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"The appearance of the POWER in our range has shaken things up. When we decided to create electric versions of the META, the first point was clear - stick to the COMMENCAL DNA. In short, create a fun comfortable and efficient uphill and downhill bike. When we say POWER we mean motor, battery and electronic controls. This year again we trust Shimano. We continue to collaborate with the Japanese brand because of their technical advantages and the reliability of their engines.

The reliability of our bikes has always been our priority and Shimano's reputation for that is well established. The numerous service centres all over the world are also an asset for a well-controlled after-sales service.  Compactness, engine management and shape are the main advantages of these Shimano engines. A compact engine allows us to make a mountain bike as we understand it at COMMENCAL, with geometry and kinematics that are not compromised by the size of the engine.

Therefore we offer the following:

- A 27.5" model, the POWER SX, which is the 'edgy' POWER of the lineup. A bike made to lap as many runs as possible, with the rider being able to push through turns, jumps and try the steepest sections every time!

-A 29" model, the POWER 29, which represents pure performance. A monster on technical climbs with a disturbing ability on downhill sections! Definitely a friend of those who go up what they go down. It helps the rider through difficult sections and allows them to find flow where they wouldn't think it was possible.

For 2021 we're using the new EP8 engine. It now features a higher torque (85 N.m) whilst the power output curves are improved.The result is a softer bike with better control of grip and more reactive to pedal strokes. Not only does it gain in performance, this new engine is also intended to be much quieter and more discreet than the older generations. The new 630Wh battery hugely increase its capacities, and that's not all! The positioning of the engine has allowed lowering of the battery which helps to improve weight distribution. A new engine mount combined with a new generation engine guard both keep the unit neat in size and reduce the risk of impact with the ground.

Finally, with the seat tube angle straightened by one degree, the META POWER is more responsive, more acute. Combined with the performance and quality of the EP8 engine management, this bike can go anywhere! The look of this new bike has also evolved in depth. It's very simple, everything's new! The sharper lines clearly underline the improved performance.

Weight Distribution The distribution of weight is not to be overlooked on an ebike. We have reworked the fixation of the battery to the frame. The battery is larger due to its increased capacity, but its centre of gravity remains identical to the previous META POWER in order to maintain good stability. The META POWER therefore keeps its lively qualities and also its handling, which is so popular with its users.

Kinematics The kinematics of the META POWER revolve around the ‘4bar linkage’ Contact System which has been designed to offer: - A precise touch with the ground - Comfort - Less fatigue on large impacts - Dynamic behaviour when pushing fast and when pedalling Each shock has the appropriate settings, tested in advance for several months by our riders and engineers in various different conditions.

Geometry As we’re always in search of the best balance, the geometry of the META POWER has evolved for 2021. The seat tube angle is straightened by one degree to make it easier to climb steep slopes. The fork offset is reduced to promote sharper steering. In the same vein, the head angle is slackened in order to maintain maximum stability. The result is more precise and responsive steering.

Bearings For several years now we’ve been using oversized bearings from Enduro Bearings for long-term reliability.

Finishing Our DNA drives us to develop and improve the finishing details year after year. The engine support/mount has been completely redesigned to incorporate one of the advantages of the new EP8; its reduced size and increased clearance of the ground. For the same reason, the engine protector has been reworked but obviously still has high impact resistance. We have integrated it into the line of the bike even better with the addition of a right-side engine cover specific to the META POWER.

The charging plug is now placed on the new engine mount which makes it easier to access. The new more compact chain guide is also attached directly to the engine mount. A significant element of change is that the META POWER 2021 now features a new top tube. Modernised, it offers a stiffness consistent with the down tube.

Wheels The electric capability of an eMTB creates particular stresses on the wheels because of the pure power of the engine and the additional weight of the electrical system. Performance and reliability are two elements on which we make no concessions. Significantly, we use specific rims with an internal width of 30mm and a thicker wall than on a conventional enduro rim. The spokes are also thicker with reinforced heads to withstand the additional efforts of the engine and braking. DT SWISS Hybrid hubs have also undergone special work with reinforced axles, a steel freehub body, a more resistant rachet drive system and oversized bearings.

Suspension Adapting the suspension to eMTB specific use is essential to have a compatible frame which is effective downhill as well as uphill. As the mass transfers are greater than on a classic bike, we’ve worked on specific settings with our suspension partners to ensure that they correspond to the new kinematics of the new META POWER.

Steering precision is also key for downhill performance on rough trails. That’s why we choose forks with the best stiffness and especially, with 38mm uppers. Today we consider forks with this diameter to be essential for use with our META POWER 29 and SX.

