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Spotted: A New XC Bike From Commencal

Oct 6, 2022
by Ed Spratt  
photo

Amaury Pierron has shared what looks to be a new short travel bike from Commencal called the Tempo.

The race season isn't over for Amaury Pierron just yet, as he will be trying out some XC racing this weekend on what appears to be a fresh bike from Commencal. We have seen Cecile Ravanel running a short travel Commencal for some time, but the new bike spotted here looks far closer to production and even is badged with the name 'Tempo.'

photo
photo

The bike seen in Amaury's social media post looks to use a similar suspension setup to the new Commencal prototype enduro bike that uses a short-link four-bar layout with a rigid rear triangle is connected to the mainframe via two short links. The front triangle looks very different from Commencal's current range of bikes with slimmer-looking tubes that most likely save some weight. Unfortunately it also looks like the rear brake line and dropper housing are routed through the headset, a trend that seems to be catching on for some unknown reason. Fingers crossed that changes for the production model.

Commencal has taken a pretty strong stance against carbon fiber bikes in the past, so it's not surprising to see that this bike is constructed from aluminum. Given that modern XC bikes are normally made from carbon it will be interesting to see how light Commencal are able to make an alloy frame, and if it could be competitive at World Cups against other non-metal race bikes.

We have reached out to Commencal for comment and will update this if we hear back.

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239 Comments
  • 512 14
 Any bike that routes cables through the headset for whatever god-awful reason is added to the do not buy list.

Bike companies: No one likes that shit. Not even Pinkbike, who has a tendency to make excuses to try to defend stupid 'new standards' that don't need to exist.
  • 108 10
 All bike companies, add 1 more to your list of will NEVER BUY YOUR BIKE if you are tone deaf enough to let one go to the design phase with cables through the headset. I mean it, you can go pound sand and quite frankly I hope you go broke because of it.
  • 49 0
 That Business Development Manager at Acros must be on cocaine and steroids! Or maybe part of the mafia?

“Use my PITA headsets or say goodbye to your family... slowly”
  • 38 1
 Yeah, I notice that part is cropped from the images here, probably to avoid backlash of comments like this. Wholeheartedly agree, keep cables out of headsets!
  • 19 2
 Even bike shops hate. Servicing them is a pita
  • 28 69
flag usedbikestuff (Oct 6, 2022 at 8:53) (Below Threshold)
 I’ll forgive that before a pressfit bb.
  • 59 3
 Commencal, do not release this bike until you drill some holes in the frame for cable routing. If you don't, I will, its just aluminum.
  • 27 2
 @usedbikestuff: Amen. That alone has kept me from buying a Commencal multiple times. I mean... The bikes are made of metal... Freaking cut some threads in it...
  • 26 26
 Can someone explain all the hate on the headset routing?
  • 70 3
 @wolftwenty1: ya,
Cons: its harder to service, heavier because you need a huge head tube, more to go wrong

Pros: literally nothing.
  • 3 4
 Never. Either new or second hand, so if someone doean't really care about the routing, think instead about resale value Wink
  • 44 1
 @wolftwenty1 & @willdavidson9595 the ONLY possible Pro to headset cable routing is 'maybe' a Time Trial bike where aerodynamic efficiency trumps almost everything else. That said ZERO reason it should be on ANY MTB
  • 65 0
 @wolftwenty1: Ever replace a headset bearing, or adjust your stem height with spacers? If you did, I bet it was easy and didn't require you to bleed your brakes or set your derailleur back up. Now imagine doing the same with this B/S.
  • 14 0
 @aenema: ahhh yea didnt think about that. Fair play...
  • 13 0
 @wolftwenty1: It doesn't really add anything of value. Looks are subjective. There are a few very, very weird contrarians that like headset cable routing for its looks and are all for it on MTBs. But for riders and mechanics in the real world that may need to work on their own bikes or customer bikes, it's an unwelcome nightmare.
  • 12 5
 All this internal route bs is just another way of making you go to your LBS and pay up. no offence to bike shops but its just the truth
  • 12 0
 @Almazing: Yea totally get it and didnt think about the bleed angle. I clean my headset a lot and the added complexity seems like a nightmare.

To be clear I was not defending it just truly curious why it always gets so much hate.
  • 3 0
 @willdavidson9595: vote with your wallet, don't buy crap you don't want just to fix it afterwards (probably voiding your warranty)
  • 11 11
 If the bike is otherwise fine, wouldn't it be acceptable to just zip tie the cables to the front triangle? I mean, if you really otherwise like the bike?

