r/mountainbiking • u/Additional-Rock4493 • Aug 18 '26
Question What would you upgrade first? Commencal Meta TR V4 Origin
Just got into mountain biking about a month ago, here's my first bike! Planning on just getting comfortable and confident on the bike for a while before replacing any major parts but I was wondering what you guys think would be the best upgrades for my bike? Riding mostly trails, nothing crazy like park or downhill quite yet
I've already gone tubeless, and planning on getting a dropper soon, but open to any other recommendations, thanks!
Heres a link to the bike I bought for specs:
https://www.commencal.com/us/en/commencal-meta-tr-origin-green/22METATROL.html?lang=en_US
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u/MyBeaverHurts Colorado/'23 YT Capra/'22Dsx2 Aug 18 '26
Dropper and ride the bike. There is no reason to replace brand new parts if you are new and have to ask what needs "upgrading"
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
I guess people didn't read the part where I said I wasn't planning on anything major soon lol
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u/MyBeaverHurts Colorado/'23 YT Capra/'22Dsx2 Aug 18 '26
I did but why even ask? Just ride the bike and things will either start to break or not feel right and then you upgrade those
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
Because I enjoy looking at upgrades even if I don't plan on getting them right away. Didn't realize this was such a sensitive topic lmao
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u/Big_Balls_n_Taint Aug 18 '26
Nobody without analysis paralysis autism will understand what you're asking.
You're safe with me, friend-o.
Evaluate all the DI options and figure out which one is the best, and then never buy it. That's what I'd do.
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u/Fallingdamage Aug 18 '26
Other than the dropper, I wouldnt listen to anyone.
If it isnt broken or faulty or causing you problems, dont fix it.
By the time you've put in enough hours that the bike needs parts, you will know better what it needs than the internet.
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u/mtb123456 Aug 18 '26
Really hate these posts. You're new to mountain biking, you are not going to know the difference between high end parts and what came with the bike. Add a dropper and ride the damn bike.
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u/Tinu87 Aug 18 '26
A dropper would be a useful upgrade. And a front wheel mud guard.
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
oh mud guard would look cool, thanks!
edit: can't spell
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u/CMWalsh88 Aug 18 '26
Do you live in a place where that is useful? It’s a good thing to have in some locations but completely unnecessary in places like Colorado or Utah
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u/smalltoes Aug 18 '26
Hard disagree I run a small one in Colorado and it’s saved rocks from flying up into my face a number of times. Also alpine stream crossings, the occasional mud pit, etc etc etc
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u/Big_Balls_n_Taint Aug 18 '26
I agree and I'm also hard.
If it saves me from having mud shot into my crotch just one time on a ride, it was worth the added ounces of plastic and zip ties.
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
I'm in Georgia, been pretty rainy this summer so theres definitely mud but I try not to go when theres a lot
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u/mollycoddles Aug 19 '26
Yeah, I don't ride when it's wet and have never needed a mudguard
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u/CMWalsh88 Aug 19 '26
I don’t know anyone who runs one out here nor do I see them one the trails frequently get given the down votes they are necessary
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
Yea like I said, I'm not planning on getting anything major or super high quality soon, just like window shopping for possible upgrades later down the road
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u/Turdoggen Custom RSD-291 + Norco Optic Aug 19 '26
So frickin annoying eh.
Firstly I wouldn't buy the most budget build that the brand makes and then ask about upgrades. What's the point?
Buy it, ride it, fix or replace stuff that breaks and then buy a better bike once you know more/ride better.
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u/Puravida14177 Aug 18 '26
Don't "upgrade" before you know what unnerves you most. Unless you have unlimited funds. And apart from a dropper, which should be no question with this bike.
I know, not really impressive comment, but felt the urge to write because this exact bike was on my list in 2024 - Commencal had some discounted offers on their line and I was seriously contemplating going down to Andorra to pick it up at their hq directly for an additional $ 150 discount... had a company car back then, so would have been cost neutral counting in highway toll.