Cockpit  When it comes to riding on difficult trails or in remote areas, the possibility of a crash or two should be taken into account. This is the whole point of using a compact control screen that is not too exposed during the impact of the bike with the ground. The SW EM800 mode shifter is also very minimalist and well-shaped.

In the same sense, we’ve developed an ebike specific RIDE ALPHA handlebar that protects the cable that connects the shifter to the screen as it goes inside the handlebar. This prevents damage and the cockpit becomes neater and more streamlined.

Tyres We choose to use tyres that are specifically suited to ebiking and that can be used across as many different terrains as possible. The tread, profiles and rubber used therefore allow each and every rider to ride everywhere without worrying about punctures, whilst offering liveliness amongst other qualities.

Furthermore, our various tests together with our racing experience have shown us that the section of the tyres used plays a major role in the precision and grip of the bike, especially when trying to go fast. We therefore favour tyres around 2.4″ which are suitable for 30mm internal rims, the ideal combo in a varying number of conditions."

Hardtails are on the comeback, with more and more coming to market with geometry suited to the demands of modern riding at affordable price points. Merida's all-new Big Trail is designed to fill the gap between their XC-targeted hardtails and their range of full-suspension trails bikes. Read more below...

"It almost feels like yesterday that some of the leading UK bike retailers gathered their wishes and sat down with our R&D team, for a German ‘Weissbier’ or two, to combine their experience and knowledge of the market with the design and development prowess of our German engineers. This plan simply had to work! The UK has been one of the driving forces in Europe if not in the world when it comes to taking hardtails on demanding trails and tracks, so combining these two groups of specialists would be the ideal team to create the new BIG.TRAIL. Today we often associate increased 'trail fun' with more and more full suspension travel due to the fact that long-travel bikes are getting more capable on the way down but also on the way back up again. At the same time, the trail hardtail has also developed quietly in its shadow and the new BIG.TRAIL is our take on this fun-packed, versatile, capable and rewarding ride category. After being absent from this segment, we are back with a bang, that combines a modern trail bike geometry with a long-travel fork and chunky 29er wheels for perfect trail performance and amazing corner grip.

The BIG.TRAIL is a hardtail which is designed for trail riding. Geometry, suspension travel and features of this model are optimised for hitting the trails. But why would you use a hardtail when everybody is saying a full-suspension is the better choice? There are a few reasons: it's more affordable, easier to set up and it needs less maintenance than a full-suspension bike. So if the budget is small, it’s probably the better choice than a very entry-level dual suspension bike. It also has the benefit that it requires more riding finesse which in turn improves the riding technique and makes you a smoother rider than with an ‘all-absorbing’ full-suspension. This is due to the fact that the rider has to make smarter choices on the trail and that ‘going straight over everything’ with a hardtail is simply not the best idea. So especially for the young riders out there, a trail hardtail is a great bike to start and to hone your skills on. A one time learned clean riding technique will always stay with you!

For the BIG.TRAIL it is important that 29er wheels, specced with trail-ready 2.5" wide tyres fit into the frame. With a hardtail, the tyre choice is super important and has a big influence on thge trail performance. The bike is designed around a 55 mm chain line which allows for ample tyre clearance. This is important so that even during extreme manoeuvres or in super muddy trail conditions, the tyre doesn’t touch the chain or seat stays. The further advantage of using a 55 mm chain line is that it doesn’t require the need for a new wheelset, for example, a ‘super-boost’ wheelset. The fitted crank offers more off-set and allows for conventional boost wheelsets to be fitted into the BIG.TRAIL.

The BIG.TRAIL geometry is made for trail riding. It features a 65.5° head angle which is what a lot of current enduro bikes are based on. Also, reach and seat angle are much more aggressive compared to our cross country bikes. A longer reach gives more space to manoeuvre on the bike and the steeper seat angle makes climbing easier. Furthermore, the long 140 mm fork makes life much easier on downhills and demanding single track sections. Another aspect that gives the rider more confidence and space to manoeuvre is the short seat tube and super sloping top tube. Because of this, a super low stand over height can be achieved and long travel dropper posts can be fitted. With the super low stand over height, the rider is encouraged to choose the frame size based on the preferred riding characteristics, rather than body height. The only question is if you wanna go crazy fast or super agile. If you are looking for increased stability at speed, take the longer (larger) size, if you are looking for agility, take a shorter (smaller) size."