Back in the days the cable guides on bikes were for interrupted outer cables. There were more than a few aftermarket solutions to allow people to clamp their continuous outer cables (or brake hoses) to these existing guides. You could consider the fact that these guides through the headset are getting more common a good thing, if you really try hard. The more there are, the sooner there will be some aftermarket solution available for all those poor sods who succumbed to such a frame.
  • 18 0
 @wolftwenty1:
- so far those upper cups are not sealed, so more water/humidity can purge into the frame.
- requires more spacers under the stem.
- cables have more excessively smaller diameter bows. This may not affect performance with hydraulic cables, but can do with conventional steel-cables for shifter and dropper-posts.
- can cause more excessive cable-rub with the steerertube.
- not service-friendly at all. This, along with the cable-rub, is a deal-breaker for almost everyone.
This stuff is for sure not "consumer-driven", but just cost-effective for manufactors.
  • 3 0
 @aenema: good eye on that crop... smart/sketchy on the marketing department's part...
  • 10 0
 @vinay: Sure you can do that. Or you can buy the other myriad of competing bikes that have traditional cable routing. We're at peak MTB now. No single bike today is objectively better than its competitors, because geometry and rear suspension design has never been at such a high point in the history of MTB. I can buy any 2022 model year bike and be perfectly happy with its performance.
  • 2 1
 @f00bar: well other than the cable routing, it looks like a really good bike if they keep the weight down.

I would rather risk voiding warranty than have to warranty or replace a crappy headset every 6 months.
  • 1 3
 @vinay: you can buy stock on cable guides off Amazon cheap, AliExpress even cheaper...send it bruh!
  • 1 0
 @Almazing: If the alternatives are there then there is no issue. I just got the impression that people were upset that more and more new models of (XC) bikes were getting the headset routing. If the myriad of competing bikes is readily available, equally affordable and of equal (or better) quality then it surely won't bother anyone if a certain brand makes unpopular design choices.
  • 3 1
 Let's think about this. Mtbs are getting more complex. Harder to service. Could that be a good thing for manufacturers?
  • 5 7
 They are down loading the extra tooling to component manufacturers. This is the future kids. Internal routing started to save money on not installing bosses on frames and drilling some holes. Wake up sheeple
  • 4 1
 @wolftwenty1: Because it increases the fiddle-f*cking factor by 1000.
  • 40 0
 @COMMENCALbicycles

Please pass along the sentiment here. Headset cable routing means that I, and apparently hundreds of other people here will never consider purchasing this bike.

On a time trial, or actual race road bike, the potential aero benefits might be justified.

But they have no place on a mountain bike. Mechanics (home, or professional), do not want headset cable routing, because any time you work on the headset, replace a stem, mess with stem spacers, you will need to re-bleed your brakes, and re-adjust your deraileur.

No one wants this. Literally no one.
  • 13 1
 We had a good few years. 2018 - 2022. I've had 5 frames in this time, all of which I've been able to just swap parts out on, except seatpost, which is still a mess. (not Supa Boost™ frames obviously) But now we're getting spy shots of proprietary direct mount derailleurs from SRAM on their "Universal" derailleur hanger platform, AND a new bike comes out every day with headset routing. Dark days ahead. The best feature of my Stumpy Evo are the headset cups that aren't pressed into the frame and have 2 deg of head angle adjust. Yes I like that better than the SWAT box.
  • 3 0
 Is it possible to swap a headset designed for internal routing with a traditional one?
  • 4 0
 @jalopyj: you can change the headset, yes - but you have to route the brake hose etc with zip ties outside.

I think those bikes sell well, most people will think they need it, because.
  • 2 19
flag jclnv (Oct 6, 2022 at 10:58) (Below Threshold)
 As someone who runs moto brake set-up, I'd rather have headset routing that racist routing.
  • 2 0
 @cxfahrer: Gotcha. Glad to hear.
I'm no XC Racer, but I've been eyeing an aluminum, "XC/DC" frame to replace my hardtail with for sometime (something like an alloy spur or alloy element frame only). Besides the internal routing, the bikes looks to fit the bill and I wouldn't mind replacing the headset and rigging up an external routing set-up.
  • 10 0
 At least these companies are out here making it easy for us to cross a frame off the list
  • 4 0
 Not complicated enough for my tastes. I won’t buy til all housing is routed through the steerer tube.
  • 7 0
 @mininhi: it's not, we don't want to touch this with a barge pole!

Also commencal ect don't gain money by making it harder to service, just piss of consumers/mechanics.

Speaking for all mechanics everywhere, we don't want this, never have, never will, there is already enough work out there with people who either don't know how to do it them selves, or don't have the time. Good mechanics are snowed under, we don't want it wasting our time!
  • 5 9
flag usedbikestuff (Oct 6, 2022 at 11:58) (Below Threshold)
 @mininhi: headsets are just about the easiest thing to work on. If you can’t adjust that. What hope do you have understanding compression.

