Premier is a new range of mountain bikes from Commencal that replaces the company's entry-level Combi models and has a unique selling point – the bikes will remain totally unchanged for at least two years.
That means that, come next autumn, your bike won't suddenly be out of date, with a plummeting resale value, just because it's a different colour to the latest model or lacks a few minor tweaks.
UK distributors Madison say: “Each model and size has been designed around the target rider, with larger bikes specced with larger bars, stem, suspension travel and brakes.” The bikes are available now.
Prices range from £529.99 for the Premier Plus hardtail to £1,199.99 for the full-suspension Premier S. This bike uses the same frame as the Super 4 Alu, which retails for £1,199.99 on its own (albeit with a Fox Float RPL shock rather than the X-Fusion unit found on the Premier).
Component highlights on the Premier S include a RockShox Tora 120mm-travel fork, a mix of Shimano Alivio and Deore shifting, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and Commencal own-brand stem, saddle, seatpost and bars.
The Premier Plus, pictured above, has a 6061 aluminium frame and a Suntour XCM LO fork set with varying amounts of travel depending on rider size (XS 80mm, S/M 100m, L/XL 120mm). Shimano Acera takes care of shifting, with a Suntour chainset, and Tektro disc brakes are used for stopping.
Upgrades on the Premier Disc version, pictured above, include Shimano Deore 3x9 shifting, a Truvativ 5D chainset, Shimano disc brakes and a Suntour XCR fork. Head to the Madison website for more information.
