Commencal’s new FCB Gravel bike build highlights the versatility of their affordable alloy do-it-all bike, and the endless possibilities when you head directly to their frame shop. First imagined as a fast commuter bike that could do double duty on dirt & gravel on the weekend, one of Commencal’s product designers decided it was time to build his commuter up as a full-fledged gravel bike…
Commencal FCB Gravel project starts with new frame kit option
![Commencal FCB Gravel project frameset, frame kit option, custom gravel bike build, flat bar](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Commencal-FCB-Gravel-project_frameset-frame-kit-option_custom-gravel-bike-build_flat-bar.jpg)
When Commencal launched the flat bar FCB as a fast city bike with 50mm 700c tires in summer 202, it was meant to give mountain bikers a runabout for everything from urban cruising to gravel riding.
Now for 2021, they’ve added a VIP Frame Kit option for the FCB, opening up more options for customized builds.
An off-road rider across pretty much every dirt discipline, Commencal product designer Thomas Moret spends a lot of time riding gravity bikes, but his FCB Gravel build harkens back to a sense of long rides exploring new landscapes.
He built his frame up for ‘the speed of a road bike’ with ‘off-road mode’ capabilities. He also uses the bike as a bit of a test mule, so it’s got a different fork than the standard alloy one here – in between testing different materials, offsets & even 40mm of suspension travel.
![Commencal FCB Gravel project frameset, frame kit option, custom gravel bike build, drop bar custom](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Commencal-FCB-Gravel-project_frameset-frame-kit-option_custom-gravel-bike-build_drop-bar.jpg)
Not quite all the way towards bikepacking, Moret’s adventure-ready build uses a mix of SRAM Force & Rival 1×11 mechanical components (with Shimano rotors thrown in for “a smoother feel and more bite”).
His cockpit is a 52cm wide, flared PNW bar on a 70mm stem, and rolling stock gets sorted with DT Swiss CR1400 alloy wheels and WTB 32mm Venture/44mm Byway/44mm Riddler tires depending on the ride at hand. A small saddle bags handles tools & spares, and a mini frame pack hauls snacks & extra goodies on longer rides.
![Commencal FCB Gravel project frameset, frame kit option, custom gravel bike build, Traka 200](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Commencal-FCB-Gravel-project-starts-with-new-frame-kit-option_photo-by-Traka-200-field.jpg)
He rode the bike at Girona’s Traka 200 race back in May, with plenty more in his sights.
All images courtesy of Commencal, photos by: Nico Brizin / Thomas Moret / The Traka200
Tech details
The triple-butted 6061 T4/T6 alloy FCB frame gets modular internal routing through the front triangle, external along the chainstays, a BSA threaded bottom bracket, two sets of bottle cage bosses, 27.2mm seatpost, and a 12mm rear thru-axle with replaceable derailleur hanger.
The painted-to-match 1.5″ tapered steerer 6061-T6 alloy fork features internal cable routing for the front brake, but sticks with classic QR front dropouts.
Both alloy FCB frame & fork feature flat mount disc brakes, and full rack & fender mounts.
Commencal FCB Gravel Frameset – Pricing, options & availability
To build up your own Commencal FCB Gravel, start with the new 2021 Fast City Bike VIP Frame Kit, which sells for just 650€ including the alloy frame & fork, plus the internal Acros headset, alloy Ride Alpha seatpost & post lamp. The frameset is available in four sizes in theory, but only the M & L are currently in stock in either of the Dirt brown or Heritage green color options.
![Commencal FCB Gravel project frameset, frame kit option, custom gravel bike build, Traka 200](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Commencal-FCB-Gravel-project-starts-with-new-frame-kit-option_photo-by-Traka-200-view.jpg)
Pick up your frame direct from Commencal, then hunt down the best gravel cockpit, set of new gravel wheels, and gravel groupset (or gravel wheels & drivetrain combined?) to build your versatile do-it-all urban gravel commuter bike.