Commencal Meta AM and PNW Loam Grips Reviewed by Top Member Reviewer and Jenson USA Award Winner 1

Every month we award the Top User Reviewer with a little prize. This month Jenson USA pitched in another $100 gift card! Vital member mntnmrtn took home top honors in November with his reviews of the Commencal Meta AM 29 and the PNW Loam grips:

Commencal Meta AM 29 2019 Frame - MSRP: $1299 USD

The Good:

• Strong and sturdy frame and hardware made to last
• Superb suspension action in both climbing and descending
• Geometry numbers that suit many kinds of riders
• No Trunnion shock mount (even on the 2021 version)
• Many color ways in small batches
• Awesome customer support from Commencal

The Bad:

• Geometry could be a bit more "modern" (updated on 2021 version)
• A few quality control issues

Overall Review:

This Meta AM isn’t my first build from the frame up, but it is definitely the one I’ve lusted over the most prior to purchasing. Back at the end of 2017, there were rumors about the upcoming Meta 29 but there was no clear release date yet. When the Meta AM 29 became a real thing a few months after, I knew I had to have one, but since I had just bought another bike, I patiently waited another 2 years.

After so many days of reading and analyzing every other frame on the market, I had 3 contenders left in my price range: the Commencal Meta AM 29, the Ibis Ripmo AF and the Privateer 161. They were all 29ers, made of aluminum, had similar travel and riding intentions but a few geometry differences. Had the Privateer been on the market for a bit longer, it might been to the top of my list, but the Trunnion mount itself was enough to make me pass. The Ripmo AF had a bit less travel, similar geometry and seemed strong and durable, but while it was a good rational choice, it just didn’t have the I-don’t-know-what that makes you fall in love with a bike. Good thing because I was already in love with the Meta! -Read more»

PNW Components Loam Grip - MSRP: $19.00 USD

The Good:

• Comfortable and durable rubber
• Good wet grip and general support
• Lock-ons that stay put
• Many colors available
• The grips wrap the bar's ends, no need for end caps
• Well priced

The Bad:

• Could filter out a bit more feedback

Overall Review:

Grips are a very personal thing, and it feels like the choice of what grip to run depends of one's mindset and bike setup at a given time. At one point I liked thin grips, and now I am more into thicker grips. Maybe that's because I am now running a 35mm bar since my hands didn't grow recently. I have different grips on all of my bikes, and I feel like each one suits one bike or the other for its intended purpose. For my commuter/road bike, I'm running comfy push-on grips to reduce the high pressure tires' road vibrations. No need for lock-ons on this one since I never swap grips or controls, and the absence of plastic underneath the grip helps with having a softer feel. -Read more»

Shop the PNW Loam Grip at Jenson USA

Want to be in the running for December's award? Review the components, apparel, or bikes you ride in the Vital MTB Product Guide and keep an eye on the Top Reviewer leaderboard. We'll announce the winner in early January.