Let's kick things off at Haven Outdoors with one of the newest bikes from Commencal. Just FYI, this isn't a full review. Also, I am not going to restate all the geo numbers and list out the spec on this build. You can do that on your own by heading over to Commencal. This is just going to be a quick overview of this bike and my thoughts around how it rides.
The Commencal Tempo is about as XC as Commencal gets, and this is definitely not that. I would not even call this a downcountry bike. If you had to put the T.E.M.P.O in a box, I would put it in the bin labeled 'trail". But it's not just any old trail bike. This trail bike has a the personality of a 12 year old with ADHD. It doesn't want to focus on one task for too long. It will let you climb to the top of the hill with no problems and it will behave just fine. But it's happiest when you let it go and give it the freedom it craves on the downhill bits of trail. It is most happy when changing directions, darting back and forth on the trail. It begs you to find all the small roots, rocks, bumps and jumps as it speeds down the mountain. The T.E.M.P.O is a very playful and agile bike and it is super easy to put it where you want to and change directions! The 125mm of rear travel handles more than
you think it could and it will give you a good dose of confidence. It will carry you through some pretty rough terrain, but don't forget this is not a smashy enduro rig. Over smaller bumps and rocks, the 140mm of travel up front and the new rear suspension linkage design from Commencal really smooths things out! The first 15% of travel or so feels very plush on this bike. The mid stroke support is amazing and the last bit of travel ramps up nicely for medium sized drops and jumps. As a bigger dude at 250 lbs. I have yet to have any harsh bottom outs. While talking about the new suspension linkage, let's get on with how it climbs. This bike is very efficient while pedaling and even while standing it still pushes forward. You just have to put in a bit more effort than other full XC bikes. It feels very similar to my V1 Revel Ranger I had for a bit on climbs and descents. The Ranger felt like it went uphill much quicker however. The Ranger accelerated super fast. I feel like I could put in a couple pedals and I was up to speed. I do think this came from the lighter Revel wheels and I9 1/1 hubs though. I am sure the The T.E.M.P.O. would be more energetic with a lighter set of wheels and hubs.
Overall, if you like to earn your turns and like to have fun on the downhill this bike is a great choice! I would say this bike would be rad on 75% of most trails in Utah.
Comments