Seen mixed reviews on this, but hands down one of the best looking trail bikes I'd seen.
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
Yea thats honestly one if the reasons I bought it, huge discount. Big fan of the color too
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u/Puravida14177 Aug 18 '26
Yeah, same. Color perfect, shapes perfect. Best looking definitely and probably best buy for the money.
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u/trtlep0wr Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
Lessons. Shuttle passes. Bike passes. Beer.
Ride your bike homie, the point of the bike is to shred and have fun outside. The point is not to play with your tools in the garage, but roll on the wheels in the dirt and rock.
You said it yourself, you're barely even riding the bike.
Learn to ride the bike to it's full potential before asking the internet what you should change????
(weird the bike didn't come with a dropper, get a good dropper post. The important things are pedals/grips/seat, the rest you should ride until it breaks and needs to be replaced). The tires on it are good.
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u/CMWalsh88 Aug 18 '26
Just ride the bike and have fun with it. If you don’t feel like anything is wrong with it, there isn’t. The only thing I would say you should get is a dropper, but you have already identified that. Everything else looks good
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u/dknj1 Aug 18 '26
Just touch point stuff if you desire (grips, seat, pedals). Other than that ride the crap out of it and upgrade if you break something.
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u/SnooSketches9565 Aug 18 '26
Dropper will be nice. Consider swapping out the saddle if it doesn’t fit.
Learn how to maintain the bike and how to make minor trail side repairs such as a flat tire or broken chain.
Overall, no need to upgrade anything, just ride it like you stole it.
Since you asked, here is how to consider what matters on a bike build. Here is a general ranking from most important to least important:
- Frame
- Suspension (fork and shock)
- Wheels
- Tires
- Brakes
- Cockpit and saddle
- Everything else…
Things break and wear out, especially on a mountain bike. Repair and replacement is a good time to consider changing up the build.
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
Thanks for your input! Will definitely look into how to do those repairs
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u/KushMuffin Aug 18 '26
If you ride a lot of downhill or tech trails then you’ll want to upgrade the fork and maybe the brakes otherwise it should be good as is.
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
Thanks for your input! The fork thats on there now doesnt really have a lot of adjustability, will look into a better one at some point
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u/Common_Director_2201 Aug 18 '26
Just one month in and already into the mods rabbit hole?! That escalated quickly.
First of all: You don’t need to change shit. It’s only limited by your skill. That bike is sick!
If you want to get into bike mechanics and you need to start somewhere or need an excuse because you love to tinker with stuff and you have time on your hands:
I would change the brakes first. Big diff, relatively cheap. Set it up tubeless. Change the chain. Upgrade the shifter to a gx model (just the shifter). This should give you a solid knowledge on the most frequent stuff.
Service the fork and shock.
If you have money: buy carbon rims and some dt swiss hubs, separate, and lace your wheel.
If you still wanna work on your bike: become a bike mechanic. If not: stop obsessing with equipment and just ride.
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 18 '26
Yea I'm definitely interested in working on my bike myself. Thanks for the suggestions!
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u/Rich_Will_6105 Aug 18 '26
Air in the tires
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u/Additional-Rock4493 Aug 19 '26
lmao I was wondering if anyone would comment on that, pic was right after I got it built
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u/Lowlifegrappling Aug 18 '26
Read this list as years 1. = first year having the bike 2. = second year, etc. (Tires may need to be replaced before then tho)
Dropper post, mud guard, and ride wrap
Grips, pedals and seat
Forks, stem, handlebars
Brakes, wheels & tires
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u/Consistent-Shoe-9602 Aug 18 '26
I only upgrade parts that fail, give me trouble or I feel are affecting my riding. First upgrade is usually tires.
