€5,166.66* Short-travel trail bike that promises shred-ready fun
FIRST RIDES
Commencal’s TEMPO 29er is designed to tackle long rides with everything from punchy climbs to technical descents. Although the frame is aluminium, this LTD model is fitted with lightweight, high-spec components, keeping the weight of the large size down to 14kg on the nose.
THE FRAME
The sleek-looking, straight-tubed chassis is built using triple-butted 6066 alloy. Dual co-rotating links join the swingarm and mainframe, creating a floating pivot point and delivering 125mm of rear-wheel travel.
Each of the four sizes has a 65.5-degree head angle and 76.6-degree seat tube angle. The L and XL get longer 440mm chainstays, while the S and M have 435mm stays. Reach measurements range from 430mm to 490mm; the large size’s 470mm figure is nothing out of the ordinary.
Cables are routed internally, via the headset. There are bottle bosses on the down tube and an accessory mount under the top tube. Other features include chainstay and down tube protection, plus a SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger.
THE KIT
Up front is a Fox 34 Factory fork, with the brand’s ultra-adjustable GRIP2 damper and a longer-than-usual 51mm offset, which should speed up steering response. Out back, the Fox Float DPS Factory shock offers external low-speed rebound and compression damping adjustment.
SRAM’s mechanical X0/XX1 Eagle drivetrain is paired with Truvativ Descendant carbon cranks, while two-piston Shimano Deore XT brakes clamp onto Ice Tech rotors. DT Swiss’s high-end XMC 1501 carbon fibre wheels are shod with 2.4in Maxxis tyres. Finishing things off is a Fox Transfer post with 200mm of drop.
THE RIDE
Working against gravity, the TEMPO defies its descent-inspired geometry and chunky tyres. The twin-link suspension barely dips in and out of its travel as you pedal, resisting bob nicely. Although this trail bike doesn’t share quite the same ferocious pace that a more XC-inspired downcountry bike brings to the ascents, it encourages you to dig deep and rewards you with forward surges.
There’s a calmer side to the TEMPO, too. If you relax, its steep seat tube angle and generous stack height (433mm) foster a more upright, sedate pace. Your weight is comfortably focused through your sit bones rather than your hands, broadening its performance from speedy racer to all-day mile-muncher. Combined with the bike’s relatively long rear end, this makes it easy to keep the front wheel in check on s