Let’s be honest. 3hrs on YouTube and some park tools and you can be a bike mechanic. I was one. It’s nothing special. 99% of it is unf*ckulating old shifter and replacing stuck posts. Building wheels. Servicing suspension. Bleeding brakes well. That’s such a small part and even that stuff isn’t hard after you do it once. Change my mind.
  • 1 0
 I would likely buy it and drill some holes to put in the cables the right way. They build sturdy aluminium frames for a reason I guess...
  • 10 0
 @wolftwenty1: its like brushing your teeth through your ear. or something.
  • 2 0
 @mininhi: The shops think is sucks balls too.
  • 5 0
 Only GMBN would defend cables through the headset and other dumb new standards.
  • 2 0
 even bmx engineers knew to run the cables for their detanglers outside
  • 3 0
 @mininhi: Bike shops don't want to mess with this crap any more than you do!
  • 2 0
 The headsets in these commencals are shit without routing through them, you cant replace the bearings and they only last 6 months. Luckily the guys at Commencal NZ are cool AF and sent me a cane creek headset. So nothing to complain about
  • 4 0
 Let's not forget those of us who service their fork lowers every 50 hours. I guess I could do it while it is still on the bike, but I also take the opportunity to clean the headset bearings which get covered in sweat and mud.
  • 1 9
flag chrismac70 FL (Oct 6, 2022 at 16:07) (Below Threshold)
 It’s done for 2 reasons. One is it’s cheaper to produce as there are less holes to make in the frame. The second is that you get better hose routing when you run the brakes motostyle. I hate seeing long flappy cables on bikes
  • 2 1
 @vinay: Or with an aluminum bike like this one, just install your own rivet nuts which you can attach guides to. More aftermarket solutions are always nice, but I hope the industry doesn’t give us a ‘new problem’ to solve in place of a system that works (external cables, or internal cables with guides that enter the frame in logical places)…
  • 2 0
 @willdavidson9595: I'd rather them go full external. Their "internal routing" sucks.
  • 10 0
 @onetrykid: I'm so done with GMBN, nice presenters but its clear how much influence sponsors have over their content. Its all surface, no depth, get the punters to buy bikes and forget about any real substance.
  • 1 3
 every premium road bike has this routing, mtb is following suit
  • 2 3
 I really like headset routed cables and especially like brake hoses going down the steerer poop hole! Please can you also put the front brake hose through there too as it looks a bit of a mess. If you drill the side of the CSU it can be routed down the left hand fork stanction and out of the bottom of the fork for a super neat look!
  • 1 0
 @notphaedrus: You can always guide a hose through the steerer, can't you? Even though front brakes aren't common on BMX bikes, in many countries two independent brakes are required at the point of sale so you can have topcaps and starnuts that allow for this. As far as I know they aren't big enough to also allow you to pass the hose connector so you'll have to attach the connector after passing it through. Will be a bit of a bitch every time you take out your fork though. Either redo the connector every single time (and shortening your brake hose every time in the process) or leave it in and disconnect it from the brake master. Or just remove the top cap after fork installation. For me it wouldn't be worth the hassle but if this is what you like then just go for it.
  • 1 4
 I ve got one with headset routing and like it quite a bit lol
  • 4 1
 @YPSTOLM: What exactly do you like about it? Do you like it when you want to add or swap a stem spacer? Do you like it when your headset creaks and you want to remove, clean and regrease it? Do you like it when you find out the bearing is trash and needs replacing? Do you like it when you want to install a new rear brake? I'm guessing you like the "looks" of it and/or you load your bike in your truck and drop it off at your LBS to do any of the tasks I mentioned above.
  • 2 0
 @mininhi:
Wrenced in many shops and nobody wants headset cable routing. No mechanic likes working on these. Tri bikes, aero road bikes same thing; a pita to fix. The problem is that product managers at bike companies who design or sign off on these never have to fix em.
  • 1 4
 @Dman111: customer led design isn’t mechanic led design. Yes. I’m sure car mechanics aren’t happy about how difficult some oil changes are. But they charge for it and the customer deals with it with their wallet.

