info@velo.bike
You can’t hide from the truth – I have reached a certain age. I have switched from sneakers to more sturdy and springy footwear, adapted to progressive lenses, and even come to terms with the fact that I have more hair in my nose and ears than on the top of my head.
Last year, the company Specialized released the Turbo electric bicycle, but unfortunately it was too unsafe and therefore could not be sold in Europe and the USA on legal grounds, and in other countries its release was delayed. However, now urban racers can let loose – the Turbo version in the USA costs an exorbitant $5900, but is capable of reaching the same top speed (45 km/h) with the help of a combination of pedal drive and a 250 W electric motor. Dealers are not in a hurry to supply it to us, so we will have to order it from abroad for a lot of money. Considering such performance, the Turbo practically pays for itself – who wouldn’t want to overtake the turtle-like traffic jam during rush hour on a bicycle lane? Continue reading
This time we tested the all-mountain daredevil Meta AM 3 from Commencal with a suspension travel of 150mm. Our examination lasted four weeks, and now we are finally ready to announce the result.
The rendered image of the final version of the velodrome.
The original Meta was a classic aggressive off-road vehicle. So cool that the current Meta falls a little short of it. Fortunately, even with a complete frame overhaul, it managed to retain the original spark, the lively interaction between the rider and the bike, but gained a phenomenally strong suspension system with improved control. The result? The Flat Out Fun Bike award from The What Mountain in 2012.
Here’s what the judges said:
“Once you lay eyes on the incredibly sloping top tube, slender feathers, large press-fit bottom bracket, and the shock neatly hidden just above it, you will immediately understand that you are looking at a true gravity downhill bomb.
The Fox 36 fork, the threaded rear axle measuring 142x12mm, and the 66-degree head tube angle only confirm this very serious claim, while there is not a single cable visible on the surface of the bike (they are all hidden inside the tubes along with the dropper post holes), making its contours appear perfectly smooth and flawless.
Commencal spared no expense in refining the key components of their creation. The Fox fork, Formula RX brakes, Mavic rims, Maxxis Ardent tires, and the textured saddle with its exemplary design will drive you crazy as soon as you enter the store.
Despite the fact that the suspension here may seem too plush during the ride, the shock works perfectly regardless of the force of impact it has to endure. The rear wheel naturally sticks to the ground, and the bike itself overcomes speed bumps, massive rocks, and deep potholes with boundless enthusiasm.
In addition, the bike is large enough for you to truly lean into the berms while keeping your gaze forward – the suspension will take care of the rest, performing well both in the front and rear.
As a result, we have a bike that leaves all competitors behind, except for the incredibly expensive and therefore the best models. While the relatively low riding position on the SX dictates relative comfort for the rider, responsive pedals act like an invisible and swift winch, lifting you to the very top.
The Meta SX is a hardcore 32-foot daredevil.”
Having tried the all-mountain version of this bicycle with a Fox 32 fork for the first time, we came to the conclusion that with the correct suspension setup and some components, the Meta SX becomes a natural bombshell. Durable, easy to handle, and equipped with the latest technology, it leaves no chance for its critics.
The exceptional composure combined with the unwavering rigidity of the suspension makes the SX an insatiable devourer of loose singletrack trails. Even after completing long and exhausting test rides, of which we had plenty, the Meta SX managed to bring back the exhilarating fun to what seemed like a stagnant all-mountain sport. We were very reluctant to part with it, to the point that we still want to ride it once or twice. To once again taste that unforgettable feeling of the Ardent’s large side knobs gripping the loose terrain.
The cockpit is a bit cramped, but the long wheelbase provides enough stability. At first, we were a bit worried, but the Meta SX never trembled or flexed even at the craziest speeds. It handles any bumps and jolts excellently, protecting the rider from unexpected encounters between their face and the local geology. We sincerely tried to find any flaws in the suspension, but our efforts were in vain.
