_...having looked behind the veil at the spec sheets of a couple of next year's next gen bikes, it appears geometry has peaked in this generation, with few, if any substantial geometry changes. Is the average rider really going to benefit from a (somewhat drastically, in some cases) revamped suspension design on near identical geometry..._
This helped in my decision; after a year of stubbornness, accepted that I was too stretched out on my Meta SX V4 frame. After looking at the geo chart of the V5, and realizing it is basically a V4 in 'high', with the STA (and associated ETT) just below the low position (which I can achieve moving my saddle back), and 5mm chopped off the reach/WB, I decided to downsize to the $1100 cheaper V4 frame. Lots of hoopla around the new linkage and that it's decidedly not a Commencal plow (though they're not recommending the V5 with coils so still Commencal linear), but happy with the V4 kinematics paired with a SD Ultimate Air for my use, as well as saving $1100 in the process. Grabbed a longer dropper and better headset and pocketed some cash (read: incurred less debt). I now have a bike that fits, and one I'll be happy riding for years to come. Those Imby Claymores are unbelievable value rn though, for anyone who is less cash poor than I.
Sept. 28, 2023, 9:12 a.m. - Sylvan
_...having looked behind the veil at the spec sheets of a couple of next year's next gen bikes, it appears geometry has peaked in this generation, with few, if any substantial geometry changes. Is the average rider really going to benefit from a (somewhat drastically, in some cases) revamped suspension design on near identical geometry..._ This helped in my decision; after a year of stubbornness, accepted that I was too stretched out on my Meta SX V4 frame. After looking at the geo chart of the V5, and realizing it is basically a V4 in 'high', with the STA (and associated ETT) just below the low position (which I can achieve moving my saddle back), and 5mm chopped off the reach/WB, I decided to downsize to the $1100 cheaper V4 frame. Lots of hoopla around the new linkage and that it's decidedly not a Commencal plow (though they're not recommending the V5 with coils so still Commencal linear), but happy with the V4 kinematics paired with a SD Ultimate Air for my use, as well as saving $1100 in the process. Grabbed a longer dropper and better headset and pocketed some cash (read: incurred less debt). I now have a bike that fits, and one I'll be happy riding for years to come. Those Imby Claymores are unbelievable value rn though, for anyone who is less cash poor than I.