Complaining about revenue making things like this or shifting standards that makes people buy new is the most bike industry thing to do
  • 3 0
 @usedbikestuff: Of course everyone is different, but I think bikes should be designed to be fixed by the consumers. Especially race-level XC (and marathon in particular) and enduro bikes, as riders need to be able to fix their bikes during a race. So to be confident enough to do that when outside, you want to be confident and do most of your wrenching at home.
  • 2 0
 @wolftwenty1: You have to disconnect everything to remove the headset bearings. Cables run inbetween the bearing so everything (to include your brake lines) have to be disconnected.
  • 117 1
 I can’t believe that Max would let a bike go to production with headset routing.
  • 1 6
flag zanda23 FL (Oct 6, 2022 at 16:37) (Below Threshold)
 My theory is that it is a weight thing to shave lbs on an xc bike and not have to overbuild a section with a hole.
  • 9 0
 @zanda23: yea bullshit.
  • 10 0
 @zanda23: If only there was some other way of securing cables to a frame without drilling holes...
  • 4 1
 @zanda23: that is the reason for a carbon bike...if you drill you have to reinforce the headtube with more fiber layup....but with Aluminium there is not the problem, that's why it makes me angry!
  • 95 1
 good looking bike... fuck... headset routing...
  • 15 0
 Dead serious, if I bought this bike, I would mill a slot for cables myself.
  • 33 0
 @willdavidson9595: I would just buy a different bike.
  • 121 0
 @willdavidson9595: If by 'Mill' you mean use a blunt 1/4'' drill bit in a burnt out 18v cordless drill then me too.
  • 7 0
 @nzandyb: lol. I actually work at a machining shop but ya, a 1/4 drill bit and a crappy drill works too.
  • 30 0
 @nzandyb: I see you’re a fellow man of culture. Don’t forget to use some drops of 10w-40 from a almost empty quart that you found laying underneath your shelves for cutting fluid.
  • 8 0
 @willdavidson9595: lot of work for a 32lb XC bike. It does look cool though.
  • 7 0
 @nskerb: What's cutting fluid? Asking for a friend...
  • 16 0
 @Archimonde: I think it's that goo that comes out when you cut tomatoes.
  • 10 0
 @Archimonde: as someone who lies about being an engineer on the internet, I have no clue.
  • 20 0
 @nskerb: Used oil sitting in my Turkey deep-fryer is the usual, that way when smoke is pouring off the end of the drill bit it smells like thanksgiving.
  • 3 0
 @Archimonde: Really? I guess we are not anymore a land where everyone are handy enough to build their own house from scratch
  • 1 0
 @Archimonde: Its some stuff you're supposed to use when cutting metal. Supposed to help both cut and cool the drill bit. Prolongs the life of the bit. Google Tap Magic, 's kind of the default standard for that stuff.
  • 4 0
 @Archimonde: Its when you push the drill even harder than normal so it cuts more
  • 3 0
 @txcx166: My Meta AM is 33.5lbs. This should be at least sub 30.
  • 2 0
 @nzandyb: comment winner! I laughed out loud.
  • 2 0
 @willdavidson9595: I was joking…. Kind of. It should hopefully be in the 27-28 range. I’m not hating it. All my bikes are over 30lbs, but the shortest travel is 140. I like the idea of a bike like this, but I feel like I’d end up putting heavy tires and super stiff suspension so I could ride it the same as a big bike and then what would be the point. I’m actually asking if anyone cares to chime in.
  • 1 0
 @txcx166: pretty sure my sb100 is 27lbs and it's carbon. I'm fine with that weight for the few xc races I do a year. I'd save a lot of cash when it comes time to replace my bike. I'm starting to think carbon is over rated anyways even if most of my bikes are carbon.
  • 2 0
 @willdavidson9595: I agree. i am curious to see how light it can be. Good xc bikes are around 21-22 lbs.

I also want to know why Commencal makes a big deal about their stance on carbon, yet they spec their bikes with carbon wheels.
  • 1 0
 @txcx166: If it was an ounce over 28 lbs they would be just mailing it in at that point. I have a 01 Trek Fuel 90 without an ounce of carbon on it and its 27.5 lbs lol.
  • 83 3
 Straighten out that damn top tube, drill holes in the frame for cables, and then we'll talk.
  • 3 0
 word!
  • 4 0
 I don’t like it either, but if pinkbike comments had any influence on what they make e-bikes would have been dead in the water a long time ago. They’re just going to keep making it until it’s standard.
  • 2 0
 I'd assume that the smallest frame sizes probably have the kink, but the larger sizes might have straight tubes. We can hope!
  • 5 0
 @PHeller: those pics are from Amaury's insta, I dont think he runs a small sized bike.
  • 2 0
 @NikBNZ: that's unfortunate, as the straight top tube is far superior aesthetically.
  • 44 0
 Aesthetically never like a bike w/ a broken backbone (kink in the top tube). And yes, the headset is a non-starter....
  • 9 4
 so you pretty much never purchased MTB until like 2018 or something? Big Grin
  • 30 3
 external routing>internal routing>headset routing

Just let me zip tie it to my frame myself, its not that hard.
  • 29 0
 cable bosses on frames will be back, but as a new and groundbreaking innovation in three years.
  • 7 0
 @Rexuis-Twin: yeah but technically an innovation because cable boss geometry will be longer and slacker with more damping and rebound adjustment via wireless controls
  • 7 10
 every time I see people bitching about headset routing I think: "you a*sholes asked for internal frame and you got it"
  • 7 17
flag nickfranko (Oct 6, 2022 at 9:17) (Below Threshold)
 Hard pass on external routing. I like the internal routing level we are at now.
  • 7 1
 @tbmaddux: I think there is a good reason for all these headset routed frames, but they can’t tell us without spilling the beans on 2025 MY bikes. I’m betting they are planning on deleting options for cable actuated derailleurs in the next couple years. First they stopped putting on frt Der mounts, now they are taking away cable routing. This will sell people on wireless. There will finally be a problem that they solve, and their existence will be justified and coveted. Just a guess!
  • 9 0
 I will not purchase a bike with anything but external routing (except the dropper, which is only allowed to go internal at the base of the seat tube). There is no downside to external routing.
  • 3 0
 @speed10: I refuse to go electronic on drivetrains. I will add my own external bosses.
  • 1 2
 @adrennan: Once I get ride of my DH (People please buy) my other two mountain bikes will be external only as well.
  • 4 0
 GT and Canyon had a very clever take on external routing a couple years ago on the old Force and the Spectral. Too bad it didn't continue.
  • 21 0
 It's made of aluminum, so the good news is that commencal can change the cable routing in five minutes if enought people say that they hate it.
  • 4 1
 This is the way.
  • 17 0
 Headset cable routing is akin to the 3D television craze of the early 2000s. Manufacturers all hopped on a bandwagon that the consumer never asked for. It took 10 years before the trend finally died. I hope cable routing takes the same (abeit faster) route.
  • 3 1
 Minidisk!
  • 1 0
 @iamamodel: On the opposite to the curre t discussion, Minidisc was a clear progress on cassette.