The sharpness of the Meta SX speaks of its high precision when riding over rocky crevices, tricky ledges, and the “emergency” clearing of countless twigs, rocks, and dry leaves, if you’re “lucky” enough to venture beyond the main trail. Thanks to the super-short top tube and small chainstays, the Meta SX can perform anything, whether it’s trickery for the sake of pleasure or jumps and high-speed swaying.
The progressive spring works tirelessly, so the suspension easily dampens additional lateral impulses from jumps, rocks, and landings. And since these mini-adventures happen every second, you can rest assured and simply pedal with all your might, whether you’re racing or just holding a grudge against the guy riding behind you.
The Meta SX suffers from excess weight, which slightly hinders initial movement. However, if you can handle the low position and catch your breath, any climb will be a piece of cake (except for the longest and smoothest ones), even if you never touch the ProPedal lever.
The bicycle is equipped with a exemplary yellow frame, which can be praised for several advantages at once. Slits for speed and brake cables are made in the tapered head tube, as well as another hole for the wiring responsible for remote control of the seatpost.
For greater rigidity, the joints of the lower tube are soldered, and the tubes themselves (including the angle connecting the seatpost and upper tubes) are made wide and rectangular to avoid rotational vibration. Thanks to the sagging lower tube, the center of gravity of the bicycle is very low. Just like the shock absorber, which is installed in a spacious trapezoidal metal window slightly above the incredibly wide press-fit bottom bracket.
Massive inclined rear dropouts set in motion a wide pseudo-four-bar suspension system, and the axle fastens the rear part of the bicycle together. The inclined dropouts are fastened from both ends with large double-sided bolts. Due to the presence of the drivetrain, the lower dropouts adjoin the frame at different angles, but this does not prevent them from being a haven for cables.
By the way, Maxxis Ardent tires are one of the completely reliable “accessory” solutions from Commencal regarding the Meta SX (even considering that the bicycle is relatively inexpensive) and at the same time our favorite high-speed rubber.
Mavic rims are mounted on powerful and reliable classic Commencal hubs, which have proven themselves to be true long-lasting performers. In addition, there is a remote-controlled RockShox Reverb seatpost, which is literally designed for enduro style. The length of the handlebar is such that on one hand, it will not catch on every passing tree, and on the other hand, it has a fairly wide grip, making it easier to control the Meta SX, especially on fast and bumpy descents. And the construction of the stem, which attaches the handlebar to the head tube, is such that it dictates a slightly lower seating position for the cyclist.
The Formula RX brakes work in the blink of an eye, and the 180-millimeter rotor attached to the fork makes adjustment much easier. While downhill cyclists are preoccupied with ISGC chain guides, the Meta SX suspension is so smooth that the chain doesn’t even come off when riding on rocky and therefore unsafe for pedals terrains. The bottom bracket, equipped with 170-millimeter cranks, is low, but decent clearance remains even on turns.
The creators of the Meta SX have never made a mistake with the suspension. The suspension handles small bumps excellently, but occasionally behaves a bit restlessly, for example, downward jolts feel a bit jerky. The rear suspension system, consisting of the RP2 shock absorber and pseudo-four-bar linkage, is also balanced quite well. On smooth roads, it feels soft, but as soon as you find yourself on a high-speed bumpy track, you immediately realize how well-balanced the suspension is. Moreover, on the most demanding sections of the road, this balance is felt particularly keenly.
The forum bike rumors spread so widely that some people recognized my Bronson even when it was still several weeks away from its official release.
“Is this the bike that will be released on April 1st?” “Is this the Bronson?”
Even those who didn’t know him were well-informed enough to instantly notice something special just by looking at his wheels, transmission, and design.
“Listen, what model is this?” “Are the stickers original or did you buy them?”
