Commencal to stop year specific bikes
Over the years the bike trade has picked up a few odd habits, not least the one of bringing out new versions of every bike every year, even if the only difference is the colour of the paint. In some instances a new version each year makes sense: High end stuff develops at such a rate bikes at this end of the sport need to change yearly to stay current, but for entry level? Does it really make sense?
The date these bikes generally get launched is odd too. Years ago the next seasons bikes came out at the start of the year. In the rush to be the first to launch manufacturers bought this forward into the previous year. To the point some brands were bringing out their new 2010 bikes in July 2009. Daft.
The result of all this madness is for the rider buying their new bike at the start of the Summer, the time of year newcomers to the sport tend to purchase, within a matter of months they’re new ride is considered last years. Not good.
Commencal have been aware of this, and have never been happy about it. Sure they’re constant development on the upper end bikes have meant a one year shelf life has worked for them, but on the cheaper stuff, why keep replacing something just for the sake of replacing it?
Well, from this year on, they’re going to do the sensible thing. From this summer onwards the entry level range, previously known as the Combi range but now called the Premier line will not be changing every year. It’s expected each model will have at least a two year life cycle, only changing if there is a big jump forward in frame technology, with rolling changes taking place when needed to take account of component changes, from the likes of Shimano, SRAM, Etc.
In recent times a move like this has long been expected from the big players: Give a product a longer shelf life and over night the cost of that product will drop, as you can manufacture in greater quantities and don’t have to cost in the usual end of season clearance mayhem. And lower costs mean lower RRP, something welcome in these days of telephone number prices on some bikes. But none of the big brands wanted to be the first to jump, with no one wanting to be seen to be the first to change (change is bad!!!)
But Commencal have no such fears, and being a much younger and more forward thinking company decided not to wait for everyone else, seeing the obvious advantages to themselves and their customers, they jumped straight in.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Initially the new Premier range will consist of three hardtails and one full susser, the hardtails priced at £499.99, £599.99 & £799.99 will all share the same frame with an improving spec list the more expensive the bike. The full susser is to be based around the100mm travel Super4 frame and will retail at £1249.99. Impressive considering it’s a £1200 frame! Full specs below.
Introducing The Premier Range
The launch of the exciting new Premier range will be staggered, with a select few dealers getting them in July and the remaining dealers getting them along side the 2011 range in October 2010.
The best bit about them is the price. Spec for spec they’re inline with the Combi range from 2007, which in real terms mean REALLY BLOODY CHEAP, when you consider most bikes have gone up 30% in the same period.
Premier Plus £499.99
Available in gloss black or red it sports a Shimano 24 speed drivetrain from the MTB family, not the Leisure range as often seen on bikes at this price, so you know it’s going to cope with the mud.
Hydraulic disc brakes and specific forks to each size of bike (80mm XS, 100mm S/M, 120mm L/XL) it’s a well thought out spec with good attention to detail.
Premier Disc £599.99
The same frame and fork configuration as the Premier Plus but with a 27sp Shimano Deore drivetrain & disc brakes.
Lighter wheels and some premium branded parts make it a more desirable but still affordable entry level hardtail.
Premier Pro £799.99
The same frame as the Disc but with an upgraded Rockshox recon fork (with the same size specific travel configuration).
27sp Shimano Deore & SRAM drivetrain & Avid disc brakes makes it a serious contender for a mid level hardtail.
Premier S £1249.99
This is going to be a must have for the newbie full suss rider.
Based around the fantastic Super4 frame, which alone retails at £1200, Rockshox forks, hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano drive train means this is going to be a popular bike over the next few years.
As the UK’s leading Commencal dealer Real Cycles will be one the first dealers to get stock of the bikes, expected June/July 2010. To be one of the first in the UK to ride one of this exciting new range, pre-order now. Click the images above to see the full specs and order page.
Click the images to see full specs, and to pre-order
Click the images to see full specs, and to pre-order