It was just way too pricy for a teen based target audience.
  • 1 0
 @iamamodel: I loved my MiniDiscs, I still have my MZ-E900 MiniDisc Walkman as an ornament because it is a simply incredible piece of engineering.

I remember once crossing a street and I dropped a MiniDisc and then watched a car drive over it. I picked it up, dusted it off, put it in my player and it worked.
  • 16 0
 everyone complaining about the headset cable routing needs to do more barspins on their xc bikes
  • 16 0
 The headset routing must be cost saving, like pressfit bbs
  • 5 0
 I believe so, cheaper to buy some headset with holes in it than to design and manufacture a frame with more holes
  • 14 0
 You don't save money when you don't make any money.
  • 13 0
 "XC" is being used fairly loose here. Looks like a 140 Fox 34 up front there, which would only make sense to pair with a 120 to 130 rear.
  • 9 1
 yep. more a downcountry / trail rig than a true xc whippet
  • 7 1
 @xy9ine: Yeah, it's a great real-world setup for the overwhelming majority of riders who don't routinely ride on "yuge" mountains or race enduro.
  • 2 0
 @rodeostu: my thoughts exactly. This is a great frame for normal riders riding normal trails
  • 2 0
 @MI-Corey: marketing experiment: line up a set of these at the top of blue or red flow trails in any bike park and give the 160mm+ full face crowd a free ride. I bet you'd surprise a few of them
  • 1 2
 I'm not sure what you all are talking about-the xc looks like it has a ~120 32 on it. The silver bike with the bigger fork is not an xc.
  • 5 0
 Jk I was wrong- thought the tip of the 4 was the bottom of a 2. Carry on!
  • 5 0
 @ianblenden: what’s this? An admission of mistake on the internet? Not possible.

Haha. Well done.
  • 1 0
 @no-good-ideas: I was about to say the same thing, @ianblenden never change, that's hero material in the internet age
  • 1 0
 @ianblenden: no, you were correct. It's a 34. It literally says 34 in silver above the fox logo on the right leg. The 2 in the 32 is straight and then bends to the right, whereas the 4 in the 34 leans to the right from the bottom. It's likely 120mm though...
  • 1 0
 Oops...I @ the wrong person...lol. oh well....
  • 5 0
 @handynzl: what’s this? A second admission of mistake on the internet? In the same thread??!!!! Not possible!!!!!!
  • 12 0
 I was interested until I became aware of the cable routing. Mr. Commencal, please keep it simple and easy to work on.
  • 9 0
 Honestly what is the supposed selling feature of cable routing through headsets? I don't understand, is it some dumb idea from ebikes?
  • 10 0
 No, road bikes. Honestly it looks cool on road bikes, because all the cables and hoses run under the tape and into the stem and the front brake runs through the fork... But NONE of that is the case on an MTB, all the lines are still very visible.
  • 11 3
 Affordable(ish) aluminum XC bike?

If the weight isn’t too high this looks like a winner.
  • 3 5
 As usual it will come down to spec choices from the brand. getting an AL frame built up to sub 30 pounds is not that challenging, its just expensive.
  • 23 1
 @dpars63: it needs to be sub 25 to compete
  • 6 2
 No, it isn’t. Look at the headset routing. They added a single fatal flaw that makes every bike that has it a non-purchase
  • 5 1
 @gonzocycle: it needs to be sub 23 pounds to compete. Theres no way. The lightest Aluminum frames I've ever seen are Last Bike's aluminum offerings, which are about 6 and half pounds frame only.
  • 3 0
 @hamncheez: sub 23 maybe for short track, but there are very few actual world cup xc race bikes weighing sub 23. with droppers 25 or less is competive. ninos spark isn't sub 23.
  • 2 0
 @gonzocycle: The stock spark is 23.3 pounds; I'm guessing Ninos is a tad less. www.pinkbike.com/news/bike-check-nino-schurters-new-scott-spark-rc-2022.html
  • 1 0
 It has headset cable routing, so not sure in what world it looks like a winner regardless of price/weight.
  • 2 1
 @gonzocycle: Agreed. And it is possible, it's just that alloy is currently used for the "cheaper" bikes for many brands, as carbon is the marketing winner. But if a company really focussing on frame design, tube butting, and quality aluminum, weights can be sub 25 with a reasonable high end spec (so long as you are committed to proper XC tires). Hell, back in '98 Cannondale was building SuperV's that were 25 pounds that were actually some of their more durable bikes of the time.
  • 1 0
 @ridingloam: my 2014 Alloy Turner Burner was 24lbs, xx1, dropper and alloy wheels. It can be done.
  • 1 0
 @gonzocycle: 29er? Or 26"?

