[Closed] Those cheap Commencal frames on CRC - anyone else risked it?

Have been thinking about it but not had the nerve to purchase without seeing them first.

Fantastic prices . . . but no mention of whether a shock is included 😕 . [url= http://www.commencal-store.com/PBSCCatalog.asp?ActionID=67174912&PBCATID=1291824 ]Commencal clearance outlet sell them direct, without shock.[/url]

Commencal have been plagued with frame build quality issues. I've had 3 of which 2 have cracked. The one I have now seems OK - it's a 2010 Meta 55 and it looks to be of much higher quality than the 2009 it replaced.

Personally I wouldn't go for another one unless it had a significantly longer warranty than the standard 2 years.

I'm aware of the cracking issues, but I have (unfounded) confidence in the 2011 frames. Im unsure if the frame comes with a shock or not. I did call them up and spoke to the 'Brand Manager' via a sales rep. He pointed out that it would usually state 'No Shock' in the item title if this was the case. However, he couldnt tell me for sure... He sent a request to the warehouse for someone to go and have a look. Im still waiting for a response. I took the risk as the 10% off runs out today and I didnt want to miss out. Finger crossed!!

If they do come with a shock then thats a real bargain.

Like gingerss I've had a couple of the Meta's crack on me (2008 & 09) but I've not heard many reports on the 2010's or 2011's breaking.

At that price, even if it does crack after 2 years (which is now unlikely given they have changed manufacturing facilities) then you've had your money's worth. If I was looking I'd take a punt. Great riding frames.

Ive been on the look out for a short travel 'fun' xc bike with slack-ish angles to replace my inbred frame. Its been on the back burner since im working in the Scilly Isles for a year with limited riding on my island of Tresco. But seeing this, I think I'll have a fun little bike to blast around on while im here (Have left the NP Mega with the parents for the year). Its a birthday present to myself! I hope it works out.

Well, its been dispatched so Im hoping for the best!

Any news on whether shock is included or not?

Nope!

Pretty fantastic price that... Hope it works out. Almost tempted to grab a 55 on general principles.

hmmm - that's about the same price (before tax) that I was quoted by Commencal for a crash replacement meta frame less shock.

[url= http://www.commencal-store.com/PBSCCatalog.asp?ActionID=67174912&PBCATID=1291934 ]commencal clearance[/url]

I know, it does seem to good to be true, but being the optimist, I'm still smiling! Time will tell, I hope that comes with a shock, maybe even the X-Fusion that is specced on the Super 4 Comp.

Has the frame landed yet ?

Any one else took delivery of one of these yet ?

I'm thinking about one of these frames, have we established if they come with a rear shock and what type it is?

I also asked, no response as yet...

just spoken to the crc tech guys and these frames do not come with a shock, grrr, to good to be true I guess, so any one selling a shock to fit a meta 5 frame, 200 i2i 51 stroke I believe?

I was quoted more than that for a crash replacement for my 07 meta that cracked. At that price it's almost tempting but then I remember that the only reason I need to buy a new one is because the last one broke....

The super 4 has arrived at home (I'm at work). The box states commencal clearance so I'm guessing no shock is included 🙁 but it is Matt red in colour, which is kinda nice!

Matte red is nice. Remember to order some matte helitape-the usual stuff looks odd on the matte paint.

Here's mine (excuse the mudguards):
[img] [/img]

Hey coulda Shoulda woulda, what length fork are you running on there?

Don't worry, my mate has a Super 4 and despite him breaking almost every component on it the frame has been sound.

what length fork are you running on there

120. I also had an 09 frame with 100 but they seem happier at 120.

C'mon Alex - parcel pics please 😛

Thought they looked a bit longer than that, anyone ran a 140 fork on a super 4 or is that not the done thing ?

I had uturns on the 09 : 110 - 140. I had the notion of winding them out going downhill. Only did it once - left it at 120. So when building this one I just stuck at 120.

Confirmed no shock 🙁 oh well! I'm still a happy bunny! I won't see the frame in the flesh until the 21st as I'm currently working on a small island in the Atlantic! My parents have sent me a pic that I'll upload in a bit. From the pic- I like!

Exactly what I was thinking coulda , do I take it they decend very well at 120 then

Looking forward to seeing the pic Alex

Here you go, excuse fast moving father:

[IMG] http://www.flickr.com/photos/herdingnerfs/6442707913/ [/IMG]

Let me know if this pic works, my internet is SO slow that sometime/most of the time the connection times out before pics are loaded. 0.01mb/s FTW!

Where, where? No pic here.

[img] [/img]

Oooooh, very nice - I'm currently awaiting a warranty replacement from Commencal and wondering whether it'll be orange or matte red - that red does look very very nice 😛 . LOL @ fast Dad too 😆

Looks like it comes with all the shock mounting bits, what size shock for a super 4 then

Im on the look out for a 165x38mm shock - anyone?!

Alex, do you look like your dad...imagine that face riding past at speed 😯 😆

Im the spitting image...

McZoooom!

do I take it they decend very well at 120 then

Yep - I like mine a lot. Always grinning. Dont have a whole lot to compare it to - buts its lower and a more grounded feeling than my Yeti ASR. The back end has this "infinite" suspension feeling - it never seems to bottom out. The only downside to this are occasional pedal strikes (eg pedalling through a bomb hole). You'll soon learn.

small island in the Atlantic!

Ireland?

As for the shock try and find one with the original tune (my original was an rp2 with compression 3, rebound 2).

Ireland?

Not quite, Tresco Isles of Scilly.

my original was an rp2 with compression 3, rebound 2

Very helpful - cheers!

What's the tyre clearance like out back? Ive got a 2.35 Minion i'd like to run... will there be space considering that its very skinny for a 2.35"?

Tyres: I use nobbly nics 2.25 and thats got room to spare. I dont have a minion to check.

Some other stuff that might be helpful:

- front mech : conventional, bottom pull works best. One mech I had had the adjustment screws hidden behind the stays and was inaccesible. I got so fed up I got a new one from Merlin. They have them: SLX m661 for £16.95 now. It's got the screws at an angle and is a whole lot easier.

- The headset is integrated (I'm pretty sure but not positive thats the right term: the headset cups are part of the frame itself) and you need "campy style" headset bearings etc.

- Buy some spare brake cable clips. Halfords do a pack of 5 or so for a pound. The one just beside the brake caliper seems to get pulled / popped out by the suspension moving. Or better still - cable tie the brake cable firmly to the stay.

Top stuff mate 😀

I'm looking forward to getting this built up over Christmas! Off to the Lakes for NY so should get to give it a proper ride before heading back to this wee island!

I've had 3 Commencals, although only 1 wasn't a warranty bike. I wouldn't have another.

Unlucky! 🙄

I am thinking of getting a Meta 55, good value even if it does crack eventually.
I have an Ellsworth Truth with a cracked chainstay, it is just as cheap to buy a commencal frame as an ellsworth chainstay!
this also means that I have 2 shocks 165x38 -Float RP23 and Float R which MIGHT need a new home.

Looks like CRC have finally got round to putting up a picture and description of these frames.

Can anyone tell me why the pic for the 2011 Super 4 has a curved top tube, where as my frame seems to have the older style one? Is it only the small frames that get the kink?

Has anyone got a super 4 mech hanger I can buy, I think mines must be twisted as I can't get the back wheel in or out without loosening the mech ?cheers

I hear the word crack mentioned and I immediately want to steer clear... why go to all the trouble building up?

What is the Commencal crack issue in a nutshell? I haven't been playing close attention...