Specialized Pitch or a Commencal Meta 5.5?

[PtPt]

Flirting with the idea of a Pitch Pro or a Merlin Cycles custom built Commencal Meta 5.5.

Would throw a Enduro Comp into the mix, but can't be doing with the triple clamp forks.

Has anyone ridden a Pitch or know where just outside London I could demo ride one?

Opinions welcome

[mat205125]

Here come the Meta owners club with their replies!!!

[neil_bolton]

I don't if even can be bothered to try now

Just get a Meta 5.5 brought.

I just did a 24hr enduro on mine, and fell in love with it all over again - utterly faultless and comfortable. Throw in a lockout shock, something that climbs well too (requires rider able to do that mind you )...

[neil_bolton]

BTW can we have a bit more info on what you'll be doing with the bike please?

I.e, Will you be:

1. Riding up steep things
2. Jumping off stuff
3. Throwing yourself down steep things
4. Hanging out down the pub
5. Generally cooing over it, magpie like, down the local trails
6. All of the above.

If all of the above, I'd go for the Commencal 5.5

[PtPt]

I know there are a few Meta fans on here, but someone must have thrown a leg over the new shape Enduro/Pitch?

The Merlin offer is pretty good value compared to the OEM 5.5.2; with full XT, Revelation 426 forks, Raceface finishing kit and hand built wheels - all for £1749.

However, I do like the idea of a fairly nimble 6 inch 'susser with bolt thru Pikes. Pikes on the Meta would shove it closer to 2k. Also used to ride a '03 Enduro SX and I like the FSR system. For a 35lb lump, it used to climb pretty well.

Contact versus FSR - discuss!

Edited to add:

Use will be trail riding in Surrey Hills, with occasional forays into Welsh forest, Seven Staines etc. I do like climbing (roadie habbit I can't kick) but I also like to chuck a bike through a shapely 6 pack every now and again

Edited by PtPt on Thursday 15th May 16:59

[Rico]

Biggest problem with Commencal is availability. Just so blooming hard to get hold of. Their 07 and 08 bikes generally get rave reviews (quite right too) and thus most stores sell out quickly.

The Meta5 XT is the bargain of the lot imo.

I adore the Meta. Ridden a few examples and they're just a superb design. Work really well.

Specialized are ace too...

If you can get a Meta, go for it. You won't regret it.

[BOR]

Rico said:

Their 07 and 08 bikes generally get rave reviews (quite right too) and thus most stores sell out quickly.

I really wanted to buy an 07 Meta 5.5.2

I tried one, but I didn't rate the rear-suspension AT ALL. I'm kicking myself now, that I didn't return to the shop, and get the rear shock pressure increased. It seemed like too much sag, but the guy was happy to send it out like that. The frame itself seemed nice and snappy, responsive, compact, so I can see why people love them.

An award winning bike, but as usual, important to test one first.

[obiwankenobi]

Hi,

I own a pitch pro and have so for last three months. Was bought as my first bike so i therefore cant really compare it to other than my friends commencal supreme and hired kona calderas. I bought the bike after mbuk mags 8 or 9 out of ten score and its availability at my local shop. The price was also a factor and at £1400 it was a reasonable purchase with the thought in the back of my mind that biking may be one of the fads that i take to then discard.

Since then i have been at glentress every sunday and most tuesdays. I really like the bike, it seems to be more than capable, well equiped (except for brakes) and has had many admiring comments from other bikers. Its fairly light, so good for up hill, great for trails and also the parks. On the black trails its capable however cannot keep up with my mates supreme however on the downhill trails i keep with him although the brakes arent the best (i have juicy 3's hes got formula oros). Ive changed the stem, pedals and grips so far and i expect to change to juicy 7's or oro's next. Also, because im new to this im still getting my set up for diff terrain sorted so it keeps on getting better!

In comparison to the commencal supreme, the pitch is lighter (obviously as the supreme is a mini DH) its capable of keeping up on trails and i think its better in the parks. Although on the 'XX' black graded trail i was shown how my bike is inferior with the commencal tearing down and mine crashing all the way through it. Got to say that pitch is fast and its been noted that i dont have to pedal as hard in trails and the parks.

To conclude i really like the bike but would like something a bit meatier next (orange patriot). Its a bit of a jack of all trades but really not a master but perfect for me as im still learning. Would be great to hear from a more experienced rider's opinion on the pitch.

This probably wont help you with your decision but i just want to give my bike a positive review and big it up! When i was researching my purchase after a while i realised that as long as you buy a recent new full sus bike you cant really go wrong!

[bigandclever]

Just as a quick headsup, Edinburgh Bike Co-Op seem to have dropped their prices. Commencal Meta 5.5.2 is now £1529.10 instead of £1699. Same price for Marin Rift Zone and Commencal Meta 4.2. All 2008 models.

Yum yum

If anyone knows specifically the best deal on a Meta 5.5.2 can they post here please?

Edit to add

And now I've found the details... Make Hay In May

10% Off Every edinburghbicycle.com Online Order For 10 Days In May

10% off all bikes
10% off all accessories
10% off all clothing
Ordered online 17-26 May 2008 inclusive.

Edited by bigandclever on Wednesday 21st May 10:22

[WildCards]

I bought a 4.1 for £850 less then asking last September time from Merlin. If your willing to wait, you do stand a good chance of getting an even bigger discount.

[mk1fan]

Buy the Commencal. To quote a friend 'Specialized is the Microsoft of the cycling world'.

Alternatively, buy a proper bike like a Cove or a Santa Cruz.

[SCOOTERMAN]

mk1fan said:

Buy the Commencal. To quote a friend 'Specialized is the Microsoft of the cycling world'.

Readily available, familiar to all, easy to use?

And by that same reconning does that make SCs, Coves etc. and their riders the masturbating, daylight-loathing l33t-sp34king Linux users of the MTB world?

[neil_bolton]

SCOOTERMAN said:

mk1fan said:

Buy the Commencal. To quote a friend 'Specialized is the Microsoft of the cycling world'.

Readily available, familiar to all, easy to use?

And by that same reconning does that make SCs, Coves etc. and their riders the masturbating, daylight-loathing l33t-sp34king Linux users of the MTB world?

I'm not saying anything at all...

I reckon Commencal owners are the wanky Apple owners of the bike world

[PtPt]

mk1fan said:

Buy the Commencal. To quote a friend 'Specialized is the Microsoft of the cycling world'.

Alternatively, buy a proper bike like a Cove or a Santa Cruz.

Cheers all. I've decided to go for a custom built XT Meta from Merlin, fitted with Air Pikes and plenty of Thomson and carbon bits

Just got to wait two long week for them to knock it together!

[OilyRagMan]

im really tempted to replace my 04 enduro with a meta will have to see if i can find a good frame only deal

[mk1fan]

SCOOTERMAN said:

Readily available, familiar to all, easy to use?

Yes, just like a prostitute.

[martylaa]

Hi i've just purchased a meta 5.5.2 from merlin cycles for 1400 quid, i've had my head turned from a trek fuel ex 8 and a specialized fsr xc pro to this bike, and the 20% discount helped off course.