BTW, it is being reported that the bike weighs 27.5 pounds www.vojomag.com/prototype-commencal-bientot-de-retour-en-xc
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: 27.5, 150/140
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: that article shows the prototype. So no way to know how much this production version weighs until we see one weighed.
  • 1 0
 @gonzocycle: so raw prototype to production if anything will gain weight. Powder coating an aluminum frame will add over a pound to the frame weight.
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: powder coating a frame adds a pound ? maybe, thickness matters. but paint or anodyzing is less.
  • 1 0
 @gonzocycle: Yes, it can.
  • 17 8
 Cool. A 30+ lb XC bike!
  • 6 18
flag HB208 (Oct 6, 2022 at 8:26) (Below Threshold)
 Probably not, alloy adds less weight than you think it would. More like a 24lb XC bike likely.
  • 8 7
 @HB208: As pictured that bike is 29lbs absolute minimum.
  • 2 0
 @HB208: Pretty high spec everywhere but the frame material. Interesting choice, but not going to be cheap with this parts list. Begs the question- where would you save $1000, parts or frame material?
  • 4 2
 @plustiresaintdead: No way, I bet its sitting at 25 pounds. Light ENVE XC rims, XTR, etc. drop a ton of weight
  • 1 0
 @dcaf: I bet you save more than $1,000 on something like this
  • 3 1
 yup, 2200g+ aluminum frame, 34 130mm with grip 2 is heavy AF for XC, probably high 28# range with light XC group and wheels ready to ride.
  • 3 1
 @davidccoleman: That is almost surely a 34 stepcast.
  • 2 1
 @HB208: fit a grip 2 damper in a stepcast chassis and get back to me.
  • 4 0
 @davidccoleman: 12.5kg per another websites comment section
  • 3 0
 @RusMan: size medium no pedals or cages sounds about right, maybe 0.5k lighter than I'd guess just looking at it. I'll keep my 9.5kg hardtail with dropper and 34SC for XC races.
  • 1 0
 @davidccoleman: My step cast 34 has a Grip 1 damper, I’m not sure how inferior that is to the Grip 2.
  • 3 0
 @davidccoleman: show me any aluminum frame thats 2200g, especially a 29er frame
  • 11 3
 It's gonna be tough to be in the XC market without a carbon frame.
  • 38 2
 If you dont think there are hoards of frugal xc riders out there ready to pounce on a bike that's both aluminum AND consumer-direct, idk what to tell you. See: high school racers and their parents
  • 11 3
 As someone who races XC, adding a few extra pounds is hardly on the top of my list of concerns, if the bike is nimble and climbs like a goat then it is near perfect
  • 5 0
 I’d buy it. I need to lose 10-20 lbs off myself before I worry about 2 lbs of non-rotating frame weight. Assuming the price is right.

That wouldn’t stop me from putting carbon wheels on it, though.
  • 7 0
 Cool bike! Although very much of the "downcountry"-variety - not really an XC bike.
  • 8 0
 Headset cable routing comment
  • 7 0
 Its no Sir'velo, but looks cool
  • 6 0
 That stupid headset routing means imll be buying a different XC/short travel bike next year.
  • 6 0
 Pinkbike, please get someone from Acros or commencal on here to explain the reasoning behind the headset routing.
  • 7 1
 pass. I just want something serviceable.
  • 2 0
 Curious about running two Racing Ralphs rather than a Ralph and a Ray up front? Is there some flaw in the Ray I am not aware of? I mean other than both being somewhat sketchy, but they are XC tires, of course- not intended to compete with Minions or a MM.
  • 3 0
 I was wondering if commencal would come out with a true trail bike since the meta TR is pretty aggressive to be used for putzin' around easy trails. Glad to see they are working on it.
  • 2 0
 I think it looks perfect besides the cable routing. I don't see the value in paying so much extra for carbon. Plus I know it will probably be reasonably priced and easy to buy. This looks really similar to the new Rocky Mountain Element but that bike isn't available within 8 hrs of me so it might as well not exist.
  • 2 0
 Anyone else think that there some weird stuff going on with the focus in that picture? If you look at the gap a over the shock or between the fork legs, focus is sharp, but just across that part of the bike it’s all blurry. The picture is doctored to try and get more reactions. It will come out with normal cable routine after all this publicity.
  • 2 0
 Looks to be "fauxkeh" produced by a phone camera, it estimates depth through parallax and digitally blurs the background.
Its generally passable at best but this isn't a great example.
The physical effect from depth of field on a quality camera is still leagues better.
  • 2 0
 Is it me or does anyone else find it ironic that while the meta line of bikes has a hole to snake a remote lockout cable for the rear shock, the xc bike that typifies the remote lockout use-case doesn't have one? What's up with that? Seriously!? I'm hoping it's a case of my bad eyesight not seeing one rather than a design mistake.
  • 3 0
 Seems like the first ones will be available before the end of the year (source : Max's comment on this post www.instagram.com/p/CjV12q4ruFV )
  • 1 0
 He looks pretty stoked in that post, living the dream.
  • 1 0
 Estimating the weight of the build in the pics... Id say a Medium is going to be really close to 30lbs. They put XC tires on it, but didnt go with a StepCast/SID... I assume they needed the 130 fork to reach some target geo number(s) after the fact, and the tires to reach a target weight?

