The 2018 Commencal Meta Power Race Fox edition takes their already big commitment to e-mountain bikes and gives it a solid suspension upgrade. Now spec’d with a 160mm Fox 36 Factory FLOAT fork up front and the DPX2 Factory rear shock, its 150mm travel enduro eMTB is ready for anything.
Originally announced in standard form last April, the Meta Power series has several models to choose from, many coil sprung in the rear, but all using the latest Shimano E8000 e-mountain bike drivetrain system. And they start at just $3,999 and come with a 5-year warranty. This latest model, the Meta Power Race Fox, ups the spec across the bike to make it far more capable under top level riders. To prove it, they took their pro DH rider and sent him down back to back to back runs with this and the non-motorized version…and the times were supposedly very close, with no assist on the way down.
Commencal says their e-mountain bikes weren’t built around the motor. Instead, they found a way to full integrate the motor into their Meta, making it a mountain bike first and foremost. The Shimano E8000 motor and battery made that easier, and provides smooth power transfer.
Controls sit next to their short 50mm stem and provide the Bluetooth link to the system so you can set it up and tweak performance through your smartphone.
The motor gets additional bash protection, and the top tube is shaped to partially embed the rear shock to help it clear the battery during full compression. And leave room for you to remove it as needed…the battery, that is.
This dirty test bike is shown with a full 12-speed group, but stock bikes will come with the e-bike specific SRAM EX1 8-speed group. SRAM Code R brakes, e*Thirteen TRS wheelset and Maxxis 27.5×2.5 tires round out the package. Retail is $5,399, claimed weight is 22.4kg (49.38lb).
