Commencal Clash Jr. Review

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Frame	2019 CLASH JR, 650b , 160 mm travel
Shock	ROCKSHOX DELUXE SELECT + RT, 210 X 55, rebound, 2 positions
Fork	ROCKSHOX 35 GOLD RL, 160 mm travel, rebound, compression
Headset	ACROS Fiber ZS44 / ZS56, sealed bearings, IPS Technology
Stem	RIDE ALPHA FREERIDE, 40 mm, 31,8 mm, 0° angle
Bar	RIDE ALPHA, Alloy 7050, double butted, 15 mm rise, 760 mm, 31,8 mm
Grips	RIDE ALPHA, DH Grips, ultra soft compound, single clamp
Brakes	SRAM GUIDE T, 200 mm / 180 mm
Shifters	SRAM NX EAGLE, 1 x 12 speed
Rear Mech	SRAM NX EAGLE, 1 x 12 speed
Bottom Bracket	SRAM DUB, Press Fit BB 92
Crankset	SRAM DESCENDANT 6K EAGLE 6K, 34 t, 165 mm
Chain	SRAM NX EAGLE, 1 x 12 speed
Cassette	SRAM NX EAGLE, 10 - 50, 12 speed
Rims	WTB ST i29, 32 holes, tubeless ready, 29 mm inner width
Hubs	FORMULA, 32 holes, sealed bearings
Spokes / Nipples	SAPIM LEADER spokes, stainless steel, 2.0 mm
Tires	VEE TIRE CO FLOW SNAP, 27.5 x 2.35, tackee compound, skinwall, tubeless ready
Seatpost	KS Ragei, 31.6 mm, 100 mm travel
Saddle	RIDE ALPHA Kids
Weight	15,5 kg / 34,17 lbs
Pedals Included	Yes
Accessories	Down 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 inch	24 inch	650b*
(1) SEAT TUBE LENGTH	260	320	370
(2) SEAT TUBE ANGLE	72	75.5	75.8
(3) HEAD TUBE ANGLE	65	65	65
(4) HEAD TUBE LENGTH	105.0	105.0	105.0
(5) WHEELBASE	929.5	1034.4	1136
(6) TOP TUBE LENGTH	469	490	530
(7) CHAIN STAY LENGTH	345	390	434
(8) BOTTOM BRACKET HEIGHT	16	-6	-12
(9) FORK LENGTH	436	506	558
(10) STANDOVER HEIGHT
(11) REACH	320	350	380
(12) STACK	457	543	593

*The 650b is featured in our review

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.

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.