You could save a little more weight with the SC fork, a OneUp Dropper, and dumping the AXS, but this bike is never going to win the scale wars.
  • 1 0
 Beyond the headset, this is one of the most alu-luring bikes I have seen for a while. Looks like it'd be the ultimate trail basher, point to point crusher or local loop legend. My wife is in need of a new sled and this is at the top of the list, I hope she lets me borrow it..
  • 1 0
 Nicolai has made an alloy XC (with external routing) for years if the concept appeals to you. They spec the frame at just under 3kg with shock for a Medium.
  • 1 0
 Commencal please remove the rubbish headset cable routing and the kink in the top tube. Please fit a 32 stepcast fork and keep the weight competitive with other xc racers. Finally then we will have a great modern replacement for my old 2013 meta sl 1 that my gf now uses. (Still a fantastic bike after new bearings and a respray).
  • 1 0
 Regarding the headset cable integration phenomenon....

My opinion, XC is more closely related to Road cycling in its direction than Enduro, Trail or Downhill....or Down Country. The bikes are constantly being developed like road bikes; stiffer, lighter, faster, more aero. Integrated cable management came from road cycling from a purely aerodynamic standpoint.

Yes, for your average Trail or Enduro rider, the integration of cables into the headset is just silly and useless. But for those XC riders that desire the cleanest cockpit possible, its exactly what they want to see. No "ugly" cable bungs in the frames. Cables are hidden under or in the handlebars and simply disappear. And if there is an issue.....take it to the mechanic.
  • 6 3
 Top tube looks like it's cracked from the factory, which can lead to shorter time to send it for warranty
  • 3 0
 I just wanna know how tf does commencal always finds the way to make aluminum bikes look cool as fuck!!
  • 1 1
 @plustiresaintdead: How do you figure that when a high end aluminum enduro bike can be sub 30lb.

Luckily I have an old spreadsheet that can calcualte this. Just need to assume the frame weight.

This frame with shock and hardware is likley ~7lbs maybe a bit less.

Mathing out the rest using the spec sheet in the photo lands at 24.2lb, but add a pound for sealant, dropper post cable and lever etc.... and sub 26lb seems easily within reach. Commencal is known for heavy frames, but 7lb should be well within reach. Aggressive Al Enduro frames are 8-8.5lbs with a larger shock.
  • 2 0
 I was super down on press fit for a long time. Over time I have learned that only pf30/bb30 really suck. I have not had problems with any other variations of press fit.
  • 1 0
 Feom the pics on Vital/ Amoury's insta. It looks like the routing is through the Stem!? The way I see it, if that is the case then they must enter an exit the steerer tube....?
So
Holes in the steerer !?!?
  • 1 0
 Commencal seems smarter than to put a brake line through the HT in production...hope I'm right. I've wanted to see a shorter travel/rowdy Commencal for a while now, very happy that they're testing out the concept.
  • 1 0
 "The race season isn't over for Amaury Pierron just yet, as he will be trying out some XC racing this weekend" Really? Cool! Where?
  • 2 0
 Just need to lump on the headset cable routing. Quite possibly the dumbest 'innovation' in cycling, since........GO:
  • 2 0
 Beautiful looking bike, shame the headset cable routing will put many off. Just don't please ffs.
  • 2 0
 Cable routing topic aside....just thread the damn BB. Leave the PF stuff for the roadies
  • 1 0
 Hopefully Chris Currie from Speedgoat designs get his royalties paid for that suspension design:
ministrycycles.com/pages/technology That 3VO is patented......
  • 1 0
 Thanks. It's a little different, but yeah, I can certainly approve of that lower link design. Smile
  • 2 0
 So much for running tools in fork! I'll stick to not having a bike like this.
  • 2 0
 For a tall guy this certainly looks like a juvenile category bike check, massive stack, low seat tube.
  • 2 0
 I was not seeing that coming
  • 3 1
 Looks a little bit like Foes Racing
  • 2 0
 Pierron going xc next year? Let’s start the rumors
  • 1 0
 Knowing commencal, their top spec team issue model will weigh in around 32 pounds.
  • 2 0
 Looks sick, but for fugly orange fork. Well it is pumpkin season I guess.
  • 1 0
 I like the bike,hope to see a reasonable prize tag for this bike. It could be a fun bike for the winter. Love the color.
  • 2 0
 I had no idea Commencal made skis.
  • 1 0
 Which a paradoxically light as, what a world.
  • 1 0
 Everyone's talking about the f*cking awful headset routing, but how do we feel about Amaury racing XC?
  • 1 0
 he looks dreamy in lycra
  • 1 0
 that is one ugly ass bike, front end is so damn high lol, this is a short travel trail bike.
  • 1 0
 I don’t see what all the fuss is a about. Every XC racer should try a bar spin at least once.
  • 1 0
 Why do both of the photos look as if the background
/bike combo is photoshopped
  • 1 0
 Also commencal please do a raw option and then they will sell really well (once the headset routing is fixed obviously)
  • 2 2
 I love it, but I'll also be adding it to my list of cool-coloured bikes that definitely don't go with fox orange
  • 12 14
 Why so much hate on the headset routing - who are these people who are always tinkering with their shifter and brake lines?

