iDrive 5 or Meta 5

outasight
outasight Posts: 8
edited October 2007 in MTB buying advice
I'm looking to buy a discounted full suss asap. Have narrowed it down to GT iDrive 5 2.0 or Commencal Meta 5.5.2 - good prices on both but limited stocks, hence urgency! Riding along south coast - the Downs, Weald and some forest trails. I'm not especially technically skilled, tend to ride seated, love the climbs and want a bit less white knuckle bouncing about in the choppy stuff on the way down (compared with my current cheap hardtail). Any views on which is the better long term choice?

Comments

  • Sir HC
    Sir HC Posts: 20,148
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12545737
    Intense Socom
    Inbred
  • outasight
    outasight Posts: 8
    Thanks for the link. I know both bikes are highly rated and have received good reviews (e.g. WMB Awards). And they seem pretty similar (to my non-expert's eye). Which is the problem! I was just wondering what there is to choose between them and whether anyone that has ridden them (maybe considered buying the same bikes at some point) can advise on the pros and cons of each for my type of riding.
  • russ0228
    russ0228 Posts: 228
    buy the meta, buy the meta, buy the meta, buy the meta,,,,,,,,,,,have you bought it yet?
    internet (in ter net), secret sanctuary of idiots and nutters.
  • jacktheoc
    jacktheoc Posts: 1,556
    i would definetely buy the meta over the gt anyday :!:
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Why?

    Test them: towo totally different suspesnion set ups and charecteristics.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • outasight
    outasight Posts: 8
    russ0228: so you're not sure either :D

    Supersonic: what is the practical difference between the suspension set ups - how do they affect the ride? And is one more suited to certain sorts of riding than the other? I would like to be able to try both bikes, but that's not an option at the moment due to limited availability (and I definitely can't afford the full price on the 08 models) :(

    Any info gratefully received.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    If you cant try, I wouldnt buy, its a risk.

    The Meta is essentially as single pivot bike with rocker activated shock. The Idrive uses a floating bottom bracket system which aims to reduce pedal induced bob for a smoother ride and greater traction. In my opinion it works well, and pedals better than most single pivot bikes. However only you can decide that.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • outasight
    outasight Posts: 8
    supersonic wrote:
    If you cant try, I wouldnt buy, its a risk.

    I guess that's the answer I expected (and dreaded) and I'm sure you're right. I'll maybe have to look at trying out lower specced 08 versions at a similar price as the discounted 07 models...

    Thanks for the advice
  • outasight
    outasight Posts: 8
    Quick update: found a meta, tried it, bought it - awesome :D
  • BikerDan
    BikerDan Posts: 188
    Good man!! I own a Commencal and the Meta is soooo much better than the GT.
    Hope you enjoy it! 8)
    Learn on a Hardtail or be crap forever!
  • Father Faff
    Father Faff Posts: 1,176
    Welcome to the Commencal Conesseurs Club! That Supersonic chappy really doesn't know what he's talking about half the time (bit like me really) but I think you'll find your new Meta just encourages you to do ever more stupid things. I should imagine that by next year you will be entering the Mega Avalanche in the Alps....!
    Commencal Meta 5.5.1
    Scott CR1

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