The Carbon Bronson ($2699 for the frame or $10000 for the complete set, as in the test sample) easily stands out among other bikes, and not just because Santa Cruz is an American brand rarely seen here. It is a unique bicycle and for the company itself – the first with a 1×11 transmission and 650b wheels. Santa Cruz kept it a secret (possibly not the best way), killing two birds with one stone – generating interest in it and quietly working on the difficulties associated with the new specifications. This is a bold move for SC, and the company is really trying to provide a polished product.
Did I say try? Consider it already done. Bronson is not perfect, but it represents a practically perfect embodiment of a universal bike for any situation. Currently, the all-mountain category is flourishing in the industry, with bikes becoming lighter and easier to ride uphill without compromising downhill performance. Specialists still prefer their cross-country or specialized downhill models, but if you’re not chasing records or riding in an enduro style, then all-mountain bikes like the Bronson have something to offer you. And when the guys from Santa Cruz make an all-mountain bike, that’s exactly what you should expect.
The choice of 650b (27.5 inches) wheels is justified by the fact that they combine the grip of 29ers with the maneuverability of 26-inch wheels. And it’s a good choice. 650b wheels are more similar to 26-inch wheels than 29-inch wheels, but I would prefer the middle option. With this bike, it’s easier to maneuver through narrow forest trails, and it can handle steep artificial obstacles. But Bronson truly shines on the downhill. The wheel size allowed Santa Cruz to make a taller bike with increased suspension travel – 150mm (on the rear and front Fox Float shocks) – while maintaining maneuverability thanks to well-thought-out geometry.
Another important innovation of the bike is the SRAM XX1 transmission, with a single chainring and an 11-speed cassette, which eliminates the need for a front derailleur. To make it work, SRAM reduced the rear derailleur’s range of motion and changed the tooth width of the chainring. But we’re not talking about the transmission right now, we’re talking about the bike, and the 1×11 transmission not only reduces the weight of the bike, but also simplifies your ride, which is a big plus. Of course, there were compromises, and the only significant one, in my opinion, is the lack of a “granny gear” that you may be accustomed to. You’ll just have to accept it.
The ENVE wheels and the 2.4-kilogram carbon frame provide good stiffness, helping you stay on your trajectory. But even when you inevitably deviate from it, the suspension will come to your rescue. The Bronson has saved my rear end more than once. After several weeks of testing, I sometimes hardly noticed this bike beneath me. I just pedaled hard and enjoyed the new experience, letting the bike take care of the details. This is a rare luxury – a bike that truly allows you to improve your performance.
It seems that 2013 will be the year when 29ers (read: mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels) will finally shed their stereotypes and break into the world of full-fledged off-road bikes.
Perhaps our rural landscapes and ubiquitous rough terrain are perfectly suited for high-speed and swift riding on bicycles – 29-inch wheels are ideal for this. However, this has not prevented them from gaining popularity among city dwellers, who prefer a more relaxed riding style. Continue reading
It is said that a cyclist’s skill largely depends on the place where they were born. If that’s the case, then it’s no wonder that the best enduro racers in the world are from the mountainous region of Vosges, located in eastern France. For example, the cyclist from the Commencal team and multiple winner of the Megavalanche downhill marathon, Rémy Absalon, his equally talented brother and Olympic gold medalist, Julien, as well as the well-known Jérôme Clementz. Continue reading
Today we will discuss a slightly frivolous topic, but there may be something to it. I am not a professional athlete, but many cyclists shave their legs for various reasons – tradition, for appearance, and for practical benefits.
This week, for the first time in six months, I had the opportunity to ride my bike in shorts instead of winter tights. And now I am considering making even bigger sacrifices for the sake of my favorite sport – shaving my legs.
Among professionals, this practice has long been common.
The greatest British Paralympic athlete of our time, Sarah Storey – or Dame Sarah Storey, as she has been since New Year – is due to give birth in June, but she is not giving up cycling.“I already train for only 12-18 hours a week, so I’m not cutting back on workouts for now.”” – she says. Continue reading
