Motor & Torque

The all-new Shimano EP8 engine takes a leap in performance, comfort and compactness.

Still built around a block with 250W power outage under 36V, the maximum torque notably increases by more than 20% or 85N.m.
Thanks to a magnesium casing, the powertrain is 380g lighter compared to that of its predecessor.
Cooling, a guarantee of constant performance, has been improved thanks to a greater number of fins which promote heat dissipation.
While improving performance, this new engine is also intended to be much quieter and more discreet than the older generations.

Configuration

It’s now possible to configure the engine's functions yourself thanks to the E-Tube application available for smartphones running Android or iOS.

A first configuration favours battery-life (ECO mode) and traction in poor grip conditions (TRAIL mode).
The second configuration, which consumes more energy, promotes power in general. TRAIL mode is for routes where a high level of assistance and maximum torque are necessary and where a very rapid injection of power might be needed.

You are of course free to adapt these settings depending what you want to do and where you want to go.

Engine Management

It is now possible to fine-tune your engine power management.
With the new EP8, the adjustment range of each mode (ECO, TRAIL and BOOST) is much greater.
It’s possible to choose the level of assistance for each mode, but that’s not all. It’s also possible to configure the way the power supply is handled.

With these new features, you might for example privilege from more traction in poor grip conditions.
Or maybe for more support through technical sections with a very rapid input of power and more response from the pedal stroke.
Finally, the maximum recommended torque for each level of assistance (ECO, TRAIL and BOOST) can be set.

BT E8036 Battery

 It was coming, Shimano now offers a battery with a 630Wh capacity.
Under its casing, the BT E8036 battery uses more lithium ion cells which increase its capacity by 25% compared to the old BT E8035 battery.

We trust Shimano batteries for three main reasons:

- Their reliability no longer needs proving
- Their availability worldwide. Spare batteries can be easily purchased or rented near your home or whilst traveling halfway around the world
- Shimano’s worldwide recycling program for its batteries

Mode Selector

We attach great importance to the shape of the cockpit so that the bike is as intuitive as possible.

For this reason, we use an EM800 SW control which is intuitive in itself.
The top of the range control from the Japanese brand, its shape is very well though through and the small size means it’s easy to combine with current brakes on the market and provides easy personalisation and adjustment of the levers.

Display

The LCD on-board computer, compact and easy to use, provides all the necessary information:

- Mode (1 or 2)
- Battery level
- Cadence
- Actual speed
- Average speed
- Max speed
- Kilometre count
- Total kilometre count of your META POWER
- Riding time of your current session
- Remaining battery
- Time

Weight Distribution

The distribution of weight is not to be overlooked on an ebike.

We have reworked the fixation of the battery to the frame.
The battery is larger due to its increased capacity, but its centre of gravity remains identical to the previous META POWER in order to maintain good stability. The META POWER therefore keeps its lively qualities and also its handling, which is so popular with its users.

Kinematics

The kinematics of the META POWER revolve around the ‘4bar linkage’ Contact System which has been designed to offer:

- A precise touch with the ground
- Comfort - Less fatigue on large impacts
- Dynamic behaviour when pushing fast and when pedalling

Each shock has the appropriate settings, tested in advance for several months by our riders and engineers in various different conditions.

Geometry

As we’re always in search of the best balance, the geometry of the META POWER has evolved for 2021.

The seat tube angle is straightened by one degree to make it easier to climb steep slopes.
The fork offset is reduced to promote sharper steering.
In the same vein, the head angle is slackened in order to maintain maximum stability.
The result is more precise and responsive steering.

Bearings

For several years now we’ve been using oversized bearings from Enduro Bearings for long-term reliability.

Finition 

Our DNA drives us to develop and improve the finishing details year after year.

The engine support/mount has been completely redesigned to incorporate one of the advantages of the new EP8; its reduced size and increased clearance of the ground.
For the same reason, the engine protector has been reworked but obviously still has high impact resistance.
We have integrated it into the line of the bike even better with the addition of a right-side engine cover specific to the META POWER.

Wheels

The electric capability of an eMTB creates particular stresses on the wheels because of the pure power of the engine and the additional weight of the electrical system. Performance and reliability are two elements on which we make no concessions.

Significantly, we use specific rims with an internal width of 30mm and a thicker wall than on a conventional enduro rim. The spokes are also thicker with reinforced heads to withstand the additional efforts of the engine and braking. DT SWISS Hybrid hubs have also undergone special work with reinforced axles, a steel freehub body, a more resistant rachet drive system and oversized bearings.

Suspension

Adapting the suspension to eMTB specific use is essential to have a compatible frame which is effective downhill as well as uphill. As the mass transfers are greater than on a classic bike, we’ve worked on specific settings with our suspension partners to ensure that they correspond to the new kinematics of the new META POWER.

Steering precision is also key for downhill performance on rough trails. That’s why we choose forks with the best stiffness and especially, with 38mm uppers. Today we consider forks with this diameter to be essential for use with our META POWER 29 and SX.

CockPit 

When it comes to riding on difficult trails or in remote areas, the possibility of a crash or two should be taken into account. This is the whole point of using a compact control screen that is not too exposed during the impact of the bike with the ground. The SW EM800 mode shifter is also very minimalist and well-shaped.

In the same sense, we’ve developed an ebike specific RIDE ALPHA handlebar that protects the cable that connects the shifter to the screen as it goes inside the handlebar. This prevents damage and the cockpit becomes neater and more streamlined.

Tyres

We choose to use tyres that are specifically suited to ebiking and that can be used across as many different terrains as possible. The tread, profiles and rubber used therefore allow each and every rider to ride everywhere without worrying about punctures, whilst offering liveliness amongst other qualities.

Furthermore, our various tests together with our racing experience have shown us that the section of the tyres used plays a major role in the precision and grip of the bike, especially when trying to go fast. We therefore favour tyres around 2.4″ which are suitable for 30mm internal rims, the ideal combo in a varying number of conditions.

At Your Service

The COMMENCAL Customer Service team is here to help you with:
- Unpacking and assembling your bike
- Adjusting it after unpacking
- Answering technical questions
- Spare parts
- Maintenance recommendations 

You will also find technical information about your META POWER on the COMMENCAL Tech website:
https://tech.commencal.com/tech/
- Components
- Technical specifications
- Spoke lengths
- Geometry
- Expanded views with lists of spare parts
- Freewheel bod

A question? Don’t hesitate to email us:
customerservice@commencal-store.co.nz
Or call us on: +64 3 925 9075

SHIMANO Service

The Shimano brand guarantees its components, including the STEPS EP8 system, for a period of 2 years.
Find all the warranty info here:
https://bike.shimano.com/en-NZ/information/warranty.html

Shimano has a worldwide Service Centre network, made up of Shimano Certified Retailers.
You are therefore assured of a professional global service for your Shimano components.
https://bike.shimano.com/en-NZ/information/contactus.html

Support Services

In order to provide concrete support and in the event of a warranty case that requires you to go to a bike shop (for specific tools, labour) after you’ve purchased your COMMENCAL META POWER.