Bike Review:

Commencal Tempo

The Downhill Riders trail bike.

Commencal Bikes has been at it in the last couple seasons updating most there range with there new virtual pivot system. I am still excited to check out the new Meta especially the Meta SX but for today we have the Tempo. I’m going to continue in my effort to throw short travel bikes down some of the nastiest terrain around. We’re rallying up and slapping as many corners as possible on the way down. This bike was on loan from Bailey and built up from a frame, but if I had the option that Öhlins edition in the metallic green is what I’d go for.

Geometry:

The number look good but maybe a bit conservative. You have a 65.5 degree head tube and a 470mm reach. The seattube angle is 76.6 so not as steep as it felt but also not as steep as a lot of other bikes, go figure. One thing that surprised me was the 633 stack and you definitely felt that. Super low standover with the high front end gave it a real BMX feel. The 440 chain stay also did a lot for making a short travel bike that felt stable. Overall nothing to complain about. 

Climbing:

Climbing bike with only 125mm of travel is a treat, especially when they are this capable on the descents. The Tempo doesn’t have the spritely get up and go of the Evil Following but it still feels efficient. It is a bit more upright than I expected but not too cramped for a tight switchbacks. For traction it grips nicely and I prefer it over the Trek Top Fuel. So for switchbacks the Tempo gets an A, B for efficiency, B+ body position, and an A for traction. Your friends won’t be able to drop you and if you like techy climbs the Tempo rewards the effort.

Descending:

This new crop of short travel trail bikes doesn’t make it easy to choose, so how does it stack up? Well especially with the piggy back shock this bike has a much more planted feel than say the Trek Top Fuel. It’s much easier to get into the travel and the bike tracts the ground rather than bouncing along. It’s still rather lively but doesn’t quite have the get up and go of bikes like the Evil Following. Similar to my 5010 if you do want to ride some of the gnarlier stuff a fox 36 or Rockshox Lyric would help. It doesn’t need more travel just more stiffness up front. 

The high stack height goes a long way on the steepest terrain. And the Tempo’s new virtual pivot suspension keeps the rear end active even under heavy braking. Lastly that ultra low standover makes for a bike that you can really move around on. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this bike for my area IF you’re set on only 125mm of travel or less.

Who’s this bike for?:

First off If you’re convinced that you need dual 29 inch wheels and on the shorter side then, yes this bike is for you. It certainly leans more downhill than some shorter travel bikes I’ve tried, but still feels more lively than most 140 trail and larger enduro bikes. If you don’t want to spend the money on carbon or just prefer aluminum then this is a great 125 milimeter option. Riping corners and technical terrain are the Tempos favorite so if they’re your favorite as well, then I’m sure the Tempo and you will get along.

Final Thoughts:

I see this bike as a very good competitor but also distinct from the Trek Top Fuel. Both are offered in alloy which many of the other bikes I’ve reviewed are not. Where they differ is that the Tempo has a much more in the bike feel a taller front end and the longer wheel base making for more stability at speed and when things are steep. 

When you stand on the pedals it may not have quite the get up and go of the Trek but if you’re looking for an alloy short travel 29er that leans more toward technical terrain and stability then the Commencal Tempo is the bike for you! 

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