So what’s new with the AM V4.2? “The only thing that’s changed is everything!” – those are Commencal’s words on this new and improved version.

The shorter travel Meta Trail sits at 140mm/130mm F/R travel with good numbers when it comes to angles and dimensions. The AM takes these figures and ups the game for a more gravity biased ride. It’s running on 27.5” wheels again, with 30mm more travel front and rear, meaning a 170mm fork mated to 160mm at the rear. These are numbers we’re seeing as standard on bikes that are firmly planted in the enduro category rather than ‘long travel trail’. For 2017 the head angle is now half a degree slacker at 65.5 and the wheelbase has been stretched a touch, resulting in a more planted feel. Sizing is interesting when compared to say a Radon Swoop – to get the reach measurements we required meant upsizing on the Meta, which brought a taller seat tube into the mix. Normally not a problem, but add a 150mm travel dropper seatpost (standard on the L and XL) and this meant that in reality our tester was split as to what size suited him best. It’s a touch longer than the YT Capra, another bike with similar travel and intentions.

“I found that I was able to throw the Meta down all the full–on downhill tracks out in Andorra and it was able to hold its own”

The spec of the bikes (now Commencal have gone to a direct sales business model) is excellent across the range. It could be argued that they’re cutting costs with an aluminium frame, but the triple butted tubing, excellent finish and realistic weight (around 3.3KG) results in longevity as well as performance.