Seriously, it's a sexy looking bike in a nice color.
  • 2 6
flag dstroud70 (Oct 6, 2022 at 11:22) (Below Threshold)
 I agree. I like the cables being internal, mostly for the clean look but I'm also not jacking with them much. I don't understand the uproar here but I've never looked at a bike with headset routing IRL. Is it any different than routing any other internal cable?
  • 2 0
 the issue is that headset routed cables mean your headset will no longer be something you buy once and never think about for the next 10 years- their bearings will now get water & dirt ingress and fry out after 5 months, 10 months if you live in the desert
  • 1 1
 Well my issue is, I change parts and frames very often and i hate any kind of internal, for brake/shifter.

before you ask - Im on the hunt for the perfect setup and if that means i have to ride every bike or component then i will.
Its great as it really shows the quality of parts and frames etc - it hugely varies between brands.
  • 3 0
 @dstroud70: the big difference is when the lines run inside of the headset bearing, you will need to break those lines any time you want to remove the stem. So adjusting stem height requires a brake bleed and removing the shifter cable and redoing it. Not just stem height, but anytime you want to pull your fork out to service etc.

Having to bleed brakes just to change a stem or add a spacer is a no go for me.
  • 3 0
 When the headset bearings need replaced, you have remove your brake lines and cables, so a brake bleed and cable change just for a worn bearing.
  • 1 3
 @jamesbriancrilly: Ok, but unless you're riding 8 hours a day in a sandstorm, your HS bearings don't wear out too often. Certainly mine haven't and I ride in relatively dusty, unkind conditions.
  • 4 0
 @rodeostu: Your bearings don't wear out BECAUSE YOU DON'T HAVE HEADSET ROUTED CABLES. The whole point is that with big holes in your headset and tubes running straight past them, your headset will wear out faster than once a season.
  • 2 0
 @rodeostu: if you want to test it, just remove the headset cover and add a regular spacer to account for the stack difference. You will see how fast your bearings will wear out with the fine grit getting into them. That is what is happening when you put two holes in the cover.
  • 1 2
 @Austink: Again, I'm skeptical that the in-headset routing on the Commencal is a mortal design sin, for at least the following reasons.

The BMX/dirt jump crowd have tried all kinds of wacky variations on running cables into headset and around them. Given that a healthy headset is mission critical to landing big jumps, if funky cable routing were such a headset killer, they'd be the first to stop doing it.

Additionally, even with the holes in the HS cap, the dust and crud exposure of the HS is trivial compared to that of the hub bearings, and for us "average schmuck" level riders, those don't wear out every year.

Commencal's basically doing the same kinds of things Dangerholm does with cable routing, and when he does it, the PB boards light up with fawning praise.

Methinks most of the folks on this board just don't like the way the Commencal's routing looks, not that it's objectively all that bad.
  • 3 0
 @rodeostu: Go down to your LBS and ask them what their experience is. Data is king. Inductive > deductive.

If we want to know why headset routed cables do, in reality, nuke headsets after less than a single season, the answer is the cables. We've all seen water bead on our cables. Because of surface tension and other things, water flows down the outside of the cable housing, following cables, flowing with them like a freaking river. When your housing transfers right next to the bearing cartridge its literally delivering dirt & water straight to them.

And all this doesn't even begin to discuss abrasive cutting into soft, aluminum steerer tubes, maintenance, waste, bleeding brakes, etc.
  • 5 3
 Ditch that ugly fork
  • 1 0
 Pierron does XC racing now?
  • 1 0
 Since its a Commencal XC bike, it probably weighs in at a svelte 30lbs!
  • 2 0
 That thing looks sweet
  • 1 0
 Why is the head tube so much fatter than the fork?
  • 1 0
 Is that a TRP wireless derailleur?
  • 1 0
 Does it have the new "universal" rear mech mount
  • 1 0
 You know, you could just upgrade to a wireless dropper. Problem solved.
  • 1 0
 Anymore info pop up on this yet?
  • 1 0
 Kinky looking bike
  • 1 1
 Guessing it wont be a flex pivot...
  • 1 0
 Double linkage
  • 1 1
 This might be the first 40lb XC bike
  • 2 2
 Xc with and x2 lol
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