Commencal Clash Jr. Review

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Attention parents! Are you looking for an all-around bike that will help your child build confidence on the up and shred on the down? One that won’t blow your budget in one sitting? Look no further than the 2019 Commencal Clash Jr. – one of the sickest kids bikes on the market to date.

Commencal Clash Jr review

This bike embodies everything a solid built kids bike should be. Touted as a “mini enduro” the Commencal Clash Jr. checks all the boxes. Firstly, the Clash boasts 27.5 wheels. Secondly, a well designed junior cockpit and frame. Most importantly, this bike boasts 160 mm of rear travel with 160mm fork to balance it all out. Commencal has put a lot of thought into this build, specifically for kids that weigh maybe 80lbs wet. Obviously, the suspension is dialed-in for the weight of a lighter rider ripping down the mountain and tackling climbs.

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Commencal Clash Jr. at dusk

Commencal bikes is entering its 20th year of production, and has taken the reins in offering well-built bikes for kids. Over the past few years, we have noticed a shift in the way bike companies market and build, specifically for the big kid/ tween sizes. Even just a few years ago, there were very limited options for this age group. Meanwhile, Commencal bikes realized there was a missing link, and proceeded to design and built solid junior bikes to fill that void.

Commencal is coming out gangbusters with their Jr. Cartel, and Commencal CoFactory riders. They have been snapping up some of the best jr. riders world-wide to push their bikes to the max. Subsequently, this company is now at the forefront of big kid/tween technology.

No Dealers, No Problem. You Buy Direct From Commencal.

Commencal provides factory-direct pricing. This is yet another way this progressive company has made their mark on the industry. Commencal offers brand-new, well–made bikes at a fraction of what you would find at your local bike shop. They also understand that kids grow. Correspondingly, the Commencal website includes a second hand section, to make it easier to afford a “new” bike.

Rear linkage
Head tube - Commencal Clash Jr

The Commencal Clash Jr.s is an apt machine for enduro and gravity riders due to its linkage, absence of a front derailleur, and internal cable routing.

Crankset - kids mountain bike review
Rear cassette Commencal Clash Jr

A 1 x 12 drive train slims down the equipment on the bars and allows the bike to save some ounces in the weight department.

After market brake calipers
Rockshox fork - junior mountain bike

Our demo is shown with aftermarket pedals, brakes, wheels and tires. Take a look at the build chart below to see the stock make up on the Commencal Clash Jr. 650b.

Stock Build On The Commencal Clash Jr. 650b

Our demo has several after market parts as seen in our photos. The picture below is from the Commencal website.

Commencal Clash Jr. 650b review
Frame2019 CLASH JR, 650b , 160 mm travel
ShockROCKSHOX DELUXE SELECT + RT, 210 X 55, rebound, 2 positions
ForkROCKSHOX 35 GOLD RL, 160 mm travel, rebound, compression
HeadsetACROS Fiber ZS44 / ZS56, sealed bearings, IPS Technology
StemRIDE ALPHA FREERIDE, 40 mm, 31,8 mm, 0° angle
BarRIDE ALPHA, Alloy 7050, double butted, 15 mm rise, 760 mm, 31,8 mm
GripsRIDE ALPHA, DH Grips, ultra soft compound, single clamp
BrakesSRAM GUIDE T, 200 mm / 180 mm
ShiftersSRAM NX EAGLE, 1 x 12 speed
Rear MechSRAM NX EAGLE, 1 x 12 speed
Bottom BracketSRAM DUB, Press Fit BB 92
CranksetSRAM DESCENDANT 6K EAGLE 6K, 34 t, 165 mm
ChainSRAM NX EAGLE, 1 x 12 speed
CassetteSRAM NX EAGLE, 10 - 50, 12 speed
RimsWTB ST i29, 32 holes, tubeless ready, 29 mm inner width
HubsFORMULA, 32 holes, sealed bearings
Spokes / NipplesSAPIM LEADER spokes, stainless steel, 2.0 mm
TiresVEE TIRE CO FLOW SNAP, 27.5 x 2.35, tackee compound, skinwall, tubeless ready
SeatpostKS Ragei, 31.6 mm, 100 mm travel
SaddleRIDE ALPHA Kids
Weight15,5 kg / 34,17 lbs
Pedals IncludedYes
AccessoriesDown tube protector, chainstay protector, seatstay protector

Geometry For The Commencal Clash Jr.

Not ready for a 27.5 inch wheel? Take a look at the other options for the Commencal Clash Jr.

20 inch24 inch650b*
(1) SEAT TUBE LENGTH260320370
(2) SEAT TUBE ANGLE7275.575.8
(3) HEAD TUBE ANGLE656565
(4) HEAD TUBE LENGTH105.0105.0105.0
(5) WHEELBASE929.51034.41136
(6) TOP TUBE LENGTH469490530
(7) CHAIN STAY LENGTH345390434
(8) BOTTOM BRACKET HEIGHT16-6-12
(9) FORK LENGTH436506558
(10) STANDOVER HEIGHT
(11) REACH320350380
(12) STACK457543593

*The 650b is featured in our review

Commencal Clash Jr Geometry - 650b

Click the image above to enlarge it.

Riding The Commencal Clash Jr.

The Commencal Clash Jr. is designed to get roughed up – in the air and on the rocks. Young riders will appreciate its suspension, geometry and wheel size. Especially riders who are ready to take their skills to the steeps, and jumps.

Elevated ladder - Commencal Clash Jr. review

The Commencal Clash Jr. is not a XC bike. It is built for the bike parks, jump sessions, and rowdy trails.

Taking a tight corner in Deer Valley, Utah

Our riders enjoy the Commencal Clash Jr. because even though it’s designed for the gravity minded, it remains versatile.

The Mallen twins
MTB kid headed to the top of the jump line

“I like the Commencal Clash Jr. because it’s the mountain bike that lets me ride how I like to ride. And, what I like to ride.”

Mountain Biking With Kids Test Rider

Commencal Clash Jr. in Keystone, Colorado
Commencal Clash Jr. review - technical terrain
Getting air with the Commencal Clash Jr.

Final Words On The Commencal Clash Jr.

My boys have both progressed insanely on the Commencal Clash Jr. Above all, this bike has the strength, structure and sizing to accommodate their type and style of riding. Moreover, they feel safe and stable in all aspects of climbing and riding. As a result, the Clash Jr. has served them well on the technical trails up in the PNW, the flow trails in Colorado and Whistler or desert and high alpine trail riding in our home state of Utah.

Without doubt, Commencal is leaps-and-bounds ahead of the game on junior tech, creating “mini” versions of adult bikes. For kids that range in height from 4’7” – 4’11 the Clash Jr is the perfect fit. In conclusion, the Clash 20 and the Clash 24 are perfect to accommodate smaller rippers looking to progress their skills.

Launching the Commencal Clash Jr. into the sunset
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