Canyon's Sender downhill bike has been proven on the world cup circuit over the past few years, and the new Sender CFR is here for the 2021 model year. With updated geometry, adjustable reach and chainstay length, a lighter frame and a more progressive suspension linkage the new Sender CFR is only going to be faster. Get the full rundown below:

"Time flies when you’re fast as hell. Consider the original Sender—a bike that instantly made a name for itself on the world’s toughest downhill tracks. Today we roll out the next generation of speed—the Sender CFR. We took one of the world’s best downhill racing machines and made it lighter, more controlled, and flat-out faster. But you don’t have to take our word for it. The clock never lies.

CFR — COMPETITION IS THE DNA

C-F-R… those three letters stand for Canyon Factory Racing, which might lead you to think “team bike”. But it’s more than that. Yes, this is the weapon of choice for Troy Brosnan, Tahnee Seagrave and shredders the world over, but competition isn’t merely a part of this bike’s DNA. Competition is the Sender CFR’s DNA. All of it. The hunt for the podium dictated the very carbon lay-up, the leverage curve, the suspension tune, every millimeter and angle of the Sender CFR. This bike was born from competition.

OUTSTANDING ADJUSTABILITY

Most riders don’t have a different gravity bike for every day of the week. They need one bike that gets the job done. The Sender’s reach and chainstay adjustability gives you the ability to tune the Sender CFR to the day’s ride. Want maximum speed and stability? Go long. Feel like boosting the playfulness for a day at the park? Go short. The Sender CFR is the rare, truly versatile World Cup race bike.

LONGER WHEELBASE

Modern DH courses are wider and faster than in the past. The Sender CFR’s geometry is perfectly in tune with that it takes to win. The new Sender CFR’s longer reach and rear center (the latter, spec’d on Large and X-Large models) lends stability at high speeds.

BIGGER WHEELS

The Sender CFR rolls on big wheels. Large and X-Large versions get the full 29er treatment. Small and Medium models go “mullet” (29 up front, 27.5 out back) for the win. Twenty-niner wheels improve roll over through rocks and roots. They maintain momentum like a champ. Big wheels are, in a word, fast. The mixed wheelsize option provides shorter riders with many of the same roll-over benefits, while also providing them (thanks to the smaller rear wheel) with crucial crotch-to-tire clearance on steeper courses.

FASTER THROUGH THE ROUGH SECTIONS

Pedal kickback is that tugging sensation you sometimes feel through the pedals as your rear suspension compresses. Scientifically speaking, pedal kickback sucks. It transmits additional force through your body instead of through your suspension, tiring and slowing you down. We spent years, studying the phenomenon and experimenting with suspension kinematics in order to reduce kickback. Partnering with SRAM and Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, we took everything we learned during Project Disconnect to make the new Sender CFR remarkably fast and smooth through the nastiest sections of trail.

BETTER BIG-HIT PERFORMANCE

We designed more progressivity into the Sender CFR’s kinematics, allowing you to ride hard and fast (and to sometimes come up short) without blowing through your rear suspension travel. Charge on.

SMOOTH, STABLE, AND CONTROLLED

It’s the holy grail—that ideal bike that’s smooth from the start, never wallows about when you are looking to accelerate, and doesn’t blow through its travel when the big hits come calling. Triple Phase Suspension is our key to making all of that a reality on the Sender CFR.

PHASE 1

The precise positioning of the rear shock and suspension pivot points provides outstanding sensitivity and responsiveness at the start of the stroke.

PHASE 2

Through the mid-stroke the suspension provides a stable platform, letting you put maximum power through the pedals and exit corners with more speed.

PHASE 3

The end of the stroke ramps up progressively, giving you bottom-out control on the fastest, most brutal courses

BUILT TO SHRED — SEASON AFTER SEASON

Our World Cup race mechanics helped us design a bike that is simple to work on and will endure years of hard racing. Double-sealed bearings, replaceable thread inserts, fully integrated, internal cable guides, and easily accessed pivots are just a few of the smart features inspired by our team mechanics’ years of experience, wrenching in the pits.

LIGHTER CHASSIS

We shaved more than 600 grams from the carbon Sender chassis yet maintained the durability needed to withstand seasons of abuse. Carbon chain and seatstays, a new upper shock-mount location, and precise shaping of every bit of the bike helped us cut weight without sacrificing strength.

QUICK AND QUIET

Simple truth—a world class DH bike shouldn’t sound like a box full of bolts being tossed down the mountainside. We designed the Sender CFR to run silently. Over-the-top chainstay protection, ample clearance between chain and chainstay, and rattle-free, internal cable routing keep noise to an absolute minimum so you can focus on the one thing that truly matters—your line.

LOWER CENTER OF GRAVITY

We’ve repositioned the rear shock within the Sender CFR frame—a move that not only cleaved weight, but also lowered the Sender CFR’s center of gravity. All things being equal, a lower center of gravity boosts control and improves handling. Low equals fast."