end up keeping the bike for now and save up.
Would you be interested in an XL Transition Spire Carbon full bike or XXL Aluminum frame and shock? You could even ride it before buying if you'd want as I live in Durango. I'm wanting to sell my trail bikes to get a DH bike as I grew up riding nothing but DH and have been very unimpressed by anything that's not a pure bred DH bike. I also have a steel frame road bike, Salsa Long Haul Trucker size super large, if you're interested.
Haha cheers
I appreciate the offer! My current bike fits like a modern medium. If I were to buy a Commencal now, it would be a large. Looking at the charts, I believe the xl transition would be too big.
Some frames that are now running on potentially good prices and if lucky can be bought without tax too:
Specialized Stumpy Evo AL; Status
Banshee
Ibis Ripmo AF
was going to suggest status too. $849 for the frame is pretty nuts - https://www.specialized.com/us/en/status-160-frameset/p/199768?color=32…
You'd have to buy a new rear wheel and tire for the Status, but I agree that $850 is crazy good for a brand new Specialized frame with good reviews and a warranty.
I'm a sponsored shill for Santa Cruz, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt, but have you thought about buying a used aluminum Hightower? I found a size large alloy Hightower for $1100 in about two seconds on the other site, and the frame basically looked brand new. More of a trail bike than your Meta, but has a 470mm reach and plays nice with a 170mm fork.
Cheap: Longer stem + angleset
good: specialized stumpy EVO
I had that Commencal for a few years- still a really good bike, so if you’re college poor just keep it. Angleset would put you further behind the front wheel then you can add stem length without being too front heavy.
Otherwise get a new stumpy EVO- they can fit long droppers and have longer chainstays to match a longer reach. You’d also have a new frame in whatever size you actually want.
Another vote for alloy stumpy evo
Yo Dude,
Im Matt and I worked as part of the customer Service Team at Commencal USA this summer. Ive ridden both of the most recent gen Meta series bikes quite a bit in different builds. Im 5'10 (5'11") on a good day and with the Meta TR V4, 2021-2023, I preferred the medium, even though it was slightly smaller. I was the guy who built up the test bike for Vital
(Whoever is testing it currently, I hope you are liking it!) The medium Meta V5 is a great bike if you like to go fast. It rewards being active in your body movements and likes to be rallied hard. It also climbs incredibly well for the weight. Id personally switch out the Float X that comes on the bike for something with a little more adjustment, but thats just me. Anyways, on the V5 I would actually size up to the large. With a 475mm reach in the low setting it was exactly what I look for in a "L" designated frame with a nice and long rear end to balance out the overall length. Plus I had just enough room for a 200mm dropper in the size L frame (You're welcome Vital!)
If you're willing to invest a little bit more into a frame for something that is future proof (For the next 6 or so years we hope), then the Meta V5 is a great option.
How tall are you? When I had guys and gals call about frame sizing, I would say 5'10-6'3 for the large and 6'2+ for the XL.
The Evo is definitely one I’ve been keeping an eye on. The only drawback is that I’d have to buy a different fork. The current sale on the AL frames is excellent
Yeah there’s some well priced AL Santa Cruz fames! Is the frame specifically for a 170mm fork?
Yeah I’ve fooled around with a few stem setups. I tend to struggle fitting myself into the cockpit of the frame so to speak. I always find I’m standing far too upright, and an aggressive attack position is hard to get.
I’d love a meta V5, but honestly, new Commencals are too expensive for me to consider. I’ve ridden an xl meta tr v4 for a full day and it was too big for me, but not by much. I’m 5’11” as well. I’m leaning more towards the tempo if I were to buy a new Commencal. I’m in Arizona for school, and all of my rides tend to be very, very long
A new air spring during your next fork service shouldn’t be a big cost if you end up getting a new framE and need to go shorter.
The markings on my lyric are 180mm/170mm. I guess I absentmindedly assumed that it wouldn’t be able to go lower than that.
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