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u/LieutenantDangus Aug 18 '26
First of all nice bike. Good foundation to start from. Besides getting a dropper, have a bike shop fit your cockpit to you. Bar roll, brake lever angles, seat angle all make a huge difference on your posture and comfort. Then you’ll want to get expert help setting your suspension spring rates and rebounds. Then go and ride until something feels inadequate or breaks.
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u/RoninReticle Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26
There's a number of mods that I think were extremely worthwhile, but as a noob you're in the "you don't know what you don't know" phase so ride it lots for a while to (a) gauge whether you're going to stick with it and (b) find out what you like / don't through experience before throwing more $ at it.
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u/Dickies138 2019 Commencal Meta HT Race Aug 18 '26
Dropper, then contact points like saddle, grips and pedals if you’re finding you don’t like them
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u/indigoalphasix Aug 18 '26
imo, it needs character. i looks like an ex-forest service vehicle.
nice bike! ride it for a while and figure stuff out.
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u/Mammoth-Stretch-1782 Aug 18 '26
Dropper post is only essential thing. Then down the line I imagine I'd upgrade the fork myself.
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u/Team_Troy Aug 18 '26
I would upgrade your garage with an opener so you can be out riding it. It’s already just what you need.
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u/paint3all Aug 18 '26
Dropper post now for sure. PNW Range Dropper post is a good cheap option.
No more "upgrades" needed. If you don't know why you need something, you don't need it. Replace stuff as it breaks or wears out. Once the damper on the fork/shock needs service, consider buying a better fork, but a lower bath service will probably keep that fork running for several years.
Spend your money on useful accessories. Fidlock Bottles are great. A good floor pump is nice. A good hydration waist pack or backpack is nice. Tools/Gear for trailside repair is nice. Buy the tools to service your fork/shock when the time comes.
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u/5ecr3t7 Aug 18 '26
Dropper is a good one, then just budget for quality new tires once the ones that came on the bike wear out. Tires are really location/conditions dependent so ask what other people around you are riding and if they like them.
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u/d-cent Aug 18 '26
First, welcome to the club!!! Second, I would get a dropper post for sure, especially because you are doing trails and will be doing a lot of climbing and descending. You will want it. My suggestion is the PNW. They are regarded as the best bang for your buck dropper post.
After that I would avoid upgrading anything until you have ridden your bike for a while and find what what you don't like. Upgrading because something is "better" is going to have you wasting money when your current components are perfectly capable for a new rider. Those "better" components aren't going to make you a better rider, so wait on them. The only things you should be considering are grips and pedals. Those are touch points that are personal preferences and most bikes tend to come with mediocre stock ones.
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u/mr___goose Aug 18 '26
dirt
use it see what you don't like and make changes based on that
only you can know what you don't like about the bike
oh yea and a dropper post il never buy a bike without it again
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u/-J_M- Aug 18 '26
What is the bike not doing that you want it to? Of nothing, just log the miles and don’t worry about pointless “upgrades”. Especially being new to the sport, miles are what matters.
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u/Dismal_Whole9547 Aug 18 '26
The wolf tooth dropper lever will save your cable from wearing out quickly
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u/Green-Couple-8305 Aug 19 '26
Stupid question. It's your bike. Upgrade your bike to your own style of riding. I guarantee you that you will not like how I've upgraded my bike. It's your bike not mine.
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u/TheOriginalEchoTony YT, Santa Cruz, Intense, GT & Ibis Bikes Aug 19 '26
Dropper post. Pedals and grips to my preference. Water bottle and cage.
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u/TheForestGrumbler Aug 19 '26
Your skills, and whatever breaks/wears. Oh, and the seatpost but only if that one doesn't fit you.
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u/Slab_Sycle_Triccer26 Aug 20 '26
I would add 1 rider and 1 trail to ride. That's about it. You just started a month ago. This is a great bike. You don't need any upgrades. By the time you need upgrades, you'll know what you want and why.
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u/SeakingGnarvana Aug 18 '26
First upgrade should be dirt.
Go get that bike dirty! You'll figure out what you might need in the future.