Commencal 365: The all-new sustainable gravel bike flaunting an all-aluminium frame

Headquartered in the USA, Commencal was started in 2000 by Max Commencal. Commencal is known for producing super sturdy and efficient bikes, perfect for a challenging ride across hilly terrains.  The company's recent launch is an all-aluminium gravel bike. Dubbed the Commencal 365, the bike sports a full-aluminium frameset and an integrated front mudguard.

The Commencal 365 is constructed entirely of triple-butted 6069 T4/T6 aluminium, including the fork. Commencal claims it chose a full-aluminium structure because it views it as its specialisation, citing sustainability factors such as the material's capacity to be recycled. Because of carbon's small weight and low-frequency vibration-damping properties, many dirt bikes incorporate a carbon fibre fork in their framesets.

Aluminium is one of the most sustainable and recyclable materials on the earth. Recycling aluminium serves current and future generations by preserving energy and other natural resources. Even in 2023, we live in a complicated carbon emissions network in which sustainability remains a tremendous challenge.

The new gravel bike is a first for the Andorran company, better known for its mountain cycles, and it exclusively comes with a 1x transmission. Commencal claims that the bike was built to meet the challenges of gravel riding, with adaptability in mind to make it appropriate for touring and commuting.

The rear triangles’ tiny, circular dropped seat-stays are believed to provide the frame with outstanding torsional strength while allowing for vertical compliance. 365's down tube is concave, which is supposed to increase lateral rigidity and protect against wheel wash. It also includes a frame protector that extends over the bottom bracket and attachments for a specialised mudguard on the front fork.