Commencal MTB

[TK72]

I have a full suspension commencal MTB, limited addition, that I wish I never bought. Since day one I have been struggling with gear shifting, the paint started chipping after a couple of months, etc. I have spent a lot of money in the two years since I bought it trying to fix the gear shifting problems. I even contacted Graeme from Commencal to have a look at it. His only comment was that I needed new cables, interessting since I replaced the gear cables a month before. Well, I followed his advice and guess what, the problem is not solved. Currently my bicycle is at the shop again, this time for the rear suspension bearings, this after I replaced all the bearings two months ago.

 

I will advise anyone never to buy a commencal, unless of course if you like spending a lot of money on repairs.

[Super_mil]

Nice first post Diesel007, welcome to The Hub.

 

I've had a Commencal Meta 5.5 for the past 2 years and can't say I've had the same experiance as you - I actually really like mine

 

WRT your shifting I can only think it could be your RD that has not been set up properly OR it could be a bent hanger. I've bent two on my bike and even a slight bend can destroy your shifting.

 

WRT you suspension bearings, I would think it would be hard to destroy them in two months, perhaps the quality of the bearings being installed is questionable. That said I've replaced mine with the cheapest bearings I could find and they have been fine for just on a year. The bike uses std bearing sizes (4 x 6805's for the main pivot & 6 x 608's in the linkage). See the two links below should you want to undertake the service yourself...

 

http://www.commencalownersclub.com/index.php/topic,1438.0.html

http://www.commencalownersclub.com/index.php/topic,1122.0.html

[traaidmark]

Could be you just got a bum build. I have the same issues with my specialized, but after three months of fighting I got mine fixed, and now it's a brilliant ride!

[Albert T]

I also have a Commencal dual suspension and I had gearing issues initially, but that is not a Commencal issue it is more a setup issue. I had the bike at 3 different LBS's to set the front derailleur (it is difficult to reach with the suspension). The trick is simply to make sure that they understand the problem. The well known Fourways empire sorted me out. The bearings - I think you have been unlucky or they fitted poor quality bearings. I suggest that you try Juan (mobilebicycletechnix@yahoo.com) on the hub - I am much happier with the service results from him than some of the bike shops.

[Li Mu Bai]

Pfffft, quite a strange first post rant.

I have been riding Commencal for 4 years now, and have had my Meta 4.1 dual susp for two and a half years, without any of the problems you describe.

 

If your derailleur hanger is slightly bent, then no matter what else you change, your gearing will not shift properly. And this goes for all bikes. The Sram drivetrain has worked just fine on my setup, because I race, I keep my bike in tip top showroom condition. No issues so far!

 

Paint Chipping? the paint doesnt just chip off, what bike rack do you use? If your bike rack is a hang on one, banging and rubbing can result in chips. Also stones flicked up by your tires onto the frame can chip paintwork - same for ALL bikes.

 

If you have bearing issues after 2 months, it means you have had your previous bearings replaced by Chinese cheapo's or your installer messed things up. I have raced hard on the Meta 4.1 for 2 years and have only replaced bearings 2 months ago - the originals lasted that long! Did the work myself, thanks Johan and Yellow Saddle for the mech courses that set me free.

 

Of all the distributors I have come across Graham has been the most hands on person I have met, always willing to help and give advice. I would be interested to know which 'shop' you have your bike currently in? Seems like the shop is the source of your frustration. I dont bother with any of them anymore and would recommend a bike mechanics course to everyone out there.

[BrendonMyb]

well i cant complain either

 

Albeit i dont have a full susser & have the supernormal deluxe HT frame. 1st frame cracked at the bridge on chainring side due to a bad weld bead. I also have to say that i thrashed it in a nice way though ( not pulling it through my gat ) but there are some downhills that perhaps i should have taken a little easier but point being that the frame cracked slightly

 

I contacted Graham & Juan-Luk & without even a hint of an excuse or blah they replaced my frame. On the contrary it felt as if id just bought the frame brand new from them.

 

I applaud awesome service like that & in my opinion Graham is one of the most stand-up kinda guys i know in the bike industry. I give him 12 out of 10 for the awesome dealings ive had with them. From getting the simplest commencal grips to match my frame to replacing my original frame

 

My next bike in all liklihood will be a commie again.

 

Dont just give up, have a look at the derailer hangar because in all liklihood its bent ( to be fair & honest aswell it really doesnt take a lot to bend it. One simple knock without you even knowing it bends that thing ). I had a long cage & it bent at groenkloof & also couldnt undertand why my shifting was so poor. I then resorted after much sukkeling to getting myself an XT shadow medium cage - I tell you its like chalk & cheese

 

just my 2cents worth

[TK72]

Thank you for all the comments and advise. I had my bicycle at 7 different bike mechanics and no one could solve the problem. I became fed up with going from bike shop to bike shop, hence my original post. I will take your advise and hopefully the problem can be solved.

[Dirt*girl™]

I hope you come right with your issues. I absolutely love my commencal....it brings me the greatest of joy! At the moment, there is really, no other bike I would rather ride on, than my skin!

[Vivster]

I own a Commencal Superteam edition hardtail, best bike I have ever ridden to date. I would never buy anything else again. The guys at Commencal have given me the best service from any bike dealer. Also had a cracked frame like BumpNGrind. Called them on Saturday, had a new frame on Monday, rebuild and everything.

 

Ran into some shifting problem 2 months back, only to discover I didn't properly clean my FD and that the casings had been word. Given it a proper clean replaced casings and cables... Gone was that problem.

 

So far this is the only negative feedback on any Commencal I have had. Commencal IS the best.

 

Hope your problems get solved and you get many more happy miles like